We have been anxiously awaiting the timing of the reopening of many things. Universal Studios reopening plan has been announced during a live stream with the Orange County Task Force on May 21st. The has unveiled how it will begin to open the actual theme parks back up. Currently, City Walk is open in with limited capacity. This will change the day to day operations for a period of time; however, we don’t know how long these changes will be in place.
Universal Team members
The biggest thing will be that team members will need to do self temperature checks every day before their shifts. They will also be screened when they get to work before their shifts. Universal Studios will also have team members staggering their breaks throughout the day to minimize contact even among staff. Face masks will also be required for team members.
Changes to the guest experience
As soon as guests get to Universal Studios will notice changes as they have implemented staggered parking. This took place with the opening of City Walk. Guests will be required to wear masks when at Universal Studios. If guests do not own them, they will be provided with free disposable masks. There will be reduced numbers allowed in the parks at any one time. The number for this has not been announced by could be less than 50% capacity per other guidelines. When guests arrive at Universal Studios, they will have their temperature checked. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be admitted to the parks.
There will be changes to the queues
First the distance between groups will be extended to the recommended 6 feet apart, which will include lines for attractions, shops, restaurants. Part of the Universal Studios Reopening plan will be to eliminate the single rider line. There will be a push for virtual lines to reduce the number of people waiting around in larger groups. There will no longer be any more post-show meet and greets.
Other changes for the park
For a lot of rides, you may have noticed misting elements, however, these will soon be reduced and/or eliminated for the time being. Restaurants will have single-use menus to reduce possible cross-contamination. One of the recommendations is to minimize the use of cash by using touchless food ordering and contactless payments. Signage will be up to remind guests of all of the changes. It also appears that there will be no parades for the foreseeable future.
Team members known as Ambassadors will be scattered throughout the parks to remind and encourage guests of handwashing, social distancing measures, and encourage sanitation.
When will Universal Studios Reopen?
Universal Studios Reopening plan also had to denote a date of reopening which is sooner than expected on June 5th to the general public. They will have a soft opening on June 1st and slowly ramp up during those initial days. June 1st and 2nd will be for team members to show off the new park procedures. June 3rd and 4th will be for a limited number of guests – which could be annual pass holders. Universal’s proposal was endorsed by Orange County Major, Jerry Demings. The governor officially signed off on their plans for reopening on May 22nd. It is clear how long many of the procedures/changes will be in place.
Would you be willing to go if given the chance? Let us know in the comments below!