Yay! The day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Theme parks have started announcing opening dates and safety procedures. As presented to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force this afternoon, June 1 is the planned date for a partial re-opening of Universal Orlando’s theme parks. For the first two days, the attraction will only be open for team members so that they can test and perfect the new safety procedures. On June 3, the park will open for annual passholders and invited guests. Finally, the park opens to the general public on June 5!
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Safety procedures look a lot like what we expected. Team members will be required to perform self-temperature checks at home before reporting to work. Once they’ve arrived, they will submit to an additional check as well as enhanced sanitation procedures.
Everyone (team members and guests) will be required to wear masks. If guests do not have a face covering upon arrival, Universal will provide one for free.
Rides and Attractions will follow updated protocols including:
- Interactive play areas will be closed
- 3-D glasses will be handed out individually
- No single rider line will be available
- No water or mist elements to be utilized
- Virtual queues will be used at higher demand attractions (we don’t yet know which ones)
- No post-show meet and greets
- Characters will wave at guests from a distance or on top of an individual float. No picture opportunities.
- No parades.
- Volcano Bay will run fewer rafts in the lazy and action rivers
- Volcano Bay will not place unfamiliar parties in the same ride rafts
Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando are expected to present their plans within the next few days. SeaWorld’s Interim CEO said that park could be ready to open in mid-June, but no official announcements or plans have been presented.
