Universal Orlando Resort reopened to Team Members on June 1 and their guests on June 2. This was a historic moment, as Universal Orlando is the first major theme park destination to reopen in the USA (some of you might count Legoland Florida which opened on Monday). We are especially proud of Universal Orlando President and COO Bill Davis and his amazing team for implementing such a smooth reopening of the parks under such difficult circumstances. The park will continue previews for passholders on the 3rd and 4th, and will open to everyone on June 5. Let’s take a look at what has changed since we last visited Universal Orlando’s parks. There’s a lot of ground to cover.


Update – Video From Islands of Adventure Yesterday

Curious what the parks look and feel like with all the new safety procedures in place?  Dusty takes us on a grand circle tour of Islands of Adventure and fills us in on everything we need to know: 


Welcome To Universal Orlando – Entry Process

Similar to our first return visit to Universal CityWalk, the new entry process has been cleaned up and streamlined a bit. Finding parking was simple, and the implementation of a pre-entry temperature check was quick.

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

There was plenty of signage about staying safer and hand sanitizer available. 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
If you were going to Volcano Bay and ended up in the other garage, this sign was there to help you find your way there.
Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
Security Checkpoints were mostly quiet.

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

One operational update we noticed was that security was sanitizing screening bins between uses. On our last visit to Universal CityWalk a couple weeks ago, the bins were being used repeatedly without disinfecting. It’s good to see small changes in operations that have lasting impacts.

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
On our first visit many weeks ago, there was no sanitization of the item bins. We are VERY glad to see them being sanitized now.

Now, onto the parks!

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
Keep walking, we’re almost there!

Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
We flew above CityWalk a few weeks ago.

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

We got Starbucks and then had to Social Distance when we waited for our drinks. This is a new policy for picking up drinks and we’re okay with it.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
The Gateway to Universal Studios Florida as seen by air.
Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
And from the ground. Beautiful. We can’t wait to go back inside after so many months!
Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
We arrived a bit late, but there was still no line at the front gate. That’s a good sign of things to come.

Signage Land

You’ll find them everywhere. Social distancing signs. Stay safe signs. Etc. But it’s mostly common sense stuff. You’ll be fine. You’ve got this! 

Some of the signs include park maps in an attempt to eliminate the need for paper maps. Use the app, it’s easier to find your way and has all the restaurants, rides, bathrooms, etc. listed.  They particularly want you to know where you can go to wash your hands. 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

You’ll also learn about temporary park operations changes . . . such as reduced locker capacity. The locker rooms can be pretty tight, good luck keeping your 6′ distance once the crowds return.  

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

We believe the policy was changed from recommending masks to requiring masks at the last minute in the final weeks before reopening, as evidenced by this sign that was altered.

Virtual Line Experience signs are in front of attractions that offer the service. It’s a pretty easy process. Point your phone camera at the QR Code on the sign. Then follow the process, selecting a time you’d like to return. That’s it. Just come back when it’s your time.  

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

Here’s what the virtual line option looks like on your phone: 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

Welcome to No Crowds

But we didn’t need to worry about virtual lines on Tuesday. Yep, no people. This is going to be amazing. How often do you get to enjoy a whole theme park to yourself? 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

Crowds

We’ll be back at the parks for the next several days, and Dusty Sage will even be joining us in the parks later today. While the park just wasn’t busy at all during the employee preview on Tuesday, your mileage may vary in the days to come. So we’ll keep our eye on this one and share here on the site and on MiceChat social: (FACEBOOKINSTAGRAM). But, lucky for me, it was like having the whole park to myself . . . and I don’t ever want to give it up.  

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

No preshows are being used. All attractions are straight loading.

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts! Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!This photo really says it all . . . one pod in use on the Twirl ‘n’ Hurl . . . 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

They are still doing shows . . though not as many showtimes and with a lot less capacity. 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

Early afternoon wait times were about 5 minutes on average. Longer for timed attractions that have fewer start times. 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

Characters Are Near . . . But Far

Stages and off the path spots have been created for characters to be seen by guests, but not touched.  

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
We didn’t see the characters who use this stage, but it’s likely some of the classic ones like Marilyn Monroe.
Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
The Scooby Doo gang were out, and wearing masks!
Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
Doc was standing on the front of the Back to the Future train.

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

It’s much easier to get a photo of the characters this way, and since most are raised above you in some way, taking a selfie with a character in the background is pretty easy. It’s a good temporary solution until things return to normal.  

New Ride Procedures

We’re finding that most rides in the parks are utilizing common-sense ride procedures. They seat every other row in some attractions, some attractions are one party per vehicle, and some attractions are distanced enough that it’s a non-issue. The main thing we noticed was hand sanitizer before riding everything. It reminded us of being on a cruise ship where you are required to sanitize before dining. We’re more than okay with this, though we wish that there were sanitizer stations after riding the rides as well. That seems to be a new industry standard that was missing here during team previews.

We also noticed an issue with 3-D Glasses. They fog up far too easily when wearing a mask. Either Universal needs to dispense with the 3-D elements all together for a while or go to using some anti-fogging solution (like the kind you would use on snorkel masks) on 3-D glasses before handing them to guests.

Finally, all pre-shows for attractions have been suspended. Everyone now walks through the pre-show experiences to get directly to the main boarding areas. It helps keep guests from standing in enclosed quarters for extended periods.

Dining In The Parks

If you’d like to eat between riding the movies, you’ll need to use your Universal App to mobile order your food. While the process still has a few kinks, it works pretty well and keeps you from having to get in line. When the food was ready, it got delivered to our table!  We like it! We would like it more though if it allowed you to customize your menu items. I couldn’t even order a drink with no ice. In addition, discounts aren’t available on the app.

We’ll be taking you to Universal’s Islands of Adventure . . . 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

And Universal’s Volcano Bay, over the next few days. . . 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!
Universal’s Volcano Bay

Time to 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 at big discounts! 

Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando – Our Preview Day Thoughts!

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

Overall, things aren’t that different. Yes, you need to wash your hands and keep 6′ away from others. But with low crowd levels, it couldn’t have been easier. It’s also much easier to wear a mask than you may imagine. Especially since you can remove it when you stop to eat and drink. I would take it off in the restroom to splash my face and wash my hands. Then return outside feeling refreshed.  

How are you feeling about the reopening of the parks? Does the early open of Universal and Legoland leave you feeling hopeful or worried? Do you like the expansion of virtual queues? Are you like me in appreciating other guests being kept 6′ away? Sure does make the queues feel less cramped.  Let’s hear from you in the comments below.  

Now, on to Islands of Adventure! We’ll be back with you soon!

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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]