Universal Studios Hollywood Update – February 5th 2016

20160205_124231 (Large)Another week, another Universal Studios Hollywood Update. And another big one while we’re at it. With the final Wizarding World of Harry Potter touches and the Chinese Lunar New Year that Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating, there’s plenty to update on. Not to forget the countless construction and changes around the park! 


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First up, up in the sky… the new pedestrian bridge that crosses the Lankershim Blvd. The construction is progressing at a great pace, though the overall project is delayed. Hopefully they’ll get it opened in time for POTTER! 20160205_123802 (Large) Now the entrance plaza has entirely been renovated, the construction/refurbishment of the bowl and opposite side of the plaza has begun.20160205_124130 (Large) The plaza looks very fresh now. 20160205_124233 (Large) I was very happy to be able to approach the main gate without all the construction around me, reminding me how amazing looking the entrance actually is! 20160205_124231 (Large) Once inside construction-mania continues! Hollywood Photoland, the lockers, and the wheel-chair rental services are all closed off. 20160205_124310 (Large) But the Studio Store side of the midway is open again!20160205_124320 (Large) The walls have been re-positioned so the work on the new retail and dining complex can continue. 20160205_124345 (Large) Here’s some progress on the complex. Looking very neat! 20160205_124342 (Large) 20160205_133641 (Large) All the little details are just fantastic! 20160205_124355 (Large) 20160205_133718 (Large)The wheel-chair center has been temporarily relocated to the WaterWorld area. 20160205_124409 (Large) Hopping onto the Studio Tour I noticed that the logo now says ‘NEW Studio Tour’… hate to break it, there’s absolutely nothing new about it. The same as it has been since Fast and Furious was added…20160205_142511 (Large) After the Studio Tour it was time for the Lower Lot, on your way down the Star Way, you get a good look of the land clearance next to the studio’s metropolitan sets, where new sound stages will be built. Supposedly to expand the theme-park on the Lower Lot! 20160205_152622 (Large) On the back side of the Revenge of the Mummy building there were lots of mark and the area has been entirely cleared. Not sure what’s going on. I just hope it’s not the creation of additional switchbacks for the crazy crowds once Potter opens 😛20160205_152701 (Large) Sorry for the sunflare, it was a gorgeous blue-sky day. Not much visible has been going on at Jurassic Park- The Ride since last week. 20160205_153028 (Large) There’s a bunch of wood located in stacks, seems to me that’s the remains of placing track back into place. Now one thing related to the ride that slightly bothered me… employees were telling guests the ride was closed because they’re cleaning the water… I mean c’mon… there’s clearly an extensive refurbishment going on. 20160205_153059 (Large) Also on the Lower Lot, the Character Shop was closed, unsure if it’s some sort of store upgrade or just because it wasn’t particularly busy today. 20160205_153129 (Large) FINALLY we’re seeing progress on the new building that will be replacing the NBCUniversal Experience. California Coaster Kings has learned that this will likely be a to-go food location. Similar to the 3 other ones already found down there…20160205_154618 (Large) They’re almost done painting as well! 20160205_154638 (Large) Right next door I’ve had a few of my best rides on Transformers The Ride- 3D today! All projectors are finally updated, and it was a very enjoyable crystal-clear experience! 20160205_154642 (Large) Of course I’m still getting a crazy amount of Mummy rides in, may it indeed close this year. 20160205_153851 (Large) Back up to the Upper Lot, WaterWorld was looking very pretty today, oh and I spot Hogwarts in the distance! 20160205_130150 (Large) Onto the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at the Universal Plaza! 20160205_133709 (Large) LOOKING STUNNING! Like last year! 20160205_133740 (Large) This year there was a special food truck for the event! 20160205_133745 (Large) And more amazing decorations. 20160205_133756 (Large) Not to forget the hilariously intimidating Mandarin speaking MEGATRON! 20160205_133827 (Large) The park always does a really cool job with the Lunar New Year celebrations… but what looks infinitely many times better… must be the WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER! Which is soft opening (most likely) within the next to weeks, and is officially opening April 7th. Buy your new USH pass before March 6th and you will get special access to the land and attractions before it opens to the public. 20160205_133941 (Large) The adding of details continued while the magnificent Hogwarts castle towered over the land. 20160205_134141 (Large) 20160205_134151 (Large) There was a lot of noise coming from the green-house, indicating they’re still adding touches to it. This green-house will house the line for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction!20160205_141158 (Large) 20160205_160158 (Large) Peaking through the trees in the smoking area… I see lots of costumes! 20160205_134209 (Large) Throughout the day the mesmerizing Harry Potter music was played, and when I passed by again later at night I even heard them play the Tri-Wizard Tournament soundtrack, absolutely fanboyed, couldn’t resist! 20160205_173508 (Large) The area was fully lit up tonight,and the small touches they added this week also looked fantastic. 20160205_173617 (Large) And there were switchbacks set up when I left, seemed to be for some sort of preview-event. Whoever is at the (I believe cast-member) preview of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter tonight, I ENVY YOU BEYOND BELIEF. 😛20160205_180907 (Large) Let’s finish all this excitement with a sun-blocking Hogwarts shot. Have a magical weekend everyone! 20160205_141217 (Large)


Thank you for checking out this Universal Studios Hollywood Update! Check out our newest Six Flags Magic Mountain, New Revolutionand JOKER Updates from this weekend.

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