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News: Select Universal Orlando Hotels Will Reopening June 2nd

The Universal Studios universe seems to be exploding with news right now!

Universal Studios

Only moments ago we told you Universal Studios Annual Passholders were officially  invited to attend an early preview before the theme parks open to the general public on June 5th!

And now we finally have confirmation on when several of the Universal Studios Resort hotels are reopening. The following hotels will reopen on June 2nd:

  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
  • Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Universal’s Aventura Hotel
  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Surfside Inn and Suites.

Plans for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn and Suites will be announced at a later time.

And while guests may start arriving at Universal Studios Resort hotels as early as June 2nd, they won’t be allowed access to the theme parks until June 3rd. “Hotel guests must have valid theme park admission in order to access the theme parks on June 3 and 4. Guests can visit the Vacation Planning desk in their hotel to purchase or pick-up tickets,” Universal’s website states.

Hollywood Drive-In Golf

Universal Studios Resort hotels will also be enhancing their health and safety measures as well as increasing sanitation practices. Guests and employees will be required to wear face masks in all public areas at the hotels.

CityWalk Reopening

As with its theme parks, all employees and vendors will be screened daily while Universal is asking guests to self-screen before arriving at their hotel.

According to Universal’s website, “Guests will have temperature checks upon arrival and return unless previously checked at the hotel that day prior to boarding our resort transportation system. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater after three checks, including one with a new thermometer, will be asked to seek medical attention and obtain medical clearance prior to being permitted to enter. We understand some guests may feel they have special conditions, which we will consider upon request.”

Universal Studios

Check out our experience with Universal’s temperature screenings here!

And according to Universal, “If a guest registers a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater upon check-in, they will not be allowed to check-in until they receive medical clearance to do so. The rest of the guest’s party will be allowed to check in. We understand some guests may feel they have special conditions, which we will consider upon request.”

Universal Orlando Resort

Also, if a guest registers a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater anytime following the check-in screening, they will be required to self-quarantine and seek medical attention.

“The hotel will follow medical professional’s recommendations as to whether the guest can safely remain on hotel property. An additional guest room may be provided for other members of their party and they will still be able to move about the resort as they continue to successfully undergo temperature screenings,” Universal states.

Voodoo Doughnut

Universal also stated, “When possible, guest rooms will be left vacant for 24-48 hours upon checkout, before thoroughly cleaning and checking in a new guest.”

Universal Orlando

Hotels will be reopening with several contactless experiences for guests, including hotel texting-services, express checkout, and contactless room deliveries. Express passes and early morning hours will also still be happening. We’ll continue to provide more information as soon as it becomes available!

Please note: Universal Orlando’s theme parks officially reopen to the general public June 5th. Team Member and Annual Passholder previews will take place a few days prior.

Are you planning on booking a room at Universal Studios now that the hotels are reopening? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. Updated! Legoland in Central Florida Announced Reopening Date Before Governor’s Approval
  2. BREAKING NEWS: Universal Orlando Is Officially Opening June 5th
  3. Universal Orlando Is Reopening June 5th and We’ve Got ALL the Details!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, hotel reservations, june 2nd, mandatory face masks, safety measures, temperature screenings, Universal, Universal Hotels, universal hotels reopening, Universal reopening

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Universal Orlando Resort Announces Reopening of Select Hotels Beginning June 2nd

Universal Orlando Resort Phased Reopening

Beginning June 2, 2020, select Universal Orlando Resort hotels will reopen to guests. The reopening of the hotels will be carefully managed and phased, and includes a wide range of new and enhanced best-practice health, safety and hygiene procedures.

The phased reopening of the hotels will include Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites.  Guests staying in these hotels will be able to visit the theme parks on June 3 and 4, prior to the public reopening on June 5.

Plans for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites will be announced at a later time. Guests who have booked reservations at these two hotels through Universal Orlando or Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations will be contacted to modify their reservation if it has been affected.

