Universal Studios Hollywood, a renowned film studio and theme park in Los Angeles, California, stands as a prominent landmark. Established as a window into the world of filmmaking, it offers a captivating glimpse into the magic of movies. Situated partly within Universal City and partly within Los Angeles, it proudly holds the title of 'The Entertainment Capital of LA.' Its origins lie in offering tours of authentic Universal Studios sets, paving the way for the creation of Universal Studios Theme Parks worldwide.
1914: Founding of Universal City
In 1914, Carl Laemmle, a German American immigrant, purchased the Taylor Ranch in the San Fernando Valley and established Universal City. Envisioned as a massive studio complex, Universal City encompassed a zoo, its own police force and mayor, and even housed Native Americans on the premises.
March 14, 1915: Grand Opening of Universal Studios
On March 14, 1915, Universal Studios celebrated its grand opening with a two-day event attended by 10,000 people.
1930: Discontinuation of the Original Studio Tour
The original studio tour at Universal Studios was discontinued around 1930. The rise of sound films and the lack of adequate soundproofing on the stages contributed to the tour's closure.
1932: First Backlot Fire
The first fire to damage the Universal Studios backlot occurred in 1932 when embers from a nearby brush fire ignited four movie sets, resulting in over $100,000 in damages.
1949: Brush Fire Damages Backlot
In 1949, a brush fire swept through the backlot, completely destroying one building and causing damage to two others.
1957: Arson Destroys New York Street Set
An arson fire in 1957 resulted in the destruction of the New York street film studio set, causing an estimated half-million dollars in damages.
1962: MCA Acquires Universal Pictures
Music Corporation of America (MCA) acquired Universal Pictures in 1962.
July 15, 1964: Launch of the Modern Studio Tour
The modern era of the Universal Studios tour began on July 15, 1964. The revamped tour offered visitors a glimpse into the world of moviemaking, featuring dressing room walk-throughs, observations of actual production, and later, staged events. This marked the beginning of the studio tour's evolution into a full-fledged theme park.
1965: War Lord Tower Opens
The War Lord Tower opened in 1965 as one of the first attractions in the theme park.
1967: Fire Devastates Studio Sets
Significant damage was inflicted upon the Universal Studios backlot in 1967 when a fire destroyed the Little Europe area, part of Spartacus Square, and the European, Denver, and Laramie street sets.
1968: Screen Actors Guild Rule Impacts Backlot Tour
In 1968, the Screen Actors Guild enacted a rule prohibiting visitors from most soundstages, impacting the backlot tram tour.
1970: Animal Actors' School Stage Opens
The Animal Actors' School Stage opened in 1970 following the expansion of the Ma & Pa Kettle Petting Zoo into Ark Park.
1973: Parting of the Red Sea Attraction Opens
The Parting of the Red Sea attraction opened in 1973.
1974: Rockslide Staged Event Added
In 1974, the Rockslide staged event was added to the Studio Tour.
1979: Battle of Galactica Replaces Rockslide
In 1979, the Battle of Galactica replaced Rockslide as a staged event on the Studio Tour.
1987: Spartacus Square and Other Sets Destroyed in Fire
The year 1987 witnessed the destruction of the remaining portion of Spartacus Square, along with other street sets and buildings, in a fire suspected to be the work of an arsonist.
1989: The Wizard Features Video Armageddon
In 1989's The Wizard, the fictional Video Armageddon competition was featured.
1990: Nintendo World Championships Held
The Nintendo World Championships were held in 1990 at the site of the fictional Video Armageddon competition from the film "The Wizard."
1991: E.T. Adventure Opens
In 1991, E.T. Adventure opened as the park's first "dark ride."
1991: Release of Nirvana's Nevermind
Nirvana released their groundbreaking album "Nevermind" in 1991.
1993: Back to the Future: The Ride Opens
In 1993, Back to the Future: The Ride opened, replacing Battle of Galactica.
1996: Jurassic Park: The Ride Opens
In 1996, Jurassic Park: The Ride opened.
1997: Courthouse Square Damaged in Fire
In 1997, a fire broke out on the Universal Studios backlot, partially destroying Courthouse Square, although a significant portion of it survived.
