We have a ginormous update for you from Universal Studios Hollywood, the entertainment capital of Los Angeles. The new Walking Dead walk-through attraction is slated for a July 4th opening. We can’t wait. Next, we stroll through the park as summer heats things up and guests look for ways to cool off, including the Super Silly Funland water playground and Jurassic Park (Which is undergoing some work and remaining open in the process). We also stop by Hogsmeade and see how the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is doing. And not to worry, we’ll wrap things up with a ride on the world famous Studio Tour. Let’s get this show on the road . . .

The Walking Dead

The all-new The Walking Dead year-round attraction is under construction and is planned to be opened on Monday July 4th. This fearsome new walk-through will feature floor-to-ceiling sets and a groundbreaking mix of animatronics and live actors to create a terrifying experience.

The exterior is being distressed with scorch marks, smoke stains, blinds torn asunder, and according to creative director of Universal Studios, John Murdy, the final exterior set piece will be installed Monday night. As guests approach the experience a crashed helicopter will be perched precariously on the rooftops above, smoke billowing from the wreckage.

We are excited to see this attraction when it officially opens July 4th.

Cooling Off

As the weekend rolls on, we hear that the temperatures will rise. Thankfully, there is plenty of room at the Super Silly Funland water play area. Guests can literally get soaking wet to cool off. If you bring a change of clothes, there are even changing rooms available in the area. We aren’t sure what the policy is on changing into a bathing suit, but it might not be a bad idea.

Jurassic Park

Another way to cool off is to take a ride on the classic Jurassic Park water ride.  The wait swings anywhere from 20-45 minutes for this people eater, but one way to shorten your wait time is by using the single rider line. Ah, yes, the good ol’ single rider option. Use it!

We took a ride on the river adventure and were surprised to see one of the major animated figures behind bamboo fencing and undergoing repairs.

In all fairness, if an animatronic breaks, you can shut the ride down, hide the offending creature, or just leave it broken in public view. Although it’s weird to see this, I was glad the ride was open on this hot summer day. Thankfully everything else i the ride looked great.

 

Such a fun ride.

Studio Cafe

We stopped by to check out the new Studio Cafe and low and behold it was closed. Is this place ever open?

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

At this point in the day I was totally craving a butterbeer (Team Frozen here). It’s nice to see the Wizarding World settling into a normal routine. There are still major issues with visual intrusion though, as you can easily see the backside of CityWalk and Waterworld. Regardless, where this land works, it works magically.

Thankfully the shops are wonderful.

 

Studio Tour

Finally we took a spin on the studio tour and caught a few interesting bits. Starting with the space next to Transformers, we see that some ground has been broken. We hear that Universal Hollywood is planning to make an announcement next Tuesday. Could it be about this mystery project?

Out in the back lot, we see another major bit of construction. Not sure what this is just yet.

No matter, here are some shots from the tour.

The Park

The park is looking great. The new The Secret Life of Pets photo op is up, the monsters are out, and the weather is heating up.

 

Okay, that’s a wrap folks. Check back with us soon as we cover the opening of The Walking Dead Attraction. We’ll see you In The Parks.