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Universal Studios

1/30/2023 0 Comments

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Preview at CityWalk LA

Last Thursday we were invited out to Universal Studios Hollywood for a preview of the long awaited Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at CityWalk. 

This eatery has replaced the former Hard Rock Cafe which means it's location within CityWalk is front and center located between all of the parking structures and just steps away from Universal Cinema. 

Toothsome officially opened last Friday to large crowds and great reviews! You can see all of the details for Toothsome at this link, including links to getting a reservation! 

Let's head in for our preview!
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Welcome to Toothsome!
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There had been a few previews, but on this night it was our turn!!
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Can we make it a rule that every time you walk in somewhere they just hand you an amazing milkshake? =)
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Let's check out the food, we didn't get to try it all, but what we did try was amazing!
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I'm a huge fan of Creme Brulee, and this did not disappoint.
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Nor did the Bread Pudding!
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I hate tomatoes, like hate with a passion. But the Bruschetta was maybe the best thing we tried all night. And I didn't even take off the tomatoes.
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We already have a list of things to try when we get back to Toothsome. This is one of them.
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We got to try 3 of the crafted drinks. The Root Beer Old Fashioned, PB Cup Fashioned and the Cacao Nut Margarita. My favorite was the Root Beer Old Fashioned.
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A post shared by Park Journey (@park_journey)

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Root Beer Old Fashioned
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Cacao Nut Margarita
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Toothsome also features an upstairs seating area. They also set up a little buffet up here for us.
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The ceiling is awesome!
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And great views of CityWalk.
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The previously mentioned Chocolate Creme Brulee. The Bread Pudding pictured below was also pretty amazing.
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Lots of great steampunk props throughout the restaurant.
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If you don't want to eat inside the restaurant, you can head to the bar to get a shake!
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A few more pics of the props around the eatery.
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Love this view!
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Some great lighting on the outside as well!
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Thank you Universal for having us out for the preview. We can't wait to head back and try some more yummy food and drinks and shakes and desserts. =)

Related Videos

Related Updates
  • Super Nintendo World Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood Update - January 9, 2023
  • Grinchmas 2022 at Universal Studios Hollywood - December 13, 2022
  • Trip Report: First Visit to Universal Orlando Resort since 2006 - October 27, 2022
  • Halloween Horror Nights 2022 at Universal Orlando Resort - October 26, 2022
  • Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2022 Opening Weekend - September 13, 2022


​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. â€‹
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1/9/2023 0 Comments

Super Nintendo World Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood Update

Last week we were invited out to Universal Studios Hollywood for a behind the scenes tour of Super Nintendo World! 

Before we get into the update, a huge thanks to Universal Studios Hollywood for having us out for the tour. It's never lost on us how privileged we are to be included in such things. 

Also, we will mention that there is still some work to be done in the land, so we've had to crop out certain things from the pictures and video below, so keep that in mind as you view both. On that same note, we do not know right now when Technical Rehearsals may begin, but as soon as we hear anything we will let you know! 

Let's head in for a look at Super Nintendo World!

​We'll start off with some pics that the park sent to us, all of these are credit to Hamilton Pytluk at Universal Studios Hollywood
Be sure to check out our thoughts on the tour along with some video from within Super Nintendo World! 
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Welcome to Super Nintendo World
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The amount of detail and kinetic energy within the land is amazing, and just what you want from a Nintendo themed area.
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There is movement EVERYWHERE!
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And so many little touches that even casual fans of Nintendo will love.
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For those that are huge fans, there are Easter Eggs and tributes to characters everywhere!
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One of the amazingly unique things about the land is that it's multi-level. It's so great to be able to look at the land from many different angles.
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If you're on a peak, there is of course going to be snow. =)
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We got to take a look at Toadstool Café, but did not get to eat. It's much larger than it looks!
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Everything looks delicious and we can't wait to check it all out.
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We also go to take a tour of Mario Kart Bowser's Challenge (but did not get to experience the attraction)
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The queue has SO MUCH detail and even though there will be Express and VIP Experience, we do suggest waiting in the queue to see it all.
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Bowser welcomes you to his challenge!
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Plans for the airship! Incredible!
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There are so many hidden touches in Bowser's Library, we didn't see them all and we can't wait to!
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Bowser Butt!
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And of course, each character has their race outfit!
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We also got a look inside the 1-Up Factory!
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It looks fantastic! The merchandise inside seemed to match what is available outside of Super Nintendo World, but we're hoping for some land-specific merchandise you can only get here.
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We are very excited for Super Nintendo World, if you couldn't tell. The land is amazing and you're all going to love it! We can't wait for Technical Rehearsals, Passholder Previews, Media Day and of course opening day. We're going to have a lot of Super Nintendo Coverage over the next month or two, so buckle up!!

