Planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? As the entertainment capital of L.A., with a host of exciting, new attractions, it won’t disappoint. Including a full-day, movie based theme park and Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate into real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows.
From dazzling new Harry Potter-themed light projections to Voodoo Doughnuts and a multi-million dollar cinema redesign, Universal Studios Hollywood continues to refresh its offering, keeping visitors surprised and delighted. Here’s our round-up of the latest must-see sights...
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle. Image: B. GoldsworthyUniversal Studios Hollywood has debuted its all-new The Nightmare Lights at Hogwarts Castle, a dazzling light projection against the backdrop of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry. The dancing light display which shines as night falls on Hogsmead Village, showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Additionally, the display is accompanied by a special musical arrangement that emanates in a surround sound environment that was created by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams. Williams’ musical arrangement is based on the original scores composed for the Harry Potter film series. It was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London. The new summertime feature will take place multiple times a night during its run.
Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster ride at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Image: Universal Studios HollywoodHave A Fright At Halloween Horror Nights
For the first time ever, the psychological horror film, The Shining, will bring unspeakable terror to Halloween Horror Nights in terrifying new mazes opening at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, beginning this September. The twisted minds behind the nation’s best, most intense Halloween events will bring every gruesome moment and paranormal haunting that fans have seen in the film to life in original, disturbingly authentic mazes.
The Walking Dead are one of the big attractions at Halloween Horror Nights. Image: Universal Studios HollywoodThe Shining maze at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights will provide guests with a unique opportunity to relive some of the film’s most iconic, and sinister, moments. While venturing through the eerie Overlook Hotel, visitors will be thrust into the hotel’s tragic history of murder and madness, bearing witness to caretaker Jack Torrance’s spiralling descent into insanity. Nightmarish visions will come to life in this macabre maze, overwhelming guests with the “shine” of the murderous, ghostly entities that lurk around every turn – all while trying to escape the wrath of Jack Torrance as he violently succumbs to the hotel’s paranormal forces.
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 20 years, guests from around the world have visited Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood and Orlando to become victims inside their own horror film. The streets of each coast’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing “scare-actors” lunge from every darkened corner. Multiple movie-quality haunted houses are erected throughout the event, based on everything from iconic slasher films to hit horror television series to haunting original stories. Additional details about Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights will be revealed soon.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Multiplied
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a big new drawcard. Image: Universal Studios HollywoodFour Minions and Dru, Gru’s long lost twin brother, have made their way to Universal Studios Hollywood to cause mayhem.
Known as the Tourist Minions, Dave and Jerry from Despicable Me 3 step out in full tourist regalia – sporting fanny packs, oversized sunglasses, floppy hats and cameras. They are accompanied by two new Jail Minions who join Minion Mel in Despicable Me 3 to revolt and make a go of it on their own – sporting familiar black-and-white striped jailbird uniforms.
Inspired by Illumination and Universal Pictures’ global blockbuster Despicable Me franchise, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, an original 3D Ultra-HD adventure and Super Silly Fun Land, an imaginative and interactive play zone, are featured attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. Voiced by the film series’ stars, the fully-immersive motion-simulator ride features the beloved cast of characters that have resonated with audiences across the globe: super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher), and an army of unpredictable Minions.
Universal Foodie Highlight: Voodoo Doughnut
Just some of the tempting creations by Voodoo Doughnut. Image: Universal Studios HollywoodWorld-famous pastry shop Voodoo Doughnut has opened its first-ever California shop – Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk – situated adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood. Founded by Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Tres Shannon in Portland, Oregon, the new L.A. pastry shop serves a range of 60 eclectic doughnuts, including vegan options and the Hollywood Cream, created especially for Universal CityWalk.
A variety of scrumptious flavours are available such as Grape Ape, Mango Tango, the Voodoo Bubble, and Bacon Mable Baras well as their iconic Voodoo Doll. A popular takeout option, Voodoo Doughnuts are served in signature boxes or in a custom-made coffin.
The new location also features another Portland speciality: Stumptown coffee, which brews regularly from the first-ever pink Stumptown espresso machine located exclusively at Universal CityWalk's Voodoo Doughnut. The new Voodoo Doughnut shop finds its sweet spot at the Universal CityWalk, located near the 5 Towers outdoor concert stage adjacent to Universal Cinema.
Catch The Ultimate Movie Experience At Universal’s Redesigned Cinema
The Universal Cinema offers high-tech elegance and chic sophistication with its newly redesigned 18-plex and a 7-storey IMAX with LASER theatre, making it L.A.’s ultimate movie experience. The 18 redesigned auditoriums feature reserved deluxe power-reclining seats, Dolby Atmos multidimensional sound and Christie RGB Laser projection. The state-of-the-art IMAX with LASER features next generation IMAX dual 4K laser projection and 12-channel sound, along with reserved seating for those who wish to book in advance.
The Director’s Lounge, a new uspcale bar providing pre- and post-movie going fun, now features an exclusive drink from Mario Lopez, the Mario-Rita. The Marketplace offers an expanded menu of concession features including Coca-Cola Freestyle with over 100 drinks, specialty smoothies and coffee drinks, gourmet popcorn and healthier options – all in a self-service concession stand.
