Before we get started we wanted to remind you all that the Knott's Pink event is still going on and you can get a ticket to the park all while supporting a wonderful charity. All of the information on the event can be found here. 

Ghostrider is still closed while it undergoes it's massive renovation. 

To read more about all the work being done on Ghostrider and Ghost Town for the 75th click here. 

Lots of walls around the ride

But they really aren't hiding anything as we can just walk down to the other end and see all the great work they are doing. =) 

Sorry for the brightness in some of these pics, it was a VERY bright day. 

Since most of the ride is located outside the park we can definitely see more from this side. 

All of that track is new

Those of us who remember Ghostrider when it first opened are so excited, and those of you who didn't are definitely in for a treat when it reopens. 

No opening date has been announced yet however. 

Close up view of all the amazing work they are doing. Can't wait to see those new trains flying around the track. 

Back inside the park, work on the Pan For Gold is moving along. It'll be nice to have it back where it belongs. 

The rest of Ghost Town is also getting some work done in preparations for the 75th. 

The Saloon is completely behind tarps. 

While we can't tell how much is being re-done from the looks of the shadows it looks like most of the structure is gone. 

Some of the wood framing has been replaced. 

Sadly due to the 75th the Haunt Museum is closed and if rumors are to be believed it looks like it may not be coming back. 

Let's hope it does come back in some form as it is a big part of Ghost Town's history. 

The Calico Stage is still up

The new stage isn't up yet. Plus they've taken away the spot where we could get pics from the candy store. =) 

Outside the park, work on the new Starbucks is proceeding. It is going to be located where the Dreyers Ice Cream was. You can read more about the Starbucks here. 

Lots of work going on for the big renovation of the Chicken Dinner Restaurant and new bar (which we are very excited for). 

As you can see the work here is quite extensive. 

Walls extend all the way into the Marketplace. It's a good thing they made those walkways bigger when they took out the parking on Grand Ave. 

Fear not, you can still get your Chicken To Go. Let's hope the Cable Car Kitchen comes back when the CDR reopens. We love that place. 

Back inside the park, guess we should share a coaster pic in this update. =) 

There's still one train you can ride in Orange County. =) 

Timber Mountain Log Ride was closed for refurbishment but did reopen this past Friday. Yay!! 

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this update. We'll be back at Knott's soon to look more at Ghostrider and the rest of the great work going on in Ghost Town. 

Alright, let's get on with the update. 

As you can see, lots of painting has been going on since our last update, and the parts that have been painted look amazing. 

The loop has yet to be painted. 

Primer added to the bottom of the supports

Some of the completed parts of the ride, it looks great. 

It's nice to see this ride being restored to it's former glory. 

The top of the 3rd drop. 

Moving around back to where the Chupacabra maze was ... some new paths are being drawn out. Not sure if this is for the queue or perhaps for Flash Pass. 

Would be interesting if they moved the entrance back to this side. 

The station looks great with it's new colors and roof. 

The old ride panel is completely gone

No paint on the lift hill yet. 

You can see on the bottom of the lift just how badly the ride needed paint. 

This will be painted by the time we do our next update. 

Coming down the second hill

Up the hill on the backside of the ride, most of this area has been painted. 

Really shows how badly Tatsu needs to be painted. 

Per our resident expert RD these are Velocity Magnets (sorry for not being able to zoom in more). 

Back towards the front, the portion after the loop is still waiting to get painted

This is going to look so amazing when it's all done. 

We got a few questions during our Periscope while we were at the park regarding opening dates. We have yet to hear anything official from the park. All we can say is it will be open by June 5. So if you are making travel plans to come ride, you are safe to make plans and come to our event. (shameless plug)

Along with The New Revolution, some of the other rides in the area are getting some TLC. 

It's awesome to see the Grand Carousel get some work. Be sure to ride it when it reopens. 

They are promoting RollerCoaster Tycoon World. Let's hope we actually get to play it soon. 

The old Dolphin/Diving/Action Show / Aftermath area is still being demolished. 

Don't think there was Stroller Parking for Aftermath, and can't remember when the last time there was a show in here. So this sign has been here awhile. 

There'some kind of small excavator/crane in there 

It'll be interesting to see what becomes of this area of the park. 

Some new markers with numbers have shown up back in Cyclone bay. Let the speculation begin. =) 

Hmmm, maybe some kind of Michael Jordan themed coaster? 

26, 25, 24, 23 ... hmmmm. 

For real, this is likely for some pipe work/new concrete, but it's fun to have fun anyway. =) 

Kind of old news, but Panda Express is being replaced by Pick Six which is a Six Flags branded chinese food. Too bad they couldn't have moved this up to Samurai Summit. 

And we'll end with a picture of one of the Green Lanterns, because why not. =) 

Thanks again for reading and for all of the incredible support. It's all very much appreciated. 

Time to celebrate the year of the Monkey

Love the Universal Plaza and that they can transform it so many different ways throughout the year. This just looks beautiful. 

