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Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California. About 70% of the studio lies within the unincorporated county island known as Universal City while the rest lies within the city limits of Los Angeles, California. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. Its official marketing headline is "The Entertainment Capital of LA".[2] It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios sets and is the first of many full-fledged Universal Studios Theme Parks located across the world.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Entrance to the theme park
LocationUniversal City, California
Coordinates34°08′11″N 118°21′22″W / 34.136518°N 118.356051°W / 34.136518; -118.356051
StatusOperating
OpenedApril 30, 1912 (1912-04-30) (as a movie studio)
March 15, 1915 (1915-03-15) (L.A. studio lot)
July 15, 1964 (1964-07-15) (as a theme park)[1]
OwnerNBCUniversal
(Comcast)
Operated byUniversal Destinations & Experiences
ThemeShow business and Universal entertainment
SloganThe Entertainment Capital of LA[2]
Attractions
Total10
Roller coasters2
WebsiteOfficial website
Aerial view

Outside the theme park, a new, all-digital facility near the Universal Pictures backlot was built in an effort to merge all of NBCUniversal's West Coast operations into one area. As a result, the current home for KNBC, KVEA and NBC News with Noticias Telemundo Los Angeles Bureaus with new digital facility is on the Universal lot formerly occupied by Technicolor SA. Universal City includes hotels Universal Hilton & Towers, the Sheraton Universal Hotel, and Universal CityWalk, which offers a collection of shops, restaurants, an 18-screen Universal Cinema and a seven-story IMAX theater. In 2017, the park hosted 9.056 million guests, ranking it 15th in the world and 9th among North American parks.[3]

History edit

The first studio tour edit

In 1914, German American immigrant Carl Laemmle bought the Taylor Ranch in the San Fernando Valley and founded Universal City as a gigantic studio with a zoo, its own police and mayor and native Americans living on the premises. On March 14, 1915, Laemmle opened Universal Studios in a two-day grand opening event with 10,000 attendees.[4] He later invited the general public to see all the action for an admission fee of just five cents, which also included a boxed lunch with chicken. There was also a chance to buy fresh produce, since then-rural Universal City was still in part a working farm. This original tour was discontinued around 1930, due to the advent of sound films and the stages being not sufficiently soundproofed.[1]

Backlot fires edit

Universal Studios Hollywood's backlot has been damaged by fire nine times throughout its history.[5] The first was in 1932, when embers from a nearby brush fire were blown toward the back lot, causing four movie sets to be destroyed and resulting in over $100,000 damage.[6] Seventeen years later, in 1949, another brush fire caused the complete destruction of one building and damage to two others.[7] In 1957, the New York street film studio set was destroyed by an arson fire, causing a half-million dollars in damage.[8] Ten years later, in 1967, twice as much damage was done when the Little Europe area and part of Spartacus Square was destroyed. It also destroyed the European, Denver and Laramie street sets.[9] In 1987, the remaining portion of Spartacus Square was destroyed along with street sets and other buildings. As with the 1957 fire, this was suspected to be the result of an arsonist.[10] Just three years later, another fire was deliberately started in the back lot. The New York Street set, the Ben Hur set and the majority of Courthouse Square were destroyed.[11] In 1997, the seventh fire occurred at the back lot.[5] A portion of Courthouse Square was again destroyed, though most survived.[12]

2008 fire edit

 
The Courthouse facade is visible to the left of the smoke plume from the 2008 fire.

The most damage was done on June 1, 2008 when a three alarm fire broke out on the back lot of Universal Studios.[13] The fire started when a worker was using a blowtorch to warm asphalt shingles being applied to a facade.[14][15] The Los Angeles County Fire Department had reported that Brownstone Street, New York Street, New England Street, the King Kong attraction, some structures that make up Courthouse Square, and the Video Vault had burned down (not to be confused with the actual Film Vault; the Video Vault contains duplicates of Universal's film library). Aerial news footage captured the Courthouse building surviving fire for the third time in its history, with only the west side of it being slightly charred. Over 516 firefighters[15] from various local fire departments, as well as two helicopters dropping water, had responded to the fire. Fourteen firefighters and three Los Angeles County sheriffs' deputies sustained minor injuries. The fire was put out after twelve hours, during which time firefighters encountered low water pressure.

Destroyed were 40,000 to 50,000 archived digital video and film copies chronicling Universal's movie and TV show history, dating back to the 1920s, including the films Knocked Up and Atonement, the NBC series Law & Order, The Office, and Miami Vice, and CBS's I Love Lucy.[16][17][18]

Universal president Ron Meyer stated "Nothing irreplaceable was lost. We have duplicates of everything that was lost."[19]

Several days after the fire, it was reported that the King Kong attraction would not be rebuilt and would eventually be replaced by a new attraction that had yet to be announced.[20] In August 2008, Universal changed its position and announced plans to rebuild the King Kong attraction, basing the new attraction on the 2005 film adaptation.

It emerged only in June 2019, in an article published by The New York Times that the fire had totally destroyed Building 6197, a warehouse adjoining the King Kong attraction, which housed a video vault and, significantly, a huge archive of analog audio master tapes belonging to Universal Music Group (UMG).[13] The collection included the master tape catalogues of various labels acquired by Universal over the years, including Chess, Decca, MCA, Geffen, Interscope, A&M, Impulse, and a host of subsidiary labels.[13] Estimates of the individual items lost range from 118,000 to 175,000 album and 45rpm single master tapes, gramophone master discs, lacquers and acetates, as well as all the documentation contained in the tape boxes.[13] Many of the tapes destroyed contained unreleased recordings such as outtakes, alternate versions of released material, and instrumental 'submaster' multitracks created for subsequent dubbing and mixdown to the final master tape. Randy Aronson, who was manager of the vault at the time of the fire, estimates that as many as 500,000 individual song titles were lost.[13]

Among the losses were all of Decca's masters from the 1930s to the 1950s and most of the original Chess masters which included artists such as Chuck Berry, Otis Redding, Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, and most of the John Coltrane's master tapes from his later career on Impulse Records; the Chess, Coltrane and Impulse Records recordings were later confirmed to have survived.[13] In a statement issued on June 11, 2019, UMG disputed The New York Times article saying it contained "numerous inaccuracies", as well as "fundamental misunderstandings of the scope of the incident and affected assets," but was unable to publicly disclose details due to "constraints".[21]

Following the publication of the New York Times story, Questlove of The Roots confirmed that the master tapes for two of the band's albums, including unused material and multi-track recordings, were lost in the fire.[22] Similarly, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic said he believed the masters for the band's 1991 album Nevermind were "gone forever" as a result of the fire.[23] Representatives for R.E.M. announced they would investigate the effects the fire may have had on the band's archival materials, while Hole, Steely Dan, Rosanne Cash and Geoff Downes made statements on their possible losses from the fire.[23][24]

