We have all been eagerly awaiting the reopening of Florida’s favorite theme parks. After all, if they are opening surely things are getting better, right? While the potential for the spread of COVID-19 still exists we now know more about how to minimize its spread more than we did at the beginning of the pandemic. Therefore, with that knowledge, states are reopening to try and get the economy back on track.
In May, Universal Orlando presented its reopening strategy to the governor of Florida and it was approved. Below is my synopsis of their main safety guidelines within the theme parks and City Walk.
Universal Orlando Safety Guidelines
Temperature Screening: Before entering any of the resort hotels, theme parks or CityWalk, all employees and guests will be required to have their temperature taken. If you have a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees then you will not be allowed to enter.Note: If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms then do not travel. Please stay home and contact your doctor.
Face Masks: At all times throughout the theme parks and CityWalk, visitors and employees must wear face masks. This includes while riding all of the rides. If you lose your face mask on a ride, you can ask any crew or security member for a disposable mask. At various spots around the park there will be “U-Rest” areas where you can safely take off your mask and have a break in the fresh air.
Exceptions to wearing face masks are rides that include significant amounts of water or Volcano Bay’s water slides and pools.
Don’t want to wear a plain mask? Look for Universal-themed masks in the gift shops.
Social Distancing: There will be floor markings on the ground in the ride queues to help you maintain the 6 foot distance between you and other guests.
Single rider lines have temporarily been eliminated to allow for that queue space to be used for social distancing purposes. Interactive play areas are also closed at this time.
Sanitization: Before you get on any ride you will be given a pump of hand sanitizer by the crew members. As you get off the ride, crew members will immediately sanitize the ride. You will also be able to get sanitizer once you exit the ride. You are also encouraged, as you should even before the pandemic, to properly wash your hands frequently.
You will handed 3D glasses directly by crew members rather than reaching into a bin to get them.
Attendance: There will be limited and reduced daily park attendance in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Lockers: Anyone who has visited Universal before knows you can’t take any bags, purses, etc. on the rides. Therefore, lockers are provided at the entrance of many of the rides. There will be crew members stationed at the locker areas to guide you to the ones that are ready for you to use. After you are finished using the locker, it will be sanitized and unavailable to use for a set amount of time, depending on the ride. The best thing to do for now is not bring anything in to the park you do not have to, in order to minimize having to use the lockers.
Parking: For those driving to Universal, the parking garages/lots will have every other parking spot blocked off. This allows enough separation between each vehicle. Good thing about this is you don’t have to worry about someone dinging your car in the parking lot.
Character Experiences: The characters that you normally encounter throughout Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will still be present. They will be set back from the crowd. While you will not be able to get their autograph you will still have the opportunity for a photo with them.
CityWalk: You will be required to undergo a temperate check and wear face masks to be in CityWalk. Enhanced sanitization processes will be occurring. Contactless payment options are highly encouraged.
Dining: Contactless ordering and payment is encouraged through the Universal app. Upon arrival at the restaurants you will be directed to your table, even at quick service dining restaurants. At quick service locations, one person from your party will be asked to come pick up the order and take it back to your party.
While these guidelines are mostly specific to the theme parks and CityWalk, know that the Universal resort hotels are performing enhanced cleaning above and beyond their existing high standards. Additional safety guidelines are in place for the hotels and their guests.
More Information
Please note these safety guidelines will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and are subject to change at any time. For full details of Universal Orlando’s safety guidelines, please visit https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/safety-faqs.
For information regarding COVID-19, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Vacation Packages
For a complimentary Universal Orlando vacation package quote, please contact me.
Disclaimer: These safety guidelines can change at any time, without notice, at the discretion of Universal Orlando. Your travel advisor cannot guarantee your safety anywhere you travel to. It is ultimately the traveler’s responsibility to know and educate themselves and make a final determination if it is safe to travel to a particular destination.