Visiting Universal Orlando Resort during a pandemic feels a bit different from the norm, but the magic, thrills, and chills are still alive and well.
Before Arrival
All guests should download the Universal Orlando app before making their way to the resort. This app may be used to purchase tickets and scan in at the turnstiles, set up TapTu Pay for Volcano Bay, place food and drink orders, and obtain virtual line return times. ApplePay is also accepted in many locations.
All guests should be aware that face coverings are required for all guests age 3 and up except while actively eating, drinking, or experiencing pools and water slides. Universal updates their specific mask requirements from time to time, so be sure to check here for the most up-to-date information prior to packing your suitcase. At the moment, masks must fit snugly against the sides of your face and fully cover the nose and mouth, while being secured under the chin. They must be secured with ear loops or secured around your head. Face coverings with exhalation valves, mesh, and holes are not permitted. Guests need to bring their own masks from home for the beginning of their trip, but Universal-themed masks are available for purchase in gift shops throughout the resort. These are quite comfortable, even in the Florida sun.
Resort Hotels
Universal’s hotels are following new safety guidelines. Face coverings are required for guests age 3 and up in all public areas except for when actively eating and drinking and while swimming. Guests will have their temperatures checked in the lobby each day. Those who have a temperature of less than 100.4 degrees will be issued a wristband that will exempt them from further temperature screening that day. Hand sanitizer is provided throughout the resort. Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place and contactless guests experiences are employed whenever possible. Traditional daily housekeeping is not currently available, but linens, towels, and bathroom amenities will be replenished upon request.
Resort transportation is available with reduced capacity to encourage physical distancing. Face coverings are required of all guests using the water taxi and resort shuttles.
Parking and Entering CityWalk
Universal’s parking structure now allows for staggered spacing so that guests can remain distanced from one another upon exiting their vehicles. Temperature checks are performed as guests depart the parking structure. Guests then proceed through a screening area where they are asked to place their bags on a conveyor belt that goes through an x-ray machine. Both processes are quick and easy, and team members will direct you through.
Upon successful completion of both screenings, you may proceed to CityWalk and on to the theme parks.
Inside the Theme Parks
Attendance is currently limited in the parks, so it’s best to arrive early, before capacity is reached for the day. Safety guidelines include distancing each party a minimum of 6 feet from others in the attraction queues and frequent, thorough hand washing. In many cases, a team member will distribute hand sanitizer to guests immediately prior to boarding ride vehicles. Additional hand sanitizer dispensers are located at the exit of each attraction as well. Team members will direct each party to physically distanced seats for theater productions.
Select attractions may employ a Virtual Line as part of the Universal Orlando Resort app. This is a huge help for guests who do not have Universal Express access. Please note that Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure does not participate in Universal Express, so all guests may wish to utilize the Virtual Line for this attraction.
As mentioned above, face coverings are required at all times except when eating and drinking. There are also areas within each park designated as U-Rest Areas. These allow guests to temporarily remove their face coverings while remaining physically distanced from other parties.
Close-up character meet-and-greets are temporarily on hiatus, but guests are welcome to pose in designated selfie areas. The characters will pose along with you, albeit from a 6-foot or greater distance.
Shopping and Dining
Dining reservations for many table-service locations may be made online or by calling ahead. Visit the comprehensive list on this page for more information about specific restaurants.
Many quick-service locations now participate in mobile food and drink ordering via the Universal Orlando app. Not only does this method keep you contact-free, but it often minimizes your wait times.
Resort merchandise locations employ physical distancing markers to keep guests spread apart while waiting to check out. Touchless purchase methods, such as Apple Pay, are encouraged at many locations.
The Bottom Line
Although I regret that it took a pandemic for these changes to take place, I embrace most of them. Physical distancing from other park guests is a pleasant change of pace, and I enjoy having my own “bubble” of personal space. Hand sanitizer stations are plentiful and well stocked, which definitely encourages more frequent use. The limit to the number of theme park guests on any given day is also a wonderful change. Wearing a mask is a way of life for many of us now, so being at Universal Orlando Resort is no different in this regard. For the most part, I feel safe in the parks and recognize that Universal is doing all they possibly can to help their guests remain healthy.
Everyone needs to make their travel decisions based on their comfort level, however. The novel coronavirus makes this a very uncertain time, and it’s hard to determine the correct thing to do. As Universal states on their website, there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public location where people are present, and prospective visitors should bear this in mind.