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----    THE LATEST BUZZ    ----
    (4/24/12) Readers have begun to post more videos showing off the Transformers – The Ride queue area as well as the ride experience. Check out a video of the queue below.
    (4/23/12) The Twitter reports from Universal Hollywood have been wild since Friday afternoon with all the praise and awestruck reports from those lucky enough to happen into a preview (MORE...)
    (4/20/12) Preview rides for Transformers – The Ride have begin. Hit the park on any given day and you may be lucky enough to take a spin. (MORE...)
    (4/16/12) The latest rumors seem in indicate that Despicable Me will indeed be coming to Universal Hollywood for 2013. The real question now seems to be “where?” (MORE...)

General Park News - (4/12/12) Heads up music fans, but a free concert will be taking place at the Universal CityWalk “5 Towers” concert venue by Carly Rae Jepsen and her hit single “Call me Maybe” on Saturday, April 14th at 9pm.
    (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.
    (12/15/11) Take a peek at Transformers along with Grinchmas over in the latest update at Westcoaster.
    (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).
    (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.

2012 - Transformers: The Ride 3-D - (4/24/12) Readers have begun to post more videos showing off the Transformers – The Ride queue area as well as the ride experience. Check out a video of the queue below.

    (4/23/12) The Twitter reports from Universal Hollywood have been wild since Friday afternoon with all the praise and awestruck reports from those lucky enough to happen into a preview of Transformers – The Ride. A fairly detailed photo trip report from over the weekend into one of these “Technical Rehearsals” has been posted to Theme Park Review, where signs do warn that not all effects are up and running just yet, though from pleased rider reports, you wouldn’t know it.
    Still want more?  Don’t care about Spoilers?  You’ve been warned… there is a POV ride video already on YouTube here. Be warned… the 3D footage is blurry, as you would expect, so your not going to see the action very clearly, but you can get a basic idea of the amazing experience ahead when you do ride.
   Even more photos from Transformers can be found at Westcoaster this week.
    (4/20/12) Preview rides for Transformers – The Ride have begin. Hit the park on any given day and you may be lucky enough to take a spin. Early word from those lucky enough to stumble into a preview ride (or be invited to a VIP sneak peek) has been utterly positive. People just seem to love it. 
    That said… lets take a look at a new preview video showing off a bit about the creation of Transformers – The Ride with Universal Creative.

    (4/12/12) A bit of cool news has slipped my way regarding Transfomers The Ride. When it opens, you will be enjoying the awesome 3D action through the use of Dolby 3D, the same incredible 3D system we first saw used on Star Tours last year, and which Universal also just put to use on the upgraded Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure last month.
    This is also an extra upgrade over even the first version of Transformers – The Ride that opened in Singapore a few months ago. The Singapore version uses the same old-style 3D glasses and projection system that Spider-man used to use. So when Transformers opens… your in for a real feast for the eyes.
    (4/11/12) Screamscape sources tell us that the employee preview of Transformers – The Ride is now set for Wednesday, April 18th and that we could see the first soft opening for park guests sometime on Thursday, April 19th. So if you visit the park, keep your eyes open for the window when they open the ride.
    (4/10/12) According to the latest rumors buzzing around the Universal Hollywood backlot, we could see Transformers: The Ride soft-open for very limited periods of time as early as the end of this week or during next week if the final testing continues to go well. This will start with VERY limited testing… opening the ride for just an hour or two in the middle or late in the day to start with and expanding on as things get closer to the real opening date.
    On a related note, a reader of ours who is close with Universal Studios tells us they have received an invitation to a preview ride session on Transformers on 4/25.  So it really does sound like everything will be coming together very quickly now.
    (3/28/12) Universal Studios Hollywood has sent word to their annual passholders in the latest newsletter that they will be holding AP Previews on Transformers – The Ride on May 4-6th.  Meanwhile one of our readers has posted a quick video showing off the latest progress of the renovation work to the lower lot, as well as how the Transformers ride building looks up close.

