Universal Theme Parks Extend Closures Due to COVID-19
Visitors can expect Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations to reopen later than planned following updated advice on COVID-19.
Universal Studios Japan has been closed since February 29 and previously planned to reopen by April 12. However, after the Japanese government’s Novel Coronavirus Emergency Declaration on Tuesday, the theme park decided to extend its period of temporary closure to at least the middle of May, when the date of reopening will be reconsidered in accordance with developments on the pandemic as well as government guidelines. All tickets purchased for USJ, the first and only Wizarding World of Harry Potter location in Asia, are refundable through travel agencies. Ticket sales through travel agencies have also been suspended since April 3 in light of the closures until further notice on the theme park’s official website.
As previously reported, Universal Studios Hollywood has been closed since March 14 and hoped to reopen on March 28, while Universal Orlando Resort has been closed since March 15 and originally expected to be closed until the end of last month. According to the resorts’ most recent safety and travel update, they will remain temporarily closed at least through May 31.
Here’s the latest news.
Updates are also available at https://t.co/OVgEFiR4Pq. pic.twitter.com/MnahWvhqVZ
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) April 9, 2020
Here’s the latest update from our destination.
Updates are also available at https://t.co/zdKuISXe1I pic.twitter.com/aslFjegCf4
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) April 9, 2020
Although these closures did not previously affect the Universal CityWalk areas or the hotels, these will now also temporarily suspend operations until the end of May. Tickets purchased for a date during the planned closures will be automatically extended for use until December 18 or available for their value to be applied toward a new purchase. Additionally, annual and season passes will be extended. For more details and contact information for specific queries, visit Universal Studios Hollywood’s or Universal Orlando Resort’s website.
