Universal Studios Hollywood Undergoing Major Transformation
April 9, 2014
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is making an unprecedented five-year investment in new thrill rides and expansive themed environments.
The transformation, the most significant undertaking in the theme park’s 50-year history, began in 2012 with the introduction of the “Transformers: The Ride—3D” and will culminate in 2016 with the Los Angeles debut of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”
In summer 2013, the interior focal point of the theme park profoundly changed with the installation of Universal Plaza, a visually aesthetic 37,000-sf art deco-styled piazza. The polygon-shaped entertainment venue sits at the heart of the theme park as a welcoming open-air courtyard, architecturally reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour.
On April 12, 2014, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Two spectacular attractions will debut in 2015 as part of the park’s 50th anniversary. “Springfield,” an immersive land surrounding “The Simpsons Ride,” will open in spring 2015, and “Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” based on the blockbuster film series, will be introduced in summer 2015 as the grand finale to the Studio Tour.
“Springfield” is being designed to make guests feel as if they are being propelled through their television sets into the Springfield — complete with signature eateries from Krusty Burger to Luigi’s Pizza and Phineas Q. Butterfat’s 5600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor to watering holes like Moe’s Tavern and Duff’s Brewery.
The “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” thrill ride will catapult guests into the 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-sf building on the legendary backlot.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will debut in 2016. Similar to the themed land at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, the Hollywood experience will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle.