Universal Studios Orlando Opening This Week With New Guidelines

Update: The Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced its doors will open to the public on June 5. A website has been launched to provide guests with information and guidelines ahead of their arrival to the parks. According to a press release, all three parks on the property-Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the Volcano Bay water park--will open on the same date, though which rides, experiences, and restaurants will be available remains unknown.

On June 1 and 2, team members will be invited to preview the new process as the park practices its procedures. Then on June 3 and 4, a "limited number of guests" will be invited to the park. On June 5, the parks' doors will be open. It has not been revealed how limited capacity will be. However, the press release does note that daily attendance will be managed.

The two biggest guidelines for entrance to the park is that every guest and employee will be required to wear a facemask. Additionally, everyone will have to have their temperature taken. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will not be admitted. You can read the original story below.

The real first step toward theme parks reopening in the United States has been taken. Universal Studios Orlando has submitted a proposal to open the doors of its park to guests once again on June 5, after being shuttered since March due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. What's more, the proposal has been unanimously approved.

While details about how the park will operate have yet to be officially announced, The Hollywood Reporter noted that ahead of a potential June 5 opening the resort will hold what are essentially rehearsals. On June 1, the theme parks would be open for employees. That would be followed by a group of invited guests on June 3. Following that, on June 5, the doors would be open to the public.

As for what to expect if you visit the park, THR reported that it will open at a reduced capacity, though a number of allowed guests has not been disclosed. As time goes on, the capacity will ride. Additionally, masks and temperature checks will be required from all employees and guests in the parks. Valet parking will not be offers, while interactive play areas in the parks will be closed. All restaurants will supply single-use paper menus, and all meet and greets after in-park shows. Signs will be posted throughout the park to remind guests of social distancing guidelines, and all ride and food lines will enforce six feet between guests.

Now that it's been approved by the task force, Universal Orlando will submit its proposal to Florida governor Ron DeSantis. In the meantime, Disney has not made any announcements about opening its theme parks in the United States. Shanghai Disneyland recently began allowing guests to return, but with restrictions on capacity, social distancing, and mask use.

Image credit: Getty Images/Roberto Machado Noa