Universal Studios Hollywood launches RUNNING UNIVERSAL, a series of fun runs, kicking off with the inaugural 5K featuring Illumination’s Minions on May 11, 2019

Get Ready, Get Set…Minion Run!

Click here to register. Space is limited.

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Universal Studios Hollywood is off to the races with its all-new “Running Universal,” a series of fun runs that kicks off with an energetic Minion–themed 5K on May 11, 2019.

The inaugural Minion Run, featuring Illumination’s mischievous Minions from the popular “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride, invites participants ages five and older (of all experience levels) to wind their way around Universal Studios Hollywood and through parts of Universal Studios’ historic backlot, made famous in more than8,000 movies and television shows.

The run will give participants an unprecedented insider’s view of the Entertainment Capital of L.A.

Starting at Universal Studios Hollywood’s iconic front gates, participants will pass through some of the theme park’s immersive areas and attractions before winding their way along the historic backlot and into the magical world of movie-making as they head toward the finish line at CityWalk’s 5 Towers outdoor concert stage.

Along the 3.1 mile course, participants will be entertained by some of their favorite Universal Studios Hollywood characters including the Minions.

The program will begin at 6 a.m. and culminate at 7:30 a.m. with a memorable awards and closing ceremony.

Registration is now open and space is limited. For more information about the standard, VIP and Fan packages, visit runninguniversal.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”. Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction and the all-new DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.” The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such authentic thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

 

 

 

 

@Thisfunktional goes to Universal Studios Hollywood’s GRINCHMAS

@Thisfunktional goes to Universal Studios Hollywood’s GRINCHMAS
(All photo by Jesus Figueroa)

Written by Jesus Figueroa (@Thisfunktional)

The holiday season is in full swing at Universal Studios Hollywood’s GRINCHMAS celebration with the park decorated in festive holiday decorations.

From the red carpet at the front gate having a nice Grinch green boarder and fancy decorated Christmas trees around the carpet, to the lights and other decorations hanging, the atmosphere is of joy and celebration.

Whoville has come to the center of Universal studios with a giant tree with a stage where a show hosted by Cindy Lou Who.

Along with a show visitors get an opportunity to take a picture with Max the dog and his single antler, have a social media post opportunity with the Grinch’s sleigh and interact with other who-villians.

After story time with Cindy Lou Who, the Studio Tour tram leads from King kong 3-D, to the Fast and the Furious 3-D experience and over to a special Grinchmas performance at Whoville set.

The special performance contains an appearance by the mean green Grinch.

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” with some who-villians.

When the grinch joins in, the festivities become more exciting.

Make sure to get a seat in the second or third section of the tram as the first section really can’t see much of the performance.

It’s a short performance, but kids are sure to get a good treat with it.

The holidays get everyone in the spirit and ever the Despicable Me; Minion Mayhem house has gotten some small changes.

On the outside theres a Christmas Reef and the minions are wearing Santa Claus hats.

Christmas Trees and holiday decorations are set at the entrance of the virtual ride.

The streets have some decorations, but the most noticeable change is just that most of the minions are wearing Santa Claus hats.

Its great to see the children get excited to see the minions’ new look.

It’s a small change, but the festive spirit is enough to be joyful for kids.

On the other side of the park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has warm Butterbeer for the cooling temperature in Los Angeles.

It’s a sweet, maybe a bit too sweet, drink which has no alcohol so even kids can enjoy a warm cup of Butterbeer. There’s also a slush and the regular Butterbeer available.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t the only holiday treat, Universal CityWalk is also decorated and has CityWalk Holidays celebration going on.

A 40-foot tall Christmas tree with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season is at the 5 Towers plaza.

Santa Claus will make nightly appearances and have special photo opportunities at the 5 Towers.

The iconic, dancing water fountain at the heart of CityWalk also will make a splash this holiday season.

This modern and impressive fountain displaying more than 230 individual power jets projects streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and with holiday-themed music.

Free concert performances at “5 Towers” and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers will make CityWalk the ultimate L.A. holiday destination. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

CityWalk has free concerts and special appearances by Santa Claus.

Grinchmas runs weekends on Dec. 3-4 and 10-11, and daily from December 16 through January 1, 2017.

More information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood Rings in the Holiday Season with GRINCHMAS, Merry Mischievous Minions and Delicious, All-New Hot Butterbeer, as Universal CityWalk Decks the Hall with Free Concerts and Special Appearances by Saint Nick

Theme Park’s New California Neighbor Pass
Adds Christmas Cheer as Perfect Stocking Stuffers


It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM as Universal Studios Hollywood™ and Universal CityWalk® deck the halls for a wintry calendar of cool holiday activities and scrumptious treats that families and friends far and wide can enjoy.

A grinchy-green “Grinchmas™” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with a Who-lebration fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos.

Holiday whimsy also will permeate throughout “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry mischievous Minions spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

Delectable hot Butterbeer™ will complement the menu at Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub when “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood debuts this newest addition of the favorite beverage to its offerings of scrumptious fare.

Like its traditional and frozen counterparts, hot Butterbeer is reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread that’s been perfectly fine-tuned as a Hogsmeade holiday treat.

Universal Plaza, the elaborate grand piazza at the heart of the theme park, will once againserve as the backdrop for the “Grinchmas” event where the towering 60 foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree will beautifully twist and spiral as the ideal photo opp for guests. “Grinchmas” runs weekends on Dec. 3-4 and 10-11, and daily from Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, 2017.

