Universal Studios Hollywood reopened on Friday to a sold-out crowd. The popular Southern California theme park had been closed for more than a year due to the pandemic.
The entire opening weekend sold out, according to a park official. For the moment, Universal Studios is only open to California residents. The theme park reopened Friday with strict new health and safety measures in place at a greatly reduced capacity, per state guidelines.
“We are incredibly thrilled to finally be able to open Universal Studios Hollywood, return team members to work and welcome guests back to enjoy our amazing rides,” Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood said on March 30 when the reopening announcement was made. “It has been a very challenging year and we are overjoyed to have arrived at this moment.”
Universal Studios, like all other major theme parks in the state, was forced to close its doors last March as the pandemic rocked the globe. However, the CityWalk portion of the destination has been open since last summer.
Six Flags Magic Mountain was the first major theme park to reopen, followed by Legoland. Disneyland will reopen on April 30. Knott’s Berry Farm will reopen on May 21.
Tickets for Disneyland went on sale Thursday. The website became overwhelmed due to the flood of people attempting to return to the park.
Before state guidelines were changed, the major theme parks were in a bitter stalemate with Gov. Gavin Newsom in an effort to reopen.