    (3/26/12) A reader visiting the park was kind enough to send in a couple of pictures showing off the entrance to Transformers – The Ride.  I can’t wa it for this one to open… and it may open much sooner than you think for soft opening if all goes well inside. This is also going to be quite an exicting ride for the Southern California market. For most SoCal park guests… they’ve never been to the Florida parks. The thought of traveling across the country to Florida to visit Universal Studios and Disney World seems like a waste to your average local guest, as they have had the original Universal and Disney parks in their back yards for as long as they can remember.
    That said… your average guest to Universal Studios Hollywood is quite simply going to be as blown away by Transformers – The Ride as everyone was back in 1999 when they first experienced Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure. So essentially… the fact that the California market will finally be able to experience this amazing ride system at long last (after Florida and Japan have had it for years, plus Singapore since late 2011) will be quite the game changer, and really turn some heads at Universal Hollywood.
    (3/22/12) Westcoaster has a new Transformers ride update for us this week as Megatron and Optimus Prime have now taken their place on the mural on the soundstage.  As for the ride itself… I’m hearing that things are goes extremely well inside those walls.
    (3/9/12) Apparently Universal Hollywood has posted their own Viral video attempt to promote the soon to open Transformers ride. This video (with an attempt to look like an amateur iPhone camera video by holding the camera the wrong way) gives us a painfully narrow view of two boys who sneak into the ride building and through some of the queue before security chases them out. (Of course it has to be viral… because Universal put their own copyright and credits at the end! Oops! Faux Pas?)
    Now if I was making the video… those kids would have never made it out of the building. The camera would drop and you would hear the ‘transform’ sound effect in the back ground followed by the kids screaming as they get lifted in the air by a giant hand before it goes black. But that’s just me.

    (3/2/12) Today we get a look at Universal Hollywood, checking in on the latest updates and progress over at the Transformers building and elsewhere thanks to our friends at Westcoaster. Looks like things have been moving full steam ahead there…
    (2/17/12) Time to check in with the NEST base to see what’s going on with Transformers: The Ride this week, thanks to our friends at Westcoaster. They also poke around to see the latest reworking going on a the Tram station, Shrek 4D and more.
    (2/7/12) Transformers fans… you can catch the Transformer’s special Superbowl ad below in case you missed it on Sunday.

    (1/25/12) NEST HQ made contact tonight with Intel Communique 02 on the subject of taking tactical maneuvers versus Decepticons.

    (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." 

2013 - Despicable Me - Rumor - (4/16/12) The latest rumors seem in indicate that Despicable Me will indeed be coming to Universal Hollywood for 2013. The real question now seems to be “where?”  We know Universal Hollywood is always strapped for space, so something is going to have to go on the upper lot to make room. Apparently they did consider replacing Shrek for it, but instead we may likely see it either replace Terminator 2 - 3D or perhaps replace the Curious George play area if they opt to build a new theater. I’m kind of surprised they haven’t tried to shove it into the Special Effects Stage attraction myself.  More on this as it leaks out...
    (2/20/12) While we wait for more information about how the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be coming to Universal Hollywood, while Transformers is counting down the days until it is ready to open, we’ve gotten word about a possible new attraction that may be in development for Universal Hollywood.  I don’t know the details, but I’m hearing that the feedback so far from Universal Creative about the new Despicable Me attraction going into Orlando has been so positive, that there are tentative plans in the works to try and bring a copy of it to Universal Hollywood as well. With Despicable Me 2 hitting the theaters in Summer 2013, I can only assume that they would be smart to push for a Spring/Summer 2013 opening date if approved. Anyone know more?

2015 - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Confirmed - (4/16/12) While no one seems sure of the exact timetable here, if you visit the park this year to see Transformers (and you should!) also make sure to get your butt planted for a viewing of Waterworld before you leave. It seems a fairly sure thing now that Waterworld will be removed sooner than later to make way for the start of construction Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
    (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 land locked, to which he responded that “We’re not land locked! 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.