Today marked the momentous date in theme park history, as Universal Studios Japan became the first park to reopen following 99 days of the extended COVID-19 closure. While we aren’t able to visit yet as we don’t have anyone living in Osaka Prefecture, many fans of the park were on-site today to give a peek to the rest of Japan and the world! Let’s take a look together, shall we?
From the very beginning, avid fans were waiting at the gates for the park to open! While the officially listed opening time today was 10am, it looks like the gates opened sometime around 9:00-9:30am for visiting Guests.
Even walking up to the park around the same time, you could feel the joy!
At the park’s entrance, signs welcoming Guests back to USJ were prominently displayed. Team Members lined the streets of Hollywood, waving and greeting the first Guests to re-enter the park! One thing I’ve always loved about Japanese theme parks is how excited the employees appear. Both at Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disney Resort, the workers always have a smile on their face and really add extra life to the place!
Aboard rides, social distancing measures we previewed last week could be seen. On Hollywood Dream: The Ride, empty rows were left to promote social distancing.
There’s even socially distanced meet-and-greets with friends like Curious George and Snoopy in his special springtime outfit!
Over in Minion Park, the special springtime event is in full swing for its truncated three-week run!
For shows like Sesame Street Afrobeat or Lupin the Third LIVE, things don’t look too socially distanced, however.
But all in all, the park doesn’t seem that crowded. Only two attractions – Hollywood Dream: The Ride (and its backwards counterpart) and Attack on Titan – XR Ride have wait times over 40 minutes as of 12:30pm. I wonder if USJ’s crowds will taper as the soft opens continue like Orlando’s did. Only time will tell! So stay tuned to Universal Parks News Today for the latest!
Header photo credit to Twitter user @usjr0331. Used with permission.