A big part of the Walt Disney World vacation for many is dining. Disney has recently shared details of what Guests can expect to experience when looking to dine while visiting the resort following the closure due to the coronavirus. Enhancements made to the dining experiences are based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.
During the reopening period, many dining experiences may be modified or unavailable in order to promote cleanliness and physical distancing. In addition, Guests ages 2 and up will need to wear face coverings in all public areas, including while entering and exiting dining establishments. These coverings can be removed while eating and drinking.
For those looking to dine in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you will need to have a confirmed reservation, particularly if you are a day Guest.
When the parks reopen, in order to dine at table service locations, you’ll need valid park admission, a reservation for park entry and a dining reservation. Keep in mind these reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.
When Guests visit a restaurant moving forward, they will notice that Disney has increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, seating areas, dining areas and pagers will be cleaned between Guests. Menus will be shared in ways to minimize contact. For those eating at quick-service restaurants, menus will be displayed on signage. At table-service restaurants, you will have the ability to scan a QR code with your mobile device to access the digital menu.
Items like beverages that were previously self-serve will instead be served by Cast Members.
Additional changes to Walt Disney World dining experiences include:
Character Dining will not be offered during the initial reopening, with the exception of a modified experience at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
Dinner shows will not be offered during the initial reopening.
Restaurants will be limited in capacity. Some locations will remain temporarily closed.
Private dining and in-room delivery will not be offered during the initial reopening window.
Mobile order service will be offered at select quick service locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks (when open), Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.
At the end of your meal when it’s time to pay, you’ll strongly be suggested to use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards and Disney Gift Cards. Guests can also opt for contactless payment options like mobile wallets. Disney Resort hotel Guests can also use MagicBands to charge their purchase to their room.
Disney did announce previously that Disney Dining Plans have officially been cancelled. If you had booked the Disney Dining Plan, you will be refunded your money and those who had Free Dining will have that part of their reservation cancelled. In addition, if you did have an Advance Dining Reservation made prior, they have also been cancelled.
The Walt Disney World Resort officially reopens to Guests with Resort Hotel reservations on June 22. A few weeks later, the theme parks will officially reopen, with the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopening on July 11 and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening on July 15. With that being said, there are expected to be a number of changes that will occur that will definitely impact your vacation. Here is what you need to know.
General Resort Hotel Knowledge
First, before you even think of traveling to Florida, you need to make sure that travel is allowed to Florida from the state you are visiting from. You’ll want to visit here to find out additional information and if your state is listed as one of the ones that there is a quarantine order from, you cannot enter the Walt Disney World Resort.
In addition, those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine, or are under quarantine orders also must not enter the Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort Guests may be subject to additional screenings. In addition, prior to leaving home, you should check the temperatures of everyone in your travel party—including you.
In order to visit a resort hotel, you’ll also need to have a confirmed room reservation or a confirmed dining reservation for those visiting – not staying overnight. Face coverings are required for each Guest age 2 and up. These must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or seated at a dining location.
If you wish to enter a theme park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date is required. Do keep in mind that a Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee a Guest theme park access.
Check In/Check Out
It is strongly recommend that Guests use Online Check-In Service in advance. When your room is ready, you’ll get a room-ready notification. Then, you can use either a MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app digital key feature to enter your room.
On your scheduled checkout day, you’ll be automatically checked out of your room, so there will be no need to visit the Front Desk (unless you have unresolved charges to your Disney Resort hotel folio).
Cleaning
Hotel Guests will be able to enjoy peace of mind knowing that their rooms will be thoroughly cleaned prior to arrival and serviced during your stay. Additional attention will be paid to:
High-touch areas, like TV remotes and door handles
Housekeeping tools will be cleaned between rooms
Floors, which will be steam cleaned and vacuumed between Guests
Guests will find in their rooms extra linens and towels wrapped in single-use packaging, individually wrapped glassware, double-cased pillows, and additional items that have been cleaned and wrapped in single-use packaging.
During a Guests’ stay, rooms will receive light cleaning service every other day, which will include:
Removal of trash and used towels
Replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom
Wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces
Vacuuming if needed
You can choose to decline every-other-day service.
In addition, there will be increased cleaning in high-traffic areas such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.
Parking and Transportation
As far as Resort Hotel benefits are concerned, as or right now, Disney’s Magical Express will still be available and will remain complementary for those arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport.
For those who drove to the Walt Disney World Resort, self-parking will be available and parking fees will still apply for Disney Resort hotel Guests. Valet service is temporarily unavailable, with the exception of Guests with disabilities who may require parking assistance.
Prior to the theme parks reopening, for those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, bus transportation will be available to and from Disney Springs. When the theme parks do reopen, complimentary transportation will also be provided between your Disney Resort hotel and the theme parks. Transportation will operate with physical distancing measures in place and there will be a reduction in capacity, which may mean it may take longer for buses to pick up Guests.
Unfortunately, Minnie Van Service will not be available during the initial reopening period.
Resort Services
Some Disney Resort hotel services will be modified or unavailable during the initial reopening period, based on physical distancing and health guidelines. These will include:
Bell Services will deliver luggage to rooms, but will not escort Guests
Club-level service will be temporarily unavailable
Deliveries will only be made to occupied rooms
In-room celebrations will not be available
Dry-cleaning and valet laundry services will be temporarily unavailable; self-service laundry will remain available
Shipping services will be temporarily unavailable
Resort airline check-in service may be temporarily unavailable
Amenities
Feature pools will be open, but may operate with reduced hours; leisure pools will be open 24 hours a day. Pools will operate with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing and select poolside activities may be available at select Resort hotels. Unfortunately, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club will not be available during the initial reopening period; Guests may enjoy the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.
Fitness centers will open in alignment with state and county regulations, and may have reduced hours and capacity. Any instructor-led fitness classes will not be available. Also , fitness and sports courts will be open, and Guests must maintain physical distancing
The following amenities and experiences will not be available during the initial reopening period:
Arcades
Campfires
Dog parks
Electrical Water Pageant
Marina rentals
Pin trading
Playgrounds
Spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Additionally, the following special offerings will not be available during the initial reopening:
Fireworks voyages and tasting cruises, including the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
Fun runs
Wonderland Tea Party at Park Fare
Hula lessons
In-room childcare services
Mermaid school
Special classes and programs—including culinary, cultural and animal programs
Additional Notes
As a reminder, it was previously announced that FastPass+ will not be available for Guests, as the additional queue space that was used by FastPass+ will be used to manage capacity for attractions and maintain physical distancing. In addition, Extra Magic Hours is also currently unavailable.
This week’s SATURDAY SIXtakes a look at the re-opening of the Universal Orlando Resort! Recently we checked out Universal’s re-opening of CityWalk – their shopping and dining district – and discovered that most guests felt safer at Universal than they did at stores and restaurants anywhere else. This past week Universal took a huge step and re-opened the rest of the resort with the theme parks, Volcano Bay, and hotels.
TouringPlans’ own Joe Matt did a great article covering the changes that guests encountered, and how they affect touring the parks, which you can read by CLICKING HERE. Today on the SATURDAY SIX we are going to look at some of the things we found most interesting, noteworthy, and even surprising during the re-opening….
# 6 – Welcome Back!
With worldwide travel restrictions still in place, along with many people still hesitant about going to places where a large grouping will be, it was unknown how guests would “come back” to theme parks. Some, like Disney’s Bob Chapek, believe there is a good amount of pent-up demand. Others think that “Joe Q Public” is barely ready to dip their toe back into the water of large gatherings, let alone go to theme parks. After several days of Team Member and Annual Passholder previews, both Universal and Disney have to be encouraged that regular vacationers also made their way to the parks.
Universal Parking Toll Plaza on Friday, June 5th. This was the first morning the parks were available to everyone.
Guests line up for a temperature check.
Guests make their way to temperature check.
One thing to note is that – in general – social distancing can make things seem much crazier than it really is. With guests standing apart from each other, the lines move pretty quickly.
Walkway cleared.
Hand sanitizer is available in places throughout the resort.
Universal was already ahead of the game when it came to security. The x-ray machines and metal detectors continue to get every guest through fast. We will see next month when Walt Disney World opens if they decide to change their crack security system of “guy with a stick poking through your stuff while wasting everyone’s time with small talk.”
Universal Orlando parking garage security check. The best at any theme park. (In Disney’s defense, their security is also looking for things not caught on a metal detector, such as political banners, cremated remains, etc.)Welcome!
