Though we’ll have to wait until May 20th for parts of Disney Springs to open, it looks like Universal Orlando Resort will be kicking things off early, and have announced that select CityWalk venues, including those owned and operated by Universal will open on a limited basis beginning May 14th, including Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (outside seating and Lone Palm area only), Red Oven Pizza Bakery, Voodoo Doughnut, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company (retail only), Universal Studios Store and select merchandise carts as well as Hollywood Drive-In Golf.
However, if you are planning on visiting any of these locations, there are a few things you should know before heading out:
1. Masks will be required for all Team Members and guests
In order to visit Universal CityWalk, all guests must wear a mask during their entire visit to the theme park (except when dining). If a guest does not have a face covering, Universal has said that they will provide a complimentary disposable one for use during their visit, and will also have face coverings available for purchase.
In addition, all working Team Members will also be wearing facemasks as well in an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible during their visit to the shopping and entertainment district.
2. Temperature checks will be required at the entrance
In addition to the mask-wearing requirement, Universal has said that temperature checks for all visiting guests will be required upon arrival. Any guest with a temperature reading of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be admitted to Universal CityWalk. Likewise, all Team Members will also undergo temperature checks and those with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be permitted to work.
3. Hours will be extremely limited, but parking will be free
Right now Universal Orlando Resort has said that the venues that are opening will only be from 4–10 PM daily at this time. However, because of the limited schedule and the fact that the theme parks are still not open, self-parking will be offered free of charge for those visiting the resort. Unfortunately, valet parking will not be available at all until further notice.
4. Strict social distancing measures will be in place
In addition to the face coverings and temperature checks, Universal will be implementing some strict social distancing measures to help keep guests and Team Members away from each other, including the following:
- Floor markings that will keep parties away from each other while waiting in line
- Limiting capacity at venues
- Offering cashless payments at all venues
In addition, sanitation measures will be increased at all venues, with all tables, chairs and high-touch surfaces continuously and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
As always, while this situation is evolving, all theme park fans should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
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