2/24/2016 - Universal Studios Hollywood Update

Today we're back at Universal Studios Hollywood for a look at some of the non-Wizarding World goings on around the park. But don't worry, we noticed some new details in Wizarding World during it's technical rehearsal that we'll share with you as well. 



If you missed any of our potter updates be sure to check them out especially our Photographic Tour of Wizarding World Hollywood. 

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Written by Gregg Condon

We'll start out in CityWalk where the Universal Store is still undergoing it's expansion and refurbishment. And you can see where all of the Potter Merchandise will be. 

Lots of work going on where the Globe is. It's still there for photo ops but wasn't spinning. 

They are really preparing for the crowds that will be descending on the park starting April 7. 

Inside the Studio Store is now closed as all of the merchandise is moved over to the new store. 

The walls are down around the new shop and facades and it looks fantastic. The stores should open any day now. 

Lots of little touches and easter eggs for Universal Studios. it'll be fun finding them all. 

Not really surprising there will also be a Starbucks. And it's a pretty good sized one. 

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Moving down to the lower lot, Jurassic Park is still closed for it's lengthy refurb. 

They are doing a lot of painting and freshening up. It's great to see this now 2nd best ride at the park getting some love. =) 

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Whatever this is is looking good. =) 

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We of course had to share some pics of Wizarding World. It was open for Technical rehearsals all weekend. 

Don't sit under the owls. (love these little touches)

So there have been a lot of posts about issues people have with Wizarding World and the nearby buildings and lands that you can see from Wizarding World. Apparently people don't remember that this area was an Amphitheater about 2 1/2 years ago and that Universal Hollywood is a VERY small park. 

At the end of the day, our biggest issue is them selling crappy beer in Wizarding World. No self respecting Wizard (or brit) is going to drink this crap. In a land that doesn't even sell soda or regular bottled water you'd think people could walk out of the land to get their crappy beer. (we don't count the Boddingtons in that)

Moving on, we got to experience our first breakfast in Wizarding World and it was incredible!! 

Eggy Bread, American Breakast and a Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. ;) 

Oh, and breakfast comes with a drink, and yes, you can get Butterbeer!! 

More little details, this time in the Hogs Head. It's going to take us quite awhile to see everything. Shucks. =) 

Funny thing about these Technical Rehearsals. First off, as we've said before, they could not happen at all depending on what is going on inside such as filming, private parties, etc. 

But even more than that, somehow people in the park don't seem to realize that the land is actually open to the public. Wait times for Forbidden Journey and Hippogriff have been very reasonable, the longest we've waited for Forbidden Journey is about 20 minutes, and that was because the ride broke down. 

So if you get a chance, be sure to try and get out to one of these rehearsals. Because once the full media onslaught takes place and April 7 rolls around, it's going to be crazy!! 

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A couple of Studio Tour notes. Fan Made Lyon Estates signs are back on the tour, in the same location as the previous signs. 

The fountain in Court of Miracles is back. The entire Little Europe area looks great after it's recent refurb. Maybe we'll get some HHN mazes down here this year? 

And lastly, the all new digital sign is up at the Lankershim entrance. It looks absolutely spectacular. 

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this update. We won't be back at the park this weekend (as of now) but we're quickly winding down on things to update at the park. Once Wizarding World opens we'll of course have all of the media night event posts and we are plan on going opening day, but after that we're likely going to take some time off from the park to avoid the craziness. 

But we'll of course have lots of other updates. =) 

Thanks again for reading, we hope you enjoyed the update. 

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