Universal Drops Mask Mandate For Vaccinated Guests

Mask rules at one major theme park are changing once again. Beginning Saturday, February 12, vaccinated Guests visiting the Universal Orlando Resort no longer have to wear a mask while indoors. Many states have seen a large drop in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the past few weeks and are now lifting their mask mandates. The state of Florida did not have a mask mandate, but many companies, like Universal and Disney, decided to implement one anyway.

Credit: Universal

The change in Universal Orlando’s mask policy was first reported by the Orlando Sentinel. Per the Sentinel:

In a Friday message, the company said it was updating its face-covering policy “based on local trends and conditions.” The resort is still encouraging unvaccinated visitors to wear masks indoors.

It’s unclear if Universal will continue to require employees to mask up inside the resort’s attractions, shops and restaurants. Spokespeople for the resort did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.

Orange County’s latest COVID-19 update, issued Feb. 2, showed infection rates were declining countywide but one in four tests was still resulting positive.

Orange County still has high community COVID-19 transmission, with an 18.5% positivity rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on county statistics, the agency recommends everyone wear masks in public, indoor areas.

Credit: Universal

At this time, the Universal Orlando website has not been updated. The website still says that all Guests must wear masks while at any indoor location — regardless of their vaccination status. Universal also tells Guests not to visit the Resort if they are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, a cough, shortness of breath, or a loss of taste or smell.

Credit: Universal

At this time, no changes to mask policies have been made at Walt Disney World Resort. All Guests over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask while at any indoor location — including stores and attraction queues.

Neither Universal Studios Orlando nor Walt Disney World Resort requires Guests to provide proof of vaccination to enter their Parks. The Resorts are relying on Guests to be honest about their vaccination status and wear a mask if they are not vaccinated.