Universal Orlando Resort Reopening

Photo courtesy of Discover Universal Blog.

Today Universal Orlando Resort announced their opening date, park hours as well as import information to know before you go. Here is what you need to know.

Hours of Operation, Beginning June 5th, 2020

Universal Studios Florida:
​9am-6pm Daily

​Universal’s Islands of Adventure
9am-6pm Daily

Universal’s Volcano Bay
​10am-5pm Daily

Universal CityWalk Orlando
​8am – 10pm Daily

Closing times may vary. Visit UniversalOrlando.com for the most up-to-date park hours.

Know Before You Enter Universal Orlando Resort

1. Everyone is required to wear a face covering during their visit.​
2. Temperature checks will be required upon arrival, and guests with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be admitted. Guests will have their temperatures taken in a screening area inside the parking structure, prior to the security checkpoint
3.Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds.
4. Practice social distancing and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) between your travel party and others.
5. When present, please stand on the floor markings until the group in front of you moves forward.
6. Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Here are some measures Universal is putting into place for guest and team member safety.

• All Team Members are undergoing temperature checks and will wear face coverings. Team Members with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be permitted to work.
• Limiting capacity at venues to help enforce social distancing. They have also placed signage throughout CityWalk to help you follow social distancing guidelines.
• Continuously and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all tables, chairs and high-touch surfaces.
• Offering cashless payments at all venues(You can order your food and drinks from participating CityWalk restaurants by downloading the official Universal Orlando Resort app).

What if I have allergies but want to make a Mobile Food & Drink order?Guests should ask to speak to a chef or manager at the venue prior to placing their Mobile Food & Drink Order.
Go Contact-Free with the App

To get the latest updates for all things Universal, download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App. Plus, it’s easy to stay connected while you’re here with free WiFi throughout the parks and Universal CityWalk.
Access Contact-Free Features:

• Order meals on the go with Mobile Express Pick Up
• Get a Virtual Line return time
• Purchase tickets in the app and scan at the turnstile
• Set up TapTu Pay at Volcano Bay

​What if I have allergies but want to make a Mobile Food & Drink order?​
Guests should ask to speak to a chef or manager at the venue prior to placing their Mobile Food & Drink Order.

Be sure to visit UniversalOrlando.com for the most up to date information.

General Questions

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1. Where do I have to go to get my temperature taken? 
Guests will have their temperatures taken in a screening area inside the parking structure, prior to the security checkpoint.

2. What will happen if a guest has a high temperature? 
Any guest that has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter CityWalk and it will be requested that the individual see a doctor, per CDC guidelines.

3. Will I be required to wear a face covering? 
Yes. Universal is following CDC guidelines as well as local health protocols. If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering you will be referred to guest services to discuss ways we can accommodate you. If you do not have a face covering, we’ll have them available for purchase. Also, per CDC guidelines, children under the age of two are not required to wear facial coverings
​.
4. What is considered an appropriate facial covering for my visit? 
Facial coverings in line with CDC’s guidelines are considered appropriate for a visit to Universal Orlando Resort, and should cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Costume masks and veils will not be considered as facial coverings and per Universal's costume guidelines, are not permitted.
If a guest has a disability that prevents them from wearing a facial covering, they’ll be directed to Universal's Guest Services team to discuss reasonable accommodations. Also, per CDC guidelines, children under the age of two are not required to wear facial coverings.

5. Where can I purchase a face covering? Are they available in various sizes? 
Face coverings will be available for purchase at a merchandise cart in the screening area, within CityWalk, and merchandise locations in the park. At this time, face coverings are available in one size.

6. What about face coverings when guests are eating?
Universal has arranged tables and seating so that guests can remove their face coverings while they eat. But we ask that they wear them at all other times.

7. Who will be the “limited number of guests” during your first days of operation?
Universal is still working through those details and will share soon.

8. Are cashless payments available? 
Yes, guests can use Apple Pay or Google Wallet for cashless payments at merchandise and quick service food locations.

9. Is Mobile Food Ordering available? And at which venues? 
​Yes, mobile food ordering is available for Voodoo Doughnut, Red Oven Pizza Bakery and Cinnabon. To use it, download the official Universal Orlando Resort App and select “Order Food and Drinks” under the drop-down menu. Then, select the food location you’re interested in to view the menu. Make your selection(s) then follow the prompts to place your order.

9-A Are Universal Dining Plan or Universal Orlando Gift Cards accepted for Mobile Food & Drink orders?
No, Universal Dining Plan and Universal Orlando Gift Cards are currently not accepted on Mobile Food & Drink Orders.

9-B What if I have allergies but want to make a Mobile Food & Drink order?
Guests should ask to speak to a chef or manager at the venue prior to placing their Mobile Food & Drink Order.
​
10. Will these new procedures be in place for Halloween Horror Nights and the 2020 Holidays celebration?
More details about these events will be shared at a later time.
​
13. Will you have themed face coverings for sale?
Yes, we will have themed face coverings available for purchase in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned for updates.

