This Just In - Current USH Happenings

[Alexshow.]

Noticed that earlier this morning. Interesting.

 

[JPLA]

Not sure what forum to put this.  Lot's of new shrubbery to be planted.  But where?  The paving stones have been there for many weeks.

 

[k_peek_2000]

My guess would be springfield. 

 

[JPLA]

Not sure what forum to put this.  Lot's of new shrubbery to be planted.  But where?  The paving stones have been there for many weeks.

Now that the plastic from the Hogwarts hillside is gone I wonder if all this will be planted there?

I've posted before about the tree that was removed from in front of Production Central.  It's still a hole covered by plywood so I assume it'll be returned someday. 

Here's some activity in the planter on the opposite side of the door.  It's always looked unfinished to me so I'm glad they're doing something with it.  Another lamppost, perhaps?  Automatic sprinklers?  Silly detail that most people probably don't care about.  Given that they have planned everything down to the inch in this project that is years in the making and a billion dollars or more, I'm just curious why one tree got planted then pulled.  Seems odd.  Don't worry, it's a rhetorical curiosity.  I'm not obsessing.  Much.

 

[William]

Glad to know I'm not the only one overly concerned over the smallest changes in the park. Haha.

 

[JPLA]

Both sides of Production Central are getting those lampposts with spotlights on top.  Once this one is done I suspect the missing tree will be replaced.

 

[JPLA]

You'll be better off looking at this on a larger display rather than mobile device, but here's a quick shot of the large retaining wall being constructed along north side of Universal Hollywood Drive after entering from Lankershim Boulevard.  Currently it's not a very attractive entry.  I wonder how Universal will make it look nice and welcoming once the infrastructure is done.

 

[William]

It's a shame that all of this, including Fung Lum's replacement, won't be done by the time Potter is done. Would've been nice to see a revitalized entrance to the Sheraton and CityWalk.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Yeah, it's a bummer, but at this point, I'm thrilled that they at least started it in SOME form, and that it isn't just "a plan on paper". Like, it's still going to progress light years faster than if Disney was doing it, and I personally love to see construction. It's ugly, but it's growing pains that will slowly keep helping USH become a (still awkward) but quirky and beautiful swan!

 

[Wesker69]

Obviously they have a lot of projects going on right now, and the park currently looks a little like DCA's park-wide renovation full of walls everywhere... but im surprised that they haven't started on the new hotel yet.

 

[Allen The Actor]

^ I'm not surprised, because different structural things have to be implemented first and the street has to be widened, they have to have space for traffic as well as construction crews, etc etc. There's a lot to do before building the hotel in that tight spot.

 

[Wesker69]

Ah yes.. I keep forgetting that the road needs to be finished first, and I've been past the construction zone a few times over the past 2-3 weeks going to Citywalk. It shall be interesting to see the hotel in that location, but it will be great for guests depending on what room they're in, they'll have a great view of Super Silly Funland & the Backlot..

Do we know yet if the new hotel will have any kind of theme or if it will be somewhat generic like Hilton & Sheraton?

Orlando's hotels are sort've themed (tropical, rock-n-roll, Italian, 50/60's retro), but of course the better concepts are on the "never built" table. However, some of the hotels now featured themed rooms to Jurassic Park & Despicable Me (....for kids!  <_< )

 

[JPLA]

I'm assuming more posts for more lighting will be going here.  Or maybe better signage for Special Effects Show?

 

[William]

Absolutely heartbreaking: http://variety.com/2015/biz/news/man-reportedly-kills-himself-at-universal-studios-1201466176/

This seemingly took place behind the SSFL changing rooms where the smoking zone is located.

I really am speechless. My thoughts go out to the victim's family and anyone who had to witness this.

 

[AFLurker]

 

Absolutely heartbreaking: http://variety.com/2015/biz/news/man-reportedly-kills-himself-at-universal-studios-1201466176/

This seemingly took place behind the SSFL changing rooms where the smoking zone is located.

I really am speechless. My thoughts go out to the victim's family and anyone who had to witness this.

 

Been trying to gather more info about this. It's sad and disturbing especially since it's near the biggest concentration of small kids in the park.

Here are a few links I've stuck to (none of them graphic):

Video of guest inside the store receiving water bottles while they wait: https://twitter.com/roneeb27/status/584114130656690176

CBS News Coverage: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/04/03/firefighters-respond-to-medical-call-at-universal-studios/

Aerial photos of firefighters and employees outside: https://twitter.com/StringerLA/status/584118735788584961

 

[William]

I'm absolutely mortified. Having this occur in a theme park is shocking in and of itself, but to have it happen right next to a children's play area? Unbelievably tragic.

 

[sickle_claw]

Extremely sad and heartbreaking news.


Expect Universal to add metal detectors after this one.

 

[Allen The Actor]

I'm absolutely still in shock and trying to register it all. Props to all the team members keeping everyone calm. I'm just beyond thankful that he didn't go on a shooting rampage, which 100% could've happened. I have mentioned multiple times in the past that it's way too easy to sneak in weapons into Universal and Disney. Why are there metal detectors only during HHN? Lunatics can be present everyday.

My thoughts are with the family and with any guests and team members emotionally scarred. They better beef up security now. The death isn't so scary to me as much as someone had a gun and could've done a lot worse.

I can't stop having the chills just thinking about this...absolutely speechless.

 

[AFLurker]

Looks like it may be confirmed that it was done away from park guests. Just the gunshot was heard according to this article: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Shooting-Reported-at-Universal-CityWalk-298627821.html

 

[William]

It's refreshing to see that the team members handled this very well. Props to the employees who helped guests remain calm and kept them safe in a dire situation.