Universal Studios Hollywood Announces Long-Awaited Reopening Date

After more than a year of being closed due to the pandemic, Universal Studios Hollywood has finally announced that it will resume operations on Friday, April 16, 2021, meaning Harry Potter fans can once again ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, drink butterbeer, and get their wands at Ollivanders.

The park is still taking things slowly, though, with attendance being limited to California residents and party size capped at ten people from no more than three households.

Tickets will go on sale online on April 8. Due to capacity restrictions, those who have previously bought tickets will need to make reservations, which can be made online starting April 5.

Of course, in addition to the capacity restrictions, all possible safety measures will be in place, including mandatory face coverings, temperature checks, social distancing, and frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces. All staff members will get extensive training on the new procedures.

This reopening comes about a month after Universal Studios Hollywood took its first steps toward reopening with the Taste of Universal event. The special, ticketed event has been allowing guests into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on select dates, though rides have not been operating.

California theme park enthusiasts will surely be happy to get back on the same page as their Florida counterparts; the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as the one at Universal Studios Japan, has been open since last June.