A representative for Eminem confirmed that the rapper's master recordings were digitized months before the fire, but did not confirm whether the physical master reels of his recordings were affected.[25] UMG archivist Patrick Kraus assured that the Impulse Records, John Coltrane, Muddy Waters, Ahmad Jamal, Nashboro Records, and Chess Records masters survived the fire and were still in Universal's archive.[26]

Park development edit

Shortly after Music Corporation of America (MCA) took over Universal Pictures in 1962, accountants suggested a new tour in the studio commissary would increase profits. On July 15, 1964, the modern tour was established to include a series of dressing room walk-throughs, peeks at actual production, and later, staged events.[1] This grew over the years into a full-blown theme park. The narrated tram tour (formerly "Glamor Trams"[27]) still runs through the studio's active backlot, but the staged events, stunt demonstrations and high-tech rides overshadow the motion-picture production that once lured fans to Universal Studios Hollywood.[1][28]

In 1965, the War Lord Tower opened as one of the first attractions in the theme park. One of the early struggles for Universal was coming up with things for young children to do. The existing small Ma & Pa Kettle Petting Zoo was expanded into the Ark Park. This area encompassed the Mt. Ararat petting zoo with over 200 animals and birds representing 30 species and a Noah's Nursery and a Noah's Love Inn playhouse for children and animals.[29] This was followed by the opening of the Animal Actors' School Stage in 1970. In 1968, the Screen Actors Guild enacted a rule prohibiting visitors from most soundstages. This new rule, coupled with more productions being shot on location, meant the backlot tram tour could not show visitors much in the way of real movie and television production. Jay Stein, President of the Recreation Division, championed the idea of creating exciting experiences for visitors in place of viewing actual production. Later that same year, the Flash Flood set was opened and this first special-effects attraction proved to be a hit. 20,000 gallons of water rushed 200 feet down a narrow Mexican village street, uprooting an old tree and threatening to engulf the tram. The Parting of the Red Sea attraction opened in 1973.[29] In 1974, the Rockslide staged event was added to the Studio Tour. The following year, The Land of a Thousand Faces opened on the Upper Lot. In 1979, the Battle of Galactica replaced Rockslide as a staged event on the Studio Tour. In 1989's The Wizard, it was the site of the fictional Video Armageddon competition which gave way to the Nintendo World Championships held in 1990.

The Flintstones Show opened, replacing the Star Trek Adventure. In 1991, E.T. Adventure opened as the park's first "dark ride," an industry term for an attraction that uses ride vehicles to take passengers through an indoor show building. Around the same time, sister park Universal Studios Florida opened, which had its own, similar E.T. attraction. The Florida version was more of a conventional theme park and paved the way for the Hollywood park's evolution. In 1993, Back to the Future: The Ride opened, replacing Battle of Galactica. In 1996, Jurassic Park: The Ride opened. In 1997, two shows were replaced: The Land Before Time show replaced Rocky and Bullwinkle Live; and Totally Nickelodeon replaced the Flintstones Show. Just one year after it opened, the Land Before Time show was replaced with Coke Soak. In 1999, T2-3D: Battle Across Time and a Chicken Run Walkthrough opened on the upper lot. Additionally, Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue was closed.

In 2000, the Rugrats Magic Adventure replaced Totally Nickelodeon. In 2001, the Nickelodeon Blast Zone opened. Also in 2001, Animal Planet Live replaced the Animal Actors' School Stage. In 2003, Universal Studios Hollywood closed E.T. Adventure to make way for Revenge of the Mummy, which opened in 2004. The following year, Fear Factor Live replaced Spider-Man Rocks. In 2007, Universal's House of Horrors opened, replacing Van Helsing: Fortress Dracula. Both Back to the Future: The Ride and Lucy: A Tribute were closed, being replaced in 2008 by The Simpsons Ride and the Universal Story Museum respectively. Also in 2008, the Nickelodeon Blast Zone was re-branded to the Adventures of Curious George. In 2009, Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical replaced Fear Factor Live in the Upper Lot.

In 2010, the Special Effects Stages and Backdraft attractions were closed to make way for Transformers: The Ride 3D, which was announced in 2008 (Special Effects Stages was moved to the former Creature From The Black Lagoon building and reopened as Special Effects Stage).[30] King Kong 360 3-D also opened. On May 24, 2012, Transformers: The Ride 3D opened on the Lower Lot.[30] On December 31, 2012, Universal Studios Hollywood closed T2-3D: Battle Across Time for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the attraction at Universal Studios Florida, which opened on April 12, 2014.[31]

In April 2014, the park announced Springfield: a new dining complex to be built around the Simpsons Ride. The new eateries feature "signature eateries from Krusty Burger to Luigi's Pizza and Phineas Q. Butterfat's 5,600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor to iconic watering holes like Moe's Tavern and Duff's Brewery".[32] It opened on March 28, 2015.

On May 7, 2015, Universal Studios announced it formed a partnership with Nintendo to create attractions and merchandises based on Mario and other Nintendo characters.[33] The following year, the area was called "Super Nintendo World", and was confirmed that it would come to Universal Studios Japan in 2020[34] as well as Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood later on.[35]

On August 13, 2017, Shrek 4-D was closed after 14 years to make way for the DreamWorks Theatre attraction.

The International Broadcast Center (IBC) and main press center (MPC) will be located at Universal Studios Hollywood during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.[36]

On September 3, 2018, Jurassic Park: The Ride was closed and refurbished to become Jurassic World: The Ride, which opened on July 12, 2019.[37]

On April 10, 2019, the park announced The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!, an attraction based on The Secret Life of Pets.[38] The attraction was set to open on March 27, 2020, adjacent to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.[39] However, Universal announced a temporary closure starting on March 14, 2020 to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.[40] On March 5, 2021, it was announced that Universal Studios Hollywood could reopen with reduced capacity beginning April 1, 2021.[41][42] At the end of March, it was announced that the park would reopen to California residents on April 16, 2021.[43] Universal also announced that The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! ride would be open to the public on that day, together with a new, fully articulated version of the Indominus Rex on Jurassic World: The Ride.[43][44]

On March 10, 2022, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that its version of Super Nintendo World would open in 2023.[45][46] On December 14, 2022, Universal officially announced that the land would open in Hollywood on February 17, 2023. The area soft-opened under technical rehearsals for reserved-guests on January 12, 2023, and officially opened as planned on February 17, 2023, about a month and a half before the release of Universal/Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie.[47]

On July 12, 2023, it was announced that a Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster was being built.[48][49][50]

Areas and attractions edit

Universal Studios Hollywood is split into two areas on different levels, connected by a series of escalators called the Starway. These areas are known as the Upper lot and Lower lot. As of 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood contains ten rides, seven shows, and two play areas. Each lot features a collection of rides, shows and attractions as well as food, beverage, and merchandise shops.[51][52][53][54]

Upper Lot edit

The Upper Lot consists of a variety of family-based attractions. The theming of the Upper Lot includes a Mission Revival entrance pathway, known as Universal Boulevard, that features the large Universal Plaza that opened in 2013. There are not as many fully themed lands as there are small environments linked together with a common Art Deco theme that reflects the glamour of Old Hollywood. Universal Boulevard is home to Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular, and the DreamWorks Theatre, the latter which currently serves as the main location for Kung Fu Panda Adventure, a slightly modified version of Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness from Motiongate Dubai.

