EDITOR’S NOTE: Inside Universal remains dedicated to presenting a fact-based, non-sensationalist driven perspective aimed at educating and informing our readers. As Editor-in-Chief, I was hesitant to broach the topic of Coronavirus (COVID-19), as I did not want to come across as “adding to the hysteria” or sensationalizing current events. Admittedly, as much as we love the theme parks – safety is always the priority. Whether or not Universal Parks, or any theme park, remains open should be the last thing to worry about; however, we understand many vacations will be affected by this pandemic. As impacts of this virus are starting to rise and be felt the world over, including the Universal theme parks, I felt it was necessary to finally address our readers with as much fact-based info we have at this time and provide a rational perspective surrounding the impact of the Universal Parks & Resorts.
UPDATED 5/22/2020
First off, if you have any questions regarding the Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, we recommend getting all information off the Center for Disease Control’s official website. We also suggest you follow their recommendations for illness prevention, such as washing your hands often and staying home if you are sick.
We’ll try to update this article accordingly if any changes to operating schedules take place.
Universal Orlando Resort will start a phased re-opening on June 1, beginning with a team member only opening on June 1 and 2, passholders and invited guests can visit on June 3 and 4, and then finally opening in a limited capacity to the public on June 5.
Universal CityWalk will open in a limited capacity beginning May 14.
Endless Summer’s Dockside Inn & Suites, which was scheduled to open on March 17, has been delayed. A new opening date will be announced at a later time.
Universal Studios Hollywood will also remain closed through Sunday, May 31. CityWalk Hollywood will remain closed as well. Individual tenants may elect to remain open for business (Guests are encouraged to call to confirm operating hours before visiting).
Both Peacock Live! and Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival has been pushed back to a date to be determined later. While the event’s official postponement was listed as “uncertainties with the event’s programming elements”, it’s probable that the uncertainties were due to the precautions being taken by some of the attendees. The Running Universal event featuring DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls planned for April 26, 2020 at Universal Studios Hollywood has been canceled. For questions, including exchanges or refunds, guests are encouraged to call 1-800-UNIVERSAL.
Universal Studios Japan has once again extended the closure of the park until May 31 and will continue to reassess the situation to determine a definite opening date at a later time.
Universal Studios Singapore has extended its closure until Monday, June 1 due to the government ordering all non-essential businesses to cease operation to combat the spread of the virus.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I modify and/or cancel plans? Universal Orlando guests are encouraged to dial 877-801-9720 for more information and assistance. Universal Studios Hollywood guests are encouraged to call 866-258-6546.
What if I already bought a ticket for a closed date? For Universal Orlando tickets, unexpired single-day tickets that have already been purchased will be valid on any day for 365 days from the purchase date. Unexpired multi-day tickets that have already been purchased will also be valid for first use on any day from 365 days from purchase. At Universal Studios Hollywood, tickets purchased for park visits during the anticipated closure period, from March 14 through April 19, will be automatically extended for use through December 18, 2020; or apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward a new purchase. For more information, call the numbers of the respective park provided above.
What about my Annual Pass?
Annual passes for both stateside parks will be extended by the number of days the theme parks are closed. Existing benefits and restrictions will continue to apply. Those who purchased a Pass under the FlexPay program, Universal has postponed all monthly payments effective March 25, 2020. They will provide further details on when payments will resume at a later time.