We also took some time to get an update outside of Super Nintendo World too! 


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The Animal Actors and Special Effects show both had their final shows yesterday (January 8th). While it's sad to see these two classic shows retired, we're excited to see what's next for this ever-evolving park. 
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We were able to confirm that Production Central will close this upcoming weekend.
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As the park prepares for Super Nintendo World, they are updating a few things, including the sign for Revenge of the Mummy on the lower lot.
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Also opening soon, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium!
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No date yet, but it will most likely be pretty soon!
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It looks absolutely fantastic and we can't wait for chocolate'y treats!
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Related Videos

Related Updates
  • Grinchmas 2022 at Universal Studios Hollywood - December 13, 2022
  • Trip Report: First Visit to Universal Orlando Resort since 2006 - October 27, 2022
  • Halloween Horror Nights 2022 at Universal Orlando Resort - October 26, 2022
  • Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2022 Opening Weekend - September 13, 2022
  • Universal Studios Hollywood Update - Halloween Horror Nights and Super Nintendo World - August 24, 2022


​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. ​
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12/14/2022

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023

New Details Revealed as Countdown to the Highly-Anticipated Opening Approaches
Universal City, California, December 14, 2022 – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly-anticipated themed land officially opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023. So, get ready; this exciting debut marks SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s official arrival to the United States.

This all-new, dynamic land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.

From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is entirely unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.
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SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will sweep guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they will become an integral part of their exhilarating universe. Plus, with purchase of a Power-Up Band™ – wearable, interactive wristbands – guests will be able to deepen their interactions across the land.
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As the countdown to the grand opening begins, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:
 
  • “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge:” This all-new, technologically-advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, will seamlessly fuse cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles. This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.
    • The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.
  • Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
  • Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the winding corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.
  • Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning challenges throughout the land. Power-Up Bands will also invite guests to enjoy extra-special interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They will come in six design options with character themes and will be available for purchase both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk. 
  • Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests will become fully engulfed in an engaging world of real-life gameplay, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins and a variety of interactives. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars employing augmented reality technology positioned within the land. Guests can beat the four Key Challenges and collect keys from Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Piranha Plant and Thwomp interactive activities to ultimately allow access to the culminating boss battle with Bowser Jr.  These energetic, familiar and fun interactive games will further enhance the entire kinetic experience within the land and immerse guests into the unique world of Super Mario.
  • Toadstool Cafe™:  The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Cafe will serve a gourmet menu perfected by Chef Toad where he will greet guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake.
  • 1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia. The 1-UP Factory will offer an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.
            
​More information and details will be shared soon. In the meantime, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for theme park updates. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Related Videos

Related Updates
  • Grinchmas 2022 at Universal Studios Hollywood - December 13, 2022
  • Trip Report: First Visit to Universal Orlando Resort since 2006 - October 27, 2022
  • Halloween Horror Nights 2022 at Universal Orlando Resort - October 26, 2022
  • Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2022 Opening Weekend - September 13, 2022
  • Universal Studios Hollywood Update - Halloween Horror Nights and Super Nintendo World - August 24, 2022


​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. ​
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