Someotherguyuser Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 John Murdy already said on twitter there will not be an HHN maze in the queue. The grill cheese with pulled pork is delicious. As are the waffles. The chicken is an entire half chicken, so you can probably feed two people with that plate! Yeah. DM queue will never again be used for a house. There's too many permanent walls and railings in the way. Besides, it's going to be too popular to put a maze in there. The blank queue is a little annoying, but it doesn't bother me that much honestly. I wanted to eat the food in Gru's Lab, but the restaurant closed before I had a chance! Bah! Oh well. Next time. I'm determined to have the waffles and El Macho's Nachos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KBrylczyk Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 If it wasn't the heart of spring break season I'd be making a trip down there. As it is, though, I'll be waiting until the end of April to make the trip back to LA. Looks great, though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 ^Weekdays are still good. Spring bring isn't in full swing until early April. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jray21 Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Nice update! The building does look really nice! I love all the additions they are doing and I can't wait to see more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastercoaster5 Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Testing of SILLY SWIRLY! Shot at around 4:15 pm on saturday March 29. IMG_2056.MOV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 (edited) The walls have come down around Silly Swirly and the playground! The area looks great…lots of fun minion statues and the ground is stamped and stained cement to look like an actual boardwalk! Edited April 1, 2014 by Jew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Stratosphere Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Looking great!! I cannot wait to get back to the park! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJeXeL Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Looking great. Thanks for the update. I hope to make it to the park in the next couple weeks to see for myself. Friend of mine went to the park a few days ago and said the operators @ Minion Mayhem were nice and let him in even though he didn't have an AP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 ^He should leave a comment at GR to thank those friendly operators! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 This happened today... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 That's definitely a better "viral" video than the sneaking into Transformers video. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Top Thrill Dragster Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 (edited) New for 2015 at Universal Studios Hollywood! New Fast & Furious Attraction! Expanded Simpsons Springfield Area! New for 2016 at Universal Studios Hollywood! Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Official Press Release: (More information included!) Universal City, California, April 8, 2014 – Reaffirming its position as the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles with one of the most progressive and exciting theme park experiences anywhere, Universal Studios Hollywood, is making an unprecedented five-year investment in revolutionary new thrill rides and expansive themed environments that will radically alter the familiar footprint and landscape of The Entertainment Capital of L.A. This monumental transformation, the most significant undertaking in the theme park’s storied 50 year history, will have substantial impacts across all facets of L.A.’s economic spectrum from job creation to tourism. Representing the single largest investment ever made, this sweeping makeover began in 2012 with the introduction of the award-winning mega-attraction, “Transformers: The Ride—3D” and will culminate in 2016 with the much-anticipated Los Angeles debut of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.” “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.” “This amazing investment by Universal Studios Hollywood represents a dramatic boost for Los Angeles tourism, creating new world class entertainment that will add new jobs, stimulate hospitality revenues and contribute to the economic prosperity of our city,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. From its humble beginnings 50 years ago, Universal Studios Hollywood has remained true to its roots of immersing guests in the awe-inspiring world of movie-making magic, providing remarkable access to movie sets on a real working studio lot. Its once celebrated “Glamour Trams” have evolved to become the now world-famous Studio Tour and a hallmark attraction, bringing millions of guests onto areas of an authentic movie and television studio typically restricted to authorized movie production personnel and into that elusive world motivated by three compelling words: lights, camera, action. The evolution of breakthrough, next-generation thrill rides has continued to revolutionize the theme park renowned for its innovative collaborations with top Hollywood filmmakers and the greatest creative minds in entertainment – Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay, Chris Meledandri – whose credibility contribute immensely to a ride’s authenticity. Working in collaboration with Universal Creative, the visionary design and development division of Universal Parks & Resorts, Universal Studios Hollywood has crafted an ambitious blueprint for the future of the theme park detailing its expansive redesign and mega-attraction introductions. “Transformers: The Ride—3D” set the stage for this epic transformation in 2012 and raised the bar for immersive, technologically advanced entertainment offered at Universal Studios Hollywood or elsewhere. Working in partnership with award-winning filmmaker Michael Bay and the technical luminaries at Industrial Light & Magic, the ride infused an adrenalized multi-level ride-track and visceral special effects with one of the most elaborate flight simulation ride systems ever created. Housed within a newly built 60,000 square foot structure, the ride utilized the highest, most sophisticated resolution of 3D-HD technology available to virtually launch guests into the dynamic, action-packed robotic world of the Transformers. In summer 2013, the interior focal point of the theme park profoundly changed with the installation of Universal Plaza, a visually aesthetic 37,000 square foot art deco styled piazza. This impressive and versatile 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. 