Change is coming at a rapid pace for Universal Studios Hollywood, the entertainment capital of Los Angeles. The park is in the middle of unprecedented growth and expansion that has not been seen by a theme park since DCA’s make over. It’s a drag to have to walk around a maze of construction walls, but the end result is sure to be phenomenal.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just over one year away from opening and the project is flying at a brisk pace.  While, along the tram route we see that the Psycho house is receiving a much needed refurbishment and the Fast and Furious Supercharged finale is about done.  We take a minute to look at the annual refurbishment of the Jurassic Park ride on the lower lot. Finally we round things out with a visit to Springfield for a construction update and there is some pretty amazing stuff coming together there.  Wait!  Before we even get into the park there is some news from CityWalk.  Let’s go.

Thing From Another World Comics

We make our first stop at the new location of Thing From Another World Comics store.  Once nestled into a tiny spot closer to the entrance of the park, the pop culture, comic store now has breathing room.  It’s a nice location that you should go check out.  Tons of cool stuff in there.

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Really funny how much Disney Merchandise they carry.

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Entering Universal

CityWalk is the primary artery from the Parking Structures into Universal’s main gate.  Here we see fresh plantings busting out, ready for spring.

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We enter the park and see that they are wasting no time in redeveloping the former House of Horrors location for more retail and foods. It’s amazing how quickly Universal can move with their projects.

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Inside the park the entry plaza is a little drab
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Soon, there will be more food and shopping in this spot.
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To the left, a ubiquitous security guard stands watch against nosey park guests should they want to look at piles of dirt.
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Betty Boop says hello!
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At this spot in the park, near the Universal Plaza, we see directional signs guiding folks around the construction walls.

 

Lunar New Year

Universal is celebrating the Chinese New Year by themeing the Plaza with crimson and cherry blossoms, along with character meet and greets, food, and more.

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Guests could write a wish on a card and hang it on any one of the trees in the plaza.

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Themed food offerings.

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Character meet and greet spot.

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The WIzarding World of Harry Potter

Harry Potter’s Wizarding World construction is flying along at a healthy pace.  At the front of the upcoming land, near Shrek 4D, we see that the marquee for Shrek just behind the construction walls.  The theater has enjoyed a bit of touch up near the exit too.  Does this mean that Shrek is staying?  Or could its proximity to Hogwarts spell a new show coming to this versatile location?

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Hogsmeade to the left, Shrek 4D to the right. Notice the stark contrast in production levels for similarly themed facades. Universal would be daft to leave the two structures up as is.

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Trees, possibly still in moving crates, are now appearing behind the walls.
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See how nice the exit looks compared to the rest of the building?

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Notice the frame work going up just backstage in the Harry Potter construction area?
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If you go into the queue for Shrek 4D, you’ll find a panoramic view of Hogwarts. There’s no way to hide it really.

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Peering into the mess of scaffolds we see the alleys of Hogsmeade.

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One day we will be walking through these gates. Who’s ready?

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Going out toward the Studio Tour, we can see the side of Hogwarts.
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They are going the distance to actually theme the broad side of this show building. Good for them. Let’s hope that they include some large trees to abscise the view of the large wall too.

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In Hogsmeade, we see the Three Broomsticks is nearly done.
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Another angle of the spires of Hogwarts

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The front base of the show building.

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There is no substantial construction happening between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts yet. With just over a year until opening, there is still plausible time to include Flight of the Hippogriff.

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A view from the backlot on the Studio Tour.
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Upon returning from the tour…
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We got a look at what we think might be…

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The Womping Willow?

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Studio Tour Entrance

Moving on, we check out the brand new entrance to the world famous Studio tour.

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The entrance follows the “plaza” aesthetic with a circular entry and benches.
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Exiting guests are now guided out the right hand side of the main path.

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The existing bridge over to the studio tour.
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Classy new area lights.

Psycho House Renovation

Along the Tram route we see that the Psycho house is getting a pretty substantial renovation.  It is certainly needed and we are thrilled to see this classic structure being preserved.

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Jurassic Park

During the cooler months, the Jurassic Park attraction enjoys some refurbishment time.

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These are the massive break systems that slow the boats after the 80 foot drop.

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These are the jets for the “extreme” water effects that shoot water one hundred feet in the air to soak guests on hotter days.
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Back to the station.

Fast and Furious Supercharged

Now fully enclosed, the upcoming Fast and Furious Tram tour attraction is almost ready to roll. The tram will roll into this building at the end of the Studio Tour and guests will be thrust into the action of the film franchise. This new Studio Tour feature will be opening by summer.

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Springfield

Speaking of summer, another major addition will be opening soon. Springfield is still under construction in the park in front of the Simpson’s attraction.  The mishmash of buildings and facades create the illusion of an endless cityscape in the area.  Icons from the television show are now totally recognizable and you can almost taste the Duff Beer now.

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During construction guests are being routed along the exit of the Special Effects show.

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A friendly “construction worker” helps direct guests in having a great day at the park.

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The Bumblebee man’s taco truck.

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The Chicken Shack! You’ll be able to get an order of “Chicken Thumbs” here.

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That’s a wrap for today’s Universal Studios Hollywood update.

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