Outside the parks, guests are informed several times (with signage and Team Member spiels) about the new park rules.
Some theme park fans – including myself – collect park maps from their visits. I personally like going back through my old park maps and having fond memories of enjoying attractions that are now long gone. I had feared that paper park maps might go away completely and have guests completely rely on their phone for information. My fears were not assuaged earlier in the week when park maps were not available during the Team Member or Annual Passholder preview days. Thankfully, a park map was available on Friday when regular guests could enter the parks.
Universal park map. (photo by Hedgehog’s Corner)Universal park map. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Universal park map. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)
# 5 – New Stuff
While Walt Disney World stopped many of their projects during the past two months (some of which have had their construction recently resumed), Universal kept construction going. This allowed for a whole new Raptor Encounter to be ready when guests returned. The attraction’s new home is located next to the Pizza Predattoria quick service restaurant.
The design of the area feels more like the film Jurassic World than Jurassic Park, and this was confirmed in overhead announcements calling the area Jurassic World. This makes one think we will see even more changes coming to the land in the near future. Those In The Know report that Orlando will also be getting the amazingwalk around Triceratops dinosaur once construction is further along on a certain coaster in the area.
Wide shot of the Raptor Encounter. (photo by Michael Carelli)
The Raptor Encounter experience was great when it made its debut in 2015, but now it is even better with the new area.
Raptor Encounter. (photo by Michael Carelli)Blue, who made her Raptor Encounter debut in 2018. (photo by Michael Carelli)
You would think having a snazzy new Raptor Encounter area would be enough, but Nay Nay, Universal also debuted an experience where guests can meet a baby Raptor named Sierra.
Sierra is a six month old baby velociraptor. (photo by Michael Carelli)Sierra. (photo by Michael Carelli)Sierra meeting guests. (photo by Megan Stump)
Time for an update on the Velociraptor-themed roller coaster that Universal has yet to acknowledge.
Unannounced Jurassic Park Project That Uses A Lot Of Steel. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
There is more track being put together by the day and this coaster is already looking AWESOME.
Veloci-coaster. (photo by @bioreconstruct)Piece of track being put into place. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
This photo shows how guests at the Three Broomsticks will be able to coaster watch while they enjoy their meal.
Coaster. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Everything I have heard about The Bourne Stuntacular makes it sound like the show will make its debut at the top of my list of theme park stunt shows. It better, because the more stuff they keep adding to the show building is not helping it in my opinion. I feel like there is a manager who keeps telling the Bourne attraction, “we need to talk about your flair.”
Bourne Stuntacular. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Another new thing to the resort is U-Rest Areas. These are dedicated spaces at CityWalk and the parks where guests can remove their face coverings. Outside of eating, face coverings are mandatory at the Universal Orlando Resort. Anyone in Florida will tell you that face coverings can start becoming unbearable in the heat, and it hasn’t even been “that hot” down here yet. In a month or so, Florida is going to be “surface of the sun” hot, so having these areas where guests can safely remove their face coverings and relax will be a welcomed addition. Team Members have been reminding guests to keep their face coverings on while in the parks. If a guest doesn’t want to wear a face covering they can leave the resort and head on over to Disney Springs where you can walk by 100 managers and security without wearing a mask and not one of them will say anything.
U-Rest Area in CityWalk. (photo by Michael Carelli)U-Rest Area in Islands of Adventure.There’s a good amount of space at all the U-Rest Areas.
# 4 – Virtual Lines and Mobile Order
This is a dream come true for some guests, as Universal has started using the Virtual Line Experience for several of their attractions. Some attractions, including Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, were built with Virtual Line Experience in mind, but it rarely – if ever – was used. Now the Virtual Line Experience is being used for several attractions at both theme parks.
Virtual Line Experience sign at Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure. (photo by Michael Carelli)
One big difference between Universal’s Virtual Line Pass and Disney’s FastPass+ system is that Universal doesn’t give out all the Virtual Lines slots at once. When a Disney FastPass+ option is out, often times it is unavailable for the rest of the day. What that means is many guests get no shot at popular attractions like Flight of Passage, Slinky Dog Dash, or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. So far, Universal has used the Virtual Line Pass as a way to prevent an attraction from getting too crowded. After assigning a certain amount of guests Virtual Line Passes, it shuts the system off and doesn’t allow guests to reserve a time. Once the attraction’s line goes down, the Virtual Line Pass system is started up again and allows guests to get a return time. It seems as fair and equitable a situation as we’ll ever get as theme park fans.
