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    (2/3/12) Finally we have some sanity in Hollywood as a County Supervisor has asked NBC Universal to reconsider the entire residential section of the Evolution Plan (formerly known as The Vision Plan). (MORE...)
    (2/3/12) I’ve been informed that the previously rumored May 25th grand opening date is incorrect, and that as of this time Universal Studios Hollywood has not (MORE...)
    (2/2/12) One our a readers reports back that they were asked to take a Halloween Horror Nights survey for Universal Hollywood a little bit ago. In the survey they asked for opinions about various (MORE...)
    (2/1/12) Universal Studios has confirmed to Screamscape that they will run a 30-second commercial to promote the new Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood during the Super Bowl Pre-Game (MORE...)

General Park News - (2/2/12) One our a readers reports back that they were asked to take a Halloween Horror Nights survey for Universal Hollywood a little bit ago. In the survey they asked for opinions about various possible new maze themes which included questions about an AC/DC themed music maze, the new 2012 Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 3D, The Exorsist and a few other old-school Hollywood / Universal classic monster concepts. The survey also asked options about several other heavy metal / rock music bands (sorry, no names), as well as opinions on recent movie and tv shows as possible maze themes as well.
    (1/31/12) The latest photo update from Universal Hollywood, including a look at Transformers and the other renovation projects across the park can be found at WestCoastThrills.
    (1/30/12) Heads up Waterworld fans, the show is currently closed now through Feb. 3.
    (12/15/11) Take a peek at Transformers along with Grinchmas over in the latest update at Westcoaster.
    (12/2/11) While Christmas is on the way, it’s still the slow season for most parks, and time to get some much needed rehab work done around the parks. Universal Hollywood is no exception… as they try to do all this while setting up for Grinchmas and finish up the massive Transformers ride project.  Check out a small collection of photos sent in by Allen W. (see sidebar) showing off a few rehab and construction projects taking place around the park and studio.
   This includes missing and skinned dinos under rehab at Jurassic Park, painting the Simpsons building façade, a picture of a newly refurbished Jaws shark (G’day Bruce!), some new or fixed fog effects by Skull Island, the Grinchmas tree and more.
    (11/29/11) CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood has been decked out in holiday lights and décor as part of their Holidays at CityWalk promotion, which will run through December 31st. Included is a choreographed LED light and music show called Holiday Lights Spectacular. Check out all the details about this year’s holiday special events and nightly live entertainment options at the official website.
    (11/28/11) I’ve been informed that the holiday Grinch’s Lair overlay to the Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb tunnel on the Studio Tour is not expected to return this year. If I’m wrong, please do let me know.
    (11/23/11) Want to help shape the future of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood? The park has now posted a survey online to get feedback about what kind of HHN ideas and themes you would like to see in the future.
    One interesting question I noticed was asking for feedback about Terror Tram… and if they wanted to see it again as is, see it again stopping in an all new location instead of the War of the Worlds crash site, or if you would rather not have Terror Tram at all and instead have a 7th maze. 
    Other questions are about possible IP tie-ins for new mazes, as well as a list of possible celebrities they could possibly use to create another Alice Cooper style haunt or bring in to help bring their creations to life (like Rob Zombie and Eli Roth).
    (10/27/11) Our friends at the Season Pass Podcast got to spend a little time with the legendary John Murdy… the ringmaster behind Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. On top of having an excellent interview with John, the podcast ends with audio feeds from Doug Barnes and Robert Coker traveling through each of the six twisted mazes at HHN. Awesome stuff!
    (8/23/11) Universal Hollywood fans will appreciate this ultra-wild video showing off a stunt driving tearing around the world famous Universal Studios Hollywood backlot at extreme high speeds, with stunts galore. Seriously, you’ve just got to watch the whole thing, it’s wild!

    (11/24/10) According to the LA Times, Universal Hollywood has laid out a long term masterplan regarding the future development of the theme park over the next 20 years or so. This plan includes the addition of seven new unannounced attraction, and the removal or relocation of several others. Three attractions are specifically pointed out as being on the chopping block: Terminator 2:3-D, the Fear Factor Live theater and the WaterWorld stunt show. The plan also shows off four possible new attractions to be placed on the Backlot in various locations, with one near Jaws and another near the Fast & The Furious car scene. See our new rumor below about a possible replacement in the works for T2:3D.

