Universal Parks & Resorts will begin a phased reopening of Universal Orlando Resort on June 5.
The park has been closed since March 16 and since then the company has been working on a wide range of new and enhanced health, safety and hygiene procedures. The reopening will include Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.
Universal began reopening its Universal CityWalk Orlando park on May 14, and said it now had experience of putting new practices into place.
Universal said its new measures focussed on screening, spaces and sanitisation. As a result all guests and staff will be require to wear face coverings or masks and must observe social distancing guidelines.
Guests and staff will also be required to have temperature checks before coming on site, and those with a temperature above 38°C will not be allowed entry.
Other measures being taken include staggered parking; reducing daily attendance; reducing the number of people on each ride, watching a show or dining in a restaurant; increased cleaning and disinfection of rides, food venues, toilets and other frequent ‘touch points’.
Cashless payments will be required and there will be a ‘no touch’ policy in place where possible.
Universal Orlando will open on June 1 and 2 to staff only, so all team members can be trained on the new measures and protocols.
A limited number of guests will be invited to visit on June 3 and 4 as part of the phased reopening. From June 5 the park will be open to the general public, with attendance closely managed and controlled.
Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive of Universal Parks & Resorts said: “We want to invite guests back to our theme parks in a cautious and thoughtful way.
“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.’
Universal said the reopening plans of its resort hotels were being finalised and the details would be shared soon.