Southern California is experiencing its most devastating winter fires in over 40 years. Unseasonal conditions have fueled fast-moving and deadly blazes, leaving at least five people dead and forcing 130,000 residents to evacuate, according to the Associated Press.
The impact has been devastating: multi-million-dollar homes reduced to rubble, widespread power outages plunging neighborhoods into darkness, thousands of residents displaced, and even major theme parks forced to temporarily close their gates.
Are Disneyland Park and Universal Studios Hollywood Open?
Universal Studios Hollywood temporarily closed on Thursday, January 9, due to the wildfires and extreme weather conditions, prioritizing guest and staff safety. In a statement, the park said it will reopen when conditions improve. The park first closed on Wednesday.
Disneyland remains open and has not announced any operational changes at this time.
Where Are Disneyland Park And Universal Studios Hollywood In Relation To The Fires?
Universal Studios Hollywood is in Los Angeles County, an area heavily impacted by the ongoing wildfires. The Pacific Palisades fire, among the most destructive, has caused evacuations and significant property damage just miles from the park.
Disneyland, located in Anaheim, approximately 50 miles south of the most affected fire zones, has avoided direct impacts.
Guests can check the Disneyland app for updates, as officials say operations may change based on the weather.
What Are The Regular Hours For Disneyland And Universal Studios Hollywood?
Under normal circumstances, Universal Studios Hollywood operates from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with CityWalk often staying open until midnight. However, these operations are temporarily suspended due to the fire emergency.
Disneyland typically operates from 8 a.m. to midnight, with California Adventure Park running slightly shorter hours. Current schedules remain unchanged, though guests are encouraged to check for updates as the fire situation evolves.
When Will Universal Studios Hollywood Reopen?
Universal Studios Hollywood has not yet announced a specific reopening date. Park officials have stated that operations will resume once fire conditions are under control and safety can be ensured for visitors and employees. Ticket holders for the affected dates are advised to visit the park’s website or social media channels for updates and rebooking information.
What To Know About The California Wildfires
The latest flames broke out Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, striking closer to the heart of Los Angeles and the roots of its entertainment industry and putting densely populated neighborhoods on edge during exceptionally windy and dry conditions.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and secured federal aid to bolster firefighting efforts. Over 1,400 firefighters, including personnel from neighboring states, are battling the blazes under challenging conditions.
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