This is the screen you will get when there are no Virtual Line Pass return times available.
All this means that guests will be riding some incredible attractions with minimal wait, without having to get up at the crack of dawn 60 days earlier to reserve a time.
While Universal did have mobile ordering before the pandemic shut down the parks, it has returned with many more venues to choose from. This makes ordering your meals even easier and saves you from being behind that person in Captain America Diner who is looking at the menu like it is complex algebra. Here is the process of mobile ordering at the Universal Orlando Resort from the app.
The park map on the app will show you restaurants in the area. By tapping on one it will lead you to that restaurant and ones near it.The menus of all the restaurants are loaded up, allowing you to pick and choose what you would like.Adding and deleting items from your cart couldn’t be easier.When creating an account for the app, having a credit card in your online “wallet” will end up saving you some time in the long run.
Now, instead of standing in line at Burger Digs, you can just go to a table and wait for your meal to be ready.
Burger Digs. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Some of the tables in restaurants throughout the resort will have a “reserved” sign on them to promote social distancing.
Burger Digs. (photo by Michael Carelli)
The tables you can sit at have a handy guide to the mobile ordering process.
Mobile ordering directions. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Voila!
Vegan burger with fries. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Pouring one out for all the toppings bars and make-your-own-salad bars across property. RIP, you will be missed.
Never Forget.
Not only can you mobile order at places like our beloved Voodoo Doughnut now, there’s even a new option celebrating the 30th anniversary of Universal Studios Florida!
How great is this?!!!!
USF donut. (photo by @bioreconstruct)Cross section of the donut. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Florida recently went to “Phase 2” on Friday, June 5th. What this means for restaurants is they are allowed to have 50% capacity indoors, and as-much-as-they-want outdoors (as long as social distance methods are being done.) Like many restaurants around the state, Universal has put more outdoor seating available to guests, such as these tables for Captain American Diner.
Captain America Diner lagoon side dining. TAKE THAT BLUE BAYOU! (photo by @bioreconstruct)
This aerial photo gives a better idea of where the tables are situated on the hotel’s rooftop.
Bar 17 Seating. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Like park maps, I was terrified that we would be losing Coke Freestyle machines at the resort, but it turns out they are safe too! They adhere to social distance guidelines, so if two machines are next to each other, one is turned off. Team Members clean the screens after each guest.
Coke Freestyle in Toon Lagoon. (photo by Michael Carelli)Coke Freestyle in Richter’s Cafe.
The refillable cup program has yet to return to the Universal on-site hotels, so their Coke Freestyle machines work slightly differently. Now guests get a new paper cup from a cashier before using.
Coke Freestyle at Sapphire Falls. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
# 3 – The Characters
The Universal Orlando Resort has characters out in full force at the parks, and came up with some interesting ways on how to present them. For example, The Scooby Gang are some of the most iconic meet and greet characters at Universal Studios Florida. Staging was built in front of Mel’s Diner so that guests could get pictures of all the characters.
Marvel Superheroes.Rogue and Wolverine. (photo by Megan Stump)
In Springfield USA, characters were behind fencing to allow for social distancing.
Krusty the clown and Sideshow Bob in Springfield USA. (photo by Megan Stump)Olive Oyl and Popeye in Toon Lagoon. (photo by Megan Stump)Marilyn Monroe. (photo by @bioreconstruct)Knight Bus conductor. (photo by Megan Stump)Team Member on Spongebob Squarepants float.Team Member on Secret Life of Pets float.Beetlejuice.
# 2 – Merchandise
It’s well known to many that 2021 was going to be a major year for Walt Disney World, as the resort will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Major plans for the 50th were put in place, much of which has been scaled back – if not outright cancelled – thanks to the pandemic. A lesser known fact is that 2020 is a major anniversary for the Universal Orlando Resort, because it is the 30th anniversary of the park which started it all, Universal Studios Florida. Fans of some older attractions are going to be very happy with some of the merchandise released in support of the anniversary. My favorite is a set of four glasses that pay tribute to some of my all-time favorite Universal attractions: Jaws, E.T., Back to the Future, and Kongfrontation. As the kids say, these glasses hit me “in the feels” because not only do they feature rides that I loved, but the glasses themselves bring back the type of glassware we often saw in Fast Food promotions during the 1980s and ’90s. It may sound crazy to a reader today, but I fondly remember collecting Star Wars: Return of the Jedi glassware from – of all places – Burger King.