Attraction Attraction type Description Height requirements
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Motion simulator Guests are transformed into minions and undergo training by navigating an obstacle course. Meanwhile, Gru's daughters try to give Gru a present to commemorate the anniversary of their adoption. Minimum 40" (102 cm). Children 40-48″ (102-122 cm) must be accompanied by supervising companion (14 years or older)
Silly Swirly Fun Ride Aerial carousel Family-friendly carnival ride spins to give guests a 360-degree view of "Super Silly Fun Land". Children under 48" (122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion
Super Silly Fun Land Play area A large outdoor wet and dry play area themed to the Despicable Me franchise. It replaced the Coke Soak attraction in 2012. None
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash Dark ride Themed to The Secret Life of Pets franchise, guests are transformed into lost puppies as they go on a journey through the streets of New York City in search of a new home.[55][56] Minimum 34" (86 cm). Children under 48″ (122 cm) must be accompanied by supervising companion
Studio Tour Tram ride The tour of the Universal Studios back lot, which features backdrops and sets used in many of their films, including NBC shows. Also includes attractions King Kong: 360 3-D, Earthquake: The Big One, Jaws Encounter, and Fast & Furious: Supercharged. None
DreamWorks Theatre Film Themed around characters featured in films from DreamWorks Animation. Currently showing Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest. None
The Simpsons Ride Motion simulator The Simpsons visit Krustyland to try out the new roller-coaster but things go wrong as Sideshow Bob tries to sabotage the ride.[57] Minimum 40" (102 cm)
Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular Stunt show A woman arrives with news of a "Dryland", but rival "smokers" attack on jet skis and boats until a Mariner arrives to fight them off. Jet-skiers and boats, stunt fights, a crashing plane, pyrotechnics.[58] None

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter edit

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter soft-opened February 12, 2016, and officially opened April 7, 2016,[59][60] and is the largest themed area in the Upper Lot, featuring the animatronic and screen-based thrill ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which is housed in a replica Hogwarts castle, featuring actual props from the films in the queue. In addition, this area includes the family-friendly roller coaster Flight of the Hippogriff, and the interactive Ollivander's Wand Show where a wand picks a witch or a wizard. Two live shows, Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally, are featured on the outdoor stage. In addition to attractions, the themed area features multiple shops, a Hogwarts Express train picture spot, The Three Broomsticks restaurant, and a variety of outdoor vending carts selling food and drink. Souvenirs and food based on the books and films are sold in the area too.[61]

Attraction Attraction type Description Height requirements
Flight of the Hippogriff Roller Coaster Learn the proper way to approach a Hippogriff before you take off on a family-friendly coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and swoops past Hagrid's hut.[62] Minimum 39 inches (99 cm). Children between 39–48 inches (99–122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Dark ride Make your way through the classrooms of Hogwarts. Then soar above the castle grounds on a ground breaking new ride that lets you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettable thrilling adventure.[62] Minimum 48 inches (120 cm)
Ollivander’s Wand Show Interactive experience and gift shop Step inside this small, dusty shop and choose from an array of Ollivanders wands, or purchase replicas of the Harry Potter film characters' wands, Collectible wand sets and more. None
Frog Choir Live show This outdoor live show features students of Hogwarts with their singing frogs. None
Triwizard Spirit Rally Live show Sharing a stage with the Frog choir, this themed show features men performing martial arts moves and gymnastics with sticks. None

Lower Lot edit

The Lower Lot is the smaller of the two lots. There are four rides at this section of the park that each have height restrictions. It features Jurassic World: The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Transformers: The Ride 3D.[30][63][54]

Jurassic World: The Ride, is a water adventure ride that takes visitors through the events of the film Jurassic World, ending with an 84-foot (25.6-meter) drop. Outside the ride stands the Raptor Encounter, a show that happens throughout the day, and the Dino Play jungle gym area for children too small to ride. Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride is a high speed indoor roller coaster transporting guests through moments reminiscent of the 1999 Mummy franchise. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is an interactive dark ride attraction featuring augmented reality technology based on the Mario Kart franchise, which is located inside of Super Nintendo World. Transformers: The Ride 3D uses high tech technology to simulate a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons with 4K-3D screens and flight simulator ride vehicles. The Lower Lot also features several gift shops and quick service restaurants.[51]

Attraction Attraction type Description Height requirements
Jurassic World: The Ride Shoot the Chute A water adventure ride that takes guests through the events of Jurassic World. Minimum 42 inches (110 cm). Children 42–48 inches (110–120 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride Enclosed roller coaster An indoor steel roller coaster that accelerates to 45 miles (72 kimometers) per hour. Features forward motion and backwards motion. Minimum 48 inches (120 cm)
Transformers: The Ride 3D 3D dark ride A dark ride where the rider's task is to protect the AllSpark from the clutches of Megatron and his cohorts as the car travels through the streets and skyscrapers of Chicago.[64] Minimum 40 inches (100 cm). Children 40–48 inches (100–120 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Raptor Encounter Live performance and character photos A live show performed outside the Jurassic World attraction featuring a "raptor handler" and a velociraptor.[65][66] None
DinoPlay Play area An interactive play area with fossils, cargo nets, ladders and slides. None
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge Augmented reality dark ride An interactive dark ride attraction featuring augmented reality technology based on the Mario Kart franchise. Minimum 40 inches (100 cm). Maximum waistline of 40 inches.[67] Children 40–48 inches (100–120 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.[68]
Power-Up Band Key Challenges Interactive experiences Several mini-attractions where guests can interact with Mario enemies and Bowser Jr. These require the separately sold "Power-Up Bands". None

Attendance edit

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Worldwide rank
4,308,000[69] 5,040,000[70] 5,141,000[70] 5,912,000[3] 6,148,000[3] 6,824,000[71] 7,097,000[72] 8,086,000[73] 9,056,000[74] 9,147,000[75] 9,150,000[76] 15

Annual events edit

Halloween Horror Nights edit

It is Universal's Halloween-themed annual event that lasts for a month and half at both Hollywood and Orlando parks.[77]

In 2023, Universal Studio Hollywood featured eight scary haunted houses including: The Last of Us,[78] Stranger Things, and The Exorcist: Believer.[79][80]It also included the popular Terror Tram.[81] In the Halloween Horror Nights on 2023 at Universal Studio Hollywood, two new live experiences were added, Blumhouse: Behind the Scenes and The Purge: Dangerous Waters.[81][82]

Public transportation edit

 
Universal Studios Hollywood is served by the Metro B line at Universal City/Studio City.

