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

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Disney Springs has some new guidelines for everyone to follow.

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.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
I have a LOT more aerial images for you below . . .

We begin with the parking garage.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
In addition to the normal Escalator Safety sign, they have added Social Distancing decals.

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?

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
A-Frame Signs and Decals on the ground are also present.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
If you don’t have a face covering, you’re not coming in.

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.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Hand Sanitizer is ready for you!

Kind of feels like going on a cruise ship.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Prepare to have a temperature gun aimed at your forehead.

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. 

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Guests waiting for the X-ray Machine Bag Check and Metal Detectors.

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.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The gift shop is open, and the signs direct you to wash your hands in the restrooms.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Time for the security check.

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.

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Wanna take a survey?

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Universal Research Survey is now done via a QR Code scan. We blocked out the QR Code since it’s only meant to be taken while at CityWalk.

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.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
So many drink choices. And the menus are now yours to keep. One time use menus is now a CityWalk policy.

We ordered the Perfect Margarita.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Perfect Margarita at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville lives up to its name.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Food Menu – the menus are printed on paper and intended to be thrown away after each guest. 
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Jambalaya was delicious!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
They’re very specific now about which entrance you use and where you exit. Along with capacity.

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.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Universal Orlando now accepts Contactless Payments such as Apple Pay at all locations. Although it is nice to have the icon, the text in their system should have been updated to suggest tapping your card as well. It’s the little things.

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, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
This Captain Crunch covered Dead Poet’s Society “O’ Captain, My Captain” doughnut is delicious. It’s fun to find references to Disney (Touchstone) Films in Universal.

Time to Leave CityWalk

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Goodbye CityWalk, until next time!

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.

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
One of the many entrances to The Florida Mall.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
M&Ms is still here until they move to Disney Springs.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Follow the rules!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Macy’s wasn’t open. This entire mall feels dead. Which is odd, because it’s usually packed.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
M&Ms World was closed on the inside too, but we expect them to open in the next few days.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Apple was closed and showed no signs of reopening anytime soon.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Tesla was open, but only for scheduled appointments.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Box Lunch was closed. No Disney Aloha Camp Shirts for Us!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
All the extra tables and chairs were piled up into the rotunda of the food course.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Sprint was open. I suppose this will become a T-Mobile store soon. 
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Lots of kiosks were open in the mall.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Disney Store was closed too.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
They had this message on their door. Left over from a while ago.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
We took a couple photos of the inside of the store through the window.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Merchandise just waiting to be liquidated because SYNERGY!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
It’s not gonna be spring for much longer.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Pandora had the longest wait in the mall.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
No wonder they can afford to present the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
A Mitsukoshi alternative while Epcot is closed? We think we found it. Welcome to PopCult.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
PopCult has the gummies!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Lots of cool Japanese merchandise.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Even a Samurai Sword!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
POCKY!!!!!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
More sweets. We need to come back.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Uniqlo was open. This bodes well for the store at Disney Springs to open very soon.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
They did have markings on the floor directing guests to the correct crowd flow patterns. 
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Stay 6 Feet Apart.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Remember the United World Soccer Store that used to be at Disney Springs? It got moved here.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
It’s closed!!!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
No French Furniture for you!
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Starbucks was open in the Florida Hotel, but the Hotel itself was not.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
This was the most popular food location in the mall. Doc Popcorn and Dippin Dots. Go figure.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Come to the dark side, we have cookies.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Crayola was closed.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The kid’s play park was closed too.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Which Tesla should we take from the parking lot? 

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

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Normally the Magic Kingdom Cast Member and Disney University Parking Lots are full of cars.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Tron construction continues. But no one was actually working on anything when we flew over.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
We can just hear Daft Punk now.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Amazing views from up here.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Magic Kingdom.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, and the construction site for Reflections Lakeside Lodge.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Polynesian and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Magic Kingdom parking lot expansion project. Notice the buses parked in the top section of the lot.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The Walt Disney World Speedway is gone, but Lake Mickey remains… for now.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Mickey has gone solar.

Epcot Area

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Yacht & Beach Club
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
The center of Epcot.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Moana Shape of Water and the Festival Pavilion are intended for the cleared section of the image. The Fountain of Nations is long gone, filled in.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Construction of the new Cove Hotel at the Swan and Dolphin with a little Hollywood Studios in the foreground.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Toy Story Land

Blizzard Beach

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Above Flamingo Crossings and the New Disney College Program Housing Complex

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Flamingo Crossings to the left side, to the right the new College Program housing facilities.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Elevators and Foundations only, for now.

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Above SeaWorld

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Ice Breaker Construction.
, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Trainers and Killer whales.

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Above Universal Orlando

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images

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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: 

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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. 

, Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images

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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Bill Zanetti
Bill Zanetti is an avid theme park enthusiast and industry guru based near Orlando, Florida. He teaches courses in theme park and entertainment management and design, as well as technology and marketing. Bill specializes in queueing theory. When he is not writing or teaching, he works as an industry consultant, with experience at Disney, Universal, and other entertainment companies. He is a member of the Themed Entertainment Association and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. If you would like to contact Bill, you can reach out to his social media handle (BillZanetti) or email him at [email protected]