Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk announced an unexpected closure today as Southern California faces extreme fire conditions caused by the Palisades Fires. The decision was prompted by strong winds, widespread power outages, and safety concerns for both staff and guests.
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed today due to extreme wind and fire conditions.
Universal says it will assess the situation and expects to reopen tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/QwHkT3bh6Y
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) January 8, 2025
In a statement shared via social media, Universal stated:
“Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed today as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions. We will continue to assess the situation and expect to open for business tomorrow. The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority.”
Theme Park Wizard, an insider in the theme park community, provided additional context to That Park Place, saying:
“The power has been out in the park since midnight and went out yesterday multiple times. Also, some team members are in evac zones, so they had to close today. Important to note though that Universal Studios Hollywood is not affected directly by the fires, AKA it’s not on fire.”
The Palisades Fires began as a wind-driven blaze and have escalated dramatically, with strong Santa Ana winds fanning the flames and causing chaos across Southern California. Authorities have issued evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents in the region. Nearly 100,000 people have been displaced, with reports of homes destroyed and infrastructure damaged.
how the fires have affected the universal studios area.. please stay safe!! pic.twitter.com/YXOlO7fbJH
— 𝚓𝚎𝚗 🎃 (@grimgrinningjen) January 8, 2025
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The Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for its dense vegetation and proximity to urban centers, has been particularly hard hit. According to CBS News, firefighters are working tirelessly to establish containment lines, but the 60+ mph gusts are making efforts extremely difficult. Evacuation centers have been set up for displaced residents, though resources are being stretched thin as conditions worsen.
Universal Plaza in Universal Studios Hollywood – YouTube, DocumentDisney
Although Universal Studios Hollywood itself is not directly in the fire’s path, the park has not escaped the effects of the wildfire crisis. Power outages began disrupting operations yesterday, with electricity cutting out entirely at midnight.
People from LA are not exaggerating when they say fires seen at Pacific Palisades fire are around 20-30 ft or larger. It’s a mountain fire + gusts up to 80mph, can’t make this sh*t up. Here’s a perspective. #palisadesfire
— Emporium (@EmporiumToken) January 8, 2025
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This closure is a rare event for the world-renowned theme park, demonstrating the severity of the situation across Southern California. Universal plans to assess the conditions throughout the day and expects to reopen tomorrow, pending further updates on safety and power restoration.
Southern California’s wildfire season has grown increasingly dangerous in recent years, fueled by prolonged drought conditions and worsening climate factors. The Palisades Fires are a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges the region faces. With weather conditions predicted to remain unfavorable, residents are bracing for the possibility of prolonged evacuations and additional damage.
This is the view of Los Angeles from the air. It’s REALLY bad right now. I can’t tell you how bad. I’m not there but I have very close friends who are. I’m watching it all very closely. The fires are called the Eaton, Palisades and Hurst fires.
— Jennifer 🟥🔴🧙♀️🦉🐈⬛ 🦖 (@babybeginner) January 8, 2025
For guests with tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood today, the park encourages checking its official website and social media channels for updates on rescheduling and refunds. While the fires themselves may not directly threaten the park yet, there’s no telling what could happen as they progress.
Stay tuned to That Park Place for more coverage of this breaking story on Universal Studios and the Pacific Palisades Fires.
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