USF glasses. (photo by Hedgehog’s Corner)USF glasses. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)USF glasses. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)
Speaking of classic Universal attractions, this E-Ticket coffee cup contains many favorites. Longtime readers of this fine blog’s sister series – The Disney Outlet Store Photo Report – know that it takes an extra special coffee cup for me to even consider buying it. THIS is one of those cups.
The old school Universal Studios Florida logo has been brought back for a a variety of merchandise, including pins.
USF pin. (photo by @ViewsAndQueues)USF merchandise. (photo by Michael Carelli)USF “toothpick holders.” (photo by Michael Carelli)USF vanity license plate. (photo by Michael Carelli)USF merchanidse. (photo by Michael Carelli)
In complete awe of these hats and fanny packs. It has been a while since I have been this enamored with a line of merchandise at Universal or Disney. A complete home run.
USF merchandise. (photo by Michael Carelli)
June is Pride month, so many options are available with the Love Is Universal logo.
Love Is Universal merchandise. (photo by Michael Carelli)Love Is Universal merchandise. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Throughout the resort there is signage offering a deal where guests spending $175 or more get a free non-interactive wand.
Non-interactive wand display. (photo by Michael Carelli)
One wand from the Wizarding World was recently released that is not part of the promotion above. It is Hagrid’s wand, and it certainly stands out.
Hagrid’s wand. (photo by Megan Stump)
When Universal re-opened CityWalk last month, it began selling face coverings. Recently it released Universal Orlando Annual Passholder masks, which have sold like hotcakes.
# 1 – Social Distancing and Theme Park Attractions
In “unprecedented” times, no one knew exactly how theme park attractions and queues would be run. Universal showed that rides can operate with social distancing measures in place. Another “complaint” people had was wearing masks on rides. Turns out masks stay on your head pretty well no matter what you are doing. Case in point:
The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
As you can see on The Incredible Hulk Coaster above and Rip Ride Rockit below, social distancing measures are put in place by not filling up every row.
Rip Ride Rockit.
This is what we would call a “theme park blogger’s” ride vehicle.
Rip Ride Rockit.
Rides such as Jurassic Park River Adventure and Skull Island: Reign of Kong also kept every other row empty, and the rows which did have guests were just one party per row.
Jurassic Park River Adventure splashdown. (photo by Michael Carelli)Jurassic Park River Adventure. (photo by Michael Carelli)
We mentioned earlier that some rides had Virtual Line Passes, but others still went by the traditional standby lines.
Signage was available at the attractions to remind guests of how to queue during this “new normal.”
Standby Queue signage.Like CityWalk, markings are located on the ground alerting guests where to stand.
We’ve seen some major changes in the areas of pre-shows, the changes being they don’t exist. Guests walk straight into the line for the attraction load. For me this is both good and bad. In a way, I like just cutting to the chase and getting to the attraction. However, I also like seeing some of the wonderful preshows that these rides have. For example, at the E.T. Adventure Ride, guests first would watch a short pre-show with Steven Spielberg and E.T. that sets up the story. It is absolutely BONKERS, and now you don’t get that part of the experience.
E.T. Adventure facade, with social distance markers on the ground.
Normally both sets of doors in the picture below would be closed. They would open up to allow guests into the next “step” of the story.
E.T. Adventure Ride.
This room is where Steven Spielberg talks to E.T. and explains the Green Planet. Now guests just walk straight through.
E.T. Adventure Ride.
Here you can see the “elevator” from Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts attraction. Instead of being used as a way to stage guests waiting for the next part of the story, guests just walk through. It will be interesting to see how Disney tackles this challenge, because an attraction like Rise of the Resistance uses multiple pre-shows that you can argue are integral to getting the full experience of the ride. Meanwhile, are we going to just skip over the “and, uh, fly” guy at Flight of Passage?!
