Universal Orlando asks to reopen theme parks to the public in June

Universal Orlando is seeking to reopen its theme parks with limited capacity to the public on June 5, it announced during an Orange County Task Force meeting today.

Universal would like to reopen to test the systems on June 3 and 4 perhaps with annual passholders and then eventually open to the public on June 5, said John Sprouls, Universal Orlando’s Chief Administrative Officer.

The initial opening will be a limited attendance and Universal would then slowly ramp up attendance, Sprouls said, but gave no indication on how many people would be allowed in at a time.

Universal has worked with the state and county government in developing the plan and had county health officials go through the theme parks on Thursday morning to see what preparation Universal has already done.

According to the presentation the guidelines for the opening will include:

• Guests would have their temperatures checked prior to entrance. Those with 100.4 degrees or more will be requested to see a doctor and not be allowed into the park,
• Guess would be required to wear masks.
• Team members would have their temperatures checked prior to work. Those with 100.4 degrees or higher if they have flu like symptoms will be asked to go home.
• Team members would be required to wear masks.
• Provide one free disposable face covering to guests who do not bring their own.
• Valet parking will be eliminated.
• Park guest vehicles one to two spaces apart in garages.
• Eliminate brochure racks for maps, team members to hand out individually and use mobile app.
• Distancing and spacing at turnstile entrance and reduce turnstile count.
• Every other locker bank to be disabled and guests will be pulsed into locker area by a team member.
• Universal plans to reduce or eliminate most water and mist elements.
• Shut down interactive play areas.
• Team members would hand out 3D glasses individually.
• Implement virtual lines at highly attended attractions.
• Eliminate single rider lines.
• No co-mingling of parties on rides.
• Eliminate post-show meet and greets.
• Signage around the parks will explain how social distancing works in lines.
• Use of mobile food ordering for venues and paper menus that will be disposed of when used.
• Offer contactless payments with Apple pay, Google Wallet and mobile wallet on the app.
• Universal will accept cash but try to minimize it and when using additional precautions will be implemented.
• Use of individually package condiments and pre-wrapped silverware.
• No buffet or self serve options in restaurants.

The proposal was approved by the task force and now will go before Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings for approval his approval. After he signs off it is then sent to Gov. Russ DeSantis’s office for approval.