Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

Universal Studios Hollywood commits to May opening date for Transformers

December 22, 2011, 12:35 PM · Universal Studios Hollywood today released a new teaser video for Transformers: The Ride 3D, in which it commits to a May opening for the new motion-base ride. We'd previously heard an April-May window, but still not a specific date.

The video includes several seconds of footage from the ride, including Bumblebee throwing us the Allspark shard, as well as the wonderful scene when we go crashing through an office building.

The 2D YouTube clip still doesn't give you a true sense of the ride's speed and non-stop action, though. If you haven't read them already, please take a look at my review of Transformers: The Ride when it debuted in Singapore earlier this month (Hollywood is getting the exact same ride), and read my exclusive interview with ride designer Thierry Coup, who describes in great detail what to expect on the ride.

Replies (9)

Hollywood__
N B
December 22, 2011 at 1:02 PM · I need an excuse to go to Hollywood. I was there a few times years ago. The house I stayed at was on the hills above Sunset Blvd. The park was literally a mile or two away.

Plus they have Jack in the Box... two awful, soggy, greasy tacos for a buck. Man I miss them.

CentralFloridian99
Dominick D
December 22, 2011 at 1:47 PM · I bet it's gonnna open May 18, 2012, the day SWW begins.
ynnam
Manny Barron
December 22, 2011 at 2:02 PM · Nice! This ride is going to be great, can't wait to check it out for myself.
beastmaster
Mike Gallagher
December 22, 2011 at 2:29 PM · I keep seeing references to SWW. Forgivemy ignorance, but..

WHAZZAT?

Bigwig30
Writer
James Rao
December 22, 2011 at 6:30 PM · So, Robert, considering both Transformers and Cars Land, as well as crowd levels, weather, and ride downtime due to seasonal event setup, when would you suggest someone should plan a SoCal vacation in 2012? Late August after local schools are back in business and before Halloween setups cause attraction down time?
robert
Editor
Robert Niles
December 23, 2011 at 10:31 AM · Late August traditionally is slammed at the local theme parks, as many schools don't start until September (though many systems are starting earlier each year).

The Disneyland AP seasonal blockout lifts on Aug. 20. So I'd visit before then. Crowds will get huge starting than day and running through Labor Day.

ynnam
Manny Barron
December 23, 2011 at 11:00 AM · I visited SoCal in early August this year and the crowd levels were manageable and the weather was absolutely perfect. Definitely the time to go during the summer.
mannytonio
Manny Rodriguez
December 23, 2011 at 3:27 PM · just call it california why do you have to name it SoCal what??? let me spell it out C.A.L.I.F.O.R.N.I.A lord please help with this valley girl talk just as bad as my grammar!!!!!!
Bigwig30
Writer
James Rao
December 24, 2011 at 4:36 AM · Thanks Robert... bigger issue than crowds may be the holiday overlays. This past year it looks like both Haunted Mansion and Space Mt closed around Aug 29th for about two weeks to get the holiday treatment. That would push a trip back to late September... better for school crowds, I'll warrant, but how much of an intrusion is all the Halloween construction at Universal and Knotts? I have no idea...

And, M-Rod, CA is a long state. I am not intending to hit Fisherman's Wharf, the Disney Family Museum, Great America, Discovery Kingdom, or the Winchester Mystery House in the north. I will be visiting the southern half. Although a pit stop in Bakersfield for some Dewar's Peanut Butter Taffy might not be a bad idea... is that considered MidCal?

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