Universal Studios Backtracks on Total Theme Park Closure, Update Given

There’s a new update on the closure of Universal Studios.

Just like Disney, Universal’s theme parks worldwide immerse guests in the world of their favorite movies. While the original park, Universal Studios Hollywood, has the advantage of being located adjacent to an actual working studio, its other locations have managed to outgrow the Southern California theme park and offer attractions equal to—if not better—than the OG.

The Universal globe with gold letters stands prominently at the entrance of Universal Orlando Resort. Surrounding the fountain are palm trees, lush greenery, and mist from the water. In the background, theme park attractions and animated animals are visible. — Credit: Aditya Vyas, Unsplash

The biggest Universal resort is Universal Orlando Resort, which offers a dynamic blend of thrilling roller coasters, immersive attractions, and live entertainment.

Home to two major theme parks—Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure—it’s where guests can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, soar through the skies on thrilling coasters like the Incredible Hulk, and dive into cinematic adventures based on franchises such as Transformers and Jurassic Park.

Universal Orlando Resort welcomed a massive expansion in 2017 when it added Universal’s Volcano Bay, a water park based around the volcano Krakatau.

Come 2025, it’ll also add its third park, Epic Universe, home to a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter land (based on the Ministry of Magic), SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe (based on Universal Classic Monsters), and an area inspired by How to Train Your Dragon.

The Potential Closure of Universal Studios Japan

A bustling street scene at Universal theme park, featuring people walking, vintage-style buildings, and a towering silver statue of a film director. — Credit: hung.ch, Flickr

Unsurprisingly, Universal Orlando Resort has hogged the headlines in recent years thanks to the hype around Epic Universe. However, its other parks warrant just as much attention. Universal Studios Japan is the most visited Universal theme park outside the U.S. and is home to some unique Universal attractions, such as The Flying Dinosaur and Hollywood Dream – The Ride.

The park also originated SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, featuring a ride that doesn’t appear in the version found at Universal Studios Hollywood (Yoshi’s Adventure), and will soon welcome an expansion inspired by the Donkey Kong video games.

Crowds at Universal Studios Japan are notorious, especially during peak holiday periods. However, this week the park has faced some uncertainty around its operations, with the incoming Typhoon Shanshan casting doubt on whether it’ll be able to open to guests this weekend.

The park previously issued a warning that it may be forced to close for the storm. As USJ 1 explained, whether or not it closes is typically dependent on whether Osaka’s local train system is in operation and can transport team members in and out of the park.

Guests dressed as Super Mario characters with a Team Member at Universal Studios Japan — Credit: Universal Studios Japan

With trains now confirmed to run, it seems that the park has committed to remaining open. As per Oricon News, a notice was previously posted to its website that read, “Due to the approach of Typhoon No. 10, from Saturday, August 31st to Monday, September 2nd, park operating hours and other operations may change without notice to ensure the safety of our guests and crew.”

However, this announcement was pulled from the website today (August 30). A notice of the park’s Harry Potter event on September 1 also potentially facing cancellation, has been removed from the website, which instead now just clarifies that “on September 1, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will close at 9:00 p.m. for the ‘Back to Hogwarts Special Event.'”

What’s your favorite Universal Studios park?