Though Walt Disney World has quietly pushed back their own reopening target earlier this week, Universal Orlando Resort has made an official announcement extending its own closure for even longer, and laying out a plan for its Team Members, who will unfortunately see themselves out of a paycheck in the very near future.
Closure now confirmed to last through the end of next month
Just over two weeks ago Universal announced that Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort and CityWalk attractions would be closed through April 19, and it looks like now Universal is extending the closure of both Hollywood and Orlando Resorts at least through May 31. The Universal Orlando Resort hotels will also continue to remain closed through this time period.
Annual passholder pass extensions
As announced previously, Universal has said that guests who are using their FlexPay system will have their payments suspended, effective March 25, 2020, and payments are not expected to resume before a reopening, which means annual passholders will not see any changes on their account until at least June. In addition annual passes for Universal Orlando Resort will be extended by the number of days that Universal Orlando Resort ends up being closed, which right now, stands at 77, which means annual passholders can look forward to plenty of fun when it is safe to return to Universal.
Could a closure be extended even further?
Right now Disney Parks in the United States have a “soft target” of June 1st for a reopening, as Disney is not taking reservations for any resort stays before that date. And interestingly, it looks like, as of right now, June 1 is also the earliest that any Universal Resort in the United States could open as well. However, recent events seem to have cast some doubt on the idea of an early summer reopening for either resort, even if the possibility is not ruled out entirely.
Both Universal and Disney have said that they will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed, based on guidance from health agencies and government officials, and as the situation develops we expect to hear more about possible reopenings.
Full-time Team Members to get reduced pay and part time Team Members to be furloughed next month
Regarding the financial security of Team Members, Universal has announced that employees will be paid at 100 percent through April 19, but beginning April 20, nearly all positions will be paid at 80 percent of their pay, In addition part-time hourly workers will unfortunately be furloughed without pay beginning May 3. During this time, Universal has said they will fully cover the cost of benefit plans for those team members who have them.
As always, while this situation is evolving, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
