This Just In - Current USH Happenings

[Allen The Actor]

You're welcome!

USH is gonna keep getting more recognition as an amazing theme park in the years to come, and that excited me. I just hope we'll be seeing some new additions that won't be entirely projections.

 

[William]

That explanation kinda turned into a personal rant, but I hope it still helped! Haha. I'm glad our park is becoming more well-rounded and themed, the hodgepodge aspect was taking its toll.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Universal Studios Hollywood will be seen in a more positive light when they start building more rides that aren't entirely screens and simulators that stay in place the entire time. No matter how well themed they're making the exterior, the biggest complaint from fans and casual guests is that "everything" is a simulator. Potter is gonna slightly change it but I hope USH has other rides planned for after Potter.

 

[smoaT]

This is totally ridiculous... IOA at the bottom???

 

[William]

I think Bernard was right about this one; that poll has a select audience of Six Flags fanatics. Therefore, most of the votes are based on which parks have the best coasters. It's no wonder USH isn't up there!

 

[Allen The Actor]

Little update.

In case anyone is wondering, Google Maps was updated to show Universal Studios Hollywood from what looks like (I believe) January of 2013, or March 2013.

You can see Coke Soak completely gone, T23D queue cleared, and the early construction of Universal Plaza.

 

[Alexshow.]

Variety has Confirmed that the Soundstage 28 would be removed and in the employee newsletter for Universal, it would be demolished for 'Theme Park Expansion'

 

[Chris]

Even more reason to give Transformers a proper facade.  Orlando has Optimus, Singapore - Bumblebee, ...Megatron anyone?

Cardboard cutouts are just a reminder of "old" Universal.  (Maybe I am going a little overboard here since the entire park seems to be getting refreshed)

 

[Alexshow.]

I agree you entirely, Megatron would be a perfect fit to be the next statue... that or maybe a EVAC statue but its just a idea.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Even more reason to give Transformers a proper facade. Orlando has Optimus, Singapore - Bumblebee, ...Megatron anyone?

Cardboard cutouts are just a reminder of "old" Universal. (Maybe I am going a little overboard here since the entire park seems to be getting refreshed)

I 100% agree Chris. They should totally update it and make it feel fully themed. Cardboard cutouts feels very Six Flags entrance sign to me.

And instead of one of those, how about a Megatron AND Optimus statue, facing each other?! Basically what we have now but actual statues! That would be epic and our facade would win right away!

 

[DrKevin]

If they clear out enough space, Jaws may take place.

Edit:Just a thought.

 

[Ryan]

If they clear out enough space, Jaws may take place.

Edit:Just a thought.

I assume you're trying to get on Chris' good side? 

 

[Chris]

If they clear out enough space, Jaws may take place.

Edit:Just a thought.

Don't I wish.... NOT!

I agree you entirely, Megatron would be a perfect fit to be the next statue... that or maybe a EVAC statue but its just a idea.

Singapore already has an EVAC robot.  I was also bummed that we did not get this statue as a photo op.

 

[William]

The question is, where would such a huge statue go? The front of our façade doesn't have a large platform sticking out like USF and USS.

 

[Allen The Actor]

They could always built out and extend the platform significantly. It's just adding to the facade, not a big deal. And then put a large Megatron and Optimus statue on top, both in battle poses. Make it over the top!!!

 

[Chris]

The paint job will look bad when the street opens up in the Lower Lot.  It was designed with limited viewing angles in mind.  Things change when viewing angles change.

 

[William]

The paint job will look bad when the street opens up in the Lower Lot.  It was designed with limited viewing angles in mind.  Things change when viewing angles change.

Very true.

I think at this point, the Lower Lot would benefit greatly from a wider path leading to the end of that section once Potter crowds start streaming in. Having so many venues on either side of a narrow path will essentially become Disneyland's Tomorrowland catastrophe.

 

[Chris]

However, I don't see this area being lifted until Fall 2015 at the earliest.  I am having a difficult time figuring out the time frame they plan to do with this space.  Will it be completed for summer 2016?  That tells me you will not have a new attraction or show because it will take away from Potter mania! This could just be a reimagining of the lower lot for space purposes.

But if its just to redo the lower lot, why the hell did you make it look nice in 2012 just to demolish it by 2015???  That again tells me that they are only planning 3 years ahead at the moment.

If this space is intended for a new attraction or show, I would expect it to be for 2017 - post Potter.  Then they wouldn't have to demolish the lower lot until Fall 2016.

 

[William]

That's what makes our park slightly unpredictable. They keep making improvements that only last short periods of time, only to be demolished months later.

 

[Allen The Actor]

I 100% believe that the new attraction in place of Stage 28 will be an "after Potter" project, and for now they'll just get started with the plans, demolition, and maybe even construction, but not have it open until after Potter.

As for how they made the Lower Lot all nice in 2012, it was just cosmetic. This "last minute" development of taking control of Stage 28 for the theme park expansion definitely shows to me that it wasn't originally in the plan, and Universal can go back and redo most of the lower lot around Transformers again.

As for viewing angles for the facade/mural, hopefully this new development will have Universal rethink the design of the facade once again.