Wow, what a week! Orlando is quickly returning to business, but with lots of changes. We have multiple updates for you today, so grab your favorite at-home Disney snack (for me it’s those Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars from the grocery store) and join me as we update you on the happenings in the theme park universe . . . we’ll even take to the air to show you the latest.
Florida is a Full Phase One Reopening (Whatever that Means)
First, the big news. As you may have heard, Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, has declared that Florida (except for select counties in South Florida) will be in a full “Phase 1 Opening” by Monday, May 18. That means the major theme parks can begin to submit their reopening plans to the state. We expect that to happen very quickly, Disney and SeaWorld appear to have already made their submissions, and opening announcements should be coming soon. Although announcements may be coming soon, that doesn’t mean the parks will open right away. We still expect the major parks in Florida, especially the Disney Parks, not to reopen until at least mid-June or July. Also on Monday, restaurants in the state will be allowed to reopen to 50% capacity – this is an increase from the current 25%.
Disney Springs is Reopening
As we reported earlier this week, Disney Springs reopening on Wednesday, May 20. We are surprised to learn that many more restaurants will be opening than originally announced, and we expect even some Disney operated venues to open by the end of the month.
CityWalk Has Reopened
Universal CityWalk reopened a few days ago. We were there on opening day to check it out for you.
We begin with the parking garage.
Happy to see they are just decals and not permanent looking. But maybe they shouldn’t be encouraging people to hold the handrail anymore? We’re not sure, what do you think about that?
We noticed one family get turned around at the checkpoint and they went back to their cars to get their masks. Universal is serious about this policy.
Kind of feels like going on a cruise ship.
We’re not certain these temperature checks are really necessary. The trade organization for the amusement park industry generally considers them as a piece of “useless safety theatre” since temperature doesn’t really tell if someone has the illness or not. But it’s a quick and harmless precaution for the moment.
They opened a few extra security lanes right after we went inside. It is Universal’s goal to generally prevent any lines of people in this area.
Now it’s time to get back to the resort! Here are a couple short videos. These are unedited. This is exactly what we saw when we re-entered CityWalk for the first time. We were among the first to enter, which is one of the reasons it doesn’t look overly busy.
As you can see and hear, the experience is fun. (I invite you to like, share, and subscribe to my videos).
All in all, I feel that Universal pulled off an EXCELLENT reopening. Kudos to the management team there. Here are a couple more photos just to give you an idea of the atmosphere and crowd levels.
Wanna take a survey?
After we walked around for a few minutes, it was time for a drink.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Jimmy wasn’t there to reopen, but his restaurant was.
We ordered the Perfect Margarita.
It’s time for dessert.
Voodoo Doughnuts
If you want creepily delicious doughnuts, you are going to wait in a 15-minute line, but you won’t have to touch anything to order them. They also had a mobile order table set up outside, but we couldn’t figure out how it worked, so we just waited in the queue.
Time to Leave CityWalk
The Florida Mall Has Reopened
We promised you that we would go to The Florida Mall. It has reopened. Here is a whirlwind update of the mall.
More Escape Rooms on International Drive Have Reopened
Last week we mentioned that International Drive was beginning to reopen. Now we can tell you that tons of restaurants and shops have reopened along the busy tourist corridor. The Escape Effect is one of the attractions that is open again, with ridiculous discounts if you play all four of their rooms. Along with the additional escape rooms, countless other restaurants have reopened their dining rooms. Multiple restaurants at Icon Park have reopened, including the popular music joint, Tin Roof. As always, check the hours of restaurants before you go by calling the establishment first. Google and Apple Maps haven’t been the most accurate sources of information for these openings, so it’s best to check before driving over.
Come Fly With Me
Now the part of this post you’ve undoubtedly been waiting for, the part where we fly. We will let these photos speak for themselves.
Above Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom Area
Epcot Area
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Blizzard Beach
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Above Flamingo Crossings and the New Disney College Program Housing Complex
Above SeaWorld
Above Universal Orlando
Above Epic Universe
Did you know Universal is building an entire 2nd resort in Orlando near the convention center? Here’s how the gigantic Epic Universe lot looks now:
Make Future Magic
Theme parks will reopen, and there’s no better time to lock in low rates on future travel. Special comeback rates are now available at some of your favorite theme park hotels – discounted up to $100 off their regular nightly rates.
Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park shutdown concerns and rescheduling plans. We know you’re as uncertain about the future as we are. That’s why Get Away Today is offering the most flexible Disney travel options available:
Price Protection – If a better special comes out after you have booked, you’ll get the better deal.
Peace of Mind – Make hotel changes, reschedule dates, drop nights, change ticket vouchers and more, as many times as you’d like for a small, one-time fee.
Layaway Plan – Lock in your 2020 or 2021 Disneyland Resort vacation for just $175 down. By booking early, you secure your availability and have the flexibility to pay as you go. Make as many interest-free payments as you’d like, whenever you’d like, with final payment due just seven days prior to travel.
Give your family something to look forward to:
Visit Get Away Today HERE Or fill out a request form and they’ll call you back: Vacation Information Request Form HERE
Let’s Hear From You
The momentum for the Florida parks to reopen is building. Earlier this week, we brought you news of the theme park industry’s plan to reopen the parks. Later that day, Florida invited the parks to submit their plans and proposed reopening dates. We’ll likely see the resorts open in phases starting with shopping districts, then hotels, and finally theme parks . . . all at reduced capacity.
What are your thoughts? Are you ready to return? Does it feel too soon or just right? If you had to place a bet on when the parks will reopen, what date would you pick? And did you spot anything of interest in those aerial images?
Let us know in the comments below!
REOPENING UPDATE: Theme Park Industry Rolls Out Extensive Guidelines for ‘New Normal’
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