Universal Studios Hollywood can easily be accessed by public transportation at Universal City/Studio City. The Metro B line subway train runs between Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, Westlake, Koreatown, East Hollywood, and Hollywood.

Passengers can also arrive at the entrance of the theme park entrance by several Metro bus routes. Metro Local lines 150, 155, 224, and 240 stop at Lankershim Blvd & Universal Center Drive (front entrance). Metro Local line 165 and Metro Shuttle line 656 Owl stop farther away from the entrance, at Ventura and Lankershim Boulevards. At the front entrance (Universal Center Dr. & Lankershim Blvd), there is a free shuttle tram which takes the passengers directly towards the theme park entrance.

Awards edit

In 2021, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood won the award for 'Outstanding Attraction' at the Themed Entertainment Association's (TEA) Thea Awards.[83][84]

In 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood's attraction Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge received the 'Best New Family Attraction' at the Golden Ticket Awards.[85]

See also edit

References edit

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External links edit

  • Official website  
  • Universal Studios Hollywood at the Roller Coaster DataBase
  •   Universal Studios Hollywood travel guide from Wikivoyage

universal, studios, hollywood, film, studio, theme, park, fernando, valley, area, angeles, county, california, about, studio, lies, within, unincorporated, county, island, known, universal, city, while, rest, lies, within, city, limits, angeles, california, ol. Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County California About 70 of the studio lies within the unincorporated county island known as Universal City while the rest lies within the city limits of Los Angeles California It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use Its official marketing headline is The Entertainment Capital of LA 2 It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios sets and is the first of many full fledged Universal Studios Theme Parks located across the world Universal Studios HollywoodEntrance to the theme parkLocationUniversal City CaliforniaCoordinates34 08 11 N 118 21 22 W 34 136518 N 118 356051 W 34 136518 118 356051StatusOperatingOpenedApril 30 1912 1912 04 30 as a movie studio March 15 1915 1915 03 15 L A studio lot July 15 1964 1964 07 15 as a theme park 1 OwnerNBCUniversal Comcast Operated byUniversal Destinations amp ExperiencesThemeShow business and Universal entertainmentSloganThe Entertainment Capital of LA 2 AttractionsTotal10Roller coasters2WebsiteOfficial websiteAerial viewOutside the theme park a new all digital facility near the Universal Pictures backlot was built in an effort to merge all of NBCUniversal s West Coast operations into one area As a result the current home for KNBC KVEA and NBC News with Noticias Telemundo Los Angeles Bureaus with new digital facility is on the Universal lot formerly occupied by Technicolor SA Universal City includes hotels Universal Hilton amp Towers the Sheraton Universal Hotel and Universal CityWalk which offers a collection of shops restaurants an 18 screen Universal Cinema and a seven story IMAX theater In 2017 the park hosted 9 056 million guests ranking it 15th in the world and 9th among North American parks 3 Contents 1 History 1 1 The first studio tour 1 2 Backlot fires 1 2 1 2008 fire 1 3 Park development 2 Areas and attractions 2 1 Upper Lot 2 1 1 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2 2 Lower Lot 3 Attendance 4 Annual events 4 1 Halloween Horror Nights 5 Public transportation 6 Awards 7 See also 8 References 9 External linksHistory editSee also Universal Studios Lot The first studio tour edit In 1914 German American immigrant Carl Laemmle bought the Taylor Ranch in the San Fernando Valley and founded Universal City as a gigantic studio with a zoo its own police and mayor and native Americans living on the premises On March 14 1915 Laemmle opened Universal Studios in a two day grand opening event with 10 000 attendees 4 He later invited the general public to see all the action for an admission fee of just five cents which also included a boxed lunch with chicken There was also a chance to buy fresh produce since then rural Universal City was still in part a working farm This original tour was discontinued around 1930 due to the advent of sound films and the stages being not sufficiently soundproofed 1 Backlot fires edit Universal Studios Hollywood s backlot has been damaged by fire nine times throughout its history 5 The first was in 1932 when embers from a nearby brush fire were blown toward the back lot causing four movie sets to be destroyed and resulting in over 100 000 damage 6 Seventeen years later in 1949 another brush fire caused the complete destruction of one building and damage to two others 7 In 1957 the New York street film studio set was destroyed by an arson fire causing a half million dollars in damage 8 Ten years later in 1967 twice as much damage was done when the Little Europe area and part of Spartacus Square was destroyed It also destroyed the European Denver and Laramie street sets 9 In 1987 the remaining portion of Spartacus Square was destroyed along with street sets and other buildings As with the 1957 fire this was suspected to be the result of an arsonist 10 Just three years later another fire was deliberately started in the back lot The New York Street set the Ben Hur set and the majority of Courthouse Square were destroyed 11 In 1997 the seventh fire occurred at the back lot 5 A portion of Courthouse Square was again destroyed though most survived 12 2008 fire edit Main article 2008 Universal Studios fire nbsp The Courthouse facade is visible to the left of the smoke plume from the 2008 fire The most damage was done on June 1 2008 when a three alarm fire broke out on the back lot of Universal Studios 13 The fire started when a worker was using a blowtorch to warm asphalt shingles being applied to a facade 14 15 The Los Angeles County Fire Department had reported that Brownstone Street New York Street New England Street the King Kong attraction some structures that make up Courthouse Square and the Video Vault had burned down not to be confused with the actual Film Vault the Video Vault contains duplicates of Universal s film library Aerial news footage captured the Courthouse building surviving fire for the third time in its history with only the west side of it being slightly charred Over 516 firefighters 15 from various local fire departments as well as two helicopters dropping water had responded to the fire Fourteen firefighters and three Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies sustained minor injuries The fire was put out after twelve hours during which time firefighters encountered low water pressure Destroyed were 40 000 to 50 000 archived digital video and film copies chronicling Universal s movie and TV show history dating back to the 1920s including the films Knocked Up and Atonement the NBC series Law amp Order The Office and Miami Vice and CBS s I Love Lucy 16 17 18 Universal president Ron Meyer stated Nothing irreplaceable was lost We have duplicates of everything that was lost 19 Several days after the fire it was reported that the King Kong attraction would not be rebuilt and would eventually be replaced by a new attraction that had yet to be announced 20 In August 2008 Universal changed its position and announced plans to rebuild the King Kong attraction basing the new attraction on the 2005 film adaptation It emerged only in June 2019 in an article published by The New York Times that the fire had totally destroyed Building 6197 a warehouse adjoining the King Kong attraction which housed a video vault and significantly a huge archive of analog audio master tapes belonging to Universal Music Group UMG 13 The collection included the master tape catalogues of various labels acquired by Universal over the years including Chess Decca MCA Geffen Interscope A amp M Impulse and a host of subsidiary labels 13 Estimates of