Here we are at Universal Studios Hollywood!  This evolving theme park is busier than ever with more to come.  We begin today’s update with a look at the construction of the new Entry Plaza Corridor in the former location of the House of Horrors.  We next move on to the big news in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Construction is moving along nicely and the towers of Hogwarts are slowly emerging.  Next we share the latest Halloween Horror Nights news from HorrorBuzz.com as things get spooky in time for the Sept.18th opening of the event.  To close things out we offer a look at the crowd levels and share a few thoughts from the world famous Studio Tour.  Aaaand Action!

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Entry Plaza Shops

Yes, we are still mourning the loss of the wonderful House of Horrors on the upper lot.  But we are excited to know that a Starbucks could possibly be coming to this section of shopping and dining at the entrance to the park.
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As guests enter the park, this new offering is being built to the left, with the Universal Plaza just beyond, acting as the “hub” for the park.

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Looking back we have the entrance of the park to the left, and Baker Street and Despicable Me off to the right.

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Outside the park we can see the backside of the construction.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We now share the latest pics from the construction site of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Things are moving very fast and, according to some reports, ahead of schedule.  Backstage we still see remnants of set pieces being worked on prior to installation on the actual site a few feet away.

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The towers of Hogwarts School are emerging from the receding scaffolds revealing the expected, stunning detail on the show building.

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We can see the towers of Hogwarts in the background, with the show building just in front of that. Compare the size to the Simpsons Ride show building further in the distance to the right.
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Another look at the towers of Hogwarts from inside the park.
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The Flight of the Hippogriff family coaster’s apex.
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Landscaping and finishing work is now being done inside the land.

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At the main entrance to the land we can see that the Hogwarts Express steam engine photo op is being delivered.

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Here is one portion of the Hogwarts Express prop waiting for final placement.

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Around the side we can see the greenhouse section of the queue under construction.

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Construction workers walk the scaffolding, surveying the progress.

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LOVE the detail already visible.

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Halloween Horror Nights

This week Universal Hollywood and Universal Orlando announced the all new Walking Dead mazes for both parks at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights events.

For the full story click here to read it on HorrorBuzz.com  Don’t worry, it will be easy to jump right back to this article if things get too scary. 😉

Crowds

The crowd levels at the Hollywood Studios Park have been leveling off, but the park is still pretty busy. Management has been doing a great job in mitigating the possible frustrations of the influx by offering return times to busier attractions, and sending “Fun Patrol” entertainers out to longer lines.

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Raptor Encounter

The new Raptor Encounter on the lower lot near the Jurassic Park Ride continues to enchant visitors.  This new experience is just as fun to watch as it is to take part in. Some of the reactions are priceless.

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Studio Tour

The lines at the Studio tour have been mellowing out as visitors have had a chance to see the new Fast and Furious Supercharged finale on the tram route. To be able to ride around on such a storied, entertaining, and historic lot of Hollywood history is something not to be missed. We love the Tram Tour.

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Anyone notice they moved the Shark Repellent barrel to the boat?

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Back ups on the Tram tour near Fast and Furious have been common as they continue to get the flow of the finale just right. Management has installed heavy duty misters to cool guests while they wait.
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Howdy Bruce!

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Parking Structure

We close out the article today with a look at the gigantic new parking structure under construction at the far end of CityWalk.  This will certainly ease the parking woes expected next year (after Potter opens), but we are guessing that they will soon learn another is needed.

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Walkways are being constructed which will connect the new structure to the existing Curious George structure.
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The view from CityWalk This is a MASSIVE structure.

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One side of the structure has already been given a bit of abandoned factory theme so it blends in better as seen from the new Fast and Furious attraction.

 

That’s a wrap for the Universal Studios Hollywood update.  Be sure to check out the Halloween Horror Nights updates on HorrorBuzz.com and, in particular, the full announcement of The Walking Dead on both coasts.  Be sure to check back next week for a full update from Knott’s Berry Farm.  Until then, we will see you In The Parks.

Norman Gidney
Norman Gidney, also known as Fishbulb, has produced and edited many of the articles on MiceChat over the years.