With the parks limiting their capacity combined with many guests still not back into “vacation mode,” the parks can be a much more pleasant experience than we are used to. When was the last time you say Hogsmeade Village this empty during the day? To be honest, I’m not sure it’s happened during the last decade.
Outdoor shows like The Tales of Beedle the Bard are still taking place.
Performers from the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts. (photo by Megan Stump)
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees entertain guests. Slight changes to the show include Celestina singing from the balcony, and the always popular segment which has a guest being brought on stage to dance is just skipped over.
The Banshees and Celestina. (photo by Megan Stump)
However, not everything is open. All play areas are currently closed. This includes the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.
Jurassic Park Discovery Center. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Some stores have not re-opened as well. In the Wizarding World, themed signage alerts guests to the closings.
Globus Mundi in Diagon Alley. (photo by Megan Stump)Closed sign in the Wizarding World. (photo by Megan Stump)Closed sign in the Wizarding World. (photo by Hedgehog’s Corner)
Over at Volcano Bay, social distancing has been put in place by spreading out the seating.
Volcano Bay’s Tapu Tapu has notices for guests with the new rules and procedures.
Tapu Tapu. (photo by TheDCLBlog)Tapu Tapu. (photo by TheDCLBlog)
Honorable Mention – The On-Site Resorts
Most of Universal’s on-site hotels have re-opened for business. Only Portofino Bay remains closed. The official opening of Dockside Inn and Suites has been delayed, it was scheduled to open just as everything shut down back in March.
Water Taxis have social distancing measures not unlike the coasters at Universal. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Temperature checks are taken at the hotels. Once your temperature is taken, guests are given a bracelet so that they don’t have to get it taken again upon re-entering the hotel.
Sapphire Falls. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Changes have been made to encourage social distancing. Below is a picture taken in 2018 showing a long table in the food court for Aventura Hotel.
One bit of good news? Thanks to Florida entering Phase 2, bars are allowed to re-open!
Swizzle Bar at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. (photo by @DrunkAtDisney)Sapphire Falls and Aventura Hotel.(photo by @bioreconstruct)
Double Secret Honorable Mention – UOAP Perks
Good news for Annual Passholders as the re-opening of the parks brings with it a lot of great perks!
So there you have it: The SATURDAY SIX Looks at the Re-Opening of the UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT!See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles covering the latest from the Disney Outlet Stores. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).
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On July 11, Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will reopen after a four-month hiatus, but park operations will look a lot different. Disney announced several measures intended to control park attendance and increase physical distancing. You can read about all the changes here. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will open a few days later, on July 15.
We are updating the Disney World Crowd Calendar to reflect what we know about attraction wait times in the parks once they reopen. Remember that the calendar is based on standby wait times for key attractions during the busiest part of the day; it is not based on park attendance figures. This methodology will continue. As always, but even more than usual, the crowd calendar is subject to change.
Crowd levels are dropping significantly on most days as a result of this update. This is a result of the assumptions we have made about park operations when they reopen. Here is a summary of those factors and how the attraction wait times might be affected.
No FastPass+, Standby Only
Depending on the attraction, as much as 80% of a ride’s capacity can be used for FastPass+ guests. Obviously, this greatly increases the wait time for those in the standby line. Now that FastPass+ is suspended, 100% of the ride’s capacity will be used for standby guests.
Result: Large Decrease in Standby Wait Times
Limited Attendance
In the past, on an average day at the Magic Kingdom, somewhere between 30,000 and 45,000 guests would enter the park. On a night when the park hosts an evening party (e.g., Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party), that number is limited to something close to 15,000, depending on the event and the number of tickets sold. We know a lot about what the wait times look like during when attendance is limited and FastPass+ is not available. We expect the wait times to look more like party nights than average days, but that is yet to be seen.
Result: Decrease in Standby Wait Times
Spacing on Attraction Vehicles
In order to maximize physical distancing and cleaning, some attractions may be loaded with gaps or spaces. This will greatly reduce the attraction’s capacity per hour. In some cases, it may reduce it by as much as 50%. We have seen wait times affected by ride capacity before. Remember in 2014 when a guest injury on Pirates of the Caribbean led to the closure of the vehicle’s back row? Wait times went up. We have also recorded many days when Soarin’ and Tower of Terror operated with a portion of the ride closed. Wait times go up then, too.
