Though Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk have both fully reopened as part of their respective resorts’ post-COVID-19 plans, local events have forced these two shopping districts to limit their operations immediately to comply with curfews that have been implemented in the area due to protests and demonstrations that have been sweeping not only Florida but the entire United States. Here is all we know right now about impacted operations:
Disney Springs now closing at 7:00 PM
To comply with Orange County’s new 10:00 PM curfew, effective immediately, Disney Springs will be closing at 7:00 PM, in an effort to ensure that all cast members and guests alike have time to return home before the curfew starts. This new closing time is in effect until further notice, as it is unknown how many days this curfew will be instituted for. Prior to the curfew, hours for Disney Springs have been 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and these hours will likely resume again when the curfew is lifted.
Interestingly, Disney has made an official statement on the unrest that has been sweeping the country, addressing both their Cast Members here, as well as social media followers here with messages of support and solidarity.
Universal CityWalk now closing at 8:00 PM
Like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk is also closing early due to the Orange County 10:00 PM curfew. However, they are staying open just a little bit later, with guests now able to enjoy the shopping and dining district from 4:00 to 8:00 PM daily. CityWalk will stop allowing entrance to incoming guests at 7:00 PM to facilitate a faster closing. Prior to the curfew, hours for CityWalk since the reopening have been 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and we’ll probably see a return to these hours as restrictions are lifted.
However, looking to the immediate future, Universal Orlando Resort has found itself in a precarious position as it is beginning its reopening process TODAY, with a limited preview for Team Members only to test new procedures, and will then begin opening up the theme parks to annual passholders only on June 3 and 4th, and then finally, to the general public on June 5, 2020. And though the theme parks are currently scheduled to close at 6:00 PM, with visitors potentially coming from all over Florida, road availability possibly being restricted, and curfews of various times being instituted all over the state, there could be some issues with the theme park’s group initial return to operation.
We expect to learn more as this situation develops and we’ll update this page as updates are confirmed.
