As Southern California continues to battle devastating wildfires, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk have reopened today, January 10. This decision comes after the park was closed for two days due to the escalating crisis.
Despite ongoing mandatory evacuation orders and a region still in peril, Universal is resuming normal operations.
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be open on Friday, January 10 and will resume regular operating hours. pic.twitter.com/jD4ydZEcX9
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) January 10, 2025
Universal announced its reopening in a social media statement, saying:
“Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be open on Friday, January 10 and will resume regular operating hours. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those impacted by the recent and ongoing fires, as well as our deepest appreciation to the first responders for their valiant and ongoing efforts during this difficult time.”
While the message strikes a sympathetic tone, the decision to reopen raises questions about the company’s priorities. With fires still raging and entire neighborhoods under threat, some might wonder if reopening a theme park is appropriate amidst such widespread devastation.
Footage from inside Universal Studios Hollywood yesterday @UniStudios pic.twitter.com/Hq4SvnpGEV
— Universal HIGH 🌎 (@HighUniversal) January 9, 2025
According to KTLA, tens of thousands of residents in western Los Angeles remain under mandatory evacuation orders as wind-driven wildfires continue to spread through the region. Communities in the Palisades have been hit particularly hard, with homes and other structures consumed by flames. News footage shows entire streets reduced to ashes, yet the full extent of the damage is still unclear.
The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, erupted earlier this week and have already left many families displaced, wondering if they’ll have homes to return to. Emergency responders are working tirelessly, risking their lives to combat the infernos, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The sunset fires, which began recently, have overtaken Runyon canyon and threaten to engulf landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl.
The Sunset fire burning in the Hollywood Hills – YouTube, Fox 11 Los Angeles
In such a dire situation, reopening a tourist destination like Universal Studios Hollywood feels tone-deaf to some, given the ongoing suffering and uncertainty faced by residents.
Universal Studios Hollywood initially closed on January 8 and 9, citing safety concerns due to extreme winds and nearby fire threats. The closures were seen as a responsible move in the face of rapidly changing conditions. However, reopening so quickly—while fires are still active and first responders remain stretched thin—could be perceived as prioritizing profit over compassion.
Building burn as a major fire rips through Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills – YouTube, Fox 11 Los Angeles
The theme park’s location in a more urban and less fire-prone area may mitigate direct danger to guests, but the decision to resume operations still feels disconnected from the gravity of the crisis unfolding just miles away. With firefighters working around the clock and evacuees seeking shelter, reopening a park to welcome vacationers and tourists may come across as insensitive.
Universal’s statement attempts to strike a balance, offering sympathy to those affected while also praising the first responders. However, actions often speak louder than words, and reopening during an ongoing disaster risks sending the wrong message. While visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood may appreciate the return of normalcy, critics could view the move as prioritizing business over basic humanity.
Aircrafts are fighting the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.
Love to see those planes dropping water and fire retardant in such an heartbreaking scene. pic.twitter.com/DOm1WlVxF9
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 9, 2025
As Southern California grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the region is left to wonder whether corporations like Universal are truly in tune with the communities they operate within—or if, in the end, business will always come first.
Do you think Universal Studios Hollywood should have remained closed today? Sound off and let us know!
