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The world is starting to open back up. As a travel agent, that's a relief. As a mom, I need to know how that's happening and the best ways to travel safely.
And here's what my kids love: Central Florida's theme parks are preparing to welcome visitors! Our favorite park, Universal Orlando's Resort just announced they will reopen on June 5th. But things will be a bit different for now. If you take your family trip to Universal's Orlando Resort this summer, here's what to expect:
The Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon that guards Gringotts will be ready to greet you soon! I'm sure she will be exempt from the mask requirements
Before you go
Capacity will be controlled at Universal's Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando has not announced what the new capacity limit will be, but 50% has been widely reported. If Universal Orlando hits capacity, you will be denied entry. Universal Orlando is not requiring reservations, but I would suggest you check Universal Orlando's website for updates. I expect Universal Orlando to update some of their policies and procedures after they have been open for a while and they see what is working and what is not. Universal Orlando will be closing earlier than usual, so you should check the theme park hours before you visit.
Masks
Universal Orlando will be requiring all guests and team members to wear a face-covering at all times. Choose a lighter color face mask, if you can. Remember how hot it is to wear a black t-shirt in the summer? Now imagine that effect on your face! Universal Orlando will have some face masks for sale, but I would highly suggest you bring your own in case they are sold out. It would be a bummer to get all the way there and then be turned away because you don't have a mask. Universal Orlando plans to sell fun themed masks in the future, but as of now they just have plain masks. I would bring a backup mask, if you can, in case your mask gets lost on a ride or gets wet. Those Central Florida sudden rain storms can be brutal. The mask must be worn over your nose and mouth. You can remove your face covering when eating or drinking, of course, as well as when you are in a pool or another water attraction. Team members will wear face coverings at all times, unless they are serving as lifeguards or in another role where they can't safely wear them. Guests who have not yet turned 3 are exempt from this requirement, because it can be dangerous for children that young to wear masks (and let's be honest, toddlers aren't going to wear a mask for long anyway). If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a mask, team members will refer you to guest services to discuss reasonable accommodations.
No masks allowed in the wave pool at Volcano Bay. So no need to invest in a Trikini
Parking and Entry
Universal Orlando announced they will be staggering parking, in order to keep different travel groups apart and promote social distancing. As you approach security, a Universal Orlando Team Member will use a touchless thermometer to take your temperature. If you have a temperature over 100.4 Fahrenheit, you will be denied entry to the Theme Parks and Citywalk. Universal Orlando Team Members will also be screened for fever before they report to work.
I doubt your parking spot will be this secluded, but Universal Orlando is hoping to avoid crowds in the parking garage.
Restaurants
Restaurants at Universal Orlando will be operating at a reduced capacity. They will not be accepting reservations, so you might have to wait for a table. The provided menus will be paper single use versions, and some restaurants will be offering a limited menu. Tables will be spaced apart to promote social distancing. Mobile ordering will be offered for quick-serve restaurants. Universal Orlando offers touchless payments such as Apple Pay throughout the resort. I suggest eating during non-peak times to avoid some of the wait and crowd. My husband and I love to eat a big snack around 3 o'clock and then grab a late dinner after the parks close when we visit.
If you eat late you'll avoid the crowds and get to enjoy this beautiful view!
Rides
Universal Orlando will be offering virtual lines for select rides and attractions in order to reduce the amount of people waiting in the queue. Before you get to Universal Orlando, you should download the Universal Orlando Resort App so you can make virtual line reservations on your phone while you are visiting, and check wait times for any rides that are not offering a virtual line. There will be floor markings to help everyone stay spaced apart in line. Universal Orlando will be asking guests to use hand sanitizer before you board a ride vehicle, but don't worry if you forget yours at home, as they will be providing it, as well as selling hand sanitizer in the gift stores. Team members will be directing guests to leave some seats in ride vehicles empty in order to promote social distancing. Universal Orlando will not be opening up the single rider lines since single rider lines are traditionally used to fill in empty spaces. The majority of attractions will be open, but select attractions will temporarily remain closed. Universal Orlando hasn't announced what attractions won't be opening, but they plan to announce the details soon.
