A few weeks ago we told you about the fan vote for the new Scare Zone at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. We are pleased to announce the winning scare zone is none other than "Mask-A-Raid"!!! We look forward to this new scare zone when HHN opens in a couple of months. The full press release is below. Online voters said “Bon appetite” and selected “Mask-a-Raid,” a Scare Zone concept based on a hoard of blood thirsty cannibals masquerading as French aristocrats, in the first-ever Universal Studios Hollywood “Halloween Horror Nights” Choose Your Scare online voting competition. The winning Scare Zone concept will materialize in disturbingly real detail at the terrifyingly popular event in Fall 2014. “We are always listening closely to what our fans want, but this was the first time ever that we actually went out and put the power completely in their hands to determine part of ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ content,” said John Murdy, Creative Director, Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “The avalanche of votes we received confirmed our fans’ desire to be part of the process, and we are happy to give them exactly what they want.” The new Scare Zone, staged in the theme park’s French Street location, will transport guests to a time when masquerade balls were a staple of the social calendar in pre-Revolutionary War France. However, visitors will soon learn that behind the elaborate, jeweled masks of powdered and perfumed party-goers are members of a blood-thirsty cannibal cult. In addition to the new Scare Zone, and after rave reviews from fans, Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Halloween Horror Nights” is bringing back AMC’s “The Walking Dead” for an unprecedented third consecutive year. A terrifying maze – “Walking Dead: End of the Line” – and “Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead” will be inspired by Season 4 of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning television. This year’s bone-chilling maze will place guests at the heart of a harrowing journey to seek sanctuary at Terminus, an elusive destination that promises community for all. Meanwhile, “Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead” will send guests on the road to Terminus, interspersed with landmarks and walkers from Season 4, including the “burned moonshine cabin,” “charred walkers” and “mud walkers.” We headed up to Universal Studios Hollywood this week to bring you a long overdue update from one of the biggest construction zones in any park in the U.S.. The amount of work going on in this park is amazing, and all three of the major projects are just getting started. We also saw the first bit of Halloween Horror Nights set dressings on the Studio Tour. Springsmeade? Hogsfield?We'll start our update on the upper lot and a look at the Springfield and Hogsmeade construction area. Now that the buildings are taking shape, it's a bit easier to get an idea where both Springfield and Hogsmeade will be, even though they'll be opening a year apart. The pole is pretty much the dividing line between the two area's. Springfield will be on the left, Hogsmeade on the right. Pointy roof = Hogsmeade. Square roof = Springfield. Disregard the Flintstones BBQ ... An aerial view. The buildings are HUGE when you are close to them. Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyMoving beyond Springsmeade (I think we'll call it that) we see the HUGE show building for Forbidden Journey. Every time I see this I'm amazed that just 9 months ago (on September 6) the last show was held at the Universal Amphitheater. Once the building is closed in we'll start seeing Hogsmeade construction spread to this area. Extreme Close-Up ... wooaaaahhhh!!! From the other side on the Tram Tour A few more up-close shots From the parking structure you can see the other side of the building. It's massive. And remember, Hogwarts Castle still needs to be built. First wooden frame for Hogsmeade or something else? Fast and Furious: SuperchargedSince it was announced, construction on Fast and Furious: Supercharged has started moving along pretty quickly as well. The best spot to get pictures of Fast and Furious isn't in the parks. Super Silly Fun LandIt seems like it's taken forever to finally show you all of the parts of Super Silly Fun Land, but here it is. The water-play area is now open. Rules are good MmmKay Even the trash cans are Super and Silly and Fun (and Land?) BAAAARRRRRFFFF!!! The Super Awesome Despicable Me characters were all out and were very popular. Studio TourJust a couple of quick Studio Tour notes including some set-dressing for Halloween Horror Nights for the Terror Tram Production Schedule The Collapsing Bridge is back open ♪ I bless the rains down in Africa ♪ ...err Mexico (talk about a reference that ages me) On the War of the Worlds set, we noticed a couple of new set pieces that weren't really "War of the Worlds" but could be for some event this fall. =) Car ... not War of the Worlds Fence ... not War of the Worlds Thunderbird Motel (Rooms by the Hour) ... DEFINITELY not War of the Worlds. Anybody know what this could be