Halloween Horror Nights 2011 - Review by Steve Rowin

    This years Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood was spectacular! As a haunted house enthusiast and once designer of some haunted attractions myself, I was looking forward to what the creators of this year’s event had in store.
    Let us begin with the ticket options. You have 4 choices this year and all tickets and packages vary in price depending on the night you choose to go, so reference the website for pricing. Beyond the basic general admission ticket there are a limited amount of “front of line” passes and VIP passes. If you’re an impatient person and want to see everything I highly recommend the front of line pass, especially the closer it gets to Halloween. Because the operating hours of Halloween Horror Nights are limited and start in the evening, a large massive crowd gathers at the entrance for opening. The front of line pass begins to work it’s magic as you walk past the big crowd at the entrance and straight into the fun! This years wait times on opening night ranged from 20 minutes to 75 minutes. All of the celebrity haunts had a 75 minute wait time all night so as you can imagine the “front of the line” pass is a big plus if it’s available and in your budget. Beyond that there is a VIP ticket that gives you unlimited front of line to all the attractions in the park along with VIP lounge access and there is even a hotel package available.
    Ok on to the fun! Upon entering you find yourself in the first scare zone. One thing I really liked throughout every attraction and scare zone was that the talent seemed to make a point of engaging you with some cleaver, witty dialog in character with the theme and their costume. That kind of casting is right in line with the quality of the Universal Halloween Horror Nights production. Compared to other Halloween events, it’s always been apparent that the budget, talent and creative artists Universal has access to make this production the best ever experienced. Creative Director John Murdy definitely takes this Halloween to new frightful places. (John if you need an extra hand next year I’ve made room in my schedule for 2012!)
    After surviving the first scare zone you’re drawn to massive blasts of fire, carnival music and insane clowns! These scary clowns spent the night spilling out insulting jokes upon whoever would stick around and take the verbal torture! This freak show of sorts spread out and extended into more scare zones that lead to what we all came for, the haunted houses.
    Keeping with Screamscape’s 1 through 5 rating system, 5 being the best, here are my opinions of this years haunts.
Rob Zombies House of 1000 Corpses in 3D -
Atmosfear - 5
Story - 5
Fear factor - 4
    Rob Zombie has been a creative force at HHN for well over a decade. It was apparent that this Haunted house is the flag ship of the HHN experience and probably had the biggest budget. As you enter, the story begins as if you have been transported into the movie. Without going scene by scene through the movie I’ll just say that tension was building as we got closer and closer to meeting the infamous doctor Satan! The characters looked amazingly like the real people from “House of 1000 corpses” and the size of the sets were incredibly large compared to the narrow short ceiling mazes most associate with a haunted house. 3D added a fun dimension and with distorted depth perception allowed characters to get some unexpected screams out of people.  I would say don’t miss this one. I did give it a 4 on fear factor only because other haunts did a better job at the element of surprise but that’s only one point away from triple 5 rating of madness. The strength of this maze was it’s ability to build upon the creepiness of the story in the movie. So see the movie before you go!

Alice Cooper - Welcome to my Nightmare -
Atmosfear - 5
Story - 2
Fear Factor - 5
    I have to admit I’m not in the Alice Cooper fan club so I don’t know much of his music or the meaning behind the songs. Never the less word around the park was that it was a favorite amongst guests and I agree. Alice Cooper’s nightmare was creepy, twisted and scary. With a few appearances of Alice Cooper himself directing you on as if a conductor of a freak show this haunt had lots of great unexpected scares. I think what I liked about this house was that it wasn’t real bright and didn’t use bright colors. That gray scale feel is classic Horror in my mind and perfect for a haunted house not attempting to tie itself to a movie plot. What stood out in Alice Coopers nightmare was the violent, ravaging behavior of the characters attacking. There’s always something scary about someone with the look of determination to get you in their eye!

Eli Roth’s Hostel - Hunting Season -
Atmosfear - 5
Story - 1 or 5
Fear Factor - 3
    Gory gory gory!  In this haunt you find yourself inside the old industrial building where rich men pay big money to torture people for fun, but you’d only know that if you had seen the movie. Had I not seen Hostel I would have given this haunt a 1 for story but since I have seen Hostel I give it a 5. The creators did an incredible job at reproducing the gruesome rooms of terror. Room by room we were treated to live people getting drilled into their heads, blow torch burning flesh and toes being cut off! Almost every room had 2 live actors making it the most live performance intensive house of the night. What made this one special was the dialog the people doing the torturing had with you as you passed. Things like “I bet you’d like to give this a try” or “How about I do this to you next” created fear by way of story immersion vs. a classic jump scare. Overall, while not full of traditional jump scares I liked the fresh approach to fear based on how demented the Hostel story is.

