Photos taken 4/17
All throughout the play area are counters with air jets built into
them...
...kids can do all sorts of simple tricks with the foam balls - such
as make them float in mid-air, jump through hoops, etc. So it's not all
just target practice...
In case you're wondering about the smaller tykes, and finding
something for them to do - they've addressed that problem with the
"Nick Jr. Backyard."
Basically this is the former Woody Woodpecker play area, now
minimally re-themed to include characters such as Blue, Dora the
Explorer and others. You help your little one follow paw prints to find
the characters hidden away among the small slides and climbing areas.
Overall, judging from the delighted shrieks from the kids, they've
succeeded wildly with this new addition. If you really want a contrast -
listen to how subdued the kids are out at Disney's California Adventure
"Redwood Challenge Creek" playground area by comparison.
Universal has carefully (and successfully) targeted the one age group
Disney seems to have forgotten in their new park.
As we understand it, they've been getting tremendous crowds - helped
in part by this new addition and the "kid's free admission for
April" promotion they have in place now.
Coke Soak
Touted as a new attraction - the former AquaZone (at the exit of
Terminator 3-D) is now the "Coke Soak." As you can see from
the photo below, it isn't much - just a few water guns and huge Coke
ads. Slightly older kids seemed to hit this area, but didn't stay around
long.
A Sneak Peek!
The Mummy Returns - Chamber of Doom
As you can see in the two photos below - they are prepping a new maze
and prop exhibit for the Mummy sequel. A May opening is scheduled.
Above, the view head on (with the Waterworld show behind you) -
below, the view into the area with the main entry behind you. The
surfaces were being "aged" as the photos were taken.
Also coming to Universal Studios here in Hollywood at that same time
is something called "Jurassic Park III Summer Splash" and
"Shrek LIVE" (which as a show will most probably will take
over the Blues Brothers stage that is adjacent to the Mummy maze).
Universal has been very successful with their synergy program - tying
into every major summer and holiday movie release they have with such
attractions as "Chicken Run Maze" and "Grinchmas."
Judging from their above expected attendance, they've been on a real
winning streak lately.
This new show replaces the "Animal Actors" presentation.
Lots of Animal Planet video clips are now used throughout the show (it
seems like almost half of it is video) - which although quite clever,
almost take it all away from the animals.
Although the show is now better paced and more interesting for
today's shorter attention span kids, (and it relentlessly plugs all the
channel's shows) the reliance on video tends to be a bit much.
Below in these older shots is the new entry sign to the theater.
