Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

New Walking Dead Attraction Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood

March 13, 2016, 7:44 PM · Cable channel AMC announced tonight that a new year-'round attraction based on its hit series "The Walking Dead" will open this summer at Universal Studios Hollywood.

From AMC's press release:

Follow in the survivors’ footsteps for a fully immersive journey, using both animatronics and live performers — the next best thing to actually being on The Walking Dead.

The attraction’s landscapes, special effects, props, staging, costumes and makeup were all created in collaboration with the show’s award-winning production team, including executive producer and director Greg Nicotero.

Universal has been featuring The Walking Dead-themed walk-through attractions during its Halloween Horror Nights events, both in Hollywood and Orlando, for the past several years. However, this will be the first permanent Walking Dead-themed attraction in a Universal park.

Here's a teaser video from Universal Studios Hollywood:

It appears from these announcements that the USH attraction will not be an installation of the Walking Dead dark ride developed by Sally Corp. and teased at last fall's IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, but a walk-through-style attraction, instead.

Updates:

The attraction will go into the Upper Lot, next to the new Starbucks.

And tech production is beginning, under the direction of USH Creative Director John Murdy. He also confirmed that the new TWD attraction will be featured during this fall's Halloween Horror Nights.

Replies (23)

anonymous
96.229.131.12
March 13, 2016 at 7:49 PM · I strongly believe the Walking Dead attraction will be located on top of Starbucks on the upper lot next to Universal Plaza.
robert
Editor
Robert Niles
March 13, 2016 at 8:05 PM · That makes some sense to me, as it would explain what's going into the ground-level access next door. But it would be a pretty low ceiling up there for an attraction space.
anonymous
71.211.76.7
March 13, 2016 at 8:11 PM · Last time I remember, there were reports of clearing behind the soundstage for Mummy. Perhaps it would be going in that location?
robert
Editor
Robert Niles
March 13, 2016 at 8:16 PM · OK, now Universal is confirming that the new attraction will be located on Universal Boulevard.
Bigwig30
Writer
James Rao
March 13, 2016 at 8:23 PM · I like Walking Dead, so I am intrigued, but I will wait until they build the better version in Orlando.
MaxLaZeb
Max LaZebnik
March 13, 2016 at 8:31 PM · Yes, I heard rumors about that, but I'm somewhat surprised to hear they're true. I think it will be behind the Starbucks on the London side. That would explain why some walls are still back there.
Seahawks!
Lucas
March 13, 2016 at 9:01 PM · It is going to be directly to the right of the Starbucks if you are standing in the Universal Plaza or behind the new Universal Studios Store. That part is still behind walls and has a higher roof than the rest of the building.
rcdude
Writer
AJ Hummel
March 13, 2016 at 9:28 PM · I am a little surprised that this will be ready for the summer as I had previously heard it would open for Halloween Horror Nights and remain permanently afterward. However, the addition of this attraction makes a lot of sense considering the popularity of The Walking Dead. For those wondering about the location, it's pretty close to where the House of Horrors used to be, though I believe the entrance will be off to the left instead of right in the front.
anonymous
104.9.82.176
March 13, 2016 at 10:14 PM · The latest Walking Dead maze received some criticism for being the 4th WD maze in a row at the park, so I find it interesting that their doing this. They better add some new effect or I think it will be a flop.
SC121
Sylvain Comeau
March 13, 2016 at 11:17 PM · This isn't a good idea. What's the point of having Horror Nights in the fall if you're going to have similar attractions all year long?
anonymous
45.50.49.37
March 13, 2016 at 11:19 PM · Orlando is not getting the walking dead. It's been confirmed by a friend of mine that works for universal. Too bad!!!
anonymous
70.126.135.117
March 14, 2016 at 8:10 AM · Re-Sylvian.

They had House of Horrors open all year long, but they still had Horror Nights and no one complained. So why fuss over it now?

But anyway, this attraction looks interesting. I'm glad that they're using physical sets instead of 3D screens. And live actors as well! Kudos to you, Universal!

Anonymous878
Anon Mouse
March 14, 2016 at 1:43 PM · I'm a big fan of the series so I'm curious to see it. I never go to Horror Nights so this is a good way to get it. I expect it to be tamer as well although I won't bring my kid. I will do it solo. I wonder why just a walk through. I prefer a ride instead.

It's overdue for Knott's to do a permanent haunt attraction.

anonymous
172.56.31.183
March 14, 2016 at 11:14 AM · Personally I like this idea. I've missed the year round haunt fix we in socal used to have with the house of horrors. Plus having a permanent walking dead attraction could possibly mean amother maze location just got freed up for a new maze idea during horror nights.
Bigwig30
Writer
James Rao
March 14, 2016 at 1:11 PM · To the anonymous poster who worte, "Orlando is not getting the Walking Dead" - not now. Not this year. But if it is popular, it will find its way to the Orlando parks. They get all the good stuff.
Disneyobsession
Disneyobsession
March 14, 2016 at 2:23 PM · As a Walking Dead fan, I'm actually really glad to hear that they're bringing this in as a permanent attraction. But this is how I think it's gonna pan out... If TWD attraction at USH is successful and popular, then they'll probably build TWD at USO. However, the one at USO will probably be an actual ride, opposed to USH just getting a walk through attraction. I mean they already showed off a Walking Dead ride at IAAPA.
anonymous
204.89.11.242
March 14, 2016 at 4:05 PM · This looks AMAZING! I can't wait to go see Walking Dead at Universal. Currently my favorite Walking Dead secret is Johnny Depp's head appearing recently as a walker in Season 6 episode 12, "Not Tomorrow Yet." It's in there, look for it :)
SC121
Sylvain Comeau
March 14, 2016 at 5:00 PM · I would have preferred that they keep the House of Horrors. Lots more variety than a permanent WD attraction. They already have a maze based on that IP at HHN.
anonymous
76.171.235.84
March 14, 2016 at 8:04 PM · There's an old walk-through haunted house-type attraction at the Upper Lot. It was themed for The Mummy, then re-themed for Van Helsing, then re-themed again for a hodgepodge of Universal properties (Chucky, Psycho, etc.). That attraction is now closed, which makes it pretty obvious they're just re-theming it again for Walking Dead.
robert
Editor
Robert Niles
March 14, 2016 at 9:16 PM · That building was razed to make way for the new Universal Blvd. However, TWDA is going in on much the same spot, except with the front where the House of Horrors exit was.
colandoj
colandoj
March 15, 2016 at 7:01 AM · I'm not going to lie, this does not sound exciting at all. A walkthrough attraction? I love the Walking Dead series/comics but this just seems like it would get stale after a while. granted you can say that about any attraction, but I don't know something about this just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
anonymous
73.192.198.120
March 15, 2016 at 8:03 AM · Im really interested in how this will turn out. As for whether or not USO will get this, it's pure conjecture. It's not true that that everything good eventually makes it to USO or that everything is better. It's a matter of opinion but I think their Minions and Springfield are superior and I actually enjoyed their Jurassic Park more and there is no Waterworld in Orlando I actually hope that if it is a success that they don't replicate it.
crazee4mm
webster patton
March 15, 2016 at 8:20 PM · My only concern is that it is properly staffed (i.e. monsters/zombies) continuously throughout the year. The previous House of Horrors was practically deserted of monsters most of the time except when the park was most crowded. I often went through there and only saw 2 or 2 "monsters" when there should have been a couple dozen. Otherwise, it was usually just a long walk through some nifty set pieces. The fun was in seeing guests getting chased around or screaming as a monster suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

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