The Wolfman - The Curse of Tablot Hall
Atmosfear - 3
Story - 2
Fear Factor - 3
    While it’s hard to put an Atmosfear rating of 3 next to any Haunt at Universal, let me be clear it’s only in comparison to the other haunts at this park. We walked through some indoor forests, a wolf jumped out at us a few times and we came across what looked like the set from Frankenstein. I suspect this haunt is in a show building because it looked all too permanent. It felt like we were walking through a building with some fake trees in the corners. There was one wolf jump that was rigged on some sort of catapult device for extra speed and surprise.

The Thing - Assimilation
Atmosfear - 4
Story - 3
Fear Factor - 2
    You are taken into a snow filled base station of sorts in The Thing: Assimilation. This haunt had very high quality props and rooms. For added realism the air-conditioning was cranked up high so not only did it look cold in this one, it was cold! This was a very prop driven haunt. More than once the “Thing” shot a stream of wet mist at me. One of the more gory scenes was the last human left at a control station of sorts cutting his own neck before the Thing got him! I think sci-fi fans will connect with this one on a different level than others. I rated fear factor so low on this one because the scares were so predictable! Every time you walked around a turn and saw a 3 foot hole in the ice the Thing would pop out. I think you either love sci-fi and Halloween or not.

La Llorena - Villa De Almas Perdidas (*Spoiler Alert*)
Atmosfear - 4
Story - 5
Fear Factor - 5
    Clearly Llorena proves it doesn’t take the biggest budget to create a great haunted house. While La Llorena didn’t have the “Hollywood” energy of Rob Zombie or Alice Cooper’s haunts, what it did have was creepy classic Halloween cranked up to 11! While others impressed me with wow, I found the tricks and techniques used to scary me in this one impressive. Centered around the Mexican folklore of La Llorena, a women who drowns her own children to attract a man, the story is very prominent in the haunt. We see the floating children in the river and Llorena appears at the most unexpected times and when she appears she looks pissed off and scary. What made this one unique and deserving of a fear factor of 5 was that Llorena popped out of places that were hard to notice before hand. In other haunts, ever time you saw a black curtain someone jumped out, Llorena jumped out of hidden doors. My favorite effect was a hall of statues. For a few seconds in low light we could see what appeared to be stone faces only for them to melt into skulls. One of these skulls came to life and got a scream! The haunt’s exit was a long walk through the Shrek building cue hallway. Plenty of time to reflect on the greatness of La Llorena. Just as we turned a corner and were about to join the crowded pathways, BAM!! Ll Lorena jumped out one last time!

Terror Tram: Scream 4 your life!
Atmosfear: 4
Story: 4
Fear Factor: 4
    This year we catch a ride down to the back lot and get dropped off in front of the Whoville sets. Before we even get off the tram 7 to 10 bizarre creates run out to the pathway we are about to walk up. This was a creepy moment. From this point we walk up to the Bates Motel. This part was a little disappointing as they had set up a maze but it was simply just too bright to be scary. From this point we walked up a trail towards the Psycho house. This was a very long Haunted trail like experience. Along the way we come across some mountain people that were slicing faces off victims and wearing them. If this wasn’t the same family that won the chili cook off from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, then they had to be related. Their victims flopped about on the tables missing their faces screaming at us. Once again great casting. As I walked up the trail I couldn’t help but think how awesome and scary this would be if I were by myself on this trail. The sound effects and lighting were great for such a large area to cover. Soon we passed the Psycho house and then we walked down through the War of the Worlds plane crash site which is always a treat. I think getting down onto the back lot for this haunted experience is a must when you visit HHN.

About the author:
Steve Rowin is a Halloween enthusiast and for many years published the Halloween Tips & Tricks website HalloweenNet. Steve has also provided creative and technical input for several amusement park and entertainment projects worldwide. In recent history, Steve participated in the original home screening sessions for “Paranormal Activity” with his friend Oren Peli.
 
(9/22/11) The LA Times offers up a sneak peek inside the Alice Cooper: Welcome to My Nightmare maze at Halloween Horror Nights.
    (9/21/11) Theme Park Adventure goes behind the scenes at Halloween Horror Nights inside the new HOSTEL maze with John Murdy. Check it out!
    (9/19/11) A video has been posted on YouTube showing off some of the lighting tests and setup for taking place in the park for Halloween Horror Nights. They even spot John Murdy hard at work during a Tram Tour drive-by at the end. Check it out below.

