Trip Ideas Attractions Amusement Parks Universal Studios Hollywood to Reopen April 16 But you'll have to be a California resident to visit for now. By Meena Thiruvengadam Meena Thiruvengadam Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler with nearly two decades of experience in journalism. She has visited more than 50 countries, 47 U.S. states, and six continents. Meena has road-tripped across the U.S., taken trains through Europe, traveled India by train, plane, and automobile, and gone off the grid in Alaska via helicopter. She has lived in New York City, Chicago, London, and Washington, D.C. * Nearly 20 years of experience in journalism with brands including Hearst, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Yahoo * Received a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University * Bylines in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and more * On-air contributor for KENS-5 TV and Wsj.com * Wrote inaugural Skift research report on the future of in-room entertainment Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on March 31, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Universal Studios Hollywood is ready to get back to business. The California theme park, which has been closed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said it plans to welcome guests again on April 16, as well as provide an early preview for season pass holders on April 15. Tickets are set to go on sale on April 8, but there's a catch: You'll have to be a California resident to visit. "Universal Studios Hollywood continues to work in partnership with health and government officials to implement new health and safety procedures," the company said, citing California guidelines for its decision to limit entry to state residents. Capacity is also being restricted to allow for physical distancing, and temperature checks and face masks are required. Californians willing to comply with those rules will get to be among the first to check out Universal Studios Hollywood's Jurassic World ride, which introduces a realistic 22-foot-tall Indominus rex dinosaur capable of blinking her eyes and flexing her arms. The Los Angeles Times describes Indominus rex as "a fictional hybrid dinosaur that combines the traits of various species." AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty Early visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood will also be among the first to experience an animated ride based on The Secret Life of Pets. The attraction combines projection mapping and animation to introduce audiences to illuminated versions of their favorite characters from the films. California residents can purchase admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood online beginning April 8. Season pass holders can reserve early access to the park and other bonus days online starting on April 5. California is allowing amusement parks to reopen with limited capacity as early as April 1, though many have set later reopening dates in order to give themselves more time to prepare. Meena Thiruvengadam is a Travel + Leisure contributor who has visited 50 countries on six continents and 47 U.S. states. She loves historic plaques, wandering new streets and walking on beaches. Find her on Twitter and Instagram. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit