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Credit: DisneyEver since the theme parks in Florida reopened to the public in summer 2020, several different health and safety protocols were implemented in order to safely operate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic — Including temperature screenings.
Now, the Orange County Department of Health is stating that temperature screenings are not necessary and are wasting resources.
Related: PHOTOS: Temperature Screening Tents Arrive at Disney Parks
Temperature screenings at the theme parks
Temperature screenings have been implemented at the theme parks and hotels in Orlando, Florida ever since they reopened after being temporarily closed. The temperature checks continue to be in place as the parks continue to operate through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The temperature checks require all Guests to go through a screening with no-touch thermometers before entry to some locations at both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Some of these locations include Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World as well as Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk, and Universal’s Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando.
Staying in line with health officials, the rules at both theme parks state that any Guest who displays a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry and those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
Related: Orange County Says Theme Parks Can Reduce Social Distancing
Orange County Dept. of Health on temperature screenings
Now, the Orange County Department of Health is saying that temperature screenings aren’t necessary and are a waste of resources.
Lauren Seabrook, a reporter for WFTV, Central Florida’s ABC news affiliate, shared the following on Twitter:
TEMPERATURE CHECKS: @DohOrange Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino says temperature checks are NOT necessary. Seeing too many places waste resources on something that makes no difference. The DOH is not recommending it. @WFTV
TEMPERATURE CHECKS: @DohOrange Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino says temperature checks are NOT necessary. Seeing too many places waste resources on something that makes no difference. The DOH is not recommending it. @WFTV
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) April 30, 2021
Related: Temp Checks Now Required For Disney World Restaurants
Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are in Orange County, Florida, however, it is important to note that neither have released statements regarding a change in temperature screenings at the theme parks.
At the time of publication, both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are still requiring temperature screenings. Per the Walt Disney World website:
Temperature screenings are required for entry to some locations.
You will be required to undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers before entry to some locations at Walt Disney World Resort, including the Walt Disney World theme parks, the Disney Springs area and table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels.
Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
Before you leave home, be sure to check the temperatures of everyone in your party—including yourself—as an extra layer of precaution.
Related: Guest Arrested After Refusing to Leave Disney Springs
Per the Universal Orlando website when discussing hotel stays:
Guests will have temperature checks upon arrival and return unless previously checked at the hotel that day prior to boarding our resort transportation system. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater after three checks, including one with a new thermometer, will be asked to seek medical attention and obtain medical clearance prior to being permitted to enter. We understand some guests may feel they have special conditions, which we will consider upon request.
Per the Universal Orlando website when discussing theme parks:
Temperature checks will be required upon arrival, and guests with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be admitted.
Again, it is important to note that just because the Orange County Department of Health has stated that temperature screenings aren’t necessary does not mean Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando will eliminate this protocol. Both theme parks have implemented their own safety measures throughout the pandemic.
Inside the Magic will continue to update you as we get information surrounding temperature checks and other safety protocols at both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
What do you think about temperature screenings at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments below.