    (9/15/11) If you want a sneak peek inside the new La Llorna haunt, then be sure to check out Dread Central this week, who got a daytime tour through the carnage guided by John Murdy and Chris Williams. While I was skeptical of the theme myself when I first heard that last year’s most unpopular scare zone would be given a full maze this year, I’ve got to say that from the pictures, they have really put in some intense detailed props and scenery in this maze that even looks awesome in the daytime.
    (9/14/11) Universal Hollywood has announced details about this year’s Eyegore Awards. Honorees to be included this year include David Arquette, Jamie Kennedy, Rainn Wilson, Bailee Madison, Emma Bell and Alice Cooper. Corey Feldman will return to host the event, which will also feature Rob Zombie, Calico Cooper as presenters as well as appearances by Eli Roth and Diego Luna.
    (9/13/11) According to the HHN website, this year’s event will also see the return of the Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure show. What else can I say other than, “Most Excellent!” Then poke around the rest of the site to see the complete list of Mazes, Scare Zones and which rides will be running during the event.

2012 - Transformers: The Ride 3-D - (2/3/12) I’ve been informed that the previously rumored May 25th grand opening date is incorrect, and that as of this time Universal Studios Hollywood has not settled on an actual target opening date. For now, they can only say that they are hoping to open sometime in May 2012.
    (2/1/12) Universal Studios has confirmed to Screamscape that they will run a 30-second commercial to promote the new Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood during the Super Bowl Pre-Game Coverage on February 5th on NBC. “The spot will culminate with a call to action, challenging viewers to enlist at PrepareForBattle.com  as N.E.S.T. volunteers within an elite AUTOBOT –human combat force.”
    Speaking of NEST, as another emergency transmition has leaked through from General Morshower, warning of the impending Decepticon attack.

    (1/27/12) Westcoaster stops by Universal Hollywood this week and checks in on Transformers.
    (1/25/12) NEST HQ made contact tonight with Intel Communique 02 on the subject of taking tactical maneuvers versus Decepticons.

    (1/10/12) A new video transmition from General Morshower and NEST has gone live, which ends with an interesting message that the “Game Begins February 4, 2012”. So check out the video below and get yourself over to PrepareForBattle.com to get the latest updates as they come out.

    (1/6/12) Lets review the year in construction on Transformers the ride at Universal Studios Hollywood over at Westcoaster.
    (12/30/11) I’ve been told that the planned “Grand Opening” date for Transformers is Friday, May 25th…sometime in May 2012. However… this is just the planned Grand Opening date. If all goes according to schedule, they are looking to have the ride soft open for guests several weeks in advance of this to give them time to work out all the bugs and get the ride crew up to speed.
    (12/22/11) Westcoaster has posted a new look around Universal Studios Hollywood this week, checking on the latest changes around the Transformers ride building as well as some Grinchmas action.
    A new updated teaser trailer for the Transformers ride has been posted by Universal this week which includes a good amount of on ride footage as well as confirming a May 2012 opening date in the description. They also give out the URL for a new promo site for the ride at PrepareForBattle.com.

    (12/12/11) A reader has sent i n two new pictures of what seems to be the finished painted exterior to the Transformers attraction building. The metal figures of Optimus Prime and Megatron will go up very soon to finish it off.
    In other news, while there is still a lot of work left to do before Transformers is ready to roll, and anything can happen between now and then, I’ve heard that there is a good chance we will see some quiet soft-opening runs to the public well ahead of the grand opening if all goes well inside.
    (12/8/11) Westcoaster takes a look at the latest Grinchmas and Transformers construction updates from Universal Hollywood.
    (12/1/11) According to this news report, Hasbro is working on creating an official EVAC Transformers toy.
    (11/18/11) Westcoaster drops by Universal Hollywood to check out the new Christmas decorations as well as to check on the progress of the painting over at the Transformers NEST base building… cleverly disguised as the side of an 70’s stoner van painting.
    On to a more positive subject... if you want to read a scene by scene run-down of what you can expect to find once on the ride, then check out our Universal Singapore page where a lucky preview rider tells all.
    (11/15/11) From what Screamscape sources tell us, the exterior “change” going up on the Transformer’s ride building apparently was an 11th hour decision made by park management as a cost cutting measure. The exterior of the ride was indeed intended to be themed, much like the interior queue, as a NEST base facility. Instead the exterior will now feature this bright explosion painting now, with an image of Megatron and Optimus Prime battling it out.
    (11/14/11) To be honest, I’m not sure what they were thinking here… but a huge and very colorful “mural” is being painted on the front of the Transformers ride building at Universal Hollywood.  I’m a bit confused, as I had heard previously that it was to have looked like a “NEST” base building and not a movie poster.
    (11/8/11) Our Spybot tells us that the first car is expected to be installed onto the Transformers ride track before the end of the month to begin the initial test runs for the ride track system.
    (9/9/11) Westcoaster drops into Universal Hollywood to check on the progresss at Transformers as well as Halloween Horror Nights.
    (9/1/11) A reader has sent in a picture of what looks like the future entrance area for the Transformers attraction in Hollywood.
    (7/25/11) Universal Hollywood previewed some actual Transformers: The Ride footage at ComiCon the other day. Check out the preview video embedded below! The early footage of a blue car transforming into a robot is a new character designed for the ride named EVAC, which is actually the car you ride in during the ride. Look carefully at the car-mode and you can see the three rows of seat inside the frame.
    An official teaser site set up to promote the Transformers ride has also launched this week at NESTNeedsYou.com.

