Universal Orlando's theme parks in Florida will begin a phased re-opening from June 5.
The re-opening will be carefully managed and include a wide range of new and enhanced best-practice health, safety and hygiene procedures.
Universal Orlando's theme parks have all been closed since March 16. Universal CityWalk began re-opening May 14 with new health, safety and hygiene procedures – giving Universal experience it will put into practice as it re-opens its theme parks.
The re-opening will include Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Attendance during this time will be carefully managed and controlled. Universal will soon schedule team members for training on its new procedures. It will conduct a team-member-preview on June 1 and June 2 so the new procedures can be practiced and refined. A limited number of guests will be invited to visit on June 3 and June 4 as Universal continues to prepare for its phased opening. The public opening will be on June 5, with Universal continuing to manage daily attendance.
The new health, safety and hygiene procedures will cover each step of a guest’s visit: how they arrive, how they interact with other guests, how they experience attractions, rides and shows and how they have meals.
“We want to invite guests back to our theme parks in a cautious and thoughtful way,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “We have put new health and safety procedures in place for both our team members and guests. And we have worked hard to make sure our guests can enjoy their time with family and friends. Doing this the right way will take all of us — and we need everyone’s help. Guests should follow our guidelines and continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and health officials.”
Universal Orlando’s new procedures will cover three areas: screening, spacing and sanitization. Key measures will apply to both guests and team members:
- Guests and team members are required to wear face coverings and observe social distancing guidelines
- Theme park guests as well as all Universal team members are required to have temperature checks before coming on-site; those with temperatures of 100.4 or greater will not be allowed to enter
In addition to face coverings and temperature checks, guests can expect the following when they visit Universal Orlando:
- Staggered parking
- Managed and reduced daily park attendance
- Managed and reduced attraction ridership, show attendance and restaurant seating. Some areas and events may remain closed for now.
- Increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, restrooms and other frequent “touch points” that go beyond Universal’s already aggressive cleaning procedures
- Social distancing practices at all locations through the parks, within attractions and queues and at restaurants
- Use of virtual lines at select attractions
- Cashless payments and “no touch” policies where possible
Universal’s resort hotels are an important part of the guest experience. Re-opening plans are being finalized and details will be shared soon.
More about Universal Orlando
- Our review of Universal Studios Florida
- Our review of Universal's Islands of Adventure
- Our review of Universal's Volcano Bay
