‘Tis the season to be jolly…and visit a theme park for the holidays!
With Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios continuing their phased reopenings after the pandemic forced them to shut down, Guests are now packing the theme parks for Christmas.
But with the first case of Omicron being confirmed in Florida this week, it seems some characters in the Parks are not worried about the new COVID-19 variant.
In late November, the first detected COVID-19 variant was discovered in South Africa, with Omicron hitting Flordia on December 7, 2021, at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.
We’re yet to see any major changes to Disney or Universal’s health and safety policies regarding the Omicron variant. Starting back on October 7, Universal Studios Hollywood is requiring all Guests age 12 and up to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (or, alternatively, proof of a negative COVID-19 test result).
The requirement of COVID-19 vaccines or a negative COVID-19 test result came after a mandate by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Following the update from LA Public Health, regardless of vaccination status, face coverings are required to be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors, when visiting the theme park. At Universal CityWalk, face coverings are required to be worn indoors.
It seems fan-favorite character Shrek, however, isn’t worried about the new COVID-19 variant sweeping the country, with a recent amusing video posted by Johnny Metro on TikTok showing the Universal character ignoring regulations about sharing germs.
Shrek’s Christmas sweater is also fantastic, featuring his best friend Donkey in all his festive glory:
@johnnymetro77 Shrek Present! #shrek #dreamworks #universalstudios #holidays #christmas #present #funny
♬ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas – Michael Bublé
The swamp-loving ogre is seen picking his nose in the Universal theme park and then giving a “present” to the TikTok user in the form of his boogers.
Of course, this is against the rules of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and wouldn’t make for a great Christmas present under the tree.
Well, unless you’re an ogre, of course.
On a sad day for Shrek lovers, it was recently revealed that Universal Orlando Resort will be permanently closing Shrek 4-D on January 10, 2022.
Shrek 4-D was first opened in 2003 at the Universal Orlando Resort after the success of Shrek in 2001. Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan also opened the popular attraction in 2003, and later in 2010, it appeared at Universal Studios Singapore.
Of course, back in 2017, Universal Studios Hollywood closed down the attraction and replaced it with Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest. But our favorite ogre still makes appearances around the Resort.
Have you ever received a strange gift from a character in the Parks? Let us know!