2:55
- travel
- December 23, 2023
Holiday weekend travel rush
The TSA expects 7.5 million flyers and AAA expects 104 million drivers on the road this holiday.
The TSA expects 7.5 million flyers and AAA expects 104 million drivers on the road this holiday.
Fast-moving brush fires continue to tear through parts of Southern California for a fifth day as local businesses, including popular theme parks, feel the impact.
After closing for two days due to "extreme winds and fire conditions," Universal Studios will reopen Friday.
In a message shared on the theme park's website, Universal says its Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk attractions "will resume regular operating hours."
The Universal City-based theme park closure was first announced Tuesday as tens of thousands were told to evacuate after a brush fire erupted in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood near Los Angeles, which has since burned over 19,000 acres and is at 6% containment as of early Friday morning.
A second fire, the Eaton Fire, had broken out in Altadena, California Wednesday morning, which also prompted immediate evacuations. It then spread to over 13,000 acres and is also still at 0% containment.
A third fire, the Hurst Fire, northeast of San Fernando, California, had burned over 800 acres by Thursday morning but was at under 800 acres by the same evening, with 37% containment.
Two additional fires broke out later in the day on Wednesday, bringing the total outbreaks to five: The Lidia and Sunset fires added over 400 acres to the total area impacted. By Thursday evening, the Lidia Fire by the Angeles National Forest was 75% contained but sprawled over 300 acres, while the Sunset Fire above West Hollywood was contained.
On Thursday, the Woodley Fire was also brought under control and contained. However, a new blaze, the Kenneth Fire, which crossed through both LA and Ventura counties, was at nearly 1,000 acres with 35% containment early Friday.
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will reopen Friday, after both attractions were closed Wednesday and Thursday.
The theme park is located in Universal City, north of Los Angeles and between Pasadena and the Pacific Palisades.
In a post shared on X announcing the reopening, Universal said, "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those impacted by the recent and ongoing fires, as well as our deepest appreciation to the first responders for their valiant and ongoing efforts during this difficult time."
Universal first closed on Wednesday and said in part at the time, "The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority."
Disneyland has not announced any closures due to the fires.
Guests can check the Disneyland app for the latest updates, according to Disneyland officials, who added that operational adjustments may be implemented as weather conditions continue to change.
The Disneyland Resort area, which includes Disneyland, as well as Disney California Adventure Park, is located in Anaheim, about 50 miles south of the Pacific Palisades.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in the Santa Clarita area reopened Thursday, a representative told "Good Morning America."
Six Flags Magic Mountain had previously announced it would close the theme park in Valencia on Wednesday "due to high winds," the theme park posted at the time in a since-deleted X post.
Meanwhile, Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park has not announced closures or delays due to the fires.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News.