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NEWS! Universal Orlando Annual Passholders Can Register For a Reopening Preview TODAY

Universal Orlando will officially be opening to the public on June 5th. Buuut, if you’re an Annual Passholder, you’ll get to go back home to Hogwarts early!

Universal

After Universal Orlando announced its extensive health and safety protocols, it also stated that they would be opening the parks to team members and Annual Passholders prior to June 5th.

Universal Orlando posted this message on Facebook today officially welcoming back Passholders to a reopening preview! They will be sending out emails will information regarding how they can be some of the first people to reenter the parks.

©Universal Studios

Starting today, Passholders will be able to register for early-access to Universal Orlando! Reservations are open to Premier Passholders starting at 12PM ET, followed by Preferred Passholders at 1PM ET and Power and Seasonal Passholders at 2PM ET! Space will be extremely limited and reservations will be first-come, first-serve.

Islands of Adventure Gate

We will keep you updated on what Universal Orlando will look like when the parks start to re-open in just a week!

Take a look at ALL the details on Universal Orlando’s re-opening here!

What is your favorite Universal Orlando attraction? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

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From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Disney, disney news, Islands of Adventure, universal news, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Passholders, universal orlando reopening, Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay

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NEWS! Here Is EVERY Detail Disney World Shared About Their Reopening Procedures

Walt Disney World just presented a reopening plan to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force with a proposed reopening date of July 11th for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and July 15th for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World

This proposal was approved by the Task Force. Now it must be approved by Mayor Jerry Demings before it is presented to Governor DeSantis for final approval. Disney World’s presentation today included the parks’ initial plans for reopening and those details are outlined below.

Dates

Disney World’s proposed plan would reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom to guests on July 11th. Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios would follow with a reopening on July 15th. There will be soft opening preview days which Disney will share details about on a later date.

Limited Capacity

Disney World will be using a reduced capacity for theme parks, restaurants, retail, attractions, buses, monorails, and other transportation so that guests can appropriately physical distance.

Monorail at Disney World

To visit the theme parks, guests will need to use a new theme park reservation system. Guests MUST have a reservation in advance and new information is coming soon. It is important to note that Shanghai Disneyland is currently using a reservation system, which you can learn more about here.

You can read MORE about the new theme park reservation system here. 

Health and Safety Measures

Disney has broken up their Health and Safety Protocols into five different priorities — Enhanced Protective Measures, Physical Distancing, Enhanced Cleaning/Sanitation, Temperature/Health Screening, and Limited-Contact Enhancements.

©Disney

Let’s take a look at the specific measures within these categories.

Enhanced Protective Measures

Like in Disney Spring, Disney will require face coverings for guests and Cast Members while on property at Disney World. Cast Members will be issued reusable face coverings, just like they have been in Disney Springs so far. Guests will HAVE to wear their masks as a mandatory measure but they are looking at potential “relaxation zones” where folks can remove their masks for a moment.

©Disney

Hand-washing and sanitizing stations and signage reminders will be posted throughout the theme parks, both on stage for guest access and backstage for Cast Member access.

Points of sale will have plexiglass barriers installed for all retail and dining locations to protect guests and Cast Members in areas where distancing cannot be maintained.

Physical Distancing

In addition to reduced capacity for the theme parks as a whole, Disney will be discouraging large gatherings. The initial reopening will see the temporary suspension of parades, fireworks, and other events that could create crowds.

Disney Springs

Cast Members will see modified and enhanced backstage areas so that they are able to distance while on breaks and in backstage environments.

Enhanced Cleaning/Sanitation

Both on stage and backstage areas will see more frequent cleaning across high touch locations and surfaces.

Temperature/Health Screening

Guests will be required to have their temperatures checked at the Main Entrance to the theme parks. This will be done with a 3rd party company using contactless, handheld devices — muck like the methods in Disney Springs.

Spaceship Earth

Cast Members who are guest-facing will receive on-site temperature checks. All Cast Members will be expected to engage in daily at-home temperature checks and health assessments prior to departing to Disney World.

Read more about our experience with temperature checks in Disney Springs here. 

Limited-Contact Enhancements

Restaurants and retail will see cashless transactions enabled and contactless payments will be encouraged through MagicBands, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Mobile Order will also be further enables at separate locations.

Mickey Mouse

Some notable high-touch experiences will be temporarily suspended as well such as meet and greets and play areas.

Informing Guests

Disney’s focus on informing guests with the new health protocols is with strategies that are focused on education, communication, and engagement. They are looking into “know before you go” strategies for guests so that they are aware of protocols prior to their arrival.