2015 will be a momentous year for the theme park with two spectacular attractions debuting as part of the 50th anniversary. “Springfield” an immersive land surrounding “The Simpsons Ride” will open in Spring 2015 and in Summer 2015, “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” based on the blockbuster film series, will be introduced as the grand finale to the celebrated Studio Tour. The former layout of the park will become unrecognizable when “Springfield” hometown of America’s favorite family, The Simpsons, breathes new life to the sprawling and vibrant space surrounding “The Simpsons Ride.” “Springfield” will capture the spirit of the town and engage visitors and fans of the show in the intensely absorbing and colorful world made famous throughout the series’ 25 seasons. “Springfield” is being designed to make guests feel as if they are being propelled through their television sets into the accurately depicted city, complete with signature eateries from Krusty Burger to Luigi’s Pizza and Phineas Q. Butterfat’s 5600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor to iconic watering holes like Moe’s Tavern and Duff’s Brewery. “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” will be a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled finale to the world-famous Studio Tour. This technologically advanced thrill ride, will catapult guests into the high-stakes underground world of fast cars where they’ll join the cast in a harrowing escapade. The ride will be situated within a newly constructed 50,000 square foot building on the legendary backlot and will reunite stars from the Fast & Furious series in a groundbreaking mega-attraction, conceived as a new installment to the dynamic film series that can only be experienced at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. The dynamic hydraulic-motion based ride will tell an original Fast & Furious story, incorporating hyper-realistic special effects and state-of-the-art 3D-HD imagery projected onto the world’s longest and most expansive 360-degree screen spanning nearly 400 feet in length to encircle Studio Tour guests in the Fast & Furious universe. 2016 will be a magical year for Universal Studios Hollywood as the theme park’s epic transformation becomes fully realized with the highly-anticipated arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Inspired by the magical world created by J.K. Rowling and brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will be a fully immersive land designed for the entire family that brings the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and authenticity. Similar to the dynamic Universal Orlando Resort themed land that opened in 2010, the Hollywood experience will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle that will serve as the iconic focal point of the impressively themed environment. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is a collaboration between J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts. This evolution of Universal Studios Hollywood will also include the addition of two newly constructed parking structures that, combined, will accommodate thousands of additional vehicles. Construction on the second parking structure will be completed in late 2015. Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue. World-class rides and attractions include the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the famed behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “The Simpsons RideTM,” “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride,” “Jurassic Park® —The Ride,” and the much anticipated 3D Ultra-HD movie motion-simulator adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land.” Edited April 10, 2014 by Top Thrill Dragster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJeXeL Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 I really loved King Kong:360 so I am excited for this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COASTER FREAK 11 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 I hope there are a few more sets. Like you drive through a set, that merges into the screen section, and then merge into a set again. Like on Spider Man, Transformers, and Forbidden Journey. I like Kong, I just don't care the the way it works in the start and end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondbacker27 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 It seems like everything at Universal parks involve trams! I'm going to start calling them Tram Park- Hollywood Tram Park- Orlando. But, I love Universal. Probably my favorite theme parks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrlittle Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 It seems like everything at Universal parks involve trams! I'm going to start calling them Tram Park- Hollywood Tram Park- Orlando. They don't have Trams at Orlando. I always thought it was odd that Universal never built a ride based on Fast n Furious. They make so much from the franchise and it be easy to make a fast car ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 The franchise was dead after Tokyo Drift until the latest series of movies brought it to life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimaster1227 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 I'm a big fan of the franchise and was highly underwhelmed by the Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift experience that used to be on the Studio Tram Tour. It is nice to see the park finally taking advantage of the franchise's popularity, and if this is anything like Kong 360, it will be a solid addition. As for Springfield, I'm an outspoken fan of the one here in Orlando, so the notion that it will have even more than the one here is incredibly exciting! I'm seriously thinking about revisiting the park during my next visit to California, considering just how much will have changed since my last visit in 2010! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 Fast and the Furious is going in the section where the old Mummy tunnel was, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Top Thrill Dragster Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 ^ Correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COASTER FREAK 11 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Fast and the Furious is going in the section where the old Mummy tunnel was, right? The area is already completely leveled and graded too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rollercoaster Rider Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 My idea for a Fast & Furious ride would have Been a Test Track/ Launch like Coaster. Basically Fiorano GT Challenge with theming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Kind of a weird question, but do you think this deal was made before or after Paul Walker's death? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Top Thrill Dragster Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 ^ Before. Universal closed the Tokyo Drift portion of the Studio Tour in June or July of 2013. The rumor is that the producers of the new Fast and Furious movies were not happy with how the franchise was being portrayed and demanded Universal to close the attraction. Shortly after the attractions closure, Mike Sington an executive at USH, tweeted (has been deleted) that one of the most asked questions he gets is "why isn't there a Fast and Furious ride" and his response was vaguely hinting that their question would soon be answered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Top Thrill Dragster Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Concept art of Springfeild Village. OMG!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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