Theme Park Questions

1. Are the parks reopening at reduced capacity during this phase?
Yes, we are limiting attendance at our theme parks during our phased reopening.

2. Is a reservation required in order to visit the theme parks beginning June 5?
No, 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.

3. Will all rides and attractions be open?
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 we implement our new procedures. Additional details and specific experiences will be shared soon.

4. Will I have to wear my face covering while on the attractions?
Yes, 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.
5. Will I have to use my own hand sanitizer in order to board a ride vehicle?
Universal Orlando team members will provide guests with the hand sanitizer that is required prior to boarding a ride vehicle.

6. What is Virtual Line?
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. Virtual Line will be available for select attractions.

7. How will you implement social distancing guidelines at Universal’s Volcano Bay?
Overall, Universal’s Volcano Bay will follow the same guidelines and procedures as the other theme parks. Some of the specific measures we’re taking to implement social distancing at Volcano Bay include:

• Universal will limit capacity on each attraction – 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.

8. At Volcano Bay, will I have to wear my face covering while on the slides?
Face coverings are recommended when guests cannot socially distance. They will not be permitted on slides and in pools.

9. Will all Volcano Bay team members wear face coverings?
​Face coverings are required for team members in “dry” roles. 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.
​
10. Will the TapuTapu wearables be cleaned and sanitized?
​Yes, per our standard practice, all TapuTapu wearables will be cleaned and sanitized prior to guest use.

Parking, CityWalk, & Passholders Questions

1. How are you implementing social distancing at Universal CityWalk?
Some of the measures we are taking include:

• Cars will be staggered throughout our parking structures
• There will be signage and floor decals around CityWalk and within venues and queue lines to help guests maintain social distancing
• We are limiting capacity at all open venues
• Tables at restaurants will be placed six feet apart

2. Will I have to pay for parking?
​Beginning June 5, standard parking fees will apply. Valet parking is not available at this time. Parking garages will open at 7:30 a.m. daily. Additional restrictions may apply and are subject to change without notice.
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3. What are the hours of operation for CityWalk and which venues are open?
Select venues at Universal CityWalk will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are as follows: Red Oven Pizza Bakery, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Voodoo Doughnut, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Cold Stone Creamery, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Hot Dog Hall of Fame, Starbucks Coffee, Universal Studios Store, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company’s retail shop and select merchandise carts as well as Hollywood Drive-In Golf.
Please note that select restaurants will have a limited menu and all restaurants will have limited seating available.

4. Can I make a dining reservation?
Restaurants are accepting walk-ups only and reservations are not available at this time. Please note that wait times may be longer as we are limiting capacity at all open venues.

5. When will clubs and Universal Cinemark reopen?
What about Blue Man Group?During this phase of reopening, Universal Cinemark, all nightclubs and Blue Man Group will remain closed. Opening dates for these venues will be shared when available.

6. Will you have hand sanitizer available for me to use?
Yes, we’ll have hand sanitizer stations at various locations throughout Universal CityWalk for you to use during your visit. You can also purchase hand sanitizer at the merchandise cart in the screening area.

​7. Is free or discounted valet parking available for Premier and Preferred Passholders?
Valet parking is temporarily unavailable. However, Premier Passholders receive free Prime self-parking in the Universal Orlando garage every day. From June 8 – July 5, 2020, Preferred Passholders will receive free Prime self-parking in the parking garage as well.
8.When will the UOAP Lounge open?The UOAP Lounge will open on June 5, 2020 at limited capacity. From June 8 – July 5, 2020, Lounge hours will be extended from park open to park close. Space is limited and is first come, first served.
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8. What Passholder buttons will be available when the park reopens?
Due to the temporary park closure, the UOAP button program was impacted. From June 8 - June 30, 2020, we will be distributing a new button, while supplies last. The previously announced April button has been delayed to August for Passholder Appreciation Days.

Resort Questions

1. Which hotels are reopening on June 2?
The phased reopening of the hotels will include Hard Rock Hotel, 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. Plans for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites will be announced at a later time.

2. What specific guidelines are the hotels implementing?
​Universal Orlando’s resort hotels have enhanced its standards and protocols throughout its operations. These enhancements, which are subject to change as guidance from health and government officials is updated, 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 quarantine orders prior to arrival/entrance
• 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. They understand some guests may feel they have special conditions, which we will consider upon request.
• 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
• All guest rooms will be serviced after checkout. When possible, guest rooms will be left vacant for 24-48 hours upon checkout, before thoroughly cleaning and checking in a new guest.
• 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
• Guests and staff are required to practice social distancing; social distancing signs and reminders will be in high-traffic areas

Several contactless experiences for guests, including hotel texting-services, express checkout and contactless room deliveries

3. Will hotel guests have access to the theme parks on June 3-4?
Yes, guests staying in our resort hotels will be able to visit the theme parks on June 3 and 4, prior to our public reopening on June 5.

4. Will hotel guests have to purchase tickets to visit the parks on June 3 and 4?
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.

