Yep, the House of Horrors' soundstage 13 is gone, leaving a clear view to Gru's Lab behind it.
That's just the first of three major construction zones on Universal's Upper Lot. But while site grading's just getting started up front, work's progressing nicely on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter just up the street.
We can't wait to walk under that arch and into Hogsmeade!
Hogwarts Castle is beginning to look like, well, a castle, with the astronomy tower now taking shape.
This should give you an idea of how close Hogsmeade will be to the third major construction area in the park — The Simpsons' Springfield.
The Springfield skyline, which is being built to cover the back of Hogsmeade, is nearing completion for a planned opening in late spring or early summer thus year. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in 2016.
While all this construction is blocking a huge section of the Upper Lot, all of the park's traffic beyond the Universal Plaza is being routed through what up until recently was the Special Effects Stage queue.
That's a tight fit when the park's crowded. But be patient. Better things are on their way.
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Even with the park's new elements behind construction walls, the Upper Lot finally is beginning to feel like a designed space, as opposed to the rather haphazard mix it had been before. Yes, everything is going to be crammed right next to its neighbors. But you can begin to sense some delightful spaces taking shape here. That's something USH hasn't had in the past.
And I don't think this is irrelevant. Very few people in Southern California visit Florida. They haven't been to Universal Orlando (or Universal Studios Japan!). I know dozens of friends here who can't wait to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the first time, and to do it at Universal Studios Hollywood.
What they're building in Cali right now has already been done in Florida -- and already topped when they opened Diagon Alley. What's the point of all this breathless anticipation for Potter at USH?
You say your friends "can't wait"? Well, they don't have to wait. It's already a few hours away by plane.
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