After being closed for over 2 months due to COVID-19 the major Central Florida Theme Parks prepare to reopen. As a travel agent, I have been following all of the announcements closely. We all thought that Walt Disney World would be the first to have their plan in place and approved, but we were wrong. As of the time of the writing of this post, it’s my understanding that Disney has not submitted their plan yet, but will do so this week.
Here is what we now know about the opening of Walt Disney World.
LEGOLAND Florida First Theme Park To Reopen
LEGOLAND Florida is set to open next week, June 1, 2020. The theme park hours are 10am-5pm and water park hours are noon-4pm for the time being. Of course, LEGOLAND is retraining its Model Citizens (employees) in updated cleaning and safety procedures. One big change to note is LEGOLAND has gone cashless, you must use a credit or debit card for all financial transactions.
- Download the official LEGOLAND Florida app for up-to-date information
- Operating at a reduced capacity but no reservations required.
- Added hand washing stations
- Updated socially distant parking spaces
- Temperature checks, no party with a member whose temperature checks at 100.4° F will not be admitted.
- Masks for those ages 3 and up. No masks for those who have trouble breathing or those who cannot remove the mask without assistance. The water park has its own mask guidelines. Check the website before heading to the park to know what is expected.
- Social distance in queues and stores, follow all signs and markers.
- Some attractions are on timeout and will not be open during this first phase.
- The LEGOLAND hotels are open for guests beginning June 1, 2020.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort will be opening all 3 of its parks on June 5, 2020. When you visit their website you are greeted with this disclaimer.
Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.
Universal Orlando Website
Hours for this first phase of reopening: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure 9am-6pm, Volcano Bay 10am-5pm, City Walk 8am-10pm. The parks will be open with limited capacity, but no reservations are required. The park will restrict entry when capacity is reached.
- Face coverings required ages 3+. Separate rules for Volcano Bay Water Park.
- Temperature check required in parking structure. Those 100.4° and above must return to their vehicle and it will be suggested they see a doctor.
- Wash your hands often
- Social distance-leave at least 6 feet between traveling parties.
- Observe floor markings when present
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Use provided hand sanitizer when required before boarding select ride vehicles
- Follow team member instructions at all times
- You can go contact free with the official Universal Orlando Resorts app
- Staggered Parking in the parking garage
- Virtual Line technology available on the app for select attractions
- Cashless payments are available through Google Wallet and Apple Pay.
Does the Fact that Central Florida Theme Parks Prepare to Reopen Effect Your Travel Plans?
So, does the fact that these Central Florida theme parks prepare to reopen effect your travel plans? Would you visit either of these theme parks with these restrictions in place if you’re looking for things to do in Florida with kids? If I were a passholder I would, otherwise I would not. I have said from the beginning, my goal is to be at Disney World the day they open…if I’m available. I’m a passholder though, not someone coming in for their once in a lifetime Central Florida theme park vacation.
I have counseled all of my out of state guests to wait til late fall or even 2021 to make their big trip. I don’t want them to miss out on all our amazing theme parks have to offer, and that isn’t possible with closed attractions and social distancing. Make sure you follow my travel Facebook page for any updates.
Will you be planning your Central Florida theme park vacation for later this year, 2021, or sometime later? If you are ready to book for 2020 or 2021, I’m here to help you start planning now. If your thinking that vacation will be in the more distant future, sign up to receive my very occasional travel email.
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