As part of the fab-Who-lous event, Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls will take center stage by the “Grinchmas” tree, performing energetic musical sets to usher in the Christmas season in style.

The Who-liday Singers – a hip boy-band ensemble – will perform nightly a cappella concerts featuring a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

The spirited “Grinchmas” event will also capture guests’ imagination with a variety of inspiring activities designed to create long lasting memories. These include:

  • Who-ville Post Office – Visitors will have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and mail them to The Grinch. In return, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. and Random House Children’s Books, the publishers of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, will pay it forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.
  • Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a memorable keepsake.
  • Story Time with Cindy-Lou Who – Cindy-Lou Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages – tall and small – for an engaging storytelling show of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The spirit of “Grinchmas” also will come to life aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour with engaging performances by unforgettable Who-ville Whos re-enacting popular scenes and songs from the family favorite at the original film sets from the blockbuster film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood are included in the price of theme park admission. More information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

The spirit of the season continues with a wintertime transformation of Universal CityWalk, beginning the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, 2017.

A spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season in the “5 Towers” plaza. Santa Claus will make nightly appearances and offer special photo opportunities at “5 Towers.”

The iconic, dancing water fountain situated at the heart of CityWalk also will make a splash this holiday season.

This modern and impressive fountain displaying over 230 individual power jets will project streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.

Free concert performances at “5 Towers” and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers will make CityWalk the ultimate L.A. holiday destination.

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

To learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood and the various Annual Pass options, including the new California Neighbor Pass, please visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets. Additional information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Continue reading “Universal Studios Hollywood Rings in the Holiday Season with GRINCHMAS, Merry Mischievous Minions and Delicious, All-New Hot Butterbeer, as Universal CityWalk Decks the Hall with Free Concerts and Special Appearances by Saint Nick”

THE WALKING DEAD Universal Studios Hollywood’s New Permanent Attraction

Universal Studios Hollywood Takes on the Zombie Apocalypse Announcing a Permanent Walk-Through Attraction Based on AMC’s Award-Winning Series, “The Walking Dead,” Opening Summer 2016

Intense, All-New State-of-the-Art Theme Park Addition Continues Destination’s Ongoing Revitalization

Universal Studios Hollywood brings the most popular show in cable television history to life in Summer 2016 when AMC’s Golden Globe award-nominated television series,   “The Walking Dead,”    sets up permanent residency at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. in an all-new immersive, cutting-edge attraction.

Universal Studios Hollywood has worked collaboratively with AMC’s “The Walking Dead” for years as a signature “Halloween Horror Nights” maze.

This newly enhanced venture will take the highly sought-after experience from a seasonal, limited time offering to an authentic 365 day opportunity, raising the bar for themed walk-through attractions.

For a look at what to expect when the attraction opens this summer, please click   here.

To further elevate the authenticity of this new attraction, 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. Greg’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.

The integral involvement of the creative team will not only inspire the emotional connection fans experience, it will be among the attraction’s key distinguishing characteristics that will define it as a living version of the show.

“The Walking Dead” attraction will create a no-holds-bar experience that significantly intensifies any other iteration previously developed within the theme park.

Coupled with authentic walker make-up effects, sophisticated animatronic walkers, substantially more detailed set design and costuming, and highly recognizable props replicated from the series, the attraction will deliver an uncompromised realistic environment that brings guests even further into the most watched show in cable television history.

“‘The Walking Dead’ is a phenomenon that has successfully and consistently affected the psyche of viewers on a global basis, since its debut,” Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood, said. “We’re taking its intensity to the next level by collaborating with the show’s award-winning production team to create an authentic living representation of the series that can only be experienced at Universal Studios Hollywood.”

“We’re so grateful for our longstanding partnership with the talented team at Universal Studios Hollywood. We’ve shared a successful three-year partnership at Halloween Horror Nights and now this permanent ‘The Walking Dead’ walk- through attraction takes the relationship and the fan experience to the next level,” Charlie Collier, President of AMC and SundanceTV, said. “Along with our great partners at Universal, it means a great deal to us to continue entertaining — and frightening — passionate, loyal fans of ‘The Walking Dead’ for years to come.”

The “The Walking Dead” attraction will be located within an entirely new, custom built structure, situated within an expansive building complex just inside the theme park’s main entry.

The past five years have been a remarkable time for Universal Studios Hollywood as the destination embarked on an unprecedented revitalization that has substantially altered over 75 percent of its familiar footprint to effectively characterize it as an entirely new theme park experience.

The introduction of the all-new “The Walking Dead” attraction continues the theme park’s unparalleled investment in an ambitious epic transformation.

AMC’s “The Walking Dead” depicts the story of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of terrifying flesh-eating walkers.

It is the #1 show on television among adults 18-49 for the last four years and in its sixth season, the most highly-rated show in cable television history.

More information is available at   www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Due to the intense nature of this experience, the attraction is not recommended for guests under the age of 13.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue. World-class rides and attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” opening April 7, the renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour featuring the intense “King Kong 360 3-D” attraction and the all-new “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” thrill ride as the Studio Tour’s grand finale. Other popular rides include the 3D-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride,” “Jurassic Park® —The Ride,” “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour.”