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Park News - (6/26/09) A new teaser website has been posted to the Hollywood side of HalloweenHorrorNights.com that promotes the Saw film series as playing a very important part in the theme of this year’s event, inviting you all to “Step into Jigsaw’s demented world.”
  Characters, themes and live action recreations of the infamous “traps” from the entire SAW horror franchise will be featured in a maze experience, in multiple scare zones and aboard the parks signature Terror Tram. Fans of the SAW franchise will not be disappointed. The team designing the live SAW experiences includes the Universal Studios Hollywood creative department as well as Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures. Jigsaw can’t wait to play with you.

  (6/22/09) Some new pictures of the rebuilt Courthouse Square set at the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot have been posted here.
  (6/16/09) Universal Studios Hollywood will soon reopen the famous Courthouse Square location to the backlot tram tour. Courthouse Square has been used in countless films, but perhaps is most famous for it’s used in the Back To The Future film trilogy. From what I understand they have been sending out word to passholders to come and see a celebration reopening event on the morning of June 18th.
  (6/12/09) Westcoaster has stopped by Universal once again to check on the status of the backlot rebuild. There is also a bunch of steel in place by the old large fake lake set (now drained) to build something new... but I don’t think it’s for Kong.
  (6/3/09) Westcoaster has posted a great update showing off the last pictures of the backlot they had taken just before the fire burned it down, along with pictures of the wreckage that followed.
  (5/27/09) In addition to giving us a new look at the progress on the backlot set rebuild, the latest update to Westcoaster also shows off the new upgrades given to the trams themselves. Yes, they’ve upgraded the on-board video system to feature all new HD quality flatscreens and HD video clips. Makes me wonder if they’re using BluRay or if this is what Universal did with their leftover HD-DVD hardware.
  (5/14/09) WestCoastThrills and WestCoaster stopped by USH to check on the progress of the backlot Phoenix Project and it looks great, as numerous three story tall facades are now living large. The park has also set a July 1st opening date for the new Creature From The Black Lagoon show.
  (4/30/09) A reader has sent in several pictures of the all new Phoenix Project under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood. The all new and improved backlot sets seem to be even larger than the old ones it seems… or at least they look that way.
  (4/17/09) A new general photo update from Universal Studios Hollywood has been posted to Westcoaster this week. They’ve posted quite a few photos showing off the Phoenix Project, where the backlot is quickly being rebuilt.
  (4/10/09) Universal Studios Hollywood is currently running a promotion where if you book a 2 night USH vacation package, you will get a 3rd night free and receive a 2nd Day Free admission to the park. The packages start at $223 per adult. The park is also running another promotion where for a limited time guests can get admission to the park for 2 days for the regular price of a 1 day ticket. These tickets are good for any two visits within a 30 day time period between now and the end of the year.
  (4/8/09) Universal Hollywood tells us that the new Jon Lovitz Comedy Club is now set to hold it’s grand opening on May 28th.
  (4/7/09) Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club will be opening in Citywalk in late May 2009. Jon Lovitz will not only be the club’s owner, but he will perform on a regular basis in the 400 seat club that will offer many food choices as well as a full bar.
  (4/6/09) Some sad new to report today from Universal Studios Hollywood, as a contracted worker was trimming a tree outside “Gate 1” at the park when it suddenly fell and killed him.
  (4/3/09) You will soon be able to tour the streets of Universal Studios Hollywood virtually from your computer through Google Maps “Street Views” in the near future. The park will be shot by a special 360 view camera attached to a special bicycle, all the while collecting GPS and “geospatial data” on the terrain.
  (3/25/09) A general park update has been posted to Westcoaster this week, showing off various changes, construction progress and more at the park. The rebuilt sections of the backlot are coming along very quickly.
  (3/16/09) According to an interview posted to Haunted Attractions UK with the creators of the Saw films, they confirm that they have signed a deal with Universal to bring Jigsaw and the world of Saw to Halloween Horror Nights at the Orlando and Hollywood parks this fall.
  (3/13/09) Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the cars from Fast & Furious are now on display at the park, including the 1987 Buick Grand National and a 2009 Subaru WRX STI that are driven by the stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. The new film will open in theaters on April 3th.

2009 - Creature From The Black Lagoon - (7/1/09) Want to see just how bad Creature From the Black Lagoon is? Various video clips from the show have started to show up on YouTube. I’ve embedded a couple of them below for your shock and awe…

