Orange County and Los Angeles county have moved into the Orange Tier for reopening after being restricted due to the global health emergency. That’s big news for theme park fans. Alas, we’re still waiting on details for how guests will be able to buy tickets… Read More »Disneyland now allowed to reopen at 25% capacity, other SoCal theme parks opening too.
The relationship between the two domestic Universal theme parks was a rocky one for a long time. They were pretty much left to go their own ways. It’s only since Comcast purchased NBC/Universal that the Hollywood and Orlando are getting on the same strategic plan. Right now the plan includes a lot of development for both resorts and, it’s already well underway.
Yesterday, Universal Studios Hollywood revealed the latest additions which, in addition to the Harry Potter land, will include Springfield to the Simpsons Ride, Fast and Furious: Suerpcharged to the Studio Tour, night time tours and the redevelopment of the Upper Lot as a whole. These will roll out over the next five years.
That’s a whole lot of work, but it’s needed in Southern California, which is one of the most competitive tourist markets in the world.
“This is a pivotal time in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood as we build upon our extraordinary success and expand our vision for the future of our world-class destination,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “This broad investment in our five-year transformation will further strengthen Universal Studios Hollywood as an economic leader, significantly contributing to long-term employment opportunities and tourism throughout L.A.”
At Universal Studios Hollywood the expansion has been underway for a few years. It started in 2012 with the opening of “Transformers: The Ride” and continued in 2013 with the installation of Universal Plaza, a 37,000 square foot art deco styled piazza. This polygon-shaped entertainment venue sits at the heart of the theme park as a welcoming open air courtyard, architecturally reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour. Featuring a soaring 70 foot tall tower emblazoned with the word Universal, the venue is large in scope, yet provides a warm and inviting environment to host an array of special events and entertainment.
On April 12, 2014, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Based on Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-nominated film franchise, and created in collaboration with Chris Meledandri, founder and CEO of Illumination Entertainment, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” will resonate with the same endearing qualities and characters that catapulted the franchise to international blockbuster fame.
The footprint for “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land,” however, will serve as a crucial turning point for the theme park, as the adventure represents its first foray into fully expansive themed environments aimed at immersing visitors from the moment they enter the space. From experiencing Gru’s neighborhood to Miss Hattie’s Home for Girls and the imaginative seaside carnival, this all-encompassing approach is a decisive departure from the park’s more commonly used vignette ride exteriors to create holistic experiences and transport guests to that imaginary place.Read More »Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Ambitious 5-Year Plan
I spent most of the 90s visiting Universal Studios Hollywood almost every month. In doing so, I really got to know the tightly packed acreage that made up Southern California’s second most popular themepark. It’s taken some doing, but they’ve finally gotten final approval to go forward with the next stage in the development of Universal Studios.
The first projects of NBCUniversal’s 25-year Evolution Plan with be tied to adding the much anticipated west coast version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The total plan represents a $1.6 billion investment in tourism and production in Southern California. This long-term investment in two industries that are vital to Los Angeles will create more than 30,000 jobs and generate $2 billion of economic activity during operations for the region.Read More »Univeral Studios Hollywood Will Go Forward With Expansion, Harry Potter
A few years ago you could fire a cannon down any pathway in Islands of Adventure and have little risk of hitting a soul. But a big change swept into the park and with it a ton more visitors, all opening their wallets to take… Read More »How should Universal Maximize Harry Potter Potential
Big news from Universal Studios theme parks division was just announced. Not only is the rumored Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter clone official, the expansion in Universal Orlando Resort has been officially confirmed. Here’s the official press release: Warner Bros. Entertainment and… Read More »Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter Officially Expanding in Orlando, Coming to Hollywood
When I lived in Southern California, the theme park I visited the second most often was Universal Studios Hollywood. I lived within walking distance and would often find myself on the Backlot Tram or watching Waterworld when the thought of driving across town through traffic… Read More »Wizarding World of Harry Potter Taking his Magic to Muggles of Universal Studios Hollywood
Back in 2002 Universal Studios Hollywood had the idea to have a Christmas themed event and did up a number of their attractions with a holiday overlay. One of those attractions was the King Kong attraction that was destroyed in the backlot fire today. LaughingPlace.com… Read More »King Kong attraction Video from Christmas at USH 2002