Banners up for all the different years of the Chinese Zodiac where you can look to see what animal represents you. 

I'm the year of the Rabbit, but I'll let you guess what year. ;) 

Because it's the year of the Monkey, Curious George is out to greet guests. 

Obligatory selfie with George. 

Hey, what's that lurking behind us? 

Mandarin Megatron is also out again for 2016. 

Lots of tasty food offerings are available and were out for us to check out. 

We'll be back out at the park on Sunday for a little pre Super Bowl fun so we'll definitely try some of these. 

Brief interlude as Gregg tries to get artsy with blossoms and Wizarding World. 

Guests are also invited to write messages for the New Year and place them on the plum blossoms.

We saw messages in English, Spanish and of course Mandarin. It's a great tradition. 

Be sure you check out the Lunar New Year at Universal Studios, it's definitely not to be missed. 

​We'll have our normal Universal Studios Update early next week so be sure to check back for that. 

Our Review: 

The movie opens with a kind of refresher for those who haven't seen The Lego Movie (or haven't seen it in awhile). And if you haven't seen it, what's up with that, it's a great movie.

Anyway, the movie opens with our hero's Emmet, Wyld Style, Unikitty, Benny and Metal Beard winning a contest and tickets to Legoland. Upon arrival however it turns out the tickets are for the non-official "Brick World" run by President Businesses less expensive brother "Risky Business" played brilliantly by the always hilarious Patton Oswalt. 

And of course, to nobody's surprise there's an evil secret plot to destroy our hero's which sets them on an awesome adventure throughout Brick Land. 

The voice talent of the movie is of course spot on as it was in The Lego Movie although unfortunately Chris Pratt doesn't return for this adventure ... but to be honest, I didn't even notice until I read the cast list. The remainder of the original cast featured in The Lego Movie has returned. 

We obviously don't want to give too much away, but expect to be wildly entertained for 12 1/2 min. The 4D effects are plentiful but consist mostly of water and smoke effects. 

The theater is definitely set up more "Stadium" style than most 4D movies are. The seats essentially benches with cushions on them. But that doesn't distract from the fun of the movie at all. 

If I had one very small critique it's that the volume of the film itself wasn't loud enough. I'm not sure if they just need to kick it up a bit or if it's because the theater is so much bigger and open than other theaters that show these types of films. Either way it made it hard to hear some of the dialogue. 

But that's very minor in the grand scheme of things. ​

Overall I'd put this towards the very top of 4D movies in terms of story, fun and comedy. Some other movies have more effects than this one, and this easily could have just been a 3D movie and I would have enjoyed it just as much. But we all know a simple "3D" movie wouldn't fly in today's theme park marketplace. 

All said we'd give the attraction a 4.5 out of 5 on the "Fun Scale" and a 3 out of 5 on the "effects" scale. 

Be sure to check out some facts about the attraction below as well as some additional images of the premiere. Make your plans to get out and enjoy this great attraction. ​

‘The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure’ Fact Sheet
 
“The LEGO® Movie™” was a worldwide blockbuster that delighted kids around the world with the crazy antics of Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, Benny and MetalBeard. In an all-new theatrical attraction developed exclusively for LEGOLAND® theme parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers, the familiar heroes reunite at the invitation of a shady new character, Risky Business.
 
What:    “The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure”
When:   Open now at LEGOLAND® California Resort
Where:  LEGO Showplace Theater, which recently underwent a transformation in preparation for the new attraction with new door design, movie theater artwork and expanded entrance area
 
Duration:          12 ½ minutes
Presentation:   3D computer animated film plus “4D” effects such as wind, water and fog
Frequency:       Several times a day; consult a park Show Guide for exact times
Capacity:         425 guests per show  
 
Written by:  Adam Pava (“The Boxtrolls”) and Rob Schrab (“The Sarah Silverman Program”)
Edited by:    Michael D. Black
Music by:     Eric Wurst & David Wurst
Creative Consultants:  Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Dan Lin (“The LEGO® Movie™”)
Executive Producers: Jill Wilfert, Keith Malone – LEGO Systems AS
                                     Paul Harvey, Heather Moyer – Merlin Entertainments
Produced by:  Joshua Wexler and Leslie Barker Pure Imagination Studios
Directed by:    Rob Schrab
 
Cast
 
Wyldstyle:         Elizabeth Banks  (“The Hunger Games,” “Pitch Perfect 2”)
MetalBeard:      Nick Offerman     (“Parks and Recreation,” “Fargo”)
Unikitty:            Alison Brie            (“Mad Men,” “Community”)
Benny:              Charlie Day           (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Horrible Bosses”)
Risky Business:  Patton Oswalt   (“The King of Queens,” “Patton Oswalt: Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time”)
Emmet:            A.J. LoCascio        (veteran voice actor)
 
Number of “4D” moments during each showing:  9
 
Number of LEGO® pieces required to build…
 
Emmet:                        4
Risky Business:          4
Wyldstyle:                   5
Benny:                         5
Unikitty:                      14
MetalBeard:                216*
 
*According to LEGO® Set No. 70807, MetalBeard’s Duel (2014)
 
For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com and www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com.

