We have something sinister from Universal Studios Hollywood to share, exclusive artwork from one of their terrifying scare zones for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. But that’s not all. We also breeze through the park to share some of the latest happenings. Did you know that the new Universal Plaza is now open to guests? We have pics. We also update you on the progress of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and share more news on the recent shifts of construction on the upper lot. Finally, we begin the long process of covering Harry Potter construction with the closing of the Gibson Amphitheater.
Universal Halloween Horror Nights 2013
Joining the collection of Scare Zones which have already been announced (The Purge: Survive the Night, Chucky, and Scarecrowz) is the terrifying Klownz, which will be residing on French Street. We have an exclusive look at some of the characters that we can expect to find lurking in the fog shrouded alleys of French Street on the upper lot.
To fit the European feel of the area, the Klownz scare zone will have a very Grand Guignol feel to it with angular, rugged-looking creatures trolling the streets for a scare.
We are anxious to meet these creations and get the bejeezus scared out of us, that much is true. But why did it have to be Klownz (I’m terrified of them)?
El CuCuy (French Street/Baker Street)
Moving on down the list we see that the El Cucuy maze on the upper lot has been built out and lighting has begun installation. We will have more for you this Friday on this maze with a full walk-through. Be sure to check back soon for that exciting coverage.
Insidious: Into the Further
The craftsman-style facade that begins the Insidious Maze is totally visible. But otherwise, they have done as much as they could to obscure vantage points from the tram tour by installing temporary walls.
Terror Tram: The Walking Dead
The Terror Tram will follow the same path as it has for the past several years. The drop-off will happen right in front of Whoville and guests will snake their way around the Bates Motel, through the hills and up through the War of the Worlds set.
The path through the woods behind the Bates house toward the War of the Worlds is being prepared.
MICECHAT MEET-UP, Saturday, September 21st
Come join your fellow MiceChat friends in a meet-up event surely to scare the tar out of you. Universal Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights is one of the most intense Halloween experiences in Southern California and it is here.
This is a MiceChat MEET-UP which means that no tickets are sold through our site. Instead, you will need to purchase your tickets through Universal’s official site HERE. The group will be purchasing theFRONT OF LINE PASS for $119 per person.
This will get you entry into the event and one-time use front of the line access at all mazes and shows.
- If you do not purchase the front of the line option there will be no guarantee that you will be able to remain with the group.
- We will be meeting at the front gate one half hour before the event begins, in front of the globe. We will then proceed into the event as a group.
- We will also be arranging a dinner reservation in Citywalk. We will be posting information on this shortly.
Universal Plaza
The Universal Hollywood park final has a center. Yes, the walls came down recently from around the brand new Universal Plaza. Entering the gates, you can see, like a beacon, the new spire and central icon. It resembles what it would like like if the Chrysler building had a baby with the a movie palace.
Just under the tower, to the right, is a new snack bar that carries basic food and refreshments.
To the left of the tower is a sort of asymmetrical addition of an archway that leads to the center of the plaza, where an interactive fountain dances, inciting dehydrated kids to come and play.
At the far end of the plaza you’ll find the new Pink’s Hot Dogs food location.
Flanking the plaza are shade structures and dining tables.
Upper Lot Construction
Curious George’s Water play area was shuttered on Labor Day. The next day, Walls shot up, dividing the still open Shrek 4D from the little monkey’s former play place. The walls cut straight across the previous artery of traffic that led from the front gate back to the Studio Tour. To get to the signature attraction of Universal Studios Hollywood (the Tram) you’ll have to make a longer trek.
To get to the tour, guests make a left at Shrek4D and pass by the now closed Flintstones midway games. Rounding the corner to the right we see that The Flintstones barbecue food location is still open for now. But just beyond that the construction walls appear again, blocking off the patio and lagoon dining area. We also see that the Cantina mexican restaurant is closed now too. In fact the Studio Souvenirs store is now closed too. At this point we finally reach the entrance to the Studio Tour. See? Not that bad.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
The Despicable Me attraction continues to morph into something huge. We are seeing a fascinatingly intricate facade taking shape.
The Super Silly Funland area is now totally cleared and ready for construction.
Studio Tour
Along the Studio Tour route we see a number of interesting bits of info. Of course the tram route is now altered due to portions of Halloween Horror Nights moving into the New York Backlot.
We also see that Fast and the Furious has, mercifully, been out of service for months now. Could we possibly be getting a show change or, better yet, a farewell to this misuse of technology?
EXTRA Moves to Universal Studios
Yes, that’s right! Mario Lopez and company have left The Grove and are now taping at City Walk at Universal. The press release reads…
Universal Studios Hollywood will serve as the new headquarters for “Extra,” hosted by Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos in front of a live audience. Mario and Maria will broadcast from a variety of locations throughout Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk, home to the iconic world famous Studio Tour, groundbreaking thrill rides, chance encounters with celebrities, the world’s largest working movie and television studio and a wide array of dynamic retailers and restaurants.
Fans of “Extra” and theme park guests visiting from around the world will have a chance to participate in “Extra’s” daily “entertainment event,” which takes place Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and will include live appearances from A-List film and television actors, musicians, athletes and newsmakers. Fans will also be able to interact with Mario and Maria, with a chance to ask questions, pose for pictures, get autographs, enjoy live musical performances and see their favorite stars up close and personal.
Harry Potter
The Gibson Amphitheater closed last week with the final show, Pepe Aguilar on September 6th, 2013. Thus begins the long process of demolition and construction for the Hollywood version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
And that should just about do it for Universal Studios Hollywood for this update, but as we told you above, we have some very exciting tours to share with you soon.
So, who’s ready for Harry Potter in Hollywood?