25
Credit: UniversalOperating a theme park during a pandemic is tough! Many new health and safety policies have been implemented to protect Guests and Team Members. However, not every Guest respects these measures. No matter what theme park you visit in Central Florida, from Universal to Disney World wearing appropriate and approve face coverings and masks while in the theme parks are mandatory. At both Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, failure to comply will result in the Guest being removed from the park.
In the past, we have seen Disney World stop attractions such as the Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom due to Guests’ failure to comply with their face covering policy. Now, it seems Universal Orlando Resort has proven to follow the same strict procedures.
I recently rode Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. For those who do not know, the attraction is a 3-D tram simulator where Guests are met with many evil and dangerous creatures until King Kong jumps in to save the day. At the moment, due to COVID-19, there is a plexiglass divider between every row and the attraction will only seat one party per row.
After the Universal Team Members did safety checks, the ride was about to enter the journey of Kong — that was until everything stopped. The Team Member operating the ride mentioned that masks must be work at all times covering both the Guest’s nose and mouth. The ride still did not move. The Team Member again repeated that masks must be worn, but again, nothing seemed to happen. On the third try, the Team Member pointed to the mask-less Guest and asked them to put their mask back on their face or the ride will not move.
I was in row 8 on the ride vehicle, so although I was unable to hear how the Guest responded, I can confirm that I heard the Team Member warn the Guest that failure to wear a face mask properly will result in the Guest being escorted off the ride and out of the park. The ride did not move for about another minute until the Guest finally listened and put his mask on, but left the attraction. The Team Member warned the Guests in our tram that they can see us while the ride is in motion and that masks must not come off.
Going to a theme park during a pandemic is always a little worrisome, even when safety procedures are top-notch. There is an inherent risk and Guests are required to cooperate with all rules in place. Therefore, it is great to see Team Members heavily enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing with confidence at Universal Orlando Resort. Skull Island: Reign of Kong also offloads its Guests by row, to avoid a cluster of people leaving at the same time which would make social distancing difficult.
Read the latest health and safety measured on the Universal Orlando Resort official website.
How do you find Universal Orlando Resort’s COVID-19 policies? Are you planning to visit Universal Studios Florida? Let us know below!
If you want to plan a Universal vacation, you can get started today! From events such as Halloween Horror Nights, to Mardi gras, to just enjoying their Volcano Bay water park and CityWalk, there is so much to see and do! Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure is fun for all ages. Jurassic World VelociCoaster will also be available shortly in the Jurassic Park section of IOA, which is a huge reason to visit!