Park Paradise

Universal Studios Hollywood - Terminator Removal

Universal Studios Hollywood has reportedly notified staff that its Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time attraction will close on December 31, 2012.

Screamscape has posted an image of a backstage sign that confirms the closure date, which has long been rumored. Terminator 2 3-D is expected to be replaced by a near-identical clone of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, which opened at Universal Studios Florida in June 2012.

Terminator 2: 3-D had been widely expected to be on its way out of Universal Studios Hollywood, with the once cutting-edge ride beginning to show its age. There have also been claims that the declining popularity of its star, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could be a contributing factor to its removal.

Based on the $540-million grossing Universal Pictures movie, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is the first ride at any of Universal’s theme parks to be based on a Universal-produced animated movie. It replaced Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast at Universal Studios Florida, and reuses the previous attraction’s simulator-style ride system.

More significant changes would probably be required to Terminator 2 3-D’s existing theatre, with Universal Studios Hollywood potentially using the new addition as a stop-gap attraction to pull in new guests while it constructs its own version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Studios Hollywood - Expansion Plans APPROVED

A $1.6 billion plan to radically update Universal Studios Hollywood’s production facilities and theme park has been recommended for approval by the Los Angeles Planning Commission.

Los Angeles’ Daily News reports that the commission voted unanimously to support the plan, with final approval from the City Council now required. The breakthrough came after Universal Studios Hollywood’s owner, NBCUniversal, agreed in July to drop plans to build a new residential community on part of the studio’s backlot.

The proposal to install housing had proved controversial, with local residents having claimed that it would strain local facilities to breaking point. Instead, Universal will now install additional production facilities, as well as a number of new theme park attractions.

The revised proposals will see two new hotels installed on the property, reflecting Universal Studios Hollywood’s expectations of increased demand when the park opens its own version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Studios Hollywood - Terror Tram

Universal Studios Hollywood has revealed that the 2012 incarnation of its “Terror Tram” Halloween Horror Nights attraction will be themed around The Walking Dead TV series.

The park’s world-famous Studio Tour attraction traditionally undergoes a temporary makeover during the Halloween events, and this year’s version will see hordes of zombies terrorizing guests. The undead will invade the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot, swarming over a number of sets from famous movies and TV productions.

Describing the plans for Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead, Halloween Horror Nights Creative Director John Murdy said: “The Terror Tram is one of the most popular Halloween Horror Nights attractions since it’s the only time people can walk on the historic Universal backlot where the horror film genre was born. The juxtaposition of the backlot’s rural setting amid a small town devastated by a horrific plane wreckage complements the TV series’ sets almost to a tee and provides the ideal backdrop to showcase the ‘walkers’ from AMC’s The Walking Dead on a grand scale.”

Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead is the latest attraction to be confirmed for Halloween Horror Nights 2012 at Universal Studios Hollywood. A horror maze dedicated to The Walking Dead, dubbed The Walking Dead: Dead Inside, will also be included in the line-up.

Universal Studios Hollywood - Despicable Me RUMOUR

Reports suggest that the Terminator 2: 3-D attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood is set to close, to be replaced by a new ride based on Despicable Me. 

Reports suggest that the ride would be a near-identical clone of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, which soft-opened at Universal Studios Florida on June 9, 2012. The site also reports that a themed play area could be installed in place of the existing Coke Zone.

Terminator 2: 3-D has long been rumored to be on its way out of Universal Studios Hollywood, with the once cutting-edge ride beginning to show its age. There have also been claims that the lack of popularity of its star, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could be a contributing factor to its removal.

Based on the $540-million grossing Universal Pictures movie, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is the first ride at any of Universal’s theme parks to be based on a Universal-produced animated movie. It has replaced Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast at Universal Studios Florida, and reuses the previous attraction’s simulator-style ride system.

More significant changes would probably be required to Terminator 2: 3-D’s existing theatre, with Universal Studios Hollywood potentially using the new addition as a stop-gap attraction to pull in new guests while it constructs its own version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.