The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force met virtually this afternoon and one major agenda item was Universal Orlando’s re-opening proposal. Requiring masks, virtual queues – find out what the guidelines for Universal Studios Orlando re-opening below.
Universal Orlando’s plan includes the three S’s:
- Screening
- Spacing
- Sanitation
Universal will be sending out pre-arrival communications that will include what they are doing to keep their guests and team members safe AND what they expect from their guests. And there will be signage throughout the resort starting at the parking garage entrance to the end of the park stating these expectations.
Universal Studios Orlando re-opening plan
Universal Orlando is hoping to start team member training this weekend and the new training will include all the information they need to answer quest questions. There will also be trained Universal Ambassadors throughout the park to answer questions and to encourage guests to follow the rules.
But if it’s anything like the ambassadors I saw at Disney Springs – they won’t be enforcing rules.
Universal Orlando opening date
Universal is proposing a opening date of June 1st, 2020. BUT they are planning on only opening to team members June 1st and 2nd, to test their new procedures. On June 3rd and 4th, they are hoping to host select annual passholders and special guests (media). And finally, opening officially of June 5th, 2020.
New parking rules
For the time being, there will no longer be valet parking available.
Parking spots will be staggered so no cars will be parked next to each other.
Temperature screening at Universal Orlando to continue
Universal CityWalk opened a week ago and at that time they introduced temperature checks for guests. These will continue with the parks opening.
At the time of publishing, there have been more than 30,000 guests pass through the temperature checks and only a handful of those that did pass.
If a guest registers a temp over 100.4 will need to see a doctor. They have been allowing guests 20 minutes or so to cool down and be re-tested. It’s unclear if they will continue that practice.
Team members will be required to monitor their temperature at home before work and will have their temps checked before starting their shifts each day.
Masks will be required
Team Members and guests (over the age of 2) will continue to be required to wear masks.
If guests do not have a mask upon arriving, Universal will have disposable masks available.
Masks will also be available for sale in the parks.
Social distancing guidelines will be followed
There will be no meet & greets after shows where the cast mingles with the crowd but they will stay on stage for pictures.
All interactive play areas will be closed since it is hard to make sure kids maintain social distance from others.
Every other locker will be disabled and guests will be taken into the locker room area by a team member to make sure social distancing is maintained.
There will be no parades and individual float performers will remain on floats and will not interact with guests on the ground.
Maintain touchless experience wherever possible
Universal Studios is aiming to provide a touchless experience to keep both guests and Team Members safe.
Guests are encouraged to use the Universal Studios Orlando app whenever possible – purchasing tickets, checking ride times, ordering food at quick-service locations and more.
Mobile ordering will be available for dining locations for guests and the back of house for team members. Restaurants will use disposable menus that will be discarded after each use.
Everyone is encouraged to use cashless payment options including Apple and Samsung pay. The parks will still accept cash but will have precautions in place.
There will be no buffets or self-serve options, so all condiments and silverware will be individual and pre-packaged.
Rides will be modified
A notable mention was that they will eliminate or reduce water and mist elements on rides.
Just like the Universal water park, Volcano Bay, virtual queues have been put in place or will be wherever possible.
Line queues have also been adjusted to help maintain the social distance of 6-feet between groups.
Riders will be kept separated when seated in attraction cars – rows skipped, separate cars, etc. And to keep groups/guests from inter-mingling with those not in their party, they will eliminate single rider lines.
Watch the full Universal Studios Orlando re-opening presentation here:
Now Universal Studios Orlando re-opening proposal heads to the Governor’s office seeking his approval. It appears that Universal has a well thought out proposal, so I’d be surprised if it is denied.
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