1997: New Shows Replace Existing Ones
In 1997, two shows were replaced: The Land Before Time show replaced Rocky and Bullwinkle Live; and Totally Nickelodeon replaced the Flintstones Show.
1999: T2-3D: Battle Across Time and Chicken Run Walkthrough Open
In 1999, T2-3D: Battle Across Time and a Chicken Run Walkthrough opened on the upper lot.
1999: Release of "The Mummy" Franchise
The year 1999 marked the release of "The Mummy" franchise, coinciding with the opening of the Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride.
2000: Rugrats Magic Adventure Replaces Totally Nickelodeon
In 2000, the Rugrats Magic Adventure replaced Totally Nickelodeon.
2001: Nickelodeon Blast Zone and Animal Planet Live Open
In 2001, the Nickelodeon Blast Zone opened. Also in 2001, Animal Planet Live replaced the Animal Actors' School Stage.
2003: E.T. Adventure Closes
In 2003, Universal Studios Hollywood closed E.T. Adventure to make way for Revenge of the Mummy.
2004: Revenge of the Mummy Opens
Revenge of the Mummy opened in 2004.
2005: Release of King Kong (2005)
The 2005 film adaptation of King Kong was released.
2007: Universal's House of Horrors Replaces Van Helsing: Fortress Dracula
In 2007, Universal's House of Horrors opened, replacing Van Helsing: Fortress Dracula.
June 1, 2008: Major Fire Engulfs Universal Studios Backlot
On June 1, 2008, a massive three-alarm fire tore through the Universal Studios backlot. The fire, which originated from a worker's blowtorch, caused significant damage to Brownstone Street, New York Street, New England Street, the King Kong attraction, parts of Courthouse Square, and the Video Vault. The blaze, which took over 500 firefighters and two water-dropping helicopters to extinguish, resulted in minor injuries to 14 firefighters and three Los Angeles County sheriffs' deputies.
August 2008: Plans Announced to Rebuild King Kong Attraction
In August 2008, Universal announced its decision to rebuild the King Kong attraction, which was destroyed in the June 2008 fire. The new attraction would be inspired by the 2005 film adaptation of King Kong.
2008: New Attractions Replace Back to the Future and Lucy: A Tribute
Both Back to the Future: The Ride and Lucy: A Tribute were closed, being replaced in 2008 by The Simpsons Ride and the Universal Story Museum respectively. Also in 2008, the Nickelodeon Blast Zone was re-branded to the Adventures of Curious George.
2008: Transformers: The Ride 3D Announced
Transformers: The Ride 3D was announced in 2008.
2009: Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical Opens
In 2009, Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical replaced Fear Factor Live in the Upper Lot.
2010: Special Effects Stages and Backdraft Close, King Kong 360 3-D Opens
In 2010, the Special Effects Stages and Backdraft attractions were closed to make way for Transformers: The Ride 3D. King Kong 360 3-D also opened.
May 24, 2012: Transformers: The Ride 3D Opens
On May 24, 2012, Transformers: The Ride 3D opened on the Lower Lot.
December 31, 2012: T2-3D: Battle Across Time Closes
On December 31, 2012, Universal Studios Hollywood closed T2-3D: Battle Across Time for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
2013: Opening of Universal Plaza
In 2013, Universal Plaza, a Mission Revival entrance pathway known as Universal Boulevard, opened in the Upper Lot.
April 12, 2014: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Opens
On April 12, 2014, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem opened.
April 2014: Springfield Dining Complex Announced
In April 2014, the park announced Springfield: a new dining complex to be built around the Simpsons Ride.
March 28, 2015: Springfield Dining Complex Opens
The Springfield dining complex opened on March 28, 2015.
May 7, 2015: Nintendo Partnership Announced
On May 7, 2015, Universal Studios announced it formed a partnership with Nintendo to create attractions and merchandises based on Mario and other Nintendo characters.
February 12, 2016: Soft Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
On February 12, 2016, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter had a soft opening, offering a sneak peek of the new themed area.
April 7, 2016: Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
On April 7, 2016, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opened to the public.