  (6/26/09) The early reviews for Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical are starting to come up, and flat out they are all saying the show is horrible and one of the worst things that Universal Hollywood has ever come up with, which is saying a lot considering how much people hated Spiderman Rocks! For a good example of what’s wrong with the show, plus spoilers, check out Fangoria’s early show review. You can also see a ton of pictures from one of the preview performances… including a look at the Creature’s new dreadlocks. Seriously they gave him Dreadlocks and a British accent it seems.
  (6/25/09) Screamscape sources tell us that the new Creature From the Black Lagoon Musical show held three soft-opening performances yesterday… all three of which apparently broke-down in mid-show for one reason or another, including stranding one of the cast members in the air for several minutes. Keep in mind that these are likely the very first rough performances of the show, which will likely go through many changes before hitting it’s stride, but the early review based on what was seen was… well… not good, and I’ll leave it at that.
  (5/16/09) Universal has send out a new promotional poster this week along with a new name for the “Creature” musical show. According to the e-mail the current full name for the show is “Creature From The Black Lagoon – A Raging Rockin’ Show”. The new 25 minute show will premier on July 1st and will feature “an all-original score, acrobatic choreography and dazzling Broadway-level production values thanks to an award-winning theatrical production team.”
  “Audiences will be immersed within a menacing Amazon environment, completely enveloped by the exotic sounds and feel of the jungle as they watch a twisted love story between beauty and beast, fraught with rage, romance and sweet revenge, unfold. From the production’s first moments, guests will be thrust into an unexpectedly outrageous, bizarrely romantic, melodic and often outlandishly comic adventure as this monster classic is re-imagined for the 21st Century.”
  They also reveal that the show’s finale will feature a 25 foot tall large version of the Creature, towering over the stage, and will be one of the world’s largest “puppets”, animated by five people hidden within the various body-parts. The show will also feature a large 2-ton boat stage prop that can fly suspended in the air as well as numerous ”dry for wet” effects systems allowing the actors to show off underwater action sequences while really suspended in the air.
  (5/15/09) The second half of the LA Times story about the new Creature / Musical show can be found here.
  (5/14/09) Along with the new July 1st opening date, the LA Times has posted an article looking into the new show. It lists the names of the show’s four new original songs and what each one is about. I can’t wait to hear more.
  (2/6/09) A new online survey from Universal Studios has been sent out to various readers this week. The survey asks questions some questions about The Creature From The Black Lagoon and how familiar you are with the film and then gives a description of the new live show. “The Creature is swimming back to life like never before. Twisted and re-imagined with the best Broadway has to offer. It's a silly-sick musical with campy romance and biting humor. Think "Creature from the Black Lagoon meets Little Shop of Horrors." With heart-stopping new songs and delirious dancing we'll have you asking, was it love or was she lunch?” I kind of like the idea… but please for the love of Kong leave Little Shop of Horrors out of it. That’s the wrong kind of campy fun…
  (2/5/09) I’m not quite sure what to make of this, but we’ve heard that the new Creature From the Black Lagoon show will incorporate 3D elements to it somehow. I’ve also heard that there may be some kind of use of Scratch ‘n Sniff cards as well as another throwback to the gimmicks used to promote horror films back in the ‘50s.
  (12/2/08) A reader has sent in a picture of the construction wall blocking off access to the old Fear Factor show where teaser artwork for the new Creature from the Black Lagoon musical is preparing for install.
  (6/6/08) A quick thanks to TheStudioTour.com for letting us use the great poster artwork for the Creature From the Black Lagoon show. I’ve also come to learn another piece of interesting information that helps explain why The Creature From The Black Lagoon may be the theme of choice here. There is an all-new feature film in development for a 2009 release that is rumored to feature a similar mix of “Action/Comedy with little Horror” that made The Mummy films so successful. In fact… there is a chance we could actually see a teaser trailer for the new Creature film tied to the newest Mummy film coming out August 1st.
  (6/5/08) The LA Times has confirmed with Universal that the Creature From the Black Lagoon: The Musical is indeed a real and true production that will replace Fear Factor next year. If they shoot for far more comedy than “musical” I think we’ll be fine, especially if the show keeps the funny looking atmosphere of the poster artwork. I love that the Creature is mugging for the “camera”, holding his woman in his arms and giving a big ole’ long-nailed green thumbs up.
  (6/3/08) This has got to be the strangest idea ever, but according to TheStudioTour.com, in 2009 Universal is planning on replacing the Fear Factor show theater with a new romantic comedy show called Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Muscial. Either this is going to be very funny… or it’s going to be the worst thing since Spider-man Rocks. Honestly, I’ve got to wonder who at Universal has such a big thing for musicals… as historically they’ve all gone down as disasters at the Hollywood park. Even the infamous Bettlejuice’s Graveyard Review show that has been running for 16 years in Orlando never could find a solid fan base in the more cynical SoCal audience and forced the USH version of the show to close in 1999. I’m still waiting to see a new version of Conan, which was probably the best show to ever come out of Universal Studios Hollywood.

2009 - The Tonight Show Relocation - In Development - (7/22/08) NBC Universal has announced that Conan O’Brien will take over as the host of The Tonight Show on June 1st, 2009 where it will be shot from it’s new home on Stage 1 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
  (10/12/07) NBC confirmed plans yesterday to move The Tonight Show as well as the entire NBC Studios production facility to a new state of the art facility at Universal Studios Hollywood over the next four years. It also confirms that they will renovate Universal’s Stage One into a new theater to serve as the home for The Tonight Show in 2009 when Conan O’Brien takes over as the host.
  (8/17/07) Remember back in mid 2006 when I mentioned that there were plans in the works to Relocate the Tonight Show to the Universal Studios Hollywood from its current location in NBC’s Burbank studios? Looks like that move is going forward as Hollywood Today has reported that ABC’s Desperate Housewives production has been served notice that they will be removed form Universal’s historic Stage One and moved to a new and larger soundstage on property. The plan is to transform Stage One into a new theater home for the Tonight Show in 2009 when Conan O’Brien takes over the reigns from Jay Leno. Conan and his entourage were seen on site Wednesday being given a tour of the facility which is planned to undergo a 18 months renovation that will include new public areas, a bigger state of the art theater, dressing rooms and a four story office complex for the Tonight Show staff who has outgrown their confined space at the NBC Studios in Burbank.

