Massive Shift in 2028 Travel Plans: Why Universal Guests Are Second-Guessing Their Vacations

Picture this: You’ve saved up for years to take the family to Universal Studios Hollywood, dreaming of wizarding wands, Minions, and cinematic thrills—only to find the streets jammed, the hotels full, and your dream trip turning into a logistical nightmare. Now imagine that chaos amplified by one of the largest global sporting events on the planet. That’s the reality facing theme park guests in the summer of 2028.

Why? Because the Olympics are coming—and they’re bringing the world with them.

Universal Studios Hollywood Meets the Olympics: A First-of-Its-Kind Venue

In a move that’s as cinematic as it is unprecedented, Universal Studios Hollywood will become an official venue for the 2028 Summer Olympics, set to be held in Los Angeles County. Among the several newly introduced sports in the lineup, squash will make its Olympic debut inside Universal’s iconic backlot—a historic location known for being the filming site of countless blockbusters and television series.

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the venues hosting events for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Universal’s iconic backlot will host Squash, one of the new sports making its debut at the games. Matches will take place at the Courthouse Square. #LA28 – @AshleyLCarter on X

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the venues hosting events for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Universal's iconic backlot will host Squash, one of the new sports making its debut at the games. Matches will take place at the Courthouse Square. #LA28 pic.twitter.com/jC19XiPCXo

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) April 15, 2025

It’s a surprising and bold choice for the International Olympic Committee and LA28 organizers, combining the magic of Hollywood with the intensity of international sports. But as innovative as the location may be, the implications for theme park guests are equally dramatic.

Why It Could Be a Vacation You Regret

While the idea of watching Olympic squash in the middle of a movie studio might sound intriguing to some, the realities of what this means for Universal Studios Hollywood are a different story.

• Overwhelming Crowds: With LA already expecting millions of visitors during the Olympic Games, Universal Studios Hollywood is set to become one of the epicenters of activity. Regular guests will be competing with Olympic ticket holders, athletes, media personnel, and security teams for space and access.

• Skyrocketing Prices: Hotel rooms, even those booked years in advance, are expected to be either fully booked or significantly more expensive. Nearby resorts and vacation rentals are already forecasting inflated prices due to demand. Even if you find availability, the cost could be well beyond the typical vacation budget.

• Access Restrictions & Closures: Portions of Universal Studios could be blocked off or closed to accommodate the squash venue setup. Expect heightened security, detours, and possibly reduced access to some rides and attractions during the event window.

• Transit Turmoil: Los Angeles is notorious for its traffic, and with the Olympics in town, gridlock could be unlike anything visitors have ever experienced. Public transportation and roadways near Universal are likely to be overburdened, making simple day trips a logistical challenge.

• Less Magic, More Madness: For many, a visit to Universal Studios is about escapism. But during the Olympics, guests may find themselves immersed not in fantasy but in stress, noise, and delays—hardly the experience families look forward to.

The Bigger Picture: A New Kind of Olympic Experience

Despite the temporary disruptions, Universal’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics paints an exciting picture for the future of entertainment-meets-sporting events. It’s a bold step in reimagining how the Games can blend with iconic cultural landmarks. The use of the backlot brings attention to Los Angeles’s unique DNA—where sports, movies, and media converge.

It’s also a strategic move for Universal, placing the park at the center of global attention. One can imagine future events, attractions, or commemorative experiences tied to this moment—something that may draw future visitors back long after the games conclude.

If you were hoping to visit Universal Studios Hollywood in 2028, consider shifting your dates to earlier or later in the year—or even postponing to 2029. Visiting during the Olympics could mean not getting the full experience or facing frustration instead of fun.

Final Thoughts: Is Your Universal Studios Vacation Worth the Risk?

On the flip side, if you’re a sports fan with a taste for adventure and don’t mind the crowds, the 2028 Games could offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympics in an environment unlike any other. But for theme park-goers seeking a more traditional visit, the magic might be better left for another time.

The 2028 Summer Olympics are going to be a monumental moment for Los Angeles—and for Universal Studios Hollywood. But as excitement builds, so should caution. While the Olympics may bring glory, excitement, and international prestige, they’ll also bring traffic, crowds, and sky-high prices.

If your goal is to sip Butterbeer in peace or battle dinosaurs without Olympic-level foot traffic, 2028 might not be your year.

So, is it really worth the risk? Or will you let the Games play on without you?