11 Apr 2014
Fast & Furious ride announced as Universal outlines Hollywood plans
BY Jason Holland
Universal Studios Hollywood has unveiled details of an ongoing five-year investment plan in “revolutionary” rides and themed areas - the most significant undertaking in the park's history.
Two new attractions have been announced for 2015 - the park’s 50th anniversary year. Fast & Furious—Supercharged is a hydraulic motion thrill ride based on the blockbuster film series, and will serve as the finale for the park’s studio tour. The ride will be located within a newly constructed 4,645sq m (50,000sq ft) building, and is conceived as a new instalment to the film series, telling an original story.
It incorporates special effects and 3D-HD imagery projected onto the world's longest and most expansive 360-degree screen spanning nearly 122m (400ft) in length. The ride uses a front-projection system to fully envelope guests in action sequences, reaching perceived speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour.
An immersive Springfield themed area will also be created next year to surround the already-running The Simpsons Ride. It has been designed to make visitors feel like they are being propelled through their television sets into the accurately depicted city, and will feature signature locations from the show such as Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern and Duff’s Brewery.
2015 will also see the launch of Nighttime Studio Tours, offering a new perspective on Hollywood movie making magic, complementing the day tours.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed area - which is based on the attraction at Universal Orlando Resort - has been given a 2016 opening date, in what the park says will mark the completion of the transformation project.
“This is a pivotal time in the history of Universal Studios Hollywood as we expand our vision for the future,” said Larry Kurzweil, president of Universal Studios Hollywood.
“This broad investment in our five-year transformation will further strengthen Universal Studios Hollywood as an economic leader, significantly contributing to long-term employment opportunities and tourism throughout Los Angeles.”
The five-year project began with the opening of Transformers: The Ride—3D in 2012, and has so far continued with the installation of Universal Plaza, a 3,437sq m (37,000sq ft) art deco-styled piazza.
The park is preparing to open Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Super Silly Fun Land on Saturday (April 12). These new ventures represent a turning point for the theme park, as it is the first time Universal Studios Hollywood is creating a fully expansive themed environment for an attraction, with the aim of immersing visitors from the moment they enter the space.
The transformation plan for the park also includes the addition of two newly constructed parking structures that, combined, will accommodate thousands of additional vehicles. Construction on the second parking structure will be completed in late 2015.
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