the individual items lost range from 118 000 to 175 000 album and 45rpm single master tapes gramophone master discs lacquers and acetates as well as all the documentation contained in the tape boxes 13 Many of the tapes destroyed contained unreleased recordings such as outtakes alternate versions of released material and instrumental submaster multitracks created for subsequent dubbing and mixdown to the final master tape Randy Aronson who was manager of the vault at the time of the fire estimates that as many as 500 000 individual song titles were lost 13 Among the losses were all of Decca s masters from the 1930s to the 1950s and most of the original Chess masters which included artists such as Chuck Berry Otis Redding Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf and most of the John Coltrane s master tapes from his later career on Impulse Records the Chess Coltrane and Impulse Records recordings were later confirmed to have survived 13 In a statement issued on June 11 2019 UMG disputed The New York Times article saying it contained numerous inaccuracies as well as fundamental misunderstandings of the scope of the incident and affected assets but was unable to publicly disclose details due to constraints 21 Following the publication of the New York Times story Questlove of The Roots confirmed that the master tapes for two of the band s albums including unused material and multi track recordings were lost in the fire 22 Similarly Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic said he believed the masters for the band s 1991 album Nevermind were gone forever as a result of the fire 23 Representatives for R E M announced they would investigate the effects the fire may have had on the band s archival materials while Hole Steely Dan Rosanne Cash and Geoff Downes made statements on their possible losses from the fire 23 24 A representative for Eminem confirmed that the rapper s master recordings were digitized months before the fire but did not confirm whether the physical master reels of his recordings were affected 25 UMG archivist Patrick Kraus assured that the Impulse Records John Coltrane Muddy Waters Ahmad Jamal Nashboro Records and Chess Records masters survived the fire and were still in Universal s archive 26 Park development edit Shortly after Music Corporation of America MCA took over Universal Pictures in 1962 accountants suggested a new tour in the studio commissary would increase profits On July 15 1964 the modern tour was established to include a series of dressing room walk throughs peeks at actual production and later staged events 1 This grew over the years into a full blown theme park The narrated tram tour formerly Glamor Trams 27 still runs through the studio s active backlot but the staged events stunt demonstrations and high tech rides overshadow the motion picture production that once lured fans to Universal Studios Hollywood 1 28 In 1965 the War Lord Tower opened as one of the first attractions in the theme park One of the early struggles for Universal was coming up with things for young children to do The existing small Ma amp Pa Kettle Petting Zoo was expanded into the Ark Park This area encompassed the Mt Ararat petting zoo with over 200 animals and birds representing 30 species and a Noah s Nursery and a Noah s Love Inn playhouse for children and animals 29 This was followed by the opening of the Animal Actors School Stage in 1970 In 1968 the Screen Actors Guild enacted a rule prohibiting visitors from most soundstages This new rule coupled with more productions being shot on location meant the backlot tram tour could not show visitors much in the way of real movie and television production Jay Stein President of the Recreation Division championed the idea of creating exciting experiences for visitors in place of viewing actual production Later that same year the Flash Flood set was opened and this first special effects attraction proved to be a hit 20 000 gallons of water rushed 200 feet down a narrow Mexican village street uprooting an old tree and threatening to engulf the tram The Parting of the Red Sea attraction opened in 1973 29 In 1974 the Rockslide staged event was added to the Studio Tour The following year The Land of a Thousand Faces opened on the Upper Lot In 1979 the Battle of Galactica replaced Rockslide as a staged event on the Studio Tour In 1989 s The Wizard it was the site of the fictional Video Armageddon competition which gave way to the Nintendo World Championships held in 1990 The Flintstones Show opened replacing the Star Trek Adventure In 1991 E T Adventure opened as the park s first dark ride an industry term for an attraction that uses ride vehicles to take passengers through an indoor show building Around the same time sister park Universal Studios Florida opened which had its own similar E T attraction The Florida version was more of a conventional theme park and paved the way for the Hollywood park s evolution In 1993 Back to the Future The Ride opened replacing Battle of Galactica In 1996 Jurassic Park The Ride opened In 1997 two shows were replaced The Land Before Time show replaced Rocky and Bullwinkle Live and Totally Nickelodeon replaced the Flintstones Show Just one year after it opened the Land Before Time show was replaced with Coke Soak In 1999 T2 3D Battle Across Time and a Chicken Run Walkthrough opened on the upper lot Additionally Beetlejuice s Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue was closed In 2000 the Rugrats Magic Adventure replaced Totally Nickelodeon In 2001 the Nickelodeon Blast Zone opened Also in 2001 Animal Planet Live replaced the Animal Actors School Stage In 2003 Universal Studios Hollywood closed E T Adventure to make way for Revenge of the Mummy which opened in 2004 The following year Fear Factor Live replaced Spider Man Rocks In 2007 Universal s House of Horrors opened replacing Van Helsing Fortress Dracula Both Back to the Future The Ride and Lucy A Tribute were closed being replaced in 2008 by The Simpsons Ride and the Universal Story Museum respectively Also in 2008 the Nickelodeon Blast Zone was re branded to the Adventures of Curious George In 2009 Creature from the Black Lagoon The Musical replaced Fear Factor Live in the Upper Lot In 2010 the Special Effects Stages and Backdraft attractions were closed to make way for Transformers The Ride 3D which was announced in 2008 Special Effects Stages was moved to the former Creature From The Black Lagoon building and reopened as Special Effects Stage 30 King Kong 360 3 D also opened On May 24 2012 Transformers The Ride 3D opened on the Lower Lot 30 On December 31 2012 Universal Studios Hollywood closed T2 3D Battle Across Time for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem the attraction at Universal Studios Florida which opened on April 12 2014 31 In April 2014 the park announced Springfield a new dining complex to be built around the Simpsons Ride The new eateries feature signature eateries from Krusty Burger to Luigi s Pizza and Phineas Q Butterfat s 5 600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor to iconic watering holes like Moe s Tavern and Duff s Brewery 32 It opened on March 28 2015 On May 7 2015 Universal Studios announced it formed a partnership with Nintendo to create attractions and merchandises based on Mario and other Nintendo characters 33 The following year the area was called Super Nintendo World and was confirmed that it would come to Universal Studios Japan in 2020 34 as well as Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood later on 35 On August 13 2017 Shrek 4 D was closed after 14 years to make way for the DreamWorks Theatre attraction The International Broadcast Center IBC and main press center MPC will be located at Universal Studios Hollywood during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles 36 On September 3 2018 Jurassic Park The Ride was closed and refurbished to become Jurassic World The Ride which opened on July 12 2019 37 On April 10 2019 the park announced The Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash an attraction based on The Secret Life of Pets 38 The attraction was set to