It has been a LONG time since we’ve been to a California theme park in the traditional sense!

Sure, we’ve been to Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure for shopping and dining, and we even got to visit the full park for A Touch of Disney. However, major California theme parks haven’t been officially open in over a year... until recently! We made our way to the reopening of Universal Studios Hollywood to show you exactly what it was like!

Health and Safety

Like other theme parks that have reopened, there are several health and safety precautions in place at Universal Hollywood. Many of them were similar to what we’ve seen over in Universal Orlando with distancing markers, signs with guidelines, and mask mandates.

In the parking garages, there were signs that directed guests which way to walk, in order to maintain proper distances.

Since Universal Hollywood is built on the side of a hill, there’s an Upper Lot and Lower Lot connected by giant escalators.

Near the escalators, there were signs recommending guests stay 6 feet apart from one another.

The escalators didn’t have any Team Members nearby to direct them, but guests followed the protocols that the sign referenced.

While Disneyland doesn’t have giant escalators, there are a few attractions with stairs involved. So, we’ll have to check back to see if similar signs are used during Disneyland and Disney California Adventure’s reopenings on April 30th.

Here’s what all the health and safety protocols were like at Universal Hollywood!

Rides and Attractions

The queues followed a very similar fashion to other reopened theme parks, where parties were distanced from one another with markers placed 6 feet apart on the ground.

Universal Hollywood placed guests in every other row at attractions like the Universal Studios Tram Tour, Flight of the Hippogriff, and more.

Other attractions, like the new Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, placed parties in their own individual ride vehicles. So, a single rider like ourselves had an entire “adoption box” alone.

Many of Florida’s rides have begun to sit guests in every row with the inclusion of plexiglass on attractions. While it may be a while before California’s theme parks do the same, we’ll have to continue checking back!

Take a look at Universal Hollywood’s ride processes!

Dining

Florida has been shifting its guidelines for some time revolving around food and drinks. Guests can stop for a snack or sip on some water as long as they are actively eating or drinking, remaining stationary and distanced from others.

Universal Hollywood, on the other hand, has placed designated dining areas around the park for guests to eat and drink. These are the only spots that people are able to do so, other than tables at restaurants or quick-service locations. They aren’t allowed to follow the same relaxed restrictions that Florida has in place just yet.

We can’t wait to share more details about other California theme parks, especially at Disneyland Resort! Stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest theme park updates and news!

We’re BANANAS over the new Minion-inspired shake in Universal Hollywood!

Have you been to Universal Hollywood before? Let us know in the comments below!