Universal Studios Hollywood Update – October 4th 2016

20161004_162308-mediumIn between all the Halloween/haunt craziness (Yes Halloween Horror Nights Reviews are on their way, we’re a bit backtracked is all), it was time to just unwind and spend a fun day at Universal Studios Hollywood, and of course get in plenty of rides on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey! Join me in a quick update from around the park.


 Recently our images have popped up on other sites and forums, awesome that our coverage spreads, not so awesome that no one mentioned where they got the images from. We are totally fine with our audience using our images, BUT ONLY IF credit is given to californiacoasterkings.com. Thank you! –


Let’s start in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where over the first few months of operations some changes have been made. The butterbeer vendors for example now have a canopy to protect them from the SoCal sun beating down on them. 20161004_113042-medium

As I was walking around the area again today, I started paying attention to the incredible detail around the area. Especially signage and accessories around Hogsmeade. Here’s the flag over the gates to Dragon Challenge. Oh wait, I meant Shrek. 🙁20161004_113107-medium

The little touches overall look great throughout the area, and some small details have been added here and there since the opening in April. 20161004_113205-medium

Speaking of added details, about a year and a half after opening, Springfield got some more details added. Such as these famous Simpsons characters on the sign at the entrance to the area. 20161004_150844-medium

In addition, the famous characters from the Simpson family briefly left this Krustyland ride vehicle for a refurbishment and are now back!20161004_134834-medium

Moving on to Jurassic Park, the panel building seems to have a new ‘Jurassic Park Central Control’ sign. In addition, the falling car was again malfunctioning and the first velociraptor has yet to return. It’s time for the ride to receive a major update/upgrade to perhaps Jurassic World, if you ask me. 20161004_143012-medium

Moving on to some Studio excitement, the construction of the two new sound stages on the back lot is near completed. 20161004_124411-medium

Turns out there’s a (production) office building being added to the front side. 20161004_124430-medium

Here’s a shot from the Star Way (inside the park). Note that the Live Musical “Hairspray” will be filmed in these new stages this winter. 20161004_135036-medium

Little Europe is also part of select Studio Tours again. It’s been a while since I’ve personally ventured through here on a Studio Tour, and the refurbishments made to the area for the new shows they’re filming here, look awesome! 20161004_130544-medium 20161004_130516-medium 20161004_130508-medium 20161004_130459-medium

For those unaware, the Universal Studio Store on City Walk has been wrapped in Halloween Horror Nights ads, of course HHN merchandise can be purchased here. As well as most other gift stores around the park. 20161004_172614-medium 20161004_172605-medium

It was a short update for sure, I went in with a family member today and just spent my time relaxing and took a few pics here and there. I may have missed out on a detail or two, and I didn’t get a picture of all the USH promotional filming that went on, but oh well. Cheers to you all with a cup of Frozen Butterbeer. 😀 20161004_162308-medium


ad249eb67328dd90_orgThanks for checking out this quick Universal Studios Hollywood Update! If you think Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the best 2016 attraction in California, make sure to vote for it in our new poll. Universal also just launched a new mega-great-deal California Neighbor Pass! Read all about that, here. Stay tuned for Halloween Horror Nights reviews soon!


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