Springfield getting closer to opening at Universal Studios Hollywood

We have a HUGE week this week with a Dollywood update and the Fury 325 Media Day coming up, but we figured we owed you all another Universal Hollywood update after the Blue update from last week. (click the link if you missed it). 
We had heard rumors of the walls coming down around Springfield, but that turned out to not be the case during our visit. 
We also have an opening date for Fast and Furious and other park updates for you. 

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Pictures and Words by Gregg Condon

Today we'll start off with Springfield, which is "rumored" to have soft openings as soon as this weekend. If we hear anything we'll be sure to pass it along. 

Phineas Q. Butterfat's Ice Cream Parlor has it's sign and facade up and it looks great. 

This side of Springfield has definitely gotten most of the attention this week. 

From up above. In this area you can get your Ice Cream, Duff Beer and Taco's from the Taco Truck. Sold!!! 

A closer look at the Taco Truck

ICE CREAM!!!! 

The other side of Springfield is getting minor touch up's. 

Hi Everybody!!! 

Boogie Fever!! 

An aerial view, so excited for this. Apparently all of this scaffolding is now down as of Sunday (3/22). 

Wonder what kinds of baseball cards they'll have here. 

Lard Lad!! 

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Moving over to Hogsmeade, the exteriors of the theme park side look like they are close to being done. Sadly we'll just have completed buildings to look at for the next year or so as they concentrate on the other side soon. 

Looking through the arch, lots of fun stuff to look at

Three Broomsticks. Still not sure about that transition from Springfield to Hogsmeade. 

Moving over to Forbidden Journey, the shell for the Great Hall is starting to go up. 

More stuff that will be covered in other stuff. 

An overview of the area

Back on the other side, look at all that stuff in there. And you can see all the way to Hogwarts in the distance. 

From outside the park, all you are going to see from this angle is the top of Hogwarts and the show building for Forbidden Journey. 

Lots more themed pieces ready to go up on various places. 

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We finally have an opening date for Fast and Furious: Supercharged, the new attraction will open on June 25th. So still a few months away. You can read the full press release here. 

There's also a cool behind the scenes video from the park that you can view below. 

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Jurassic Park recently returned from it's rehab so we figured we'd get some shots of the ride to see if anything is different. 

The ride has received a nice freshening up and looks great. 

All of the animatronics are looking great and everything seems to be working well except for the falling truck, which, lets face it, is probably never coming back. 

I've gotta be honest, not sure if this mist before the final drop is an element that just hasn't been working in forever or if it's entirely new ... either way it was really cool and added to the effect of the T-Rex coming out since you couldn't see him at all until you were about to drop. Which adds to the ride immensely. 

I'm gonna grab your boat with my tiny arms!!! 

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A couple of random park notes: Home and Family was taping as well as Mr. Robinson, whatever that is. Also a commercial on Colonial Street. Maybe they can talk about that commercial for the next 10 years instead of Desperate Housewives. =)

According to the Tommy's Facebook page the location at CityWalk will be closing. While I'm personally not a fan of chains at CityWalk this is apparently a pretty popular dining spot for employees. 
Hopefully something non-chain but equally priced/useful for both employees and visitors will be taking it's place. 

Citywalk is also promoting Furious 7 which opens April 3. 

Lastly, a look at the new parking structure. It's coming along very well. 

That's going to wrap it up for this update, we'll be sure to keep our ears perked for any news of Springfield Soft Openings so we can pass it along. Not sure if we'll be able to make it out if it does happen this week, but we will certainly try. 

Have a great week everybody and be sure to check back tomorrow for Dollywood and Wednesday for Fury 325 Media Day!! 

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