5. Why are Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites not opening on June 2? When will they open?
Universal is evaluating their offerings and limiting some of the experiences that will be available during this initial phase of reopening. 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. If a guest made a travel reservation through a third-party partner, we ask that they please contact their preferred travel provider to modify their reservation.

6. How will temperature checks and screenings work at the hotels?

• 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 have temperature checks upon arrival and return and anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will require medical clearance to enter. We understand some guests may feel they have special conditions, which we will consider upon request.
• If a guest registers a temperature of less than 100.4 degrees, they will receive a wristband for that day and are not required to be rechecked if visiting the theme parks on that same day.
• If a guest plans to visit the theme parks outside of their arrival date, they will be screened at the parks at the arrival locations for water taxis, resort shuttles and walking paths. Guests will be given a wristband after completing the screening and are not required to be rechecked upon re-entering the hotels.
• If a guest leaves the hotel for any other reason, they will be rechecked upon returning to the hotel, unless they are wearing the assigned wristband for that day.

7. What if a hotel guest registers a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater?

• 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. They understand some guests may feel they have special conditions, which we will consider upon request.
• If a guest registers a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater anytime following the check-in screening, they are 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.

8. Will hotel amenities and dining locations be affected by these changes?
The availability of food service, pools, fitness centers and other amenities may be limited due to increased frequency of cleaning and sanitization or to comply with the latest guidelines and recommendations. Guests should check with the front desk for more details.

9. Will I still receive hotel benefits like Universal Express if staying at a Premier hotel? 
Yes, guests who stay at Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort will receive Universal Express access to select attractions as well as their other hotel benefits.

10. Will Universal Express be available when the theme parks reopen?
Universal Express will be available for purchase for theme park visits beginning June 8, and can be purchased on UniversalOrlando.com, on the Official Universal Orlando Resort app or in-park. Hotel guests staying at Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort will be also able to take advantage of their Universal Express access benefit on any day of their visit.

11. Is Early Park Admission still valid for hotel guests?
Yes, all hotel guests can take advantage of Early Park Admission as well as other hotel benefits during their visit. Currently, Early Park Admission is scheduled for 8:00 – 9:00 am at Universal Studios Florida and 9:30 – 10:00 am at Universal’s Volcano Bay.

12. How will resort transportation be affected?
Guests can still utilize water taxi and resort shuttle transportation to visit Universal CityWalk and the theme parks. Face coverings will be required for all guests using resort transportation. Universal will limit capacity on all shuttles and water taxis so wait times may be impacted. They will also increase our already-aggressive cleaning and disinfecting procedures on all forms of resort transportation.

13. Will hotel guests be turned away if the theme parks reach capacity?
Universal will account for hotel guests when setting their capacity limits and they will not be impacted if the theme parks reach capacity.

14. What if I’m visiting the hotels from out-of-state?
​Visitors from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Louisiana and international markets should be aware of and comply with government guidelines regarding travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines before visiting our destination.

15. Can I plan an event or meeting at the hotels or in the theme parks?
We’re currently finalizing plans for future hotel meetings and in-park events. If interested in planning a meeting or event at Universal Orlando Resort, please contact 1-888-331-9108.

Tickets and Passes

1 . Are the limited-time increased Passholder discounts still available?
Passholders can take advantage of their increased limited-time discount at select Universal CityWalk venues through May 31, 2020. There will be additional special offers and discounts for passholders once the parks reopen. Additional details will be shared soon.

2. How will my Annual Pass or Seasonal Pass be affected?
All Annual and Seasonal Passes will automatically be extended by the number of days our theme parks are closed. There is no action required from the Passholder. Existing benefits and restrictions will continue to apply.

3. Will my monthly payment be charged during the park closure?
If you are signed up with FlexPay, Universal has postponed all monthly payments effective March 25, 2020. they will be in touch with further details on when payments will resume. If you need to make any changes to your credit card information, please contact Passholder Services at 1-888-5-FLEXPAY

4. Will there be changes to blockout dates for Seasonal and Power Passes?
Current blockout dates remain and can be found at www.universalorlando.com/apblockout. Any future updates will be communicated.

5. Can I get a refund?
Unexpired single-day tickets that have already been purchased will be valid on any day for 365 days from the purchase date. Unexpired multi-day tickets that have already been purchased will also be valid for first use on any day from 365 days from purchase – but, as always, must be used within seven days of first use. Florida Resident discounted ticket usage windows and blockout dates remain unchanged unless otherwise communicated. If you cannot travel during this time, you can apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward a new purchase.
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6. What if I purchased Blue Man Group tickets?
Blue Man Group’s shows through at least Sunday, May 31 are cancelled. Guests who have purchased tickets for Blue Man Group shows during this time can call (407) BLUE-MAN (258-3626) for assistance. 

Xavier.H.

​I'm Xavier - a food enthusiast and full-time blogger, theme park lover(especially Universal), and Halloween Horror Nights fan. I so happen to also lead the Universal Food Blog team on our trek to find the best dishes around Universal Orlando Resort to report to you!