Disney Springs

Once they arrive in Disney World guests will be reminded of protocols and key points will have signage to remind guests of changes as well. Cast Members will be crucial in focusing on the wellbeing of themselves and guests.

Magic Kingdom

Current guest-facing Cast will be trained on engaging guests and reminding them to follow health and safety protocols. This will be in addition to a dedicated “Social Distancing Squad,” like the one deployed in Disney Springs, to assist guests in staying safe.

We will continue to keep you updated with more details of this developing story.

For more information about the current status of Disney Resorts and destinations around the world, click here or visit the links below.

Do you have plans to visit Disney World or Universal Orlando soon? Let us know in the comments.

Related posts:

  1. BREAKING NEWS! Disney World Proposes THEME PARK REOPENING DATES!
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From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, Florida’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, Orange County Task Force, reopening, Universal, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, Universal reopening, walt disney world resort

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BREAKING NEWS! Disney World Proposes THEME PARK REOPENING DATES!

Walt Disney World made history today and presented their reopening plan and reopening date — after months of closure — to the Florida Orange County Task Force for initial approval.

Magic Kingdom in Disney World

Disney World has reopened many locations in Disney Springs, their shopping and dining district, this week, and will be reopening all four theme parks very soon!

Disney World Theme Park Reopening DATES

Walt Disney World Resort has proposed a reopening date for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 11th, and a reopening date for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th. If this proposal is accepted, the parks will be open to guests on these dates.

Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World

The task force committee voted to approve this reopening plan. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings must sign off on Disney’s proposed plans before they will be presented to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Previously, Demings has said that he will need 24-48 hours to review the plans before submitting them to DeSantis.

Disney World Theme Park Reopening DETAILS

Disney shared that they will have soft opening preview dates and that they will share more information on this soon. Once the parks reopen, Disney will implement a new theme park reservation system. This system will require guests to reserve their arrival in advance to assist with capacity limits. While few details were shared during the meeting, it is important to note that Shanghai Disneyland is currently using a reservation system.

New health and safety procedures will be similar to the ones being implemented in Disney Springs. Some of these protocols will include required face masks for guests and Cast Members, increased social distancing protocols, enhanced cleaning and sanitation, and required temperature screenings for both guests and Cast Members.

©Disney

Disney also mentioned that select experiences will be modified and that there will be no parades, fireworks, or character meet and greets for the time being.

Mickey Mouse

Disney did share that characters “will still be in our parks to entertain and delight our guests.” You can read MORE about these experiences being temporarily suspended here.

Disney Ticket Sales Information

Disney has updated their website revealing a few more pieces of important information. Disney will not only manage attendance through a theme park reservation system but they will also be pausing NEW ticket sales AND Disney Resort hotel reservations.

Disney Ticket Center

This is so they can “focus on guests with existing tickets and reservations (Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations).” Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make these reservation requests in phases BEFORE new tickets go on sale.

Disney Hotel Reopening Information

The Walt Disney World website states, “pending approval from government officials, the phased reopening plans we submitted calls for Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Resort hotels to open beginning July 11 for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15.”

“Additionally, Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World will reopen to members and guests and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will also open to members and guests starting on June 15.” More plans on Disney’s new resort physical distancing measures and cleaning protocols will be implemented at these locations as well.

Get ALL the details on Disney World’s proposal and new processes here.

Would you visit Disney World on reopening day? Let us know in the comments.

Related posts:

  1. NEWS! Here Is EVERY Detail Disney World Shared About Their Reopening Procedures
  2. NEWS: Vice President Pence Discusses Disney World and Other Parks Reopening In Orlando
  3. News: Mayor Predicts When Business Around Disney World May Resume

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, Disney World, disney world re-opening, Disney World reopening, orange county, Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, Orange County Task Force, re-opening, reopening, Universal Orlando

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Universal Orlando Is Reopening June 5th and We’ve Got ALL the Details!

Universal Orlando is reopening its theme parks to the public on June 5th. 

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is set to become one of the first major theme park resorts to reopen in the United States. Though they have set a precedent with the reopening of Universal CityWalk last week, the company is still working out many of the details about how their reopening will look on June 5th. Here’s what we know so far.

Going to the Theme Parks

According to the reopening plan that Universal submitted to the Florida government, the theme parks will implement a soft opening with limited guests on June 1st before moving to a public and official reopening on June 5th.

Universal

Unlike Shanghai Disneyland, guests will not be required to make a reservation to visit the theme parks. Still, the parks will be operating at limited capacity so Universal does note that the parks may reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted.

