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Universal Studios Hollywood Update: Halloween Horror Nights, Upper Lot Coaster, Jurassic Park Store and More!

6/6/2023

 
Last week when we were on our way back from Arctic Rescue Media Day at SeaWorld San Diego, we were kind of tired of sitting in traffic, so decided to make a quick stop at Universal Studios Hollywood to wait out the traffic and have some dinner at Toothsome. We hadn't actually eaten there since media night as it's been a hectic few months, so it was nice to be able to get a quick reservation and have a nice dinner. 

But before that, we headed into the park for the Studio Tour and a look at what's going on around the park. So let's start there!! 

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Welcome to Universal Studios Hollywood
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We started on the Studio Tour, and a look at HHN progress. Nothing to see here.
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The lower lot house where Killer Clowns was last year is taking shape.
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Not sure what this is yet, hopefully we get some announcements soon.
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For only the 2nd or 3rd time since the parks reopened, we got to tour the backlot. Sadly the reason is because of the WGA strike.
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The house behind Mummy is also taking shape. It looks like this will be the entrance again this year.
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It looks like Production Central is finally down for the count.
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Merchandise was being removed from the store. In fact, the day after we were at the park, they started tearing apart the Animal Actors stage.
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There have been rumors of a Universal Monsters Paris house, and Dracula happened to be out in the Paris Metro. Hmm.
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And a Dracula poster out in front of the Baker Street Music Hall.
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Out in CityWalk, a Jurassic Park store has opened in Production Central.
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Not as fancy as the one in Orlando, so no awesome photo op.
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But the merchandise is fantastic.
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I think I need that yellow shirt.
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As I mentioned, we ate at Toothsome for the first time since media night, it was quite yummy.
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We were so full we didn't get dessert, next time.

Related Videos

Related Updates
  • Universal Studios Hollywood Update - HHN, Universal Plaza and More - May 22, 2023
  • Super Nintendo World from Construction to Reality - February 27, 2023
  • Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Preview at CityWalk LA - January 30, 2023
  • Super Nintendo World Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood Update - January 9, 2023
  • Trip Report: First Visit to Universal Orlando Resort since 2006 - October 27, 2022


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Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Preview at CityWalk LA

1/30/2023

 
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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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€‹

Super Nintendo World Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood Update

1/9/2023

 
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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