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Universal Orlando is set to reopen in June: Here's what it'll look like

As the first major US theme park to reopen, it could be a template for what's to come at Disney.

Corinne Reichert Senior Editor
Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently writes news, analysis and features for CNET across the topics of electric vehicles, broadband networks, mobile devices, big tech, artificial intelligence, home technology and entertainment. In her spare time, she watches soccer games and F1 races, and goes to Disneyland as often as possible.
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Corinne Reichert
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Universal Orlando is scheduled to reopen June 5.

 Universal

Universal Orlando's bid to reopen on June 5 was approved by local authorities Thursday, with the Orange County coronavirus reopening task force voting unanimously in favor of the Florida theme park's proposal. The park outlined a number of social distancing and wellness measures, like checking guest temperatures at all entrances and enforcing the wearing of masks by all guests and workers.

The park says it'll "ramp up very slowly" on how many people it allows in, and have hand sanitizer at every entrance and exit of attractions, and at food venues. There'll be contactless payments at all points, and workers must wash their hands every 30 minutes.

Ride-based rules include eliminating all "water and mist elements" on attractions; using virtual lines for rides; social distancing stickers in queue lines, merchandise stores and dining venues; and no single rider lines, so no one can sit with a party they don't know.

Universal Orlando says it'll also:

  • Provide free disposable masks if guests don't bring them.
  • Halt valet parking.
  • Cease character meet and greets.
  • Close interactive play areas.
  • Provide guests with a handout on arrival outlining all these practices.
  • Have "ambassadors" scattered throughout the park to let guests know all measures.

The mayor and the state have yet to approve the park's reopening proposal.

The reopening of Universal Orlando comes after certain venues at Universal CityWalk already reopened with limited hours.

Walt Disney World has yet to put its reopening plan and proposed date in front of the task force.

COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, has rapidly spread across the globe. There are now over 4 million confirmed cases globally, with more than 1 million in the US, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. 

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