Universal Studios Hollywood will reopen on April 16, ending the park’s yearlong COVID-19 shutdown.
Like other California parks, the reopening will be limited to in-state guests. Theme park fans will be familiar with many of the restrictions that Universal is implementing, including requiring face masks and enforcing physical distancing. The park also warned on its website, “While most rides will be operational, some rides, attractions and shows will reopen at a later date as the theme park complies with government restrictions.”
However, the park will also have something new to offer in the COVID-19 era: a new attraction.
As promised, Universal will debut Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, when the park reopens. The dark ride had been days away from opening to passholders when COVID-19 shut down California’s theme parks in mid-March 2020. An update to Jurassic World: The Ride, with a new Indominus rex animatronic, will also be ready for reopening.
Annual passholders will get a preview of the reopening park on April 15. Unlike Universal Orlando, guests to Universal Hollywood who buy tickets prior to April 8 will have to make a reservation to visit the park to manage the limited capacity.
Until May 16, passholders will also need to make reservations on what Universal is calling a “Bonus Days” period.
“While we are in this reopening ‘Bonus Days’ period, the time will not count against the term of your Pass,” Universal said. “At the conclusion of this period, the expiration date of your Pass will be extended by the number of days we have been closed including this additional ‘Bonus Days’ period.”
Reservations for passholders will open on April 5. New tickets will be available for purchase on April 8.
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