August 13, 2017: Shrek 4-D Closes
On August 13, 2017, Shrek 4-D was closed after 14 years to make way for the DreamWorks Theatre attraction.
2017: Theme park attendance and rankings
In 2017, Universal Studios Hollywood attracted 9.056 million visitors, securing its position as the 15th most popular theme park globally and the 9th most popular in North America.
September 3, 2018: Jurassic Park: The Ride Closes for Refurbishment
On September 3, 2018, Jurassic Park: The Ride was closed and refurbished to become Jurassic World: The Ride.
April 10, 2019: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! Announced
On April 10, 2019, the park announced The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!, an attraction based on The Secret Life of Pets.
June 11, 2019: UMG Disputes New York Times Report on Fire
Universal Music Group (UMG) issued a statement on June 11, 2019, disputing the accuracy of the New York Times article about the 2008 fire. UMG claimed the article contained factual errors and misunderstandings regarding the incident's scope and the assets affected. However, the company did not provide specific details, citing legal constraints.
June 2019: Universal Fire Revealed to Have Destroyed Music Archives
In June 2019, a New York Times article revealed the devastating extent of the 2008 Universal Studios fire. The article disclosed that the fire had destroyed Building 6197, which housed a video vault and a vast archive of analog audio master tapes belonging to Universal Music Group. The losses, estimated to include between 118,000 and 175,000 album and single master tapes, represented an irreplaceable collection of musical history.
July 12, 2019: Jurassic World: The Ride Opens
Jurassic World: The Ride opened on July 12, 2019.
March 14, 2020: Universal Studios Hollywood Temporarily Closes
Universal announced a temporary closure starting on March 14, 2020 to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 27, 2020: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! Originally Scheduled to Open
The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! was originally scheduled to open on March 27, 2020.
March 5, 2021: Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Reopening Plans
On March 5, 2021, it was announced that Universal Studios Hollywood could reopen with reduced capacity beginning April 1, 2021.
April 1, 2021: Universal Studios Hollywood Allowed to Reopen
Universal Studios Hollywood was allowed to reopen with reduced capacity beginning April 1, 2021.
April 16, 2021: Universal Studios Hollywood Reopens to California Residents
At the end of March 2021, it was announced that the park would reopen to California residents on April 16, 2021. Universal also announced that The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! ride would be open to the public on that day, together with a new, fully articulated version of the Indominus Rex on Jurassic World: The Ride.
2021: Universal Studios Hollywood Layout and Attractions
As of 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood contains ten rides, seven shows, and two play areas, split between the Upper Lot and Lower Lot.
2021: "The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!" Wins TEA Thea Award
In 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood's attraction, "The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!," received the prestigious 'Outstanding Attraction' award at the Themed Entertainment Association's (TEA) Thea Awards.
March 10, 2022: Super Nintendo World Hollywood Announcement
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 Hollywood Opening Date Announced
On December 14, 2022, Universal officially announced that Super Nintendo World would open in Hollywood on February 17, 2023.
January 12, 2023: Super Nintendo World Hollywood Soft Opening
Super Nintendo World soft-opened under technical rehearsals for reserved-guests on January 12, 2023.
February 17, 2023: Super Nintendo World Hollywood Officially Opens
Super Nintendo World officially opened in Hollywood on February 17, 2023, 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 Announced
On July 12, 2023, it was announced that a Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster was being built.
2023: Halloween Horror Nights with New Experiences
In 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights featured eight haunted houses, including new additions like "The Last of Us" and "The Exorcist: Believer." Two new live experiences, "Blumhouse: Behind the Scenes" and "The Purge: Dangerous Waters," premiered this year.
2023: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge Awarded at Golden Ticket Awards
Universal Studios Hollywood's "Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge" received the 'Best New Family Attraction' award at the Golden Ticket Awards in 2023.
May 2024: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Revealed
In May 2024, the Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster was revealed as Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, with an expected opening in 2026.
2026: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Expected Opening
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is expected to open in 2026.
2028: Universal Studios to Host Olympics Broadcast Center
The International Broadcast Center (IBC) and main press center (MPC) will be located at Universal Studios Hollywood during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.