Universal Orlando Resort Tightens Mask Policy Again

Universal Orlando Resort shocked many of us when it announced that they would reopen their gates after nearly three months of closure due to COVID 19 on June 11. It was the first major theme park to reopen and therefore all eyes watched in those initial few days and weeks to see how successful it would be.

It has now been reopened for over a month and still adjustments are being made to health and safety procedures and protocols in order to keep guests and team members as safe as possible at a time when reported COVID-19 cases appear to be still on the increase in Florida.

As a result of this Universal Orlando Resort has announced an update to their Face Covering policy which is in effect immediately. This very much follows in line with Walt Disney World’s second mask wearing policy update which was announced at the weekend.

Updated face covering policy

Universal Orlando mask selling — Image: Theme Park Tourist

The new wording for Universal Orlando’s Face Covering policy reads like this, an appropriate face covering for a visit to Universal Orlando must fit the following criteria:

Must cover your nose and mouth and be secured under your chin
Must fit snugly against the sides of your face and be secured with ear loops or secured around your head
Must be at least two-ply (consist of at least two layers)

The policy then goes on to specifically outline the face coverings that are NOT PERMITTED at Universal Orlando which include:

Face coverings with exhalation valves
Face coverings that are not secured with ear loops or secured around your head
Face coverings that include mesh material or holes of any kind
Costume masks or veils, per our costume guidelines

The banning of face coverings with exhalation masks is one of the new updates as well as through the wording essentially the banning of popular bandannas and gaiters tied around the head, unless they consist of at least two layers of fabric.

For guests who come without or don’t have one that fits the new criteria, face coverings are available in different sizes to be purchased if guests want to at select locations in CityWalk or at the theme parks.

When can you take your mask off?

Universal stay safe board

It’s nothing new to any theme park fan that face masks have to be worn at all times during your visit.

At Universal Orlando guests can take advantage of the U-Rest areas at select locations around the park where face coverings can be removed and social distancing from other households is required.

It states in the guidelines that guests must wear face coverings at all times, unless they are actively eating or drinking, and they must also be socially distanced from other travel parties while consuming their food or beverage. The change here is the added ‘must be socially distanced from other travel parties’.

Universal Orlando have also highlighted the word “actively” and outlines that inside restaurants,the tables and seating has been arranged so that guests can safely remove their face coverings while enjoying their dining experience. Hopefully these amendments will see guests refraining from eating on the move.

Universal Orlando dining — Image: Theme Park Tourist

Disney has just added the word “stationary” to their policy as some guests where finding the loop hole and saying to the cast members who were challenging them that they were actively eating or drinking while roaming around the park.

To see full details of Universal Orlando’s face covering policy you can see it in the Frequently asked Questions section of their official website.

For all the latest news from SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando and all other theme parks in the US and around the World, by checking out our News Page and Facebook Page.

To read two of our top articles this week, click on one of the links in the content box below, and if you click on page 2, you can find out what else Theme Park Tourist has to offer to help you plan for your next theme park trip. We have also included a list of our new featured articles for you to check out…

What Else Does Theme Park Tourist Has To Offer?

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or a trip to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Disneyland or any other theme park in the US, UK or across the world, take a look at our Park Guides and Reviews page. We have over 80 parks listed worldwide with ride information, ratings and reviews!

Our Special Offers page gives you a list of special offers for all the top theme parks around the world. These are currently being updated as the parks start to reopen again.

Even though, due to COVID-19, there have been many projects that have been cancelled, delayed or slimmed down, our New Attraction Watch Page lists when the new attractions are announced to be open and Rehab Watch, which lets you know what rides or attractions will see down-time in the future due to refurbishment.

For our latest Big Debate click on the link below:

The Big Debate – Which COVID-19 Change At Walt Disney World Would You Like To Become Permanent? Part 1: FastPass+

Under the Sea, Fastpass+ — Image: Theme Park Tourist

You can read our latest Results and Discussion by clicking on these links:

During a time when your favorite theme park isn’t quite reopen yet or at a time when you feel unable to visit for any number of reasons, if you fancy a chilled few minutes be sure to read one of our many new featured articles below: