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News! Legoland Is The First California Theme Park to Propose a Reopening Date

Now that California Governor Gavin Newsom says theme parks may reopen in Phase Three, Legoland has just proposed its reopening date.

Legoland

The theme park located in Carlsbad, California is hoping to reopen on July 1st.

Legoland Florida is set to reopen on June 1st, along with several other Orlando-based theme parks, have announced June reopenings including Universal Studios and potentially SeaWorld. But in California, theme parks aren’t allowed to reopen until at least Stage Three, a phase the state’s health officials are anticipating will happen until June at the earliest.

©SeaWorld

As reported by The Orange County Register, California’s Legoland and SeaWorld were scheduled to meet yesterday, May 27th with San Diego County health officials to discuss what health and safety measures they would be implementing upon reopening (social distancing for guests and staff, increased sanitization, contactless payments, limited capacity, and employee training, etc.), but so far only Legoland has submitted a reopening date.

To see how other theme parks across the world are handling their phased reopening, click here!

©Legoland

Now that Disney World in Florida has submitted its reopening plan and tentative dates, and Legoland in California has proposed a tentative reopening date, we interested to see when Disneyland will make their proposal. As always, we’ll keep you updated as soon as we find out anything!

Read more about the California Governor’s four-phase plan here!

What do you think of Legoland being the first California theme park to propose a reopening date? Let us know in the comments below.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, california governor, california theme parks, carlsbad, Disneyland, first theme park to reopen, Governor Gavin Newsom, health and safety measures, july 1st, legoland, phase three, proposed reopening, reopening date, seaworld, theme parks

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NEWS: Legoland in Central Florida Is Officially Reopening June 1st

While yesterday we informed you Legoland Florida had received initial approval to reopen June 1st, Governor Ron DeSantis has now given the Winter Haven City-based theme park the green light.

©Legoland

Legoland has officially announced it will be reopening its Central Florida location in just over a week.

Once its plan was approved by the Florida Governor, Legoland immediately sent out announcements. We received an email moments ago confirming June 1st if Legoland’s official reopening date.

©Legoland

Legoland’s reopening plan included modifications such as operating at a maximum 50% capacity (about 6,000 guests). The park will be “highly recommending” the use of face masks by guests, but is not requiring them at this time. For the water park, masks are only recommended for use when visitors are dry.

Face Masks Are Strongly-Encouraged, But Not Mandatory at Legoland

Face coverings do not need to be worn in Legoland by:

  • Children under 2 years of age
  • People who have trouble breathing
  • Anyone who is unable to remove the face covering without assistance

Additionally, Legoland says they will be providing guests with face coverings if they did not bring one. 

©Legoland

Legoland’s New Health Screening Process

Guests with temperatures of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter the park. According to Legoland’s website they also say you will not be admitted if you have:

  • Coughing, fever (over 100.4 º F), or difficulty breathing
  • Traveled internationally in the last 14 days
  • Been on a cruise ship in the last 14 days
  • Been in a location with widespread COVID-19 transmission in the last 14 days
  • Been in close contact with a person known or suspected of having COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • Tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days

©Legoland

Legoland says their touchless temperature screenings will be required for all guests, including children, and employees before entering the park. Any families or groups that have a member with a fever (of 100.4º F or above) will not be allowed in.

Disinfecting Touchpoints and Commonly Used Surfaces More Frequently

Legoland says they will be cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces more regularly especially “tables and chairs, service counters, LEGO® Bricks, ride restraints, door handles, and more.” They will also be adding more hand sanitizer dispensers and hygiene stations throughout the park. Similar to Disney World’s My Disney Experience app, guests can use Legoland’s official mobile app (which is also free) to locate these additional locations.

©Legoland

Social Distancing Markers and Additional Safety Measures

Markers have been installed throughout the resort reminding guests to stay six feet apart while employees will monitor the queues to ensure social distancing is being maintained. Ride vehicles will be loaded leaving empty seats between guests. Dining areas are also being reconfigured to ensure a safe distance separates each parties’ table.

