Update: June 25, 2015 – As of 5:00 PM, the parking structures are now open for guests heading to Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk Hollywood.
June 25, 2015 – Coinciding with the debut of Fast & Furious: Supercharged on the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood has officially reached capacity for parking early Thursday afternoon. Parking lots and the front gate ticket offices were closed as the park reached its operating capacity mid-operating day shortly after 12 PM. Universal also extended its park hours from 9 PM to 10 PM to handle the extra crowds.
Earlier today, Inside Universal received reports of backups on the 101 Freeway as cars attempted to exit Universal Drive. Traffic was also congested in and around Universal’s Lankershim entrance, forcing commuters to take alternate routes and impacting traffic on the 101 Freeway .
With ongoing construction in and around the property, roadways surrounding Universal were congested as guests attempted to navigate two-lane highways and a reduced parking infrastructure. It is well known that Universal is attempting to bolster transportation networks to the property in preparation for 2016’s opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, in the interim period, Universal will continue to struggle with impacted roadways and infrastructure as the property works to upgrade the park in time for 2016.
Universal also reached capacity twice during Grinchmas 2014.
Please stay tuned to Inside Universal for more on this and other stories originating from Universal Studios Hollywood.
Jon Fu is the editor-in-chief of Inside Universal.
Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood.” Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and around the world – including to places like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore.
Jon currently resides in Santa Cruz, California. You may reach him at jon@insideuniversal.net.
