Update: Orange County Mayor Approves Universal Orlando Reopening Dates and Plans

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Updated May 22, 2020:

According to WESH, the Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings, has now endorsed the Universal Orlando proposal which was presented to the task force on Thursday. This plan would allow Universal Orlando to begin reopening the first week of June. Now, Universal’s reopening plan just has to be approved by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Original Story:

This just in — Universal Orlando has officially shared their reopening plans with the Florida Economic Task Force, which includes dates on when they would like to reopen their gates to the public!

On Thursday, May 21, one major Orlando theme park, Universal Orlando Resort, shared its reopening plans and presented it to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. Along with this presentation, the Orlando theme park had to provide a reopening date.

Here is everything we know about Universal Orlando’s reopening plans from the Economic Task Force meeting:

citywalk
Credit: Inside the Magic

Mayor Demings began the task force meeting with, “As we plan to reopen Orange County, we have received a copy of the [reopening] plans from Universal … hot off the press… which will be presented here today.” After the opening statements made by Mayor Demings, the Economic Task Force moved into the discussion of reopening Orange County, Florida, but more specifically, reopening one of Orlando’s most popular theme parks — Universal Orlando Resort.

John Sprouls announced they plan to reopen on June 1 and June 2 to allow team members to come in and to get whatever learnings they can before opening to the pubic. Then, beginning on June 3 and June 4, Universal Orlando plan to begin welcoming some invited guests and some annual passholders to make sure it works. Universal Orlando hopes to open to the public on June 5.

The presentation then went into further discussion regarding screening, sanitization and screening standards as well as touchless experiences put into place where they can.

Universal Procedures
Credit: ITM/Florida Task Force

The Universal Team is required to do self temperature checks every single day. They also announced temperature checks upon arrival for both the team and guests before entry is allowed. The theme park will begin training the team as early as this weekend to prepare for reopening.

universal orlando
Credit: ITM/Florida Task Force

Some of the other points Universal Orlando discussed were:

  • They will provide a free, disposable mask for guests if they do not bring their own.
  • Social distancing in queue lines, merchandise stores, food outlets, and more.
  • Keeping a safe attendance maximum that Universal will manage.
  • Reduce and/or eliminate mist elements from attractions.
  • Implementation of virtual lines.
  • Eliminating single rider lines.
  • Elimination of post show meet and greets.
  • Restaurant menus will have single use menus (paper). Once the guest is done with the menu, they will be disposed.
  • Touchless ordering of food and contactless payments will be encouraged. (Minimization of cash use.)
  • Temperature checks and face coverings required for team members.
  • Ambassadors scattered throughout the park to help encourage sanitization, hand washing, and social distancing measures.
universal orlando
Credit: ITM/Florida Task Force

These are examples of signs on the website, in the parking garages, and scattered throughout the theme parks as well as an example of guest communication handouts.

universal orlando
Credit: ITM/Florida Task Force
universal orlando
Credit: ITM/Florida Task Force
universal orlando
Credit: ITM/Florida Task Force

These attraction queue entry signs will be posted in attractions to help understand how to social distance while in the theme parks.

universal orlando
Credit: ITM/Florida Task Force

After the presentation ended, there were no questions from the Economic Task Force. There was an unanimous decision to approve these plans for Universal Orlando. The ultimate decision is still up to the Mayor. 

The Reopening Of CityWalk at Universal Orlando

CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort has already reopened its doors to guests following months of closure due to the recent pandemic. The entertainment complex “partially reopened” on May 14 and there were plenty of signs located throughout the entrance to CityWalk. These signs informed guests of the protocols being put into place that must be followed.

There were also markings on the ground to help guests follow social distancing protocols while entering Universal Orlando’s CityWalk.

CityWalk
Credit: Inside the Magic

For those who are looking to check out Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, keep in mind the following precautions that guests must follow:

  • Temperature checks of all guests to see if they have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater. If so, they will not be able to enter CityWalk
  • All guests will be required to wear face coverings at all times during their visit. Universal will have them available for purchase at cost
  • Each venue will limit capacity and all chairs and tables will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each seating. High-touch surfaces throughout CityWalk will be frequently cleaned and disinfected as well.
  • Cashless payments will be available at all venues, and self-parking will be complimentary.

For a full list of guidelines, visit Universal’s website here.

Are you excited to hear this news from Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments.

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