    (7/1/11) A new Universal Hollywood update has been added to WestCoaster featuring a good look at the Transformers building. Speaking of Transformers, a brief article about the Michael Bay film trilogy and how the ride has spawned off from there, has also posted what may be our first look at a frame of actual 3D animation from the ride.
    (6/24/11) A new Transformers construction update has been posted to Westcoaster this week and as you can see, all the walls are now up and we no longer can peek into the building’s innards. Speaking of innards, I’m told that while there is still a long list of things to do, the ride is still on track to open in Spring 2012.
    (6/20/11) According to one insider, the construction schedule for Transformers in Hollywood has it listed to begin test cycles of the ride vehicles starting September 1st, if everything remains on schedule at least.
    (6/6/11) SlashFilm has posted leaked concept artwork images showing off the queue for the new Transformers ride.
    (5/12/11) A new construction update from the Transformers show building and the rest of Universal Hollywood has been posted to Westcoaster this week. It seems that the big hardware we saw earlier going into the building is for the elevator shafts.
    (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." 

2015 - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Confirmed - (12/12/11) Screamscape sources confirmed that we shouldn’t expect to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter open in Hollywood until 2015. The first phases of construction work for the project (or demolition to make room) are expected to begin before the end of Summer 2012 however.
    (12/7/11) Universal Studios Hollywood held a press conference a few hours ago to co nfirm that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will indeed be coming to the California park. Unfortunately, they were a little light on details… only mentioning that the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey thrill ride would be built, themed to look like the iconic Hogwarts Castle, but no timeline was given for the attraction to open. I contacted Universal for clarification on this, or to see if they could provide the year when it will open, but they responded that the exact timeline was not yet set at this point in time.
    The press release had a few more minor details that confirmed that they were indeed building a themed land and not just the one ride structure. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.”
    In another report I read elsewhere (sorry, can’t find the link) the reporter asked Ron Meyer about where they would build it because the park was lacklocked, to which he responded that “We’re not lacklocked! We’ve got 400 acres on this lot and 200 of them are still not developed.” So that got me to thinking… could Universal possibly be rethinking some of that once proposed Vision Plan (later revised in 2009 as the Evolution Plan)? Could they now be realizing the value of all that property they hold, and what else they could do with it is they choose to expand the theme park side of the business instead of selling off the land for new housing developments?  We can dream…
    In the meantime, a LA County Supervision did comment in this other report, confirming the rumors we had been hearing, that the Gibson Amphitheater would be scrapped to make way for the Wizarding World, possibly opening as early as late 2014.
    If your not quite sure just what to expect from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, then be sure to read through Screamscape’s official two part coverage of the grand opening of the Orlando park’s version.
    (12/5/11) The past several days have been all about Universal it seems. The opening of the amazing Transformers ride in Singapore, the closing of Jaws in Florida and the rumored coming of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood.  From what I’ve been hearing over the past few days, the Potter deal is not only approved, but we could see a press release to make it official as early as this Tuesday, so stay tuned!
    (12/1/11) The LA Times reports that a deal between Universal and Warner Bros. to build a west coast version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is being finalized and expected to be green lit within the next couple of weeks.
    (12/17/10) While there is a huge push right now to bring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Hollywood, I’ve also heard from some insiders that not all members of management are hot to jump on the bandwagon. It’s not that they aren’t impressed with the Wizarding World, but more to do with the timeline the Hollywood park would face if they were to approve the project.
    Even if a deal is signed, the land designed and budgets approved, your still facing the fact that a West coast version wouldn’t be ready to open until at least 2014 at the earliest. With the final film in the series set to launch a little over 6 months, it would be 3 more years until guests could walk the corridors of Hogwarts. So to these more concerned management members, they have to address the elephant in the room and ask, does Harry Potter have the staying power to stay a hot property for 3 solid years beyond the release of the final film? 
