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Universal Orlando reopening June 5 as task force approves plan

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The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force has approved the proposed phased reopening plan for Universal Orlando Resort, which is now set to reopen to the public on June 5.

Universal Orlando CEO John Sprouls submitted the theme park’s proposal to the task force, which is led by Mayor Jerry Demings, on Thursday (May 21).

The task force unanimously voted to approve Universal Orlando’s plans to reopen. Demings needs to give his approval, before the plan goes to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Universal Orlando will open on June 1 and 2 for employees, before invited guests can attend on June 3 and 4. The theme park will then open to the public on June 5.

Task force unanimously votes to approve Universal plan

Universal extends closure at all four theme parks as coronavirus continues to affect American attractions
Universal Orlando Resort

The attraction will reopen with new safety measures, including a lower capacity that will increase over time. Guests and staff will need to wear masks and undergo temperature checks.

Visitors without a mask will be offered one for free, and shops will also sell face coverings.

Universal will feature signage throughout and will implement social distancing, as well as virtual lines at popular attractions. There must be at least six feet of separation in queues.

Menus at restaurants will be single-use paper, but there will be no buffet or self-serving options. Condiments will come in individual packets.

Universal Orlando reopening to staff on June 1

universal citywalk orlando
Universal Orlando Resort

Interactive play areas and water elements on attractions will remain closed. There will be no valet parking and no post-show meet-and-greets.

Cash will still be accepted at the resort. However, Universal wants to minimise cash payments in response to COVID-19.

Universal Orlando Resort partially reopened last week, welcoming guests once again to the CityWalk shopping centre on May 14.

CityWalk safety measures include mandatory face masks and temperature checks for guests and staff, as well as social distancing.

Universal Orlando Resort was the first major theme park to present to the task force. Disney and SeaWorld will submit their plans “on another date”.

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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