UPDATE: It’s happening! Universal Orlando received approval and will be open to the public on June 5th! Click here for details from Universal’s site.
There’s been a whirlwind of discussion lately regarding when the Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding theme parks, such as Universal Orlando, will reopen. Today, May 21, the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force allowed for theme park officials to present and submit their proposed reopening plans. Universal Orlando Resort was the first to submit their plans. Here are the details a follows:
Universal Orlando Resort submitted their reopening plans at the Orange County Task Force Meeting today (May 21) which includes a proposed reopening date to the public of June 5.
John Sprouls, Chief Administrative Officer and Rich Costales, Executive Vice President of Resort Operations, Universal Orlando shared they would like to open on June 1 and June 2 to select Team Members. On June 3 and June 4, Universal plans to invite select guests such as Annual Passholders. On June 5, they would like to open to the public.
The Universal officials shared they plan to make this a gradual capacity opening and ramp up slowly.
Key focuses will be the “three S’s” screening, sanitation, and spacing standards. They also include touchless plans. Signage will be present and Ambassadors will be extremely visible to enforce the guidelines.
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The Universal mobile app will be their primary sharing method for their guests. Temperature checks for employees and guests will be required as well as face masks.
Other plans proposed include:
- Closure of all interactive play areas.
- Eliminate or reduce most water and mist elements in attractions.
- No single rider lines.
- Eliminate post show meet and greets.
- Paper menus only which can be a single use and be disposed.
- Mobile Food Ordering for all venue and contact-less payments.
- Social distancing in queues.
Even though plans have been submitted, Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings, must sign off on the plans before they can be submitted to Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis.
Universal’s shopping and dining district, CityWalk, reopened on May 14 with strict social distance guidelines and required face coverings. We were there for opening day. Check out our details and photos here.
While we are excited to hear proposed plans from Universal, we are really eager to hear the plans from Walt Disney World Resort. Yesterday, May 20, we enjoyed the Phase One reopening of Disney Springs. You can find our details and photo from the day here. May 27 is will mark Phase Two of the reopening of Disney Springs which will include the opening of Disney owned restaurants and shopping. Now, we simply can’t wait to get back to the Walt Disney World Parks!
Universal Orlando Resort was the first to submit proposed plans. We’ll continue to keep you posted as soon as we learn official news on reopening plans from Walt Disney World.
Meeting Video Source available here.