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Maybe they're using it as a creative way to get to the 2nd level. Remember Japan's starts on the 2nd level, and Yoshi's queue (within the Beatpole structure in Japan) goes from the ground up to the 2nd level.
I'm also not seeing where they would put that unpainted/gray staircase in Hollywoods'.
I actually like USH's layout more than Japan's if I'm being honest. Especially the reveal at the entrance. The only actual thing that's missing is the Yoshi ride (but from what others have said, we're still getting elements of that in the land, in addition to SLOP on the upper-lot). Would Yoshi...
There was no Omni-mover installed. A track would have been easily recognizable very early on. It's like people forgot we've had SLOP (the same ride system) installed on the upper lot. The track was installed for SLOP before the show-building even went vertical... People are just being hopeful...