in reference to? I Googled it but nothing came up. Also don't forget, voting for the new Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zone starts today (June 6). Click the link for all of the details. It could be the most important vote you cast this year!!! Around The ParkJust a couple of minor notes from the rest of the park. Krusty's tongue is getting a refurb (insert your own joke here) Whoever said they don't like no parfait? Probably my favorite picture of the day (along with the one of Agnes) That's going to wrap it up for this update, hope you enjoyed it. We didn't head down to the lower lot but I assume the construction of the Starbucks is progressing nicely. We'll make a point to head down there next time. Thanks again for all of your support, it's very much appreciated. Please Share!!! Universal Orlando released some new details about Diagon Alley today including more on the Escape from Gringotts attraction. Explore more of the wizarding world than ever before at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™, opening Summer 2014 at Universal Studios Florida®. Enter Diagon Alley™ from the streets of London just like Harry did. Dine at the Leaky Cauldron™, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders™ wand shop, and experience the excitement of a multi-dimensional new thrill ride inside Gringotts™ bank. In addition, you can enter to win a trip to Universal Orlando starting today (May 13). Click here for all of the information. HARRY POTTER AND THE ESCAPE FROM GRINGOTTS™ About This Attraction:
At the far end of Diagon Alley™ stands Gringotts™, the goblin-run bank. Inside, you’ll experience a pulse-pounding adventure on the groundbreaking, multi-dimensional thrill ride that puts you right in the middle of the action as you navigate your way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults – encountering Harry, Ron, and Hermione along the way! Enter Gringotts™ bank beneath the massive fire-breathing dragon at the far end of Diagon Alley™. Inside Gringotts™ you’ll walk through the bank’s grand marble lobby and see goblins hard at work. Then, get ready to take a journey through cavernous passageways that lead deep underground as you climb aboard Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™. This new, multi-dimensional 3D thrill ride puts you right in the middle of the action as you face the bank’s stringent security measures while navigating the perilous underground vaults. You’ll encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione along the way, but you’ll have to evade the wrath of malicious villains Voldemort™ and Bellatrix as well as trolls and other creatures who stand between you and a safe return to Diagon Alley™. FAMOUS DIAGON ALLEY™ SHOPS See a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders™ wand shop. Pick up magical jokes and novelty items at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. Find all your wizardwear needs at Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions. Bring home a furry, feathered, or scaly creature from the Magical Menagerie™. Search for supplies at Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment. And gather all your gaming gear at Quality Quidditch™ Supplies. Practitioners of the Dark Arts will find everything they need down the gloomy Knockturn Alley, featuring the infamous shop, Borgin and Burkes. Pass through the brick archway and you’ll find yourself in Diagon Alley™, the cobbled street where witches and wizards have gathered to do their shopping for hundreds of years. Here you can explore some of the most famous shops and establishments in the wizarding world. Also, practitioners of the Dark Arts will find everything they need down the gloomy Knockturn Alley. Ollivanders™: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC Purchase your own Ollivanders™ wand, or choose from a selection including Harry Potter™ film character wand replicas, collectible wand sets and more. Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, Ollivanders™ is one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops. Here visitors will be able to witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard. Guests will also be able to purchase their own unique Ollivanders™ wand, or select one of the many Harry Potter™ character wand replicas, as well as wand sets. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes In the Harry Potter™ stories, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes is the novelty joke shop run by identically ingenious prankster twins Fred and George Weasley. It offers patrons all manner of mischief, from Extendable Ears to love potions and much more. Borgin and Burkes You don’t have to be a Death Eater to gain entry to this infamous shop. As you wedge your way through the fascinating, eclectic collection of Dark Arts objects, you may find Death Eater masks, skulls, and costume replicas. The shop also sells apparel, accessories, jewelry, collectibles, and gifts. Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions Here, guests will find Hogwarts™ school uniforms, ties, scarves, sweaters and cardigans, as well as other apparel and jewelry fashion items inspired by the four school houses of Gryffindor™, Ravenclaw™, Hufflepuff™ and Slytherin™. Don’t forget to top it all off with a new wizard hat from the finest and most fashionable assortment in Diagon Alley™. Magical Menagerie™ Here a guest can purchase a variety of plush toys including Crookshanks™, Fang, Buckbeak™, Fluffy and Scabbers™. Also available are cats of every colour, ravens, sleek black rats, and fat white rabbits that transform to and from a silk top hat. Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment At Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, visitors will find a variety of wizarding wares and supplies including crystal balls, telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses. Don’t miss the unique selection of apparel and accessory products from your favorite Hogwarts™ house! Quality Quidditch™ Supplies Quality Quidditch™ Supplies is the destination to find everything you will need to play the most popular sport in the wizarding world! The shop will carry a wide assortment of Quidditch™ apparel and equipment including Quidditch™ sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more! Whether you are a fan of the Holyhead Harpies, the Chudley Cannons, Ireland, or Bulgaria, you can show your team spirit with apparel, hats, pennants, and accessories themed around your favorite teams. Wands by Gregorovitch In this legendary wandmaker’s shop you can choose from a wide assortment of Harry Potter™ film character wand replicas, and more. Scribbulus Find all the writing supplies a witch or wizard could need, including feather quills, parchment paper, journals and postcards. THE LEAKY CAULDRON™ AND OTHER EATING ESTABLISHMENTS When you’re feeling a bit hungry you can dine on delicious pub fare at the Leaky Cauldron™. Sit down and relax as you enjoy a traditional British meal, or indulge in a frozen treat at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. When you visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious British fare, as well as authentic food and drink found in the Harry Potter™ books and films. Try something different each time you’re here! Leaky Cauldron™ Pull up a chair and enjoy hearty British fare in this famous inn, as well as delicious, frothy Butterbeer™. The children's menu offers items that kids will love, such as chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese. Cuisine: Cottage pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, stew, and much more. Children's Menu: Fish and chips, chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and more Service Type: Buffeteria Dining Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour Stop in during the morning hours for breakfast items and pastries. Later, enjoy scoop and soft-serve ice-cream in a variety of interesting and unique flavours. Magical displays of ice-cream cones welcome guests into this colourful, quaint ice-cream parlour where they can enjoy scoop and soft-serve ice-creams. Continental breakfast items and pastries are available in the morning hours along with bottled Pumpkin Juice™, teas and water. Cuisine: Scoop and soft-serve ice-creams, breakfast items, and drinks Service Type: Counter Hours: From park open to one hour before park closing Street Vendors Multiple kiosks, carts and quick service options are also available throughout Diagon Alley™. You can satisfy your appetite with sweet treats, quench your thirst with a refreshing Butterbeer™ or Pumpkin Juice™. Hogwarts™ ExpressIf you have a Park-to-Park Ticket or Annual Pass, you can pass through Platform 9 ¾™ and board the Hogwarts™ Express* from King’s Cross Station in London, located inside Universal Studios Florida® theme park, and travel to Hogsmeade™ Station, located inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure® theme park (right next door to Universal Studios®). Or you can ride the train in the other direction—it’s a different experience each way! From Hogsmeade™ to London Hogsmeade Station is located inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ In Universal’s Islands of Adventure® From the train windows, guests will see some of the magnificent scenery of London and the British countryside, encounter characters featured in the films and enjoy a unique experience during each leg of the journey as they travel to and from London and Hogsmeade™. This will truly be an enchanting encounter with the magical world for the whole family to enjoy! From London to Hogsmeade™ King’s Cross Station is located inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ In Universal Studios Florida® This will be the first time that Muggles™ are allowed to board the famous train that’s such an important part of the Harry Potter™ stories. Guests will travel on the iconic steam engine through the urban outskirts of London to the charming village of Hogsmeade™, replicating one of the memorable elements of Harry Potter’s school life. The Hogwarts™ Express connects the two locations in the two theme parks, creating a unique and seamless journey for guests of both parks as they travel between them. |
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