open on March 27 2020 adjacent to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction 39 However Universal announced a temporary closure starting on March 14 2020 to combat the COVID 19 pandemic 40 On March 5 2021 it was announced that Universal Studios Hollywood could reopen with reduced capacity beginning April 1 2021 41 42 At the end of March it was announced that the park would reopen to California residents on April 16 2021 43 Universal also announced that The Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash ride would be open to the public on that day together with a new fully articulated version of the Indominus Rex on Jurassic World The Ride 43 44 On March 10 2022 Universal Studios Hollywood announced that its version of Super Nintendo World would open in 2023 45 46 On December 14 2022 Universal officially announced that the land would open in Hollywood on February 17 2023 The area soft opened under technical rehearsals for reserved guests on January 12 2023 and officially opened as planned on February 17 2023 about a month and a half before the release of Universal Illumination s The Super Mario Bros Movie 47 On July 12 2023 it was announced that a Fast amp Furious themed roller coaster was being built 48 49 50 Areas and attractions editSee also List of former Universal Studios Hollywood attractions Universal Studios Hollywood is split into two areas on different levels connected by a series of escalators called the Starway These areas are known as the Upper lot and Lower lot As of 2021 Universal Studios Hollywood contains ten rides seven shows and two play areas Each lot features a collection of rides shows and attractions as well as food beverage and merchandise shops 51 52 53 54 Upper Lot edit The Upper Lot consists of a variety of family based attractions The theming of the Upper Lot includes a Mission Revival entrance pathway known as Universal Boulevard that features the large Universal Plaza that opened in 2013 There are not as many fully themed lands as there are small environments linked together with a common Art Deco theme that reflects the glamour of Old Hollywood Universal Boulevard is home to Waterworld A Live Sea War Spectacular and the DreamWorks Theatre the latter which currently serves as the main location for Kung Fu Panda Adventure a slightly modified version of Kung Fu Panda Unstoppable Awesomeness from Motiongate Dubai Attraction Attraction type Description Height requirementsDespicable Me Minion Mayhem Motion simulator Guests are transformed into minions and undergo training by navigating an obstacle course Meanwhile Gru s daughters try to give Gru a present to commemorate the anniversary of their adoption Minimum 40 102 cm Children 40 48 102 122 cm must be accompanied by supervising companion 14 years or older Silly Swirly Fun Ride Aerial carousel Family friendly carnival ride spins to give guests a 360 degree view of Super Silly Fun Land Children under 48 122 cm must be accompanied by a supervising companionSuper Silly Fun Land Play area A large outdoor wet and dry play area themed to the Despicable Me franchise It replaced the Coke Soak attraction in 2012 NoneThe Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash Dark ride Themed to The Secret Life of Pets franchise guests are transformed into lost puppies as they go on a journey through the streets of New York City in search of a new home 55 56 Minimum 34 86 cm Children under 48 122 cm must be accompanied by supervising companionStudio Tour Tram ride The tour of the Universal Studios back lot which features backdrops and sets used in many of their films including NBC shows Also includes attractions King Kong 360 3 D Earthquake The Big One Jaws Encounter and Fast amp Furious Supercharged NoneDreamWorks Theatre Film Themed around characters featured in films from DreamWorks Animation Currently showing Kung Fu Panda The Emperor s Quest NoneThe Simpsons Ride Motion simulator The Simpsons visit Krustyland to try out the new roller coaster but things go wrong as Sideshow Bob tries to sabotage the ride 57 Minimum 40 102 cm Waterworld A Live Sea War Spectacular Stunt show A woman arrives with news of a Dryland but rival smokers attack on jet skis and boats until a Mariner arrives to fight them off Jet skiers and boats stunt fights a crashing plane pyrotechnics 58 NoneThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter edit Main article The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood The Wizarding World of Harry Potter soft opened February 12 2016 and officially opened April 7 2016 59 60 and is the largest themed area in the Upper Lot featuring the animatronic and screen based thrill ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey which is housed in a replica Hogwarts castle featuring actual props from the films in the queue In addition this area includes the family friendly roller coaster Flight of the Hippogriff and the interactive Ollivander s Wand Show where a wand picks a witch or a wizard Two live shows Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally are featured on the outdoor stage In addition to attractions the themed area features multiple shops a Hogwarts Express train picture spot The Three Broomsticks restaurant and a variety of outdoor vending carts selling food and drink Souvenirs and food based on the books and films are sold in the area too 61 Attraction Attraction type Description Height requirementsFlight of the Hippogriff Roller Coaster Learn the proper way to approach a Hippogriff before you take off on a family friendly coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch and swoops past Hagrid s hut 62 Minimum 39 inches 99 cm Children between 39 48 inches 99 122 cm must be accompanied by a supervising companion Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Dark ride Make your way through the classrooms of Hogwarts Then soar above the castle grounds on a ground breaking new ride that lets you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettable thrilling adventure 62 Minimum 48 inches 120 cm Ollivander s Wand Show Interactive experience and gift shop Step inside this small dusty shop and choose from an array of Ollivanders wands or purchase replicas of the Harry Potter film characters wands Collectible wand sets and more NoneFrog Choir Live show This outdoor live show features students of Hogwarts with their singing frogs NoneTriwizard Spirit Rally Live show Sharing a stage with the Frog choir this themed show features men performing martial arts moves and gymnastics with sticks NoneLower Lot edit The Lower Lot is the smaller of the two lots There are four rides at this section of the park that each have height restrictions It features Jurassic World The Ride Revenge of the Mummy The Ride Mario Kart Bowser s Challenge and Transformers The Ride 3D 30 63 54 Jurassic World The Ride is a water adventure ride that takes visitors through the events of the film Jurassic World ending with an 84 foot 25 6 meter drop Outside the ride stands the Raptor Encounter a show that happens throughout the day and the Dino Play jungle gym area for children too small to ride Revenge of the Mummy The Ride is a high speed indoor roller coaster transporting guests through moments reminiscent of the 1999 Mummy franchise Mario Kart Bowser s Challenge is an interactive dark ride attraction featuring augmented reality technology based on the Mario Kart franchise which is located inside of Super Nintendo World Transformers The Ride 3D uses high tech technology to simulate a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons with 4K 3D screens and flight simulator ride vehicles The Lower Lot also features several gift shops and quick service restaurants 51 Attraction Attraction type Description Height requirementsJurassic World The Ride Shoot the Chute A water adventure ride that takes guests through the events of Jurassic World Minimum 42 inches 110 cm Children 42 48 inches 110 120 cm must be accompanied by a supervising companion Revenge of the Mummy The Ride Enclosed roller coaster An indoor steel roller coaster that accelerates to 45 miles 72 kimometers per hour Features forward motion and