    In most cases, the answer would be no… something new is always ready to come along, but there is a chance that Harry Potter could become a timeless and endearing entertainment series for the ages, much like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Back To The Future. Still, the ever enticing profit margin reports from Universal Orlando are proof enough for most Execs that they need to pursue this. After all, you’ve got to take risks in business from time to time…
    That all said… one does also have to ask, is Harry Potter’s story all over and done? Are there other tales that JK Rowling may have left in her pen that may take place in the Wizarding World, outside of the goings of Mr. Potter?  Even JK Rowling isn’t sure it seems, as she apparently told Oprah not long ago that she could definitely write an eighth or a ninth book but, “I think I am done, but you never know.” 
    (12/13/10) The buzz about the possibility of a second Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming to Universal Hollywood has got some of the big Hollywood gossip hounds talking now. The news we revealed even made the headlines over at Perez Hilton, though for some reason they chose to link to our news indirectly through a posting at MuggleNet instead of coming right to the source, but what can you do, right?
    Of course from what I’ve been told, Universal is 100% at this point, and like the Universal Orlando project, the fate of it all lies once again in the hand of JK Rowling. Of course this may not be the end-all either as there may be another mystery project in development between Universal Creative and JK Rowling as well… hmmm. More on this later.
    (12/3/10) While there has been a lot of talk lately about possible future attractions under development at Universal, there is one big fish in particular out there that the Hollywood park is just dying to get their hands on.  The runaway success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida has many Hollywood execs convinced that getting their own version of the Potter-verse in Hollywood would be akin to finding the Holy Grail. Normally the big question for Universal Hollywood is trying to determine just where they could put it, given their extreme lack of space. However, with the huge profit margins on record for the Florida version, the question isn’t so much where to put it, but rather what to demolish to make room for it. With those kinds of numbers, I’m told that Universal is ready to put nearly anything and everything under the wrecking ball to make it happen in California.

The NBC Universal Evolution Plan (Formerly 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.

Update - (2/3/12) Finally we have some sanity in Hollywood as a County Supervisor has asked NBC Universal to reconsider the entire residential section of the Evolution Plan (formerly known as The Vision Plan). Honestly, I never could understand who was to benefit from this plan in the first place, as it will shrink the theme park, shrink the studio, bring in more residents even closer, who will end up having more voices to complain about the noise levels and fuss going on at Universal’s property.  It’s a headache all around in my mind, and I’m hoping that now that Comcast is calling the shots, they may be willing to axe the entire plan.
    Of course, just imagine how much of that property could go towards making the Wizarding World even more magical?
    (11/12/10) A new update about Universal’s Evolution plan can be found here.
    (11/10/10) Universal Hollywood is still pushing ahead with their plans to redevelop a large section of the studio property. Last week the long awaited “City Report” on the proposed project was released, and you can read more about it at the LA Times.
    (10/9/09) NBC Universal has updated the old Vision Plan and given it a new name this week… now calling it the NBC Universal Evolution Plan. The $3 billion long-term plan around the Hollywood studio property focuses on upgrading and creating new production facilities, providing office space, bringing a new hotel to the property and continuing to provide vitality to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and CityWalk.
    Studio plans include adding 308,000 square-feet or new production facilities, representing both new and relocated outdoor sets, sound stages, producer bungalows, a screening theater, a rehearsal hall and a film vault. Another 437,000 square-feet of production and post-production space is also planned along with 495,000 sq-ft of new modern office space, including a new Child Care Center and improved parking.
    The plans for the theme park and CityWalk include 146,000 sq-ft of attractions space at Universal Studios Hollywood and 39,000 sq-ft feet of retail/dining space at CityWalk. There is also a possible plan to replace the current amphitheater with a smaller venue to make room for a new 500-room on-site hotel at CityWalk. Be sure to check out the new official Evolution Plan website too. Compare the map on the wrong of the Evolution page to the old map we still have posted from the Vision Plan and there are lots of small differences here and there in the size and shape of some of the buildings in the backlot.