Universal Studios Hollywood Sets Attendance Record and Reaches Full Capacity
The start of the new year brought unprecedented success for Universal Studios Hollywood as the renowned theme park shattered its attendance records and, for the first time in its history, had to temporarily close its gates due to overwhelming crowds.
While the park does not disclose daily attendance figures, industry experts estimate that more than 40,000 visitors flocked to Universal Studios Hollywood on Monday. The influx of guests was so immense that the gates had to be closed to new patrons shortly after noon.
This record-breaking achievement comes as no surprise, considering the gradual growth in attendance the park has experienced since embarking on a remarkable $1.6 billion investment surge in 2014. With funding from its parent company, Comcast Corp., Universal Studios Hollywood has successfully introduced several exhilarating attractions, including the thrilling Fast and Furious: Supercharged ride and the awe-inspiring Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion.
In a bid to appeal to its visitors’ senses of adventure and excitement, the park unveiled an immersive haunted maze earlier in the summer, inspired by the hit AMC series The Walking Dead. Additionally, Universal Studios Hollywood recently announced an exciting partnership with Nintendo, which will bring beloved video game characters like Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong to life through captivating attractions.
The park’s holiday season was marked by a remarkable surge in attendance, leading up to the breaking of its records on New Year’s Day, only to surpass them again this Monday.
The epic transformation on our property has had a remarkable impact on Universal Studios Hollywood, which was evident by our record-breaking attendance over the holidays, said Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios Hollywood.
According to estimates by the Themed Entertainment Assn. and Los Angeles engineering firm Aecom, Universal Studios Hollywood attracted slightly over 7 million visitors in 2015, representing a 4% increase from the previous year. Based on these estimates, the park averaged around 20,000 visitors per day in 2015, a number that is presumed to have further risen in 2016.
Reports from park visitors who shared their experiences online indicate that wait times on Monday ranged from a swift 25 minutes for the exhilarating Jurassic Park – The Ride, to an impressive two hours for the enchanting Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
As Universal Studios Hollywood continues to enhance its offerings, it recently temporarily closed its famed WaterWorld stunt show for renovations until April. This move serves as a testament to the park’s commitment to providing its visitors with the best possible experiences.
With remarkable developments like the Universal CityWalk’s AMC Theater redesign and plans for a thrilling new roller coaster at SeaWorld, it is evident that the theme park industry is aiming to captivate audiences with innovative and exhilarating attractions in the years to come.
Universal Studios Hollywood has truly cemented its status as a premier entertainment destination, and the recent surge in attendance solidifies its position as an industry leader. The park’s commitment to enhancing visitors’ experiences through captivating attractions and continuous improvements has undoubtedly contributed to its immense success.
As Universal Studios Hollywood opens its gates day after day, it looks forward to creating memories for countless more visitors who seek adventure, thrills, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Los Angeles.