backwards motion Minimum 48 inches 120 cm Transformers The Ride 3D 3D dark ride A dark ride where the rider s task is to protect the AllSpark from the clutches of Megatron and his cohorts as the car travels through the streets and skyscrapers of Chicago 64 Minimum 40 inches 100 cm Children 40 48 inches 100 120 cm must be accompanied by a supervising companion Raptor Encounter Live performance and character photos A live show performed outside the Jurassic World attraction featuring a raptor handler and a velociraptor 65 66 NoneDinoPlay Play area An interactive play area with fossils cargo nets ladders and slides NoneMario Kart Bowser s Challenge Augmented reality dark ride An interactive dark ride attraction featuring augmented reality technology based on the Mario Kart franchise Minimum 40 inches 100 cm Maximum waistline of 40 inches 67 Children 40 48 inches 100 120 cm must be accompanied by a supervising companion 68 Power Up Band Key Challenges Interactive experiences Several mini attractions where guests can interact with Mario enemies and Bowser Jr These require the separately sold Power Up Bands NoneAttendance edit2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Worldwide rank4 308 000 69 5 040 000 70 5 141 000 70 5 912 000 3 6 148 000 3 6 824 000 71 7 097 000 72 8 086 000 73 9 056 000 74 9 147 000 75 9 150 000 76 15Annual events editHalloween Horror Nights edit It is Universal s Halloween themed annual event that lasts for a month and half at both Hollywood and Orlando parks 77 In 2023 Universal Studio Hollywood featured eight scary haunted houses including The Last of Us 78 Stranger Things and The Exorcist Believer 79 80 It also included the popular Terror Tram 81 In the Halloween Horror Nights on 2023 at Universal Studio Hollywood two new live experiences were added Blumhouse Behind the Scenes and The Purge Dangerous Waters 81 82 Public transportation edit nbsp Universal Studios Hollywood is served by the Metro B line at Universal City Studio City Universal Studios Hollywood can easily be accessed by public transportation at Universal City Studio City The Metro B line subway train runs between Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles Westlake Koreatown East Hollywood and Hollywood Passengers can also arrive at the entrance of the theme park entrance by several Metro bus routes Metro Local lines 150 155 224 and 240 stop at Lankershim Blvd amp Universal Center Drive front entrance Metro Local line 165 and Metro Shuttle line 656 Owl stop farther away from the entrance at Ventura and Lankershim Boulevards At the front entrance Universal Center Dr amp Lankershim Blvd there is a free shuttle tram which takes the passengers directly towards the theme park entrance Awards editIn 2021 The Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood won the award for Outstanding Attraction at the Themed Entertainment Association s TEA Thea Awards 83 84 In 2023 Universal Studios Hollywood s attraction Mario Kart Bowser s Challenge received the Best New Family Attraction at the Golden Ticket Awards 85 See also edit nbsp Greater Los Angeles portal nbsp Los Angeles portal nbsp California portalUniversal Studios Lot Universal Classic MonstersReferences edit a b c d Chronology amp History of Universal Studios Hollywood The Studio Tour Archived from the original on November 16 2021 Retrieved July 9 2010 a b About Us Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on February 3 2017 Retrieved January 29 2017 a b c TEA AECOM Theme and Museum Index 2017 PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2018 Archived PDF from the original on January 5 2021 Retrieved May 17 2018 Carl Laemmle Exhibit The Inventor of Hollywood www carl laemmle presents de Retrieved July 6 2022 a b Backlot Fires The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 2 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 Actors Flee Blazing Movie Set The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 3 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 Southland Fires Halted Long Beach Independent June 22 1949 Archived from the original on March 15 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 via The Studio Tour 1957 Backlot Fire The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 3 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 1967 Backlot Fire The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 3 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 1987 Backlot Fire The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 3 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 1990 Backlot Fire The Studio Tour Archived from the original on April 12 2008 Retrieved July 9 2010 1997 Backlot Fire The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 2 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 a b c d e f Rosen Jody June 11 2019 The Day the Music Burned It was the biggest disaster in the history of the music business and almost nobody knew The New York Times Archived from the original on June 11 2019 Retrieved June 11 2019 USH 2008 Fire The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 3 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 a b Universal Studios blaze burns sets video vault CNN June 1 2008 Archived from the original on May 8 2021 Retrieved June 13 2008 Cieply Michael June 1 2008 Large Fire Strikes Universal Studio Lot The New York Times Archived from the original on June 16 2013 Retrieved May 27 2010 Risling Greg Fire at Universal Studios destroys sets videos Associated Press Archived from the original on June 4 2008 Retrieved April 13 2015 via Web Archive Nakashima Ryan Universal studios fire may cost tens of millions Web Archive Archived from the original on June 5 2008 Retrieved June 13 2008 Universal Studios fire engulfs sets video vault King Kong exhibit CBC ca June 1 2008 Archived from the original on June 14 2019 Retrieved June 12 2019 Universal Studios Hollywood to replace King Kong with new attraction Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on March 16 2009 Retrieved May 27 2010 Aswad Jem June 11 2019 Universal Music Disputes Severity of 2008 Fire Cited in New York Times Article Variety Archived from the original on June 11 2019 Retrieved June 11 2019 Hole Say They Were Never Told About Lost Recordings in Warehouse Fire Pitchfork June 11 2019 Archived from the original on June 11 2019 Retrieved June 12 2019 a b Holson Laura M June 12 2019 Musicians Mourn the Fiery Destruction of Their Recordings I Think They Are Gone Forever The New York Times Archived from the original on June 12 2019 Retrieved June 12 2019 Colburn Randall June 12 2019 Nirvana s Krist Novoselic believes Nevermind masters lost in Universal fire News Archived from the original on June 12 2019 Retrieved June 12 2019 Eminem Master Tapes Were Digitally Backed Up Just Months Before Universal Fire Report Billboard June 12 2019 Archived from the original on June 12 2019 Retrieved June 12 2019 Universal Music Group Archivist Vault Fire Damage Surprisingly Overstated But Any Loss Is Painful for Us Billboard Archived from the original on October 7 2019 Retrieved September 1 2019 GlamourTrams The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 3 2010 Retrieved July 25 2010 The Studio Tour The Studio Tour Archived from the original on August 3 2010 Retrieved July 25 2010 a b Gennawey Sam 2016 JayBangs How Jay Stein MCA and Universal invented the Modern Theme Park and Beat Disney at Its Own Game United States of America Theme Park Press p 21 ISBN 978 1683900252 a b c MacDonald Brady October 21 2008 Universal Studios Hollywood plans Transformers ride for 2011 Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on December 16 2010 Retrieved October 7 2010 Universal Studios Hollywood Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Is Coming to Universal Hollywood Get Away Today Press release Archived from the original on October 23 2020 Retrieved June 11 2019 Mirgoli Nicholous April 2014 Universal Studios Hollywood announces Springfield Food Court and Fast amp Furious Turbocharged opening in 2015 www ThemeParkOverload net Archived from the original on April 14 2014 Retrieved April 13 2014 