Universal Studios 'Walking Dead' attraction opens Monday
Photo by Michael Baker/Universal Studios
UNIVERSAL CITY – Universal Studios Hollywood on Tuesday gave a sneak peek of its all-new “The Walking Dead” permanent daytime attraction, based on AMC’s top-rated television series, which officially opens to the public on July 4.
A horde of 100 ravenous zombies were also on hand to help bring the event to life.
Universal Studios Hollywood has worked collaboratively with AMC’s “The Walking Dead” as a signature “Halloween Horror Nights” maze for years. This newly enhanced venture takes the experience from a seasonal, limited time offering to a 365-day opportunity.
“‘The Walking Dead’ is a phenomenon that has successfully and consistently affected the psyche of viewers on a global basis since its debut,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “We’re taking its authenticity to the next level by collaborating with the show’s award-winning production team to create a thrilling, living representation of the series that can only be experienced at Universal Studios Hollywood.”
Photo by David Sprague/Universal Studios
To ensure authenticity of the attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with “The Walking Dead’s” creative team, including Greg Nicotero and KNB Efx to develop prosthetics, utilize original molds and painstakingly apply paint and detailing to attraction walkers.
“After six years of working on ‘The Walking Dead,’ we have this great opportunity to take ‘The Walking Dead’ out of the studio, off the soundstage and into this amazing and truly one-of-a-kind attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood,” said Nicotero. “Guests can now come face-to-face with live and animatronic Walkers that are indiscernible from the Walkers from the show. It’s very exciting, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
The attraction features authentic walker make-up effects, sophisticated animatronic walkers, substantially more detailed set design and costuming, and recognizable props replicated from “The Walking Dead."
“The Walking Dead” attraction is located within an entirely new, custom-built structure, situated within an expansive building complex just inside the theme park’s main entry. Due to the intense nature of this experience, the attraction is not recommended for guests under the age of 13.
AMC’s “The Walking Dead” depicts the story of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by hordes of terrifying flesh-eating walkers. It is the No. 1 show on television among adults 18-49 for the last four years and will debut its seventh season this October.
More information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com