Categories
Disney News Disney Parks

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.

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

Categories
Disney News Disney Parks Other

Universal Orlando App Now Has Virtual Lines For Select Rides Prior To Reopening

Universal Orlando App Now Has Virtual Lines For Select Rides Prior To Reopening

The Universal Orlando Resort announced last week that they would be reopening on June 5th. They have released their list of safety guidelines and what will change in procedures once the parks reopen. Universal Citywalk recently reopened and it looks like a lot of the same precautions will be in place. You can see our article full of pictures and information on Citywalk’s reopening here.

Universal Orlando App Now Has Virtual Lines For Select Rides Prior To Reopening

Along with these new Health and Safety procedures in place, Universal is also working out how to make the parks have the least amount of contact. They are planning to do this through their official app with virtual dining and ride lines. As of today there are several popular rides that are now showing the virtual line options.

On the Universal app right now virtual line options for the following rides are available :

  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • Fast & Furious- Supercharged
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
  • Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
  • Revenge of the Mummy





It seems like Universal Orlando has a great system in place for their reopening. They reopen to Team Members on June 1st and 2nd, select passholders on June 3rd and 4th, and to the public on June 5th. Keep following along as we bring you updates on the reopening of Universal Orlando and how the new safety procedures work on the opening days.

Images are from Universal’s official app, you can download it now to your device.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Universal Studios Orlando, Universal, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Reopening, Universal Virtual Lines

Categories
Disney News Disney Parks Other

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. 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, health and safety measures, Islands of Adventure, phased reopening, Universal Hotels, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Passholders, universal orlando reopening, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal reopening, Universal Studios, universal studios reopening, Universal Volcano Bay, Volcano Bay

Categories
Disney News Disney Parks Other

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

Categories
Disney Business Disney News Disney Parks Other

BREAKING NEWS: Universal Orlando Is Officially Opening June 5th

Just yesterday, we found out that Universal Orlando had submitted a reopening plan that included an early June opening date.

Islands of Adventure Main Entrance

From there, the plan had to go through several rounds of approval. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings approved the plan last night. From there, the plan went on for approval from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and apparently it was approved.

Universal Orlando just released a statement that Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay will open to the public on June 5th.

A statement on the Universal Orlando website begins with the phrase “Welcome Back” and goes on to announce the reopening of Universal Orlando theme and water park properties. Health, safety, and hygiene procedures are acknowledged.

Universal Orlando Screenshot

The company also reminds guests that on top of the new protocols in the theme parks, guests will need to abide by CDC guidelines and the guidance of health officials. They remind that they cannot guarantee that a guest will not be exposed to health risks.

Just like at CityWalk, guests and team members must wear face coverings and undergo temperature checks. Those with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter.

Universal

There will also be staggered parking in the parking garage. Universal also shared that they WILL be limiting and reducing daily park attendance and the number of people on each attraction. At this time, “a reservation is not needed in order to visit the theme parks. Please note that since we’re limiting attendance, there may be times when the parks reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted.” A virtual line will be available for select attractions.

Universal

Social distancing will be enforced throughout the parks including within attraction queues and at restaurants. There will be increased cleaning and disinfection of food locations, ride vehicles, and other “touch points.” They will also offer cashless payments and “no touch” policies where possible.

Many of these policies were implemented when Universal CityWalk opened a few days ago.

We will be sharing all of the details on the reopening on Universal soon. Stay tuned! 

Are you planning to visit Universal when they reopen in June? Let us know in the comments below. 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, Islands of Adventure, Universal, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, universal orlando reopening, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal reopening, Universal Studios, Universal Volcano Bay, Volcano Bay