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Shows, Characters, and Play Areas
Universal Orlando has not yet announced when their shows will reopen. The Blue Man Group won't be performing their popular performances. An opening date has not yet been announced. As far as shows within the park, they haven't announced which shows will reopen just yet, but I expect Universal to announce their plans soon. Universal Orlando has not yet announced a new opening date for their newest show Bourne Stuntacular, which was scheduled to open during the closure.
The nighttime show at Islands of Adventure, which is projected onto Hogwarts, is very popular. But the crowds are usually packed in shoulder to shoulder, which Universal Orlando will need to avoid for now. Universal has not announced whether they will run the show with more crowd control or if they won't bring it back just yet.
Universal Orlando has not made an announcement about their beloved characters walking around with guests at the park. However, characters have been out and about in Citywalk, though they are not doing traditional meet and greets. They are keeping their distance.
Play areas will remain closed. Because you try keeping kids distanced in a play area.
Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle is my favorite nighttime show in all of Orlando.
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What about the other Theme Parks in the Orlando Area?
Walt Disney World plans to reopen July 11. Seaworld is planning for a June 11 reopening, Legoland is reopening June 1, Legoland will be conducting temperature checks but unlike their competitors Legoland will not be requiring masks.
Where to Stay
Universal Orlando has announced their resort hotels will open December 15, 2020. Dockside Inn and Suites was set to open in March. That opening was postponed.
I highly recommend staying onsite at Universal if you can. Cabana Bay Beach Resort is super nice and very affordable! ($120-150). The top 3 hotels at Universal even offer free express passes if you stay there! So I highly recommend The Hard Rock Hotel, the Portofino, or the Royal Pacific Resort. My husband loves the Hard Rock, lots of memorabilia everywhere!
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Universal Orlando's Orlando resort from Southern California is to fly into Orlando's International Airport (MCO). If you're flying, you should check your airline's requirements. Many require masks while on the plane and in the airport. It's easy to get an Uber, Lyft or taxi from the airport. Feel like taking a road trip? Universal Orlando has ample parking available on site.
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It's hard to imagine doing social distancing in a place like Universal Studios. It looks like they are taking all possible precautions. But people will invariably remove masks – eating, posing for pics, kids will rip off their masks every now and then. It's going to hard to monitor this.
It sounds like Universal is trying to make things safe for visitors during the pandemic. I think the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual visitors and their ability to socially distance and maintain hygiene. I hope all that visit have a fun and safe time.
Me too! I hope everyone has a healthy and fun summer! Thanks for reading!
Wow, who would have ever thought of the possibility of making reservations to attend a theme park? I imagine it will move to this system in the future. Great tip to wear a light colored mask to reflect the heat, especially in Florida. I love that hand sanitizer is used before each ride. Really want a buttered beer now, so yummy.
It is interesting to read about the travel experience as places start to re-open. I think that places like Universal Orlando will do a good job of setting processes in place to help protect people. I just have far less faith that people will follow them. I am not sure that patience has grown with this pandemic. I do like the idea of virtual lines to help the lines a little. I am sure many people will head off to the amusement parks. Especially those that are less vulnerable. But I must admit they won't be high on my list of places to visit yet.
I think it'll mostly be families with small kids…but I can't envision an amusement park in the summer heat with a mask on either.
Although social distancing and amusement parks don't normally go hand in hand, it's good to know that they're taking every precaution to make the experience as safe as possible. However, I guess that wearing face masks all the time in the summer heat is going to be difficult – both to do and to check (especially with little kids). Let's just hope that everything is going to be all right!
Wearing masks nowadays is the new normal. We have to wear them all the time, most especially when we are in public places like amusement parks. But I think Universal Orlando is doing a good to maintain the safety of people visiting the park. I wish to go here one day as well!
I'm ready to go back to the old normal. Hope it's all temporary. I think they're doing a good job too with what they have to work with.
This will definitely be a challenge and responsibility of the park but mainly even so much of the individuals visiting. Looks like they have the procedures and the plan down but I was wondering if it would even be the same as before. From carefree and positive vibes all around to now having been replaced with so much caution and fear even. Would be interesting to see if many plan a trip out here just as yet.
That is a good question and one I thought myself. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
It is good that they start offering virtual lines. Aside from safety reasons, it allows us to do something more productive rather than staying on queue. Can't wait to visit again.
I agree! That's one of the things I really liked about Universal's Volcano Bay, all of the rides are virtual lines. I'm hopeful that we will see more virtual line options in the future.