Universal Orlando’s resort hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, have enhanced their standards and protocols throughout their operations. These enhancements currently include:

  • Guests, team members and vendors are required to wear face coverings in public areas
  • Team members and vendors will be required to have temperature checks upon arrival.  Those with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be allowed to work.
  • Guests will be asked to self-screen for COVID symptoms and comply with quarantine orders prior to arrival
  • Guest will have temperature checks upon arrival and anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will require medical clearance in order to enter the hotel
  • Hand sanitizer stations in public areas and elevator landings
  • Enhanced cleaning of guest rooms, meeting rooms and public areas with an EPA-approved cleaner and disinfectant
  • Frequent cleaning of high-touch areas such as telephones, remote controls, door handles, light switches, elevators, and table tops, among others
  • Food & Beverage outlet capacities limited based on latest recommendations and guidelines
  • Social distancing signs and reminders of social distancing requirements in high-traffic areas
  • Several contactless experiences for guests, including hotel texting-services, express checkout and contactless room deliveries

To book a stay at a Universal Orlando hotel, please visit here.

Universal CityWalk is now open with select venues and with new health, safety and hygiene procedures in place. Universal Orlando’s three theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay – will reopen to the public beginning June 5.

For information on CDC guidelines, click here. For more information about Universal Orlando’s policies during this time, visit Universal’s website. Due to the evolving nature of this situation, details are subject to change without notice.

All Universal guests are urged to follow CDC guidelines and self-assess for potential symptoms of COVID, including cough, temperature, and difficulty breathing, prior to their arrival.  Guests should also evaluate their own risk before they visit – and it is not recommended that individuals at high-risk with serious underlying medical conditions visit the destination. People who show no symptoms can still spread COVID-19 if they are infected. Any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and Universal cannot guarantee guests will not be exposed during their visit.

In addition, guests should be aware of and comply with government guidelines regarding travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Universal Studios Orlando, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland and More, Universal Orlando Resort Phased Reopening, Universal Studios, Universal Studios Hotels

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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.

Related posts:

  1. BREAKING NEWS! Disney World Proposes THEME PARK REOPENING DATES!
  2. NEWS: Vice President Pence Discusses Disney World and Other Parks Reopening In Orlando
  3. The Rubber Duckie Drink RETURNS! We’re Back at The Boathouse in Disney Springs on Reopening Day

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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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

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What to Know Before You Visit Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios

With Universal Studios Florida reopening in just a couple of weeks, guests are sure to have questions. Universal will be implementing specific procedures and practices that are in line with CDC guidelines for the safety and health of team members and guests.

The procedures will cover three areas: screening, spacing, and sanitization. Here’s what you’ll want to know before you visit the theme parks:

  • Guests and team members are required to wear face coverings
  • Guests will be required to wear face coverings on attractions. The only exception will be for attractions that include significant amounts of water as part of the experience, as well as Volcano Bay’s slides and pools.
  • 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
  • There will be staggered parking within the parking garage to help create distance between travel groups
  • Universal Studios Florida will be limiting and reducing daily park attendance and attraction ridership in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay
  • A reservation is not required to visit the theme parks but there may be times when the parks reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted
  • The majority of the attractions and experiences within the parks are scheduled to open. Select experiences will not be available during this phase, and some queue experiences may be slightly altered as the new procedures are implemented.
  • Prior to boarding a ride vehicle, Universal Orlando team members will provide guests with the hand sanitizer that is required
  • Virtual Line will be available for select attractions. Virtual Line allows guests to select a time to experience an attraction via the Official Universal Orlando Resort app so they’re minimizing the time they’re actually waiting in the queue line. Guests can make Virtual Line selections while they’re onsite at the parks on the day of their visit.

The following information is specific to Universal’s Volcano Bay:

  • Capacity on each attraction will be limited – including rivers and pools
  • For multi-person raft rides, only one travel party will be allowed to ride in a single raft. Please note that Volcano Bay’s standard height and weight requirements will be applicable.
  • Lounge chairs will be placed in a fashion that allows travel parties to sit together, while also maintaining at least six feet of distance between other guests.
  • Face coverings are recommended when guests cannot socially distance. They will not be permitted on slides and in pools.
  • All TapuTapu wearables will be cleaned and sanitized prior to guest use.
  • Team members who have “wet” roles, such as lifeguards, will wear a balaclava when they cannot socially distance. These will not be worn on slides or in pools for safety reasons. Face coverings are required for team members in “dry” roles.

The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Guests should evaluate their risk in determining whether to visit. Universal Orlando cannot guarantee that guests will not be exposed to COVID-19 during their visit.

Will you be visiting the Universal Orlando Resort soon?

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