Welcome back to another Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) update. Today we’re going to talk about a new rollercoaster, the return of a drone show, Nintendo merch, and much more.
It was a beautiful Friday afternoon on the day of my park visit and it was also a very busy sold-out day. I had a reservation for Toadstool Cafe so I decided first that I was going to head down there because my reservation time was quickly approaching. I urge you if you are doing anything in Super Nintendo World, but especially eating, please bring your patience with you as it will likely take a while.
On the way down the starway, I decided to take a peek inside and around the Special Effects and Animal Actors stages to see if I could see any demo progress.
Nothing to note on the inside of the building, but on the top of the building you can see a speaker placed up on the roof. This is to conduct sound testing for the upcoming Fast and Furious rollercoaster rumored to be making its debut next year. From a little inside Springfield to the bottom of the second starway escalator, you can hear ferocious roars and fun screams being blasted out of these speakers. Universal used Velocicoaster audio from Islands of Adventure in Orlando for this test out here in Hollywood. Universal is making sure that potential coaster screams would not reach the nearby neighbors or affect filming on the backlot.
Also on my way down, I did a check of the future Halloween Horror Nights site next to The Mummy and they have not started construction there yet.
After a long line to enter the actual land, I made it to Toad’s cafe for my 4:45 P.M. reservation and it is currently 5:15 P.M. Now it is time to wait in the reservation line, and let’s see how long it takes for me to order my food. At this time stop reading and guess how long it took me, then continue reading to see if you were right.
For reference, the back of the land started all the way at the exit of the restaurant. While you’re still guessing, check out the full menu, I highly recommend the burgers or the short rib and the Question Block Taramouse for dessert.
Well for those of you who guessed fifty-one minutes then you got it. Yes, it took nearly one hour just to order my food from my getting in the reservation line, so again bring your patience when eating at Toad’s on a busy day in the land.
I ordered the Short Rib and it was amazing as always!
After I finished my delicious meal, I wanted to go buy this new sweatshirt that they just got in the 1UP Factory.
It is a very simple design, but that is exactly why I love it so much! It was hard to find in my size (medium) and hard to find at all as they were quickly running out! In fact, much of the Nintendo merch is flying off the shelves and especially anything to do with Yoshi as he seems like he is EXTREMELY popular amongst guests.
Heading back up to the Upper Lot to check up on the Halloween Horror Nights house in the Parisian Courtyard. The façade is looking great and is very tall for this house. Rumor has it this will be a Classic Monsters: Paris attraction.
Side note out in CityWalk the Dodger Store is undergoing a major renovation.
Back inside Universal, it is now nighttime and time to watch the Dark Arts projection and drone show, the first time it has been at the park since 2019! The projections and drones are the best Universal has done. This show will be playing periodically throughout Spring Break and Summer!
Well, that is going to do it for this week’s Universal update. What do you think of the fast-selling Nintendo merch? Have you bought some? Are you excited about the new coaster coming to the park? Lastly, have you seen Dark Arts? If not, you can catch the full show right here!
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Ethan Becker is a columnist for the Boardwalk Times
