Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

The Walking Dead opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on July 4

May 18, 2016, 12:02 PM · The new, year-round Walking Dead attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will open on July 4, the park announced today.

In a new behind-the-scenes promotional video, executive producer/director Greg Nicotero shows some of the practical effects that he and creative director John Murdy are overseeing as their creative team works to bring the show's post-apocalyptic world to life.

The Walking Dead is going into a new space located between Universal Boulevard and Westminster, next to the Universal Plaza. Universal recently held auditions for scareactors who will be working in the attraction, supplementing the thrills from animatronics and other special effects inside this walk-through experience.

The Walking Dead has been a staple of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, but this will be the first year-round attraction based upon the franchise at a Universal theme park. Due to its intense nature and graphic scenery, Universal is not recommending The Walking Dead attraction for visitors under age 13.

Replies (7)

Dougj
Doug Jenkins
May 18, 2016 at 12:40 PM · Looks like a high dollar spook house. Universal could use the space better.
robert
Editor
Robert Niles
May 18, 2016 at 2:07 PM · Obviously, I haven't been in it yet, but from piecing together everything I know about this, it looks like this space relatively easily could be swapped into something else at whatever point The Walking Dead ceases to be the biggest deal on television and crowds dwindle for the walk-through. But, for now, this seems a pretty shrewd way to get TWD into the parks 365 days a year.
Anonymous878
Anon Mouse
May 18, 2016 at 2:39 PM · It shouldn't be too scary in the day time, but they should increase the scares in the evening. Opening after Frozen. Should be some cross promotion. Elsa and her frozen zombie friends.

The Harry Potter wands should ward off the yucky zombies. Use the "Impedimenta" spell with the wand.

anonymous
65.32.248.78
May 18, 2016 at 7:49 PM · If it's as good as Hollywood's previous year round horror house then count me out! I had a massive panic attack from being pursued relentlessly and had to be carried out (as a sophomore in college!)
anonymous
162.192.68.100
May 18, 2016 at 9:24 PM · I was extremely saddened when House of Horrors closed. That was a complete blast, and more fun than 95% of theme park attractions. Hopefully, this will capture some of the thrills from that type of experience.
anonymous
66.87.122.82
May 19, 2016 at 5:51 AM · A new Universal attraction that doesn't use screens? (Starts clapping) Well done Universal! Glad to see that you haven't forgotten the value in diversity!

OrlandoRob
Writer
Rob McCullough
May 19, 2016 at 8:22 AM · I disagree. As a serious Walking Dead fan, it should be full on scary all the time. I just wonder how the Scareactors will be able to maintain the energy 365. It's a special kind of person who works the theme park Halloween events. They work their butts off for those twenty-something days in late September through early November, then they look forward to doing it again all year long. It will be interesting to go through in mid February to see what the experience is like. Either way, this may not be a primary motivator to get guests into USH, but it will be a terrific additional attraction once they are there.

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