Below is some additional information on the Universal Studios Hollywood new "Tiered" pricing that was introduced this morning. Normally we'd put this in "Industry News" and let the press release speak for itself, but we felt in this case a bit of additional thoughts on this is needed. 

​We'll post the release below and share our thoughts at the bottom. 

Universal City, California, February 2, 2016 – Starting today and for the first time ever, Universal Studios Hollywood is introducing EZ Rez™, an innovative, easy-to-use online ticket purchasing system featuring an array of new consumer benefits designed to enhance visits to The Entertainment Capital of L.A. as the world-class destination continues its unparalleled investment in an ambitious epic transformation.

In addition to affording guests the unique opportunity of booking date specific tickets, EZ Rez ticket holders will be able to benefit from early entry to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” when the immersive land officially opens on April 7. Early admission to the land will begin one hour prior to park opening.

As an added benefit, guests purchasing admission tickets and annual passes via EZ Rez will also enjoy premium savings with all advanced online transactions. Anytime admission tickets will continue to be available.

The past five years have been a remarkable time for Universal Studios Hollywood as the destination embarked on an unprecedented revitalization that has substantially altered over 75 percent of its familiar footprint to effectively characterize it as an entirely new experience and theme park.

With the much anticipated arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” opening on April 7, and the recent addition of “Fast & Furious: Supercharged” as the grand finale to the world-famous Studio Tour, expansive themed lands including “Springfield” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” next generation thrill rides such as “Transformers: The Ride 3D,” amplified experiences such as the recently introduced “Nighttime Studio Tour” and the new “Special Effects Show,” Universal Studios Hollywood is continually exploring new, groundbreaking ways to ensure guests have the best possible experience, both in advance and upon their arrival. 
​
More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, 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 renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour featuring the intense “King Kong 360 3-D” attraction and the all-new “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” thrill ride as the Studio Tour’s grand finale.  Other popular rides include the 3D-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride,” “Jurassic Park® —The Ride,” “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour.”

Our Thoughts: 

When you first hear the term "tiered pricing" many first thoughts go to "unnecessary price raises on certain days". In our opinion that's not what this is about at all. Sure, Universal wants to make money, they are a business. But this seems more of a way for them to pre-plan for crowds by encouraging people to pre-purchase tickets and passes. 

The gate price is not increasing. It's currently $95 and it's staying that way. At minimum you will save $5 per ticket by purchasing online. Some days you can save as much as $15. So this is really a way for them to encourage people to go on "slower" days. 

Wizarding World is absolutely unprecedented in the history of this park. It's safe to say nobody is quite sure what to expect or what the impact will truly be. Remember, last year when Fast and Furious opened they had to shut down parking mid-day. And that was Fast and Furious. This is OBVIOUSLY much bigger. 

Now that this project is drawing to a close we are, in the next few weeks going to be putting together a look back at this project. This was the first "major" project we started covering as a website and that we've been able to provide updates on it for the past 2+ years has been so fun. So look forward to that. 

As you can see, not a whole lot has changed since our last update. 

LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of training going on both inside and outside of Hogsmeade. 

We even saw some crowd control training going on in Springfield. 

Soon, very very soon. 

Can you tell we're a bit excited for Wizarding World? 

Back for 2016 is the great Lunar New Year celebration which kicked off this last weekend. 

The festival brings fun, food and back again is the Mandarin speaking Megatron. 

Absolutely LOVE this picture with Hogwarts in the background. 

More information about Lunar New Year can be found here. 

We'll also be back at the park this Thursday morning for a special preview of Lunar New Year so be sure you are following along with our social media for that. 

Of course, what good is Wizarding World if you can't get people into the park to enjoy it. Lots more changes going on in the main entry of the park. There is SO much more space here now. 

It is creating a few narrow corridors but a bit of temporary pain on our journey to Hogwarts is nothing new. 

Inside the new retail location is looking amazing. 

Considering what this area looked like just over a year ago it's great to see the transition. 

Jurassic Park: The Ride is still closed for Refurbishment. They let you know prior to going down the Starway which is nice. 

This is definitely a rather extensive rehab.

One of the boats is out probably for testing of the new track they installed. 

The new food location is coming along as well. 

Lastly, a couple of CityWalk notes. The fountains are getting a nice refurb. 

And the all new ET Parking structure is open. 

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this update. 

We've been getting a LOT of messages/tweets/emails/etc regarding soft openings for Wizarding World. Even IF we knew we would unfortunately not be able to relay that information at this time. But when we do, and we know it's safe to do so we will pass that information along. Anything else you are seeing online at this point is purely speculation. 

Have a great week everybody!!!