Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk have taken a "the show must go on" stance and are open for business as usual after a weekend fire that damaged the King Kong backlot attraction and one area of film sets that were frequently visited by the Studio Tour.
All rides, shows and attractions are open and operating normally, including the new and much-acclaimed THE SIMPSONS RIDE, which opened to spectacular reviews just weeks ago and joined REVENGE OF THE MUMMY -- THE RIDE and JURASSIC PARK -- THE RIDE as stand-out Universal Studios Hollywood thrill-ride experiences.
Neither Universal CityWalk, the popular entertainment, dining and retail complex nor the Universal CityWalk Cinemas were impacted and have also opened for business as usual. The Gibson Amphitheatre, the Sheraton Universal and the Universal Hilton Hotels are fully operational and were not affected by the incident.
Universal Studios Hollywood's parent company, NBC Universal, has announced its determination to rebuild and replace the film sets that were lost in the fire. Specifically, the New York Streets sets will be reconstructed and a new guest experience will ultimately replace the 22-year-old King Kong attraction.
Universal's world-renowned Studio Tour attraction will continue to take guests behind-the-scenes of an authentic working movie studio backlot, an ever-changing landscape, responding to a myriad of productions daily.
The blaze, which broke out early Sunday morning, was caused accidentally by workers using a blowtorch on the roof of a movie set building facade, according to the ASSOCIATED PRESS.
Workers had been using the blowtorch early Sunday to heat asphalt shingles to apply to the roof, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Michael Freeman said Monday. They finished around 3 a.m. and followed policy of standing watch for one hour, then left for a break. A security guard spotted the fire and reported it at 4:43 a.m.
Universal Studios Hollywood "The Entertainment Capital of L.A.," includes a movie-based theme park and Studio Tour, the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal Cinemas and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue.
Information:
www.universalstudioshollywood.com .
