Published December 6, 2018 by

Universal Studios: Hollywood For The Holidays

Thank you to Ryan and Sharon Eltiste for doing the coverage and pictures.

Our adventure of the day began while entering through the gates to see the amazement of decorations of the Grinchmas Holiday Season filled with quirky Christmas trees, colorful Christmas ordainments and lights and of course we cannot forget the Who’s and the Grinch. While spending time in the Universal Plaza we got to enjoy the musical performances by the wholiday singers boy band and Martha May who-vier and her who-dolls as they danced around and sang while including the audience. In between the performances, we had the opportunity to take pictures of Max, other who-ville characters and of course, the Grinch. And watching the lighting of the incredibly tall curved Seussian tree was beautiful and entertaining. During the day we were able to take in many of the rides including the DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda where we were taken on an adventure with Po and friends as he takes an adventure on making a special delivery through pirate waters. Water world was full of excitement and activity of stunts. Warning, don’t sit to close or you may get drenched!! We also enjoyed the rides the Mummy Transformers 3D, the Simpson’s ride, Despicable me along with going on the Studio Tour seeing and learning about all of the Movie and TV history along with what is being filmed today. Our last stop of the day was visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where while we entered snow fell on us and kids of all ages where waving their wands throughout the land to watch tricks as fire shooting out of pipes from the roof and a dragon shooting smoke and the appearance of flames from under a huge draw bridge door. We dared to take on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey where we took a ride soaring above the castle grounds on a 4K HD motion ride which was impressing and fun. We were able to visit the restraunt Three Broomsticks where we enjoyed a delicious holiday meal and butter beer that you can’t stop craving. We ended our day watching the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle light up at night with an amazing show for all to see on the castle walls with stunning projection with musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies. Overall our experience was magical and we can’t wait to visit again.
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Universal Studios Hollywood is Making a List and Checking it Twice of Its Top Gift-Giving Favorites as the Countdown to Christmas Begins Holiday Shopping is Enhanced by Theme Park’s Holiday Programs, Including Snowfall as Part of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and Festive “Grinchmas” Who-lebrations Universal City, California – December 11, 2018 – As last minute shoppers begin searching for perfect Christmas presents, Universal Studios Hollywood is helping to take the guesswork out by assembling a list of some popular gift giving items and stocking stuffers from such fan favorites as The Grinch, Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park and Hello Kitty and friends. Here’s a short list of some fun, inspirational items. For the naughty on the list, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch movie takes center stage with an assortment of fun must-haves, including green faux-fur adorned hats, gloves and scarves as well as pajamas. Magic is always in the air during the holidays, making treasures and treats from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” some of the best gifts. From bespoke Christmas ornaments inspired by the Wizarding World to Honeydukes one-of-a-kind sweets, there is something for every Harry Potter fan this season. Other spellbinding collectibles that are sure to top any witch or wizard’s wish list include decorative Hogwarts castle snow globes, the Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland. This year, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is also introducing specialty gift wrapping that is inspired by packages delivered by the Owl Post in the Harry Potter film series. A visit to the shops adjacent to the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride and Super Silly Fun Land as well as the all-new Animation Studio Store offer a chockfull of Minions in an array of shapes and sizes as well Agnes’s all-time favorite, the fluffy Unicorn, available in a variety of huggable plush toys to wearable backpacks for back-to-school fun. For the more mischievous on the list, the iconic Zapper and Fart toys will make lasting memorable gifts. The Animation Studio Store is also home to Hello Kitty with a variety of themed merchandise primed for holiday gift giving and stocking stuffers. While the Jurassic era may have spanned time, millions of years ago, guests can keep the giant T. rex dinosaurs close at heart with popular Jurassic Park and Jurassic World t-shirts and hoodies, both in homage to the theme park’s iconic “Jurassic Park” thrill ride which closed earlier this year and in anticipation of its newest edition, the “Jurassic World” ride, opening in 2019. For those on the list who have been extra good, an Annual Pass to Universal Studios Hollywood is the ultimate gift. For limitless fun all year long, along with a variety of discounts and perks to the theme park and CityWalk, a Platinum, Gold or Silver Annual Pass will make 2019 shine daily for friends and family. Last minute shopping made easy at Universal Studios Hollywood is complemented by the theme park’s annual holiday programs, including nightly snowfall during “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” plus the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of HogwartsTM castle through “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle.” “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” takes place daily through January 6, 2019. “Grinchmas™” at Universal Studios Hollywood features a Who-lebration of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. The annual event comes to life with a towering 60- foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree where Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls take center stage performing energetic musical sets as they usher in the Christmas season in style, along with the Who-liday Singers—a hip boy-band ensemble—who perform a cappella concerts showcasing a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock. “Grinchmas” takes place daily from December 14 through December 30, 2018. Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy permeates throughout the theme park, including “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages. The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission. More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.
gareth

gareth

Syndicated movie & game critic, writer, author and frequent radio guest. His work has appeared in over 60 publications worldwide and he is the creator of the rising entertainment site and publication “Skewed and Reviewed”. He has three books of film, game reviews and interviews published and is a well-received and in demand speaker on the convention circuit. Gareth has appeared in movies and is a regular guest on a top-rated Seattle morning show. He has also appeared briefly in films such as “Prefountaine”, “Postal”. “Far Cry”. and others. Gareth is also an in-demand speaker at several conventions and has conducted popular panels for over two decades.

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