History of Universal Studios Hollywood in Timeline
Universal Studios Hollywood is a renowned film studio and theme park located in Los Angeles County, California. It functions both as a working studio and a popular tourist destination. Originally conceived as a tour of Universal's active movie sets, it evolved into a full-fledged theme park and is known as the "Entertainment Capital of LA." It stands as one of Hollywood's oldest and most famous studios still in operation, and the first of many Universal Studios theme park resorts worldwide.
March 14, 1915: Universal Studios Grand Opening
On March 14, 1915, Carl Laemmle opened Universal Studios to the public with a two-day grand opening event that was attended by 10,000 people. Attendees could see all the action for five cents, including a boxed lunch with chicken and fresh produce.
July 15, 1964: Modern Tour Established
On July 15, 1964, Universal Studios established the modern tour, which included dressing room walkthroughs, peeks at actual production, and staged events to increase profits. This later grew into a full-blown theme park.
1999: The Mummy franchise
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood transports guests through moments reminiscent of the 1999 Mummy franchise.
May 24, 2012: Transformers: The Ride – 3D Opens
On May 24, 2012, Transformers: The Ride – 3D opened on the Lower Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood.
December 31, 2012: T2-3D: Battle Across Time Closes
On December 31, 2012, Universal Studios Hollywood closed T2-3D: Battle Across Time.
2013: Universal Plaza opens
In 2013, the Upper Lot's Mission Revival entrance pathway, known as Universal Boulevard, opened and features the large Universal Plaza.
March 28, 2015: Springfield Dining Complex Opens
On March 28, 2015, Springfield, a new dining complex built around the Simpsons Ride, opened at Universal Studios Hollywood. The complex includes eateries such as Krusty Burger, Luigi's Pizza, Phineas Q. Butterfat's 5,600 Flavors Ice Cream Parlor, Moe's Tavern, and Duff's Brewery.
May 7, 2015: Nintendo Partnership Announced
On May 7, 2015, Universal Studios announced a partnership with Nintendo to create attractions and merchandise based on Mario and other Nintendo characters.
February 12, 2016: Wizarding World of Harry Potter soft opening
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter soft-opened on February 12, 2016, at Universal Studios Hollywood. It includes the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster, and Ollivander's Wand Show, along with shops and restaurants.
April 7, 2016: Wizarding World of Harry Potter official opening
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opened on April 7, 2016, as the largest themed area in the Upper Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood. Attractions include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Ollivander's Wand Show, plus live shows, shops, and dining.
August 13, 2017: Shrek 4-D Closed
On August 13, 2017, Shrek 4-D closed at Universal Studios Hollywood after 14 years of operation.
April 10, 2019: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! Announced
On April 10, 2019, Universal Studios announced The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!, an attraction based on The Secret Life of Pets.
March 5, 2021: Reopening Announcement
On March 5, 2021, it was announced that Universal Studios Hollywood would reopen with reduced capacity beginning April 1, 2021, after a temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 16, 2021: Park Reopening to California Residents
On April 16, 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood reopened to California residents. The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! ride also opened on this day, along with a new Indominus Rex in Jurassic World: The Ride.
2021: Universal Studios Hollywood details
As of 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood is split into the Upper lot and Lower lot, connected by the Starway escalators. It contains ten rides, seven shows, and two play areas, along with food, beverage, and merchandise shops.
2021: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! wins award
In 2021, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood won the award for 'Outstanding Attraction' at the Themed Entertainment Association's (TEA) Thea Awards.
March 10, 2022: Super Nintendo World Opening Announced
On March 10, 2022, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that its version of Super Nintendo World would open in 2023.
December 14, 2022: Super Nintendo World Opening Date Announced
On December 14, 2022, Universal officially announced that Super Nintendo World would open in Hollywood on February 17, 2023.
February 17, 2023: Super Nintendo World Officially Opened
On February 17, 2023, Super Nintendo World officially opened at Universal Studios Hollywood, about a month and a half before the release of Universal/Illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie".
July 12, 2023: Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster announcement
On July 12, 2023, it was announced that a Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster was being built at Universal Studios Hollywood.
2023: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
In 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood featured eight scary haunted houses including: The Last of Us, Stranger Things, and The Exorcist: Believer. It also included the popular Terror Tram. Two new live experiences were added, Blumhouse: Behind the Scenes and The Purge: Dangerous Waters.
2023: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge wins award
In 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood's attraction Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge received the 'Best New Family Attraction' at the Golden Ticket Awards.
May 2024: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster reveal
In May 2024, the Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster was revealed as Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, with an expected opening in 2026.
2024: Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster announcement
In May of 2024, it was formally announced that a Fast & Furious themed roller coaster will open in 2026 as Universal Studios Hollywood's "first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster".
2026: Opening of Fast & Furious themed roller coaster
In 2026, a Fast & Furious themed roller coaster will open as Universal Studios Hollywood's "first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster".
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