Universal Studios Hollywood is abuzz with exciting construction projects. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is on track for a 2016 opening. Coming next year is the Fast and Furious Supercharged addition to the World Famous Studio Tour. Plus, the Simpson’s Springfield is being constructed on the upper lot. There are also a number of short-term projects under development as Halloween Horror Nights maze construction is now in full swing.  But it’s not all construction.  We finally see why the freestanding food location near Universal plaza was repainted,  we learn the fate of the former International Cafe space, and we find that Universal Management has mercifully decided to mix up the music on the Starway leading to the lower lot.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The enormous construction site atop the hill in Universal City will soon be home to the West Coast version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is the largest construction project ever undertaken at the studios theme park.

IMG_1872
A crane presides overhead as the show building is pieced together.

At the foot of the project, steel girders support the show building above.

IMG_1906

IMG_1910
As the outer shell is put onto the building, we struggle to view what might still be seen inside.

IMG_1911

IMG_1912

Backstage work continues on the detailed pieces that will later be placed into the site.

IMG_6689

IMG_6690
Here we see wire mesh being formed to resemble the rock at the foot of Hogwarts.
IMG_6691
The metal frames of the gables are being fabricated here.
IMG_6692
The wire mesh is formed and the pieces are receiving an initial coating. They will later become a rock mountain surrounding the Forbidden Journey show building.
IMG_6707
We now view the project from inside the park.
IMG_6722
Pinks Hot Dogs faces what will soon be the entrance to Hogsmeade.
IMG_6724
Only two years away folks!
IMG_6725
The angular spires of Hogsmeade.
IMG_6727
In the foreground, the doomed Flintstones Barbecue lives out its last days.
IMG_6728
Just beyond is the future Three Broomsticks restaurant.
IMG_6751
We see another side of the Three Broomsticks here.
IMG_6747
Can’t wait for Shepherds Pie and Butter beer.
IMG_6748
The Three Broomsticks to the left and the Food locations of the new Springfield to the right. We will be seeing the most progress right here as the food locations on the right will have to be ready to open a full year before Wizarding World opens to guests.

Cinnabon

We found out why the food stand near Universal Plaza was repainted. It was for Cinnabon, the insanely delicious cinnamon roll chain. They proudly brew Starbucks Coffee.

IMG_6701

IMG_6702

IMG_6703

IMG_6704

IMG_6705

IMG_6706

 

Halloween Horror Nights

With everything happening on the upper lot we have learned that all of the mazes are going to be located on the lower and Back lots this year.  Some scare Zones will, of course, remain in the upper lot.

IMG_1877
Here we see that a third maze is under construction in the Backlot area behind the large city backdrop that lines the New York Streets.

IMG_1880

In the extended queue of Jurassic Park, the face for a yet-to-be announced maze is developing nicely.

IMG_6742
What is this cool looking façade?

Fast and Furious Supercharged

Along the Studio Tour route we see that construction on the Fast and Furious Supercharged attraction is progressing rapidly.  Still just a frame for the most part, this building will house what is hoped to offer a high-octane car chase finale to the Studio Tour.  It will be a sort of Kong 2.0 experience that will give visitors a reason to hang on to the 3D glasses throughout the tram ride until the end.

IMG_6686

IMG_6687

IMG_6688

IMG_1896

IMG_1897

IMG_1898

IMG_1901

IMG_1904

IMG_6766

IMG_6767

IMG_6768

IMG_6769

IMG_6770

IMG_6771

IMG_6772

French Street Bistro

Back on the upper lot, we were saddened to see the award winning International Cafe close its doors.  We are sadder still to see that it has simply become another cold food, counter serve restaurant.  It is fine for what it is, and the offerings are perfectly acceptable, albeit a tad overpriced.

IMG_6708

IMG_6709

IMG_6710

IMG_6711

IMG_6712

IMG_6713

IMG_6714

IMG_6715

IMG_6716

What is strange about this move is that they just recently converted the former Annual Passholder shop into a similar venue. Why have two of the exact same types of eateries so close to one another?

IMG_6717
The dining room is pretty much the same.

IMG_6719

IMG_6720

IMG_6721
It’s a nice space, but we lament the loss of hot entrees.

Starway Music

Bye-Bye Billy Bush!  Yes, the celebrated host of Access Hollywood, who has enjoyed a long run as the voice of the Starway escalators, has been retired.  Visitors will now enjoy music from upcoming Universal films.  Right now we get to hear music from the upcoming film Get On Up, The James Brown Story.

IMG_6739

IMG_6740

Springfield

In the center of the upper lot we find that progress on the Springfield addition to Universal Studios Hollywood is still in the framing stages.  It will be wonderful to see a full sized, two-story version of some of The Simpsons most beloved locations.

IMG_6749

 

IMG_6731

IMG_6732

IMG_6733
We are also told that Louie’s Italian food location will close down in the future to be re-themed as Luigi’s Pizza, to better match the Springfield theme.

IMG_6734

IMG_6735

IMG_6736

IMG_6737

IMG_6738

IMG_6750

Parking Structure

We close things out by following the progress at the large addition to the Parking Structure.  This structure will also act as the primary spot for tour bus parking.

IMG_6694

IMG_6695

That’s a wrap from Universal Studios Hollywood, the Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles.  Be sure to catch In The Parks next week as we bring you full coverage of the major announcements from Knott’s Berry Farm for Halloween Haunt 2014!  See you soon, In The Parks!

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