UPDATED: Proposed Reopening Plans for Universal Orlando Resort Approved

by · May 21, 2020

UPDATE (May 23):

Universal Orlando Resort has now confirmed that Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay will be open again to the general public on June 5. The theme parks (and Universal CityWalk) will be open daily, and operational hours are restricted to the following times:

  • Universal CityWalk Orlando: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • Universal Studios Florida & Universal’s Islands of Adventure: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Universal’s Volcano Bay: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Although the theme parks will soon be open, Universal Orlando Resort is encouraging all guests to “evaluate their risk in determining whether to attend,” particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions. If you are planning to visit the theme parks once they reopen, make sure to check out the full safety information and requirements for guests on the Universal Orlando Resort website.

—

Universal Orlando Resort‘s plan to reopen has been approved. The theme park could be set to open its gates to visitors once again on June 5, with stringent social distancing and safety measures in place.

The company opened its CityWalk area for limited operations on May 31 and has today had its plans approved for reopening its theme parks by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. The plans will need to be signed off by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis before the gates are opened to the public. Universal Orlando Resort released a statement commenting on today’s meeting:

We are grateful for the opportunity to talk with the Mayor and task force members about our phased reopening plans, and we look forward to approval from Gov. DeSantis. We also look forward to confirming the dates for our preview days and general public opening.

The plans for reopening revealed a phased approach, with the parks opening for team members on June 1 and 2 in order to test the safety precautions put in place. Annual Passholders and other invited guests will then be allowed on-site to test the safety measures on June 3 and 4, before the gates to the theme parks are opened to the general public on June 5.

 

 

Some of the proposed safety measures include the following:

  • Guests and Team Members will be required to wear face masks. Free masks will be given to those who arrive without.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exit to every ride.
  • Interactive play areas will remain closed.
  • There will be no buffet or self-serve options in dining locations.
  • Parades will not run during the initial opening period.
  • Team Members will act as ambassadors throughout the parks to help guests follow the requirements.
  • Temperature checks will be compulsory for guests and Team Members.
  • Virtual lines will be implemented for popular attractions, and there will be no single rider lines throughout the parks.
  • Water and mist elements of attractions will be reduced or removed.

Similarly to the measures currently in place in CityWalk, the theme parks will also implement signage and floor markings to help guests stay six feet apart. Mobile ordering and contactless payment at food and retail locations will also be promoted.

There has been no official announcement yet from Universal Orlando Resort regarding the approved plans. While we wait for further details, why not take part in MuggleNet’s Twitter poll?