Exciting News from Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk

If in the past it was a great idea to visit regularly Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk, today it’s simply a must.

We the public are constantly being offered more and more new exciting things to experience at these incredibly places!

Read below the official announcement regarding even more cool innovations coming our way.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

As the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles and one of the most progressive theme parks anywhere, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates its ambitious epic revitalization with the introduction of a streamlined new logo, epitomizing the arrival of a newly transformed world-class entertainment destination.

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 CITY WALK

For over 20 years, CityWalk has boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on providing memorable entertainment experiences. With a series of dramatic enhancements currently underway that includes the introduction of new restaurants, shopping experiences, visually aesthetic design features and a state-of-the-art movie theatre renovation, the spotlight shines brightly on CityWalk as it continues to resonate as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers. This significant undertaking coincides with Universal Studios Hollywood’s recent epic transformation in which 75 percent of the world-class theme park was completely reimagined.

“This is an exciting time as Universal CityWalk undergoes a transformation of its own,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “For over two decades, CityWalk has been the go to place for locals and out-of-town visitors alike to enjoy a variety of entertainment, and we’re excited to bring these significant enhancements to our guests as we continue to invest in our world-class destination.”

Introduced in 1993, CityWalk was the prototypical one-stop leisure destination that redefined the mall of yesteryear as a vibrant multi-sensory outdoor complex. With grand neon signs and larger-than-life decorative sculptures complimenting the diverse offerings, this whimsical street was reflective of L.A.’s eclectic landscape and distinguishing characteristics. Hailed as a revolutionary achievement at its inception, CityWalk was constructed in collaboration with visionary architect Jon Jerde to mastermind the quintessential urban California street, set amid a theme park and a movie studio, and sandwiched between palm trees and asphalt.

For film buffs, CityWalk has long been the epicenter for fans seeking an environment that matches the excitement of their favorite blockbusters. CityWalk’s revitalization will elevate the Universal Cinemas to new heights as the 18 screen and IMAX 3D theatre updates with the most technologically advanced sight and sound achievements. A complete refurbishment of the split level structure will include the installation of deluxe recliner seats to all 18 theatres—the equivalent of those found in Hollywood screening rooms—making every seat, the best seat in the house.
An all-new dedicated and stylish second level bar-lounge, flanked by the upper level theatres, will add a new dimension to the space as it blends high-tech elegance with chic sophistication for casual pre- and post- movie-going fun.

Each redesigned theatre will be fully upgraded with Christie RGB Laser projection Dolby Atmos immersive surround sound and equipped with Christie Vive speakers for optimal audio performance. The installation of new, state-of-the art screens, perforated to enable 360 degree audio will complement the overall enhancements.
The iconic, dancing water fountain situated at the heart of CityWalk recently got a splashing make-over from the designers behind the creation of the Las Vegas Bellagio hotel’s spectacular water art. This new, modern and impressive display incorporates over 230 individual power jets projecting streams of water choreographed into the air, complimented by programmable colorful LED lights for round-the-clock entertainment.

Universal CityWalk also adds four-star dining and shopping to its roster of best-in-class offerings. A sampling of the newly-introduced and soon-to-open palate pleasers include, LudoBird™ restaurant featuring world-renowned and award-winning Chef Ludo Lefebvre famous fried chicken, and Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, the fast-casual and artisanal pizza place. Meizhou Dongpo, a highly regarded modern restaurant in China will open Dongpo Kitchen this summer serving up authentic Sichuan and traditional Chinese fare in its first U.S. casual dining concept.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville will bring the musician and entrepreneur’s celebrated Caribbean-themed restaurant, club and music enclave to Universal CityWalk, in its first-ever Los Angeles-based locale. Voodoo Doughnut will take a bite out of CityWalk when the sweet, savory and generally out-of-this-world Portland, Oregon-originated donut masters open its first-ever California location. Both venues, slated to open this fall, will join existing eateries including Wolfgang Puck Bistro, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Hard Rock Café Hollywood, Pink’s Hot Dog, Smashburger and Buca di Beppo, to name a few.

CityWalk shopping gets a running start with the grand opening of Shoe Palace, as the shop, renowned for selling top tier recreational shoes and apparel, joins a sampling of such retailers as Abercrombie & Fitch, Fossil, Skechers, Francesca’s Collections, Guess Accessories, Hot Topic, Dodger’s Clubhouse, The Raider Image, and Lush Cosmetics.
As a premier entertainment hub, CityWalk’s popular “5 Towers” concert stage has helped to further establish the destination with its intimate, outdoor music venue, delivering spirited concert performances from some of today’s most influential artists, including Justin Bieber, CeeLo Green, Carly Rae Jepson, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Wiz Khalifia, 2 Chainz and Good Charlotte.