The expected reopening of Universal Orlando Resort was confirmed today as the company submitted plans to local Orlando officials for a June 1st return to operation, with an expected June 5th public reopening. But it won’t be business as usual, as the reopening of CityWalk last week shows, guests will need to comply with new procedures and the parks will undertake advanced cleaning and distancing protocols.
The 44 member Orange County Florida Economic Recovery Task Force unanimously voted to approve Universal’s plans. Disney’s representation on the task force recused himself from the vote.
Universal Orlando’s Reopening Plans
Universal is expected to begin testing park operations with Team Members as early as June 1st. Some guests may be invited to test the park on the 3rd and 4th, the parks are expected to open to the public on June 5th assuming that Florida’s Governor gives a green light, which he is anticipated to do.
Universal Orlando CityWalk reopened last week with new safety procedures:
Orlando Reopening Update – CityWalk Visit, Disney World & Epic Universe Aerial Images
Universal Orlando Theme Park Reopening Safety Precautions
For Guests:
All guests will be required to wear facemasks they bring from home. However, if they don’t have one, it is expected that Universal will provide one. In addition, guests will have their temperature taken after they park and before they enter CityWalk. All guests will be continuously reminded to keep a safe distance between their party and the next closest party of visitors. Frequent handwashing and/or sanitization is encouraged and will be made accessible with sanitizers added at all attractions, food service and shopping locations.
For Team Members:
Universal employees will also wear masks. They are asked to take their own temperature at home, before coming to work. They will be tested again once they arrive at the resort. Costumes will be issued in advance and must be frequently washed at home.
New Operations Procedures:
The parks will operate at significantly reduced capacity and will slowly begin adding capacity as the weeks go on.
Additional signage throughout the resort will remind guests of new procedures, including safe distancing, wearing of masks, etc.
To help keep guests 8-10 feet apart, distancing dots will be placed in the queues, additional attractions will begin using virtual queuing to reduce guests in line, and single rider lines will be closed as seat-fillers won’t be needed in the reduced capacity attractions.
Sanitation will be significantly increased with the continuous cleaning and disinfection of all tables, chairs, and high-touch surfaces. And play areas and water playgrounds will remain closed. Hand sanitizing stations will be added to the entrance and exit of every ride, merchandise, as well as food and beverage locations.
While the parks will still accept cash if necessary, contactless payment via the Universal Orlando app will be the preferred method of payment.
Universal Orlando Hotels Reopening
The hotels of the Universal Orlando Resort begin accepting reservations beginning June 2nd, 2020. Rates are some of the lowest we’ve seen. Universal is promoting that guests who book by May 31st for travel through August 31st will be able to cancel with a full refund up to 24 hours prior to arrival.
Kennedy Space Center Reopening May 28th!
Beating Universal to the punch is the Kennedy Space Center, which has just announced a May 28th opening. During the initial phase of reopening, guests should purchase their tickets in advance due to limited capacity of the center. Additionally, the Space Center will require face coverings for employees and guests. Social distancing procedures will be implemented in queues, restaurants, and other facilities throughout the visitor complex. All employees and guests will be screened for temperature prior to entry. Operating hours will be reduced to 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to allow more time for cleaning and sanitizing.
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
Are You Ready To Return To The Parks?
Universal’s plans have been approved at the local level and are expected to be given a rapid approval by the state as well. Disney won’t be far behind.
Does a June 5th reopening of Universal Orlando surprise you? Do you think this is too soon or just right? When will you feel comfortable taking your own family? Do you think you’ll be able to keep your kids from touching potentially infected surfaces? Let us know which procedures you think will help most and what, if any, additional procedures you’d like to see implemented.
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