Universal Studios Hollywood

Five years ago, Universal Studios Hollywood initiated an unprecedented undertaking to reimagine its theme park with highly detailed immersive rides and attractions, and embarked on building an infrastructure designed to support this monumental transformation—the most significant in the park’s storied history.

Representing the theme park’s single largest investment ever made, this sweeping makeover has had an astounding effect on the destination in which 75 percent of The Entertainment Capital of L.A. has been completely reimagined. 

And while the arrival of the theme park’s much-anticipated, highly acclaimed opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” marked the culmination of this elaborate period of development, the progression of Universal Studios Hollywood continues with major investments in sophisticated new rides and attractions.

“This is a very exciting time for Universal Studios Hollywood, and as an economic leader we are excited about the impact our revitalized theme park will continue to have on L.A.’s thriving tourism,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “The dramatic changes that have taken place over the past five years have substantially altered the look, feel and experience of our park to redefine us as an entirely new destination and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe to a new Universal Studios Hollywood.”

“As an iconic symbol of our theme park, the introduction of a refined logo further represents our approach to our ever-evolving destination,” continued Mr. Kurzweil.

With support from parent company, Comcast, Universal Studios Hollywood successfully transformed the decades’ old park into a new theme park, launching a slate of next generation rides and expansive lands designed to further immerse guests into the worlds of favorite movies and television shows.  “Transformers: The Ride—3D” arrived in 2012, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and Super Silly Fun Land opened in 2014, “Springfield,” located adjacent to the popular “The Simpsons Ride” and “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” roared to life in 2015, culminating with the much-anticipated arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in 2016.

Universal Studios Hollywood is always at the forefront of what’s considered topical and will unlock its “Don’t Open, Dead Inside” doors on July 4, 2016 for its all-new permanent attraction based on AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” the most watched show in cable television history.

“The Walking Dead” attraction will be a real-life interpretation of AMC’s award-winning television series.  To elevate its authenticity, Universal Studios Hollywood is partnering with “The Walking Dead’s” creative team, including visionary executive producer and director, Greg Nicotero and his special effects company, KNB Efx. Nicotero’s team, responsible for masterfully creating the show’s realistic decaying walkers, will construct prosthetics, utilize original molds and painstakingly apply paint and detailing to the attraction walkers. 

Under the scope of its recent transformation, Universal Studios Hollywood also added visually cohesive architectural theming throughout the theme park that paired the lavish designs of old Hollywood Art Deco glamor with modern sensibilities. From the 2013 installation of the 37,000 square foot Universal Plaza outdoor piazza to the stylish entry portal for the world-renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, and everywhere along the way to create, Art Deco flourishes for a consistent aesthetics appeal.

The theme park’s signature Studio Tour also played a significant role in the step-by-step reinvention of Universal Studios Hollywood. The signature attraction that has offered millions of guests unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the world’s most alluring business—Hollywood movie-making—rolled out a fleet of a new, contemporary trams further providing guests with the best seat in the house as they peek behind the velvet curtain. 

In tandem with the Studio Tour’s enhancement, Universal put the pedal to the metal with the 2015 debut of“Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” which raced onto the scene in the groundbreaking new 3D-HD thrill ride featuring the film series original cast members.

Since its inception over 50 years ago, Universal Studios has lifted the veil on Hollywood’s most illustrious industry, placing guests at the heart of favorite movies and television shows. It continues to be at the top of its game, taking innovation, imagination and inspiration to meteoric levels working in collaboration with some of the most influential filmmakers in the business and the greatest minds in entertainment—Steven Spielberg, Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay, Chris Meledandri, Greg Nicotero and JK Rowling—to create intriguing rides and attractions. 

View fullsize