2010 - King Kong - Rumor - (5/20/09) According to a news report filed at Variety and Deadline Hollywood, Universal will open a new King Kong themed attraction in 2010. Even better, the article reports that the new version of Kong will be some kind of “ground-breaking 4-D multi-sensory marvel”. In kind of a confusing concept, the story claims that guests will put on 3D glasses as the tram enters a large soundstage and through projection effects, you are taken to Skull Island, as seen in the Peter Jackson film. Kong isn’t the only threat as guests will encounter giant bats and other dangers before they find themselves trapped in the middle of a colossal battle between Kong and a huge T-Rex.
  (4/1/09) A Screamscape source claims that Universal may make some kind of announcement regarding the future rebuilding of a Kong themed attraction as early as this May, if not later in the summer.
  (3/29/09) While I’ve got nothing firm on this yet, one reader has contacted us to say that they’ve heard that early approval to built a new “Kong” themed attraction for the tram tour has been given, though the new one would be different from the old one in more than just the building layout. Anyone know more?
  (2/5/09) According to a Screamscape source the plans to bring King Kong back to Universal Studios Hollywood are still alive, however the earliest we may see the big ape back in action would be 2011. The plans for the new Kong attraction are not finalized yet, though it has been decided that this time around the tram will drive straight through the building as it does with Earthquake, rather than make a giant U-Turn like before.

2011 - Transformers - Confirmed - (1/1/09) While we haven’t heard a peep about the Transformers ride since it was announced, one source did mention a few new details. From the sound of things, my earlier suspicion that this could be an off-shoot of the Spiderman ride system along with 3D projection technology could have been right on the money. Now I’ve got to wonder if they will fully demolish the existing soundstage buildings for the new ride or if they would try reuse any of the existing structure. One extra comment made was that the new ride may have an extensive use of fire effects at one point, which the old Backdraft building was designed to handle with all that extra air-circulation equipment on the roof.
  (10/21/08) The big news today from Universal Studios and Resorts World at Sentosa was the unveiling of the plans to build a major theme park mega-attraction based on the Transformers film series that will open first at the new Universal Studios Singapore theme park, to be followed by a copy at Universal Studios Hollywood by 2011. While there are no solid details about the exact ride system itself, I’ve got to wonder if this may be the next evolution use of the ride system used on the award-winning Spiderman dark rides in Orlando and Japan. Certainly the omission of those two popular markets for the attraction does raise an eyebrow, though Orlando currently has it’s hands full with Harry Potter. Still... if there was any other movie theme that would really warrant the use of the Spiderman ride system, Tranformers would be it, allowing for a mix of real in your face special effects mixed with giant 3D projection technology to bring the giant battle-bots to life.
  According to the article in Variety, the Hollywood version of the ride will replace Backdraft and the Special Effects Soundstages attraction with construction set to begin ‘after Labor Day”, which I assume is Labor Day in 2009.
  Now for some quotes from the press release as well as an impressive piece of concept artwork.
  “The attraction will fuse 3D-HD media, mega special effects and stunning robotics with a ride system that will transform perceptions of theme park experiences. The rides are scheduled to make their debuts first at Universal Studios Singapore and then at Universal Studios Hollywood, both prior to summer, 2011.”
  In "Transformers," Earth’s humans are caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between the friendly Autobots and the evil Decepticons, which are able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes and other technological creations.
  Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: "Transformers will be a jewel in our collection of world-class rides based on great movies. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Hasbro, DreamWorks, director Michael Bay and the film’s executive producer, Steven Spielberg, who has been responsible for so many of our signature rides and attractions."
  Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World at Sentosa, the mega resort that is home to Universal Studios Singapore, said: "It is great that Asia will be the launch pad for the first Transformers attraction. Transformers was introduced to the United States in 1983 but traces its roots to Asia. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron are familiar names to Asian audiences, who grew up with the robot toys and love the movie. When Transformers opens in Universal Studios Singapore in 2011, it will be the first of its kind in the world. We may see a surge of Transformers mania.’’
  Larry Kurzweil, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: “Transformers represents a perfect match for our theme park: an exhilarating blockbuster with a great story, clever humor, non-stop action and flawless special effects. It has all the elements necessary to become one of the world’s most exciting theme park rides and a centerpiece attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A." 

The Vision Plan - All Details about the proposed Vision Plan that will trim nearly 125 acres from the famous Universal Studios backlot have been moved to it’s own page.