Universal Orlando reopens Friday

ORLANDO, Fla. _ Theme parks officially return to Orlando today as Universal welcomes the public for the first time since mid-March.

Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Volcano Bay water park will be open to paying customers.

There are changes to navigate, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing changes to park operations. And there are limits. Universal Orlando Resort is restricting the number of people at its parks and inside its attractions, stores and restaurants.

Universal Orlando theme parks won’t allow more than 35% of its normal capacity, company executives said during a June 2 Los Angeles County task force meeting.

“Many people instinctively think that large theme parks with crowds should be the last thing we should reopen,” said Universal Studios Hollywood President Karen Irwin during that meeting. “While this misperception is understandable, theme parks actually offer a more controlled environment than places like beaches, gardens or even hiking trails.”

Patrons are undergoing temperature screenings and required to wear face coverings. Social distancing is encouraged in multiple ways, including stickers on the ground that indicate the preferred spacing of 6 feet between traveling parties. Employees pump out hand sanitizer to visitors before each ride.

Universal expanded its “virtual line” feature to more rides. Those reservations are made via the resort’s smartphone app, which also can be used to order food within the parks.

Friday’s reopening comes on the heels of preview days for Universal Orlando’s annual passholders, hotel guests and employees. Most attractions and restaurants were operating, although the company has said some park elements will not be available upon reopening.