News has been stacking up at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer. There’s a new family attraction, Hogwarts Castle projection show (with pyro), and exciting updates in CityWalk. Let’s take a quick look . . .
Shrek Replaced by Panda
Universal has rebuilt the space previously occupied by the Shrek 4D film. In its place is a new building which has the mission style architecture of the newer buildings on the upper lot. The complex has an old-time theater feel, with a box office, garden queue, pre-show lobby, and main theater with comfortable motion seats. The complex is called the “Dreamworks Theater” and currently features an original Kung Fu Panda short. The theater is intended to be easily reprogrammed for different presentations in the near future.
The current show is Kung Fu Panda Adventure, a rollicking story that sets off on the high seas with plenty of Kung Fu action!
To open the new complex, Universal put on an amazing show and parade, complete with Chinese acrobats, Dreamworks characters, and park bigwigs.
Take a careful look as you enter the theater complex . . .
The preshow is impressive and features a big reveal: the ornate wall paneling is actually a main element to the visual experience.
That’s all a tease for the main attraction. An ornate space which is projection-mapped all the way around you!
Hogwarts Castle Lights – Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Returning for its 2nd summer, the Hogwarts Castle Lights are now dazzling guests at Universal Studios Hollywood on select nights. It’s a short show, but very well done and now features some limited fireworks as well. One of the best examples of castle projection mapping . . . all set to John Williams’ amazing Potter score.
If there’s a flaw with this show, it’s that it ends just as you are really getting into it. At about 4 and a half minutes, the show feels like the first scene in a larger spectacular. While it certainly leaves you wanting more . . . perhaps there is room for them to actually deliver more of this good thing in the future.
I did a Facebook Live video from the show last night:
CityWalk
As we pointed out in a previous update, the tenant mix is changing rapidly in CityWalk. Two beauty stores have recently opened, Nectar Bath Treats and Sephora.
Nectar Bath Treats is the first store outside the Vegas area and all their products are plant-based and handmade in Nevada.
Upon entering, you might think you’ve mistakenly stumbled into a bakery. Don’t eat the soap, even though they all look and smell delicious. I asked if the customers ever try to eat the product and . . . they do! Apparently, one of the stores back in Nevada even keeps a wall of shame of partially eaten “treats.”
The sales gal had me try the Marshmallow face mask for some redness I was experiencing. It amazingly disappeared like magic after just a few minutes. The redness did come back after about an hour, so it wasn’t a long-term fix, but still a neat trick.
Here’s another cool thing, you can go to their aroma wall and mix up your own fragrance into some of the products. The wide array of extracts, oils, and scents make for nearly limitless combinations of fragrances. I created my own body butter with a unique Dusty scent by blending earthy notes of sandalwood and eucalyptus.
Just across from Nectar is a brand new Sephora. This store looks just like all of Sephora’s other branches, but has expanded capacity in their beauty bars to accommodate weary travelers for a quick retail-therapy pick-me-up.
The store offers quite a few services aside from their usual products. You can get a facial, makeover, and they even offer classes for all sorts of beauty tips. Can someone please book me in the tired blogger class?!
Elsewhere in CityWalk . . . .
The Studio Store is celebrating the new Jurassic Park film. Everyone loves a dinosaur.
But it’s still Potter that pays the bills. 😉
Another new store has popped up called Sublime. It’s filled with gift type items. For some reason, this store feels very California to me – hippy and eclectic.
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The Johnny Rockets was closed for a bit and has been remodeled.
I had lunch at the new-ish poke place in CityFood. . .
Also, new in the last year is Voodoo Doughnuts, which I have covered a few times. But there’s good reason: I LOVE their vegan doughnuts. As someone who can’t have dairy, this is a treat that I really appreciate. There have been a few occasions when I’ve driven all the way to Universal just for a doughnut (and their Stumptown coffee).
Next door to Voodoo is Menchie’s frozen yogurt. It’s a version on the top-your-own-yogurt trend. This location offers a Dole Whip-like sorbet.
Universal has opened their own version of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. It’s a very touristy location . . . which makes it an actual good option for tourists. 😉 However, I frequently end up dining here as well because it’s huge and generally has availability.
The upscale, yet authentic Dongpo Chinese restaurant is new within the last year as well. At the time it opened, it was the chain’s first US store. They are famous for their duck (which I won’t try) but I really loved the Dim Sum.
I’m a sucker for clever products . . . especially if they look good in photos . . . welcome to Mini Monster. . .
Yes, it’s a boba and tea place . . .
You can get your drink in a plastic cup . . . or you can be more creative . . .
I got mine with a cotton candy halo . . . with a topping of fruity pebbles!
And there’s more on the way to CityWalk. Wolfgang Puck has been given the boot at long last and will be replaced with VIVO Italian Kitchen.
And the Saddle Ranch restaurant has completely disappeared . . . yep, poof, it’s gone! The whole building has been removed.
And is that all? Not from what we are hearing. The transformation of CityWalk is very likely to claim other big-name retailers and restaurants in the year to come. Just like at Downtown Disney, there seems to be a general rethinking of the shopping and dining district. It looks like the goal is to keep it fresh, modern, fun and a bit more boutique.
We have more to show you from the park itself in the next few weeks . . . so we’ll see you again very soon. Until then, this is a wrap.
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