The majority of attractions and experiences are set to be available when the park opens. Some experiences will not be available and some may be altered. More specific information will be released soon and we will be sure to update.

Islands of Adventure Gate

The rest of the Universal Resort health, safety, and hygiene measures will apply (below). We will keep an eye out for more specific information on the theme park operations.

Going to Volcano Bay

Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay, will be opening as well. To implement physical distancing, the water park will follow the same guidelines as the rest of the resorts plus a few more specific ones. Capacity will be limited on each attraction (rivers and pools included), one party will be allowed per raft for raft rides, and lounge chairs will be arranged so that parties may sit together with six feet between other guests.

©Universal

Guests will be required to wear face masks during their time in Volcano Bay however they will not be permitted on the water slides or in the pools. Team members will be wearing face coverings as long as it is not required that they get in the water. Those who may need to enter the water (lifeguards, etc.) will wear balaclavas when not specifically on a slide or in a pool.

Health Measures

The general health measures at Universal are as follows:

  • Guests and team members are required to wear face coverings.
  • Guests and team members are required to undergo temperature checks. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter Universal CityWalk or the theme parks.
  • Parking will be staggered within the parking garage to help create distance between travel groups.
  • Park and attraction capacity will be limited and reduced in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
  • There will be increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, and other frequent touchpoints.
  • Physical distancing will be encouraged at all locations through the parks.
  • Virtual Line will be available for select attractions.
  • Cashless payments and “no-touch” policies will be available where possible.

CityWalk Reopening

With the exception of water rides, guests will be required to wear their face coverings while on the attractions. Hand sanitizer will also be required prior to boarding a ride vehicle and Universal team members will provide guests with sanitizer.

Soft Opening

As we mentioned, Universal Orlando will be opening with a limited number of guests on June 1st to get ready for the public reopening a few days later.

Universal CityWalk

At this time, Universal is still working through the details as to who those limited guests may be.

Passholder Update

Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders received an email today announcing the reopening with a “Welcome Home.” Special Passholder experiences will apparently be announced soon.

Universal Email Screenshot

As a reminder, Universal is automatically extending all affected Annual and Seasonal passes by the number of days that the parks were closed.

Hotel Information

As for the hotels, Universal is still working out the details. Guests with reservations will be contacted as soon as plans are made available.

Universal Studios Aventura Hotel Heart Message

For now, guests can modify or cancel bookings held for the closure period with no fee. During the period, cancelation fees are waived for hotel reservations canceled more than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Events

Universal has canceled all scheduled events including Grad Bash 2020 and Gradventure 2020.

On the subject of Halloween Horror Nights and the 2020 Holidays celebration, more details will be released at a later time. We will update you with any more events information.

We will update this post as more details are released about the opening of Universal Orlando Resort. 

Do you have questions about the Universal Orlando reopening? Put them in the comments below. 

Related posts:

  1. BREAKING NEWS: Universal Orlando Is Officially Opening June 5th
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Universal Orlando Begins Reopening Process June 1st

universal orlando

This week Universal Orlando Resort submitted plans to begin reopening in phases starting on June 1st.

June 1st and 2nd the resort will open to team members to test the new safety protocols. June 3rd and 4th will be open to invited guests and annual passholders. And finally, on June 5th Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay will welcome guests back.

“We want to invite guests back to our theme parks in a cautious and thoughtful way,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “We have put new health and safety procedures in place for both our team members and guests. And we have worked hard to make sure our guests can enjoy their time with family and friends. Doing this the right way will take all of us — and we need everyone’s help. Guests should follow our guidelines and continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and health officials.”

With the reopening, several new safety measures will be in place, including:

  • Temperature checks at every entrance, as well as for every employee.
  • Masks will be mandatory for all guests and employees. Those without a mask will be offered one for free. Stores will also sell face coverings.
  • Staggered parking
  • Managed and reduced daily park attendance
  • Managed and reduced attraction ridership, show attendance and restaurant seating. Some areas and events may remain closed for now.
  • Increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, restrooms and other frequent “touch points” that go beyond Universal’s already aggressive cleaning procedures
  • Social distancing practices at all locations through the parks, within attractions and queues and at restaurants
  • Use of virtual lines at select attractions
  • Cashless payments and “no touch” policies where possible

Universal’s hotels are an important part of the guest experience. Reopening plans are being finalized and will be shared as soon as they are available.

You can see all of Universal’s safety guidelines here.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Universal Studios Orlando, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Universal Reopening, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Volcano Bay