Universal Orlando Reopening: What You Need to Know

Universal Orlando plans to reopen on 5 June with reduced capacity and new health and safety procedures in place.

Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure (home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), and Universal’s Volcano Bay will reopen next week following a three-month closure. Limited capacity, face masks, social distancing, and disinfectants will all be part of the experience. However, officials warn potential guests that despite these added precautions, a visit to the theme parks still comes with an “inherent risk”.

“This carefully managed reopening comes with stringent new health, safety, and hygiene procedures in place. As we enjoy our parks together again, everyone will need to follow CDC guidelines and the recommendations of health officials, as well as Universal Orlando’s policies,” stated Universal. “Note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19, and we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit.”

Universal will operate at limited capacity to ensure that employees can enforce new health and safety measures, including temperature checks at entrance gates and social distancing queues guided by ground markings. Visitors and staff must wear masks, and guests are required to use hand sanitizer before boarding rides to ward off germs. Moreover, restaurants and food courts will implement contactless ordering and payment systems through the Universal Studios mobile app, and all menus will be single-use.

Universal is among the first major theme parks to reopen in Florida after stay-at-home orders were issued in March, leading to thousands of staff furloughs. Walt Disney World is expected to announce details of its reopening soon, with Disney CEO Bob Chapek suggesting that US theme parks will likely have strict health and safety guidelines when they welcome visitors back.

Lockdowns are easing globally as the world adapts to a new normal.