Villas Boas Antonio May 7 2015 Nintendo s huge new deal with Universal shows just how far it ll go to turn the ship around Business Insider Archived from the original on March 6 2016 Retrieved March 6 2016 Ashcraft Biran March 5 2016 First Details on Nintendo s Universal Studios Collaboration Kotaku Archived from the original on March 6 2016 Retrieved March 5 2016 Spangler Todd November 29 2016 Nintendo Themed Areas Coming to Universal Parks Variety Archived from the original on April 15 2017 Retrieved May 2 2017 Stage 2 Governance Legal and Venue Funding PDF Los Angeles 2024 Bid Committee Archived PDF from the original on February 28 2021 Retrieved February 15 2022 BREAKING NEWS Jurassic World The Ride Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood and It Just Got Real NBCUniversal MediaVillage Retrieved July 12 2019 McNary Dave April 10 2019 Secret Life of Pets Theme Park Ride Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood Variety Archived from the original on April 12 2019 Retrieved April 13 2019 Wisel Carlye February 20 2020 The New Secret Life of Pets Ride Will Turn You Into One of the Pups Travel Leisure Archived from the original on February 28 2020 Retrieved February 28 2020 Universal Studios Hollywood Closes Over Coronavirus Fears NBC Los Angeles Archived from the original on April 11 2020 Retrieved March 12 2020 Macdonald Brady March 5 2021 Disneyland Universal and other California theme parks can reopen April 1 The Orange Country Register Archived from the original on March 5 2021 Retrieved March 5 2021 Low Elaine March 5 2021 California Theme Parks Stadiums Can Reopen With Limited Capacity on April 1 Variety Archived from the original on March 5 2021 Retrieved March 5 2021 a b Goldsmith Jill March 30 2021 Universal Studios Hollywood Will Reopen April 16 To California Residents Tickets On Sale April 8 Deadline Hollywood Archived from the original on March 31 2021 Retrieved March 31 2021 Whitten Sarah March 30 2021 Universal Studios Hollywood will reopen April 16 with new Secret Life of Pets ride CNBC Archived from the original on March 31 2021 Retrieved April 1 2021 Thompson Simon Super Nintendo World To Open At Universal Studios Hollywood In 2023 Forbes Retrieved March 10 2022 Universal Hollywood Is Already Celebrating Super Nintendo World s 2023 Opening With The Appropriate Merch CinemaBlend April 8 2022 Retrieved April 24 2022 Parker Ryan December 14 2022 Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Opening Date for Super Nintendo World PEOPLE Dotdash Meredith Retrieved December 14 2022 White Abbey July 13 2023 Universal Studios Hollywood to Get New Fast amp Furious Coaster The Hollywood Reporter Retrieved July 14 2023 New Fast amp Furious coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood Los Angeles Times Retrieved October 3 2023 Calling all speed demons Fast amp Furious roller coaster coming to Universal Studios USA Today Retrieved October 3 2023 a b Rides and Attractions Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on April 11 2021 Retrieved April 11 2021 Dining Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on July 6 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 Shopping Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on June 29 2010 Retrieved July 9 2010 a b Park Map Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on April 11 2021 Retrieved April 11 2021 Universal Studios Hollywood Los Angeles California Official Site Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on December 6 2021 Retrieved April 8 2021 DePaoli Jeff March 5 2020 Go behind the scenes of The Secret Life of Pets Off the Leash at Universal Studios Hollywood Attractions Magazine Archived from the original on April 19 2021 Retrieved April 8 2021 Levine Arthur The Simpsons Ride Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood About com Travel Archived from the original on June 27 2015 Retrieved June 26 2015 Wharton David October 12 1995 Wet Wild Saga Continues for Waterworld Universal Studios to Unveil Stunt Show Based on the Film Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on June 27 2015 Retrieved June 26 2015 Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially open at Universal Studios Hollywood Attractions Magazine Retrieved July 10 2023 A Peek Inside Harry Potter s New Hollywood World The New York Times Retrieved July 10 2023 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on April 11 2021 Retrieved April 11 2021 a b Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Universal Studios Hollywood Archived from the original on June 23 2017 Retrieved February 15 2022 Angona Dan June 12 2010 Universal Studios Hollywood Photo Update Westcoaster Archived from the original on June 18 2010 Retrieved July 10 2010 Miller Martin June 6 2012 Review Universal s Transformers ride sophisticated satisfying Hero Complex Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on August 6 2018 Retrieved February 15 2022 Jurassic World Raptor Encounter debuts at Universal Studios Hollywood encouraging dinosaur selfies Inside the Magic July 8 2015 Archived from the original on December 6 2021 Retrieved February 15 2022 Come face to face with a Velociraptor at Universal Studios Hollywood July 9 2015 Archived from the original on December 6 2021 Retrieved February 15 2022 Passy Jacob At Theme Parks You Must Be This Tall and This Thin to Ride WSJ Retrieved January 28 2023 Universal Studios Hollywood Los Angeles California Official Site Universal Studios Hollywood Retrieved January 18 2023 TEA AECOM 2009 Global Attractions Report PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2009 Archived from the original PDF on June 2 2010 Retrieved June 25 2014 a b TEA AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2011 Archived from the original PDF on October 18 2015 Retrieved June 25 2014 TEA AECOM 2014 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2015 Retrieved June 4 2015 dead link TEA AECOM 2015 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2016 Archived PDF from the original on October 5 2018 Retrieved June 3 2016 TEA AECOM 2016 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2016 Archived PDF from the original on October 24 2021 Retrieved June 7 2017 TEA AECOM 2017 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2017 Archived PDF from the original on January 5 2021 Retrieved May 18 2018 TEA AECOM 2018 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report PDF Themed Entertainment Association 2018 Archived PDF from the original on May 23 2019 Retrieved May 24 2019 Leading amusement and theme parks worldwide from 2019 to 2021 by attendance Statista Retrieved July 10 2023 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood Retrieved October 9 2023 Universal Studios Unveils The Last of Us House for 2023 Halloween Horror Nights The Hollywood Reporter Retrieved October 9 2023 Halloween Horror Nights Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood Kicking Off Southern California s Most Extreme Halloween Event 38 Select Nights from September 7 October 31 2023 Webwire Retrieved October 9 2023 New scares at Halloween Horror Nights 2023 in Hollywood Attractions Magazine Retrieved October 9 2023 a b Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood What Not to Miss from the Scariest Event Yet People Retrieved October 9 2023 Halloween Horror Nights arrive at Universal Orlando Universal Studios Hollywood USA Today Retrieved October 9 2023 Universal Attractions Beat Out Disney at Theme Park Awards Inside the Magic Retrieved September 12 2023 Universal Studios Theme Parks Win Thea and Brass Ring Awards at IAAPA Expo WDW News Today Retrieved September 12 2023 2023 GTA Winners Golden Ticket Awards Retrieved September 12 2023 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Universal Studios Hollywood Official website nbsp Universal Studios Hollywood at the Roller Coaster DataBase nbsp Universal Studios Hollywood travel guide from Wikivoyage Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Universal Studios Hollywood amp oldid 1185235169, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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