Universal Studios to open Orlando theme parks in June

Universal Orlando plans to reopen on 5 June at reduced capacity and new health and with strict new safety procedures in place.

Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure (home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and Universal's Volcano Bay will reopen next week following a three-month closure. Limited capacity, face masks, social distancing and disinfectants will all be part of the experience but officials are warning potential guests that despite these added precautions, a visit to the theme parks still comes with an "inherent risk".

"This carefully managed reopening comes with stringent new health, safety and hygiene procedures in place. So, as we enjoy our parks together again, everyone will need to follow CDC guidelines and the recommendations of health officials, and Universal Orlando's policies," Universal said in a statement. "Note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit."

Universal will be operating at limited capacity to ensure that employees can enforce new heath and safety measures, including temperature checks at entrance gates and social distancing queues that will be guided by ground markings. Visitors and staff are required to wear masks and guests must use hand sanitiser before boarding rides to ward off germs. Restaurants and food courts will operate with contactless order and payment systems through the Universal Studios mobile app, and all menus will be single-use.

Outside Universal Studios entrance ©Tim Richards/Lonely Planet

Universal is one of the first major theme parks to reopen in Florida after stay-at-home orders were issued in March and thousands of staff were furloughed. Walt Disney World is expected to announce details of its reopening in the coming days with Disney CEO Bob Chapek suggesting that US theme parks will likely have strict health and safety guidelines when visitors make their return.

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