Indoor shops and restaurants will have a limited capacity while the self-service buffets will also be reconfigured to reduce the number of touchpoints including cutlery and condiments being left out on the table. These items will now be provided to guests upon request. Some guest experiences, entertainment offerings, retail locations, restaurants, and other park features such as water fountains may be temporarily suspended.

©Legoland

New Safety Measures at Legoland’s Hotel and Other Recreational Areas

Inside the hotels, Legoland is asking only one party per elevator and to take the stairs where possible to help maintain social distancing regulations. For their mini-golf course, they are asking groups to maintain a one-hole distance at all times.

Now that Governor Ron DeSantis has twelve other reopening proposals of Central Florida attractions to consider, we could know more details about other theme parks that are planning to reopen soon. So far, Disney World is expected to submit its proposal next week while Universal Studios has requested a reopening date to receive guests starting June 5th (which is still pending final approval).

What do you think of Legoland’s reopening plan? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, approved, face masks, face masks not required, hotels, june 1st, legoland, new procedures, phased reopening, reopening, restaurants, safety measures, social distancing, temperature screenings

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Disney News Disney Parks

It’s official Legoland Florida reopening on June 1st

Legoland Florida Reopening

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort will officially reopen on June 1st. As the health and safety of guests and employees at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort continues to be paramount, the Resort’s extensive plan of enhanced health and safety measures includes reduced capacity, cashless payments, social distancing practices and enhanced cleaning regimes. The Resort will initially open with adjusted operating hours.

Along with the park and waterpark’s reopening, the all-new LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel will debut on June 1. Reservations are available for travel dates June 1 or later for both LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND® Hotel.

Here is a look at what guests can expect with the reopening of LEGOLAND Florida Resort on June 1.

PEACE OF MIND POLICY FOR NEW LEGOLAND® FLORIDA BOOKINGS & ANNUAL PASS PURCHASES

We want you to have the most vacation ever — starting with your LEGOLAND Florida vacation planning experience with us.  With the Peace of Mind planning, we hope to make it a little easier for your family to assemble the pieces of your next vacation so we can build those fun, exciting and special memories together. For that reason, we have launched our “Peace of Mind Policy” with timing flexibility for booking vacation packages and for our existing Annual Passholders and ticket holders.

You can continue to book your LEGOLAND Florida vacation with the peace of mind that there is the option to change your hotel or vacation package reservation date up to five (5) days before your trip without incurring a fee.

For our new Annual Passholders, we want you to join our passholder family with the opportunity to redeem and launch your year with us during an extended period of time. You can now visit our theme park up to 100 days after your purchase to activate your new annual pass.

For our existing Annual Passholders, we will be extending the validity of your pass based on the duration of our closure period or, in the case of our Annual Passholders using monthly pay, reinstating your pass payments starting June 1 as we welcome you and your families back to experience our parks.

For Guests who had a dated ticket that was valid during our closure dates, we will be extending the validity window of your ticket through the end of 2020 so that you have the flexibility to visit us later in the year.

The Peace of Mind Policy applies to new LEGOLAND® Florida Vacation Packages & new LEGOLAND Florida Annual Pass purchases from March 9:

For a limited time, all reservations can be rescheduled up to 4 P.M. Eastern Time five (5) days prior to scheduled arrival date free of charge. Any changes to your reservation are subject to availability and new room rates may apply. If you made your booking within five (5) days of arrival, no cancellations, changes or refunds are allowed. In the event of no-show, all monies are forfeited. Tickets and Extras are non-refundable once issued, but may be used up to one year from the original reservation date. Restrictions may apply.

This policy applies only to reservations made directly through LEGOLAND® Vacations.  If your travel plans were arranged by a third-party, including travel agents, travel-booking websites, or other businesses independent of LEGOLAND® Parks and Resorts or LEGOLAND® Vacations, please contact those suppliers directly to understand their policies and any applicable fees for changing or cancelling a reservation.

The extension of the redemption window for all new LEGOLAND Florida Annual Pass purchases (current pass purchases must be activated/redeemed at the LEGOLAND Florida Front Gate within 60 days of purchase) to 100 days from date of purchase is available to guests who purchase a valid Annual Pass product between March 11 and July 31, 2020. Regular Annual Pass terms & conditions apply per pass type as outlined in the terms & conditions specific to each pass type.

The Peace of Mind Policy applies to existing LEGOLAND Florida Annual Passholders and LEGOLAND Florida tickets purchased for closure dates through the duration of closure:

All active Annual Passholders, who are not currently enrolled in Monthly Pay, will receive an extension of one month for every month that the Park is closed based on the valid dates for their existing pass. All active Monthly Pay Passholder’s monthly payments were suspended starting April 1, 2020 and will be reinstated as of June 1, 2020 based on the park’s announced reopening date. Regular Annual Pass terms & conditions apply per pass type as outlined in the terms & conditions specific to each pass type.

Any unused tickets that were valid for specific dates during the announced closure period (excludes FLEX tickets) of March 16 – through the duration of closure will be valid to use as regular admission on any valid day (based on the ticket type purchased) for the rest of 2020, upon reopening, with no additional fee. Regular terms & conditions for tickets, as outlined during purchase, still apply.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

Are the hotels open? / What is LEGOLAND Hotel doing to ensure guest health and safety during coronavirus concerns?

Along with the park and waterpark’s reopening, the all-new LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel will debut on June 1. Reservations are available for travel dates June 1 or later for both LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND® Hotel.

For more information about our enhanced health & safety measures specific to our on-site hotels, please click here.

ANNUAL PASSES

How will the closure of LEGOLAND Florida Resort impact Annual Passes?

All active Annual Passholders, who are not currently enrolled in Monthly Pay, will receive an extension of one month for every month that the Theme Park was closed based on the valid dates for their existing pass (up to three (3) months). Blackout dates by Annual Pass type still apply.

All active Monthly Pay Pass Members in good standing will have their April and May monthly payments suspended. The number of suspended months will be deducted from the number of required contracted monthly payments. For example, the suspended months of April and May reduce the required payments from 12 to 10. Although the contract allows them to continue month-to-month after the revised required 10 monthly payments. Monthly payments will be reinstated as of June 1, 2020 with the announced reopening of the park. Billings will continue until they cancel.

Standard terms and conditions for annual passes still apply.

Are the Awesomer and Awesomest Annual Passes valid at Madame Tussauds and SeaLife Orlando since they have reopened before LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

Yes, these passes will be valid for use at both attractions for the rest of May 2020 preceding the LEGOLAND Florida Resort reopening on June 1, 2020.

TICKETS

What should I do with my unused tickets if I was planning to visit during the closure?

Any unused tickets that were valid for specific dates during the announced closure period (excludes FLEX tickets) will be valid to use any day for the rest of 2020 with no additional fee. You did not need to request a date change; this will be automatically applied to all valid tickets.

I had Parking, Souvenir bottles, or Fastrack add-ons to my tickets, will those be extended?

All of the above will be automatically extended with your tickets for use on the day when you choose to visit LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

I had a Water Park Cabana, VIP Tour, ECV, Stroller or Wheelchair rental for my visit, will those be extended?

Yes, these items will be extended for your visit but will need to be rebooked by our team due to availability. When you’ve decided to visit again, just email llf.experience@legoland.com and we will be happy to rebook them free of charge.

RESORTS

Questions about your upcoming reservation?  

If you have made a reservation through LEGOLAND Vacations with an arrival date through May 31, 2020, you will receive an email from our Reservations Team at least 5 days prior to your scheduled arrival. This email will provide details and instructions on your booking options (it will arrive in your email inbox or folder from LEGOLAND@legoland.com).

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing heavy call volume and prioritizing guests with arrivals within the next 5 days. We ask that you use the contact options in the above email for the most expedited service from our team. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

What if I booked my vacation from another seller/website?

If guests’ travel plans were arranged by a third-party, including travel agents, travel-booking websites, or other businesses independent of LEGOLAND® Parks and Resorts or LEGOLAND® Vacations, they will need to contact those suppliers directly to understand their policies and any applicable fees for changing or cancelling a reservation.

When will the new Pirate Island Hotel open? / What should I do if I have a vacation already booked for Pirate Island Hotel based on the previous opening date?

New reservations are now available for travel dates June 1 or later for the all-new LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel, as well as LEGOLAND® Hotel and LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat. For the most recent updates, visit: legoland.com/operations-update

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Legoland, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, COVID-19, legoland Florida, Legoland Florida reopening, orlando

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News! Reopening Plans For Gatorland, Fun Spot, and MORE Have Been Approved By Mayor Demings

While last night we learned Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings had given Universal Studios Orlando’s reopening plan for its theme parks the green light, several smaller attractions have also been approved. We shared that a few of these locations are hoping to open THIS weekend just yesterday. 

Disney Springs

Since Demings approved the plans for thirteen other Central Florida attractions, they will now go to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ office for his acceptance.

First reported by WESH 2 News, here is the list of attractions who have submitted their plans to reopen:

  • Fun Spot of Florida, Inc.
  • Gatorland
  • I-Drive Thrill Park LLC (Magical Midway Family Fun Center)
  • ICON Park Orlando
  • K1 Speed Orlando
  • Nona Adventure Park, LLC
  • Orlando Slingshot, LLC
  • Orlando Starflyer
  • Wonderworks Orlando
  • Aloma Bowl
  • Boardwalk Bowl
  • Andretti’s Indoor Karting and Gaming

Disney Springs

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games has been training its staff this week on social distancing and new disinfecting techniques while Magical Midway and the Orlando Sling Shot are gearing up to reopen at  50% capacity with the Governor’s approval along with other safety modifications. The arcade will remain closed while only the outdoor attractions will be open.

West Side Starbucks

In Polk County, Legoland has also submitted a plan to reopen at 50% capacity on June 1st. It is also awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis’ approval.

©Legoland

Disney World is expected to submit a reopening plan for its theme parks to the Orange County Mayor by as early as next week. We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops.

Have you ever visited any of these attractions in Florida? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Featured, Walt Disney World, central florida, Disney World, florida governor, governor ron desantis, Icon Park, legoland, mayor jerry demings, orange county mayor, phased reopening, request to reopen, small attractions, small theme parks, smaller attractions, submitted plans, task force

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NEWS: Many Smaller Florida Attractions Are Looking to Reopen This Weekend

The full Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force met today to discuss and review plans submitted by several smaller Orlando attractions, including Gatorland and Fun Spot. It was at this meeting today that we also learned of Universal Orlando’s proposed soft preview reopening of June 1 for team members, with a public reopening on June 5.

Universal Orlando Resort

But many smaller attractions are looking to open sooner than that, with some attractions hoping to welcome back guests within the coming days.

In addition to a proposed reopening date, all of these attractions were required to submit plans of keeping their employees and customers safe, similar to the plan proposed by Universal Orlando. In all, there were 12 smaller attractions with proposed reopening dates, which are noted in parenthesis:

Proposed Re-Opening Dates from Smaller Orlando Attractions

Any attraction with a proposed reopening date that has already passed, like Nona Adventure Park, would need to re-submit their plans with an adjusted proposed reopening date that is in the future. Once these plans are signed off by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, they will then be passed on to Governor Ron DeSantis for his approval.

DeSantis is already receiving plans at his desk to give the green light for amusement parks to reopen, including Legoland, which has already received local approval to reopen on June 1.

Welcome to Orlando!

Committee members participated in on-site visits this morning at all of the smaller attractions and have confidence that most can reopen safely and meet their proposed guidelines. At the end of the Task Force Meeting, Demings said that he will likely pass these plans on to DeSantis today, May 21.

Do you live in the Orlando area and are planning on visiting any of these smaller attractions in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, central florida, Gatorland, governor ron desantis, legoland, mayor jerry demings, orange county, Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, Orange County Task Force, Orlando, Universal Orlando