Result: Large Increase in Standby Wait Times
Virtual Queues Without Posted Times
Disney World has made no announcement about using virtual queues when the parks reopen, but Shanghai Disneyland employed them when it reopened in May. If virtual queues are a part of the new park procedures at Disney World, that may make it difficult to measure the wait times. Let us cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, it’s a wild card.
Result: Unknown
So, the no-FastPass+ and attraction spacing changes cancel each other out, leaving us with a decrease in standby times due to limited attendance. This crowd calendar update reflects that decrease. Crowd levels are dropping to the 1-5 range most days between now and Thanksgiving 2020.
I think it is a pretty good bet that guests will experience wait times similar to those during an evening party.
We don’t know how long these park procedures will last, and we don’t know how much demand there is for theme park touring with a mask in the heat of a Florida summer. Of course, we will be revisiting these crowd levels on a regular basis between now and July 11 as new information arises. Once we observe a few days of wait time data, more adjustments may be made.
2021
This update does not include days in 2021. With so many unknowns about park operations and the COVID-19 virus, we are not going to try to guess what next year will look like at this time. The next update will include 2021 predictions.
Do you have questions for the Crowd Calendar team? Let us know in the comments.
Universal Orlando Resort is reopened its theme parks on June 5. While Spider-Man still slings above New York City and Hogwarts’ gate is once again open, some things have changed to make guests safer in a COVID-19 world. Prior to opening for the general public Universal invited their Team Members and Annual Passholders to preview and test out those new security measures and protocols. We will go over some of those changes and what it means for your touring of the parks.
Virtual Queue
Universal Orlando is now offering a Virtual Queue option for many of its most popular attractions. Here’s how it works:
At park open, select the attraction you wish to reserve a time for
Select the Virtual Line Pass button on the attraction’s page
Select a party size and return time
A QR code with the party’s return time will display on the app (we suggest taking a screengrab of that QR code for safekeeping)
When it is your return time, head to the attraction and present the QR code for scanning
Now you will have a minimal wait in a standard, socially distanced queue. Guests are able to hold two passes at once and when one pass is redeemed they can book another.
Attractions offering Virtual Queue are changing frequently; check the Universal Orlando app for the most up-to-date list.
Queues throughout the resort are modified to practice social distancing. Guests are spaced out 10 feet apart with markers and normal switchbacks are now reduced or eliminated. Some attractions that feature preshows rooms, such as at Men in Black and Gringotts, are turned off; guests now walk through the rooms as if they are standard queue space. The Simpsons Ride, Fallon, and Fast & Furious still operate their preshow rooms due to required safety spiels. If an attraction features 3D video, a Team Member will hand out the glasses to each guest. Additionally, prior to boarding, guests will be given hand sanitizer before handling ride vehicle restraints.
Modified Character Greetings
Characters are Universal, so we are excited to see our favorites return to the parks. Universal landed on a novel solution that takes cues from its Halloween Horror Nights event: characters now greet guests from a safe distance on stages. While on stage, the characters will interact with guests, pose for photos, and wave to all that pass by. Such character interactions include Marvel characters between Marvel Super Hero Island and the Toon Lagoon Amphitheater, Seuss Landing characters outside Circus McGurkus, The Simpsons in their Winnebago, the Knight Bus conductor at the back of the bus, Doc Brown working on the Time Train, and more.
While the Universal Superstar Parade is no longer running, some parade floats do make a small run around the park frequently to bring more character interaction to the streets.
Here at TouringPlans, we were wondering how an experience like Olivanders could work in a world of social distancing. Each Olivanders show places roughly 20 guests into a small room where one guest is picked to have a wand choose them. Universal took a page from Disney’s Savi’s Workshop and has made the Olivanders experience reservation only. Approach the Team Member in Diagon Alley (at this time outside the Fireworks store facade) or in Hogsmeade to schedule a time.
Dining Changes
Had to! They bring out a “souvenir” menu, bring out plates and silverware on a tray that you take yourselves. Also stickers in the lobby. pic.twitter.com/KC4k30LbSB
Universal Dining has morphed, too. Full-service dining locations such as Mythos, Confisco Grill, Finnegan’s, Lombard’s, and more are running at a reduced capacity. Menus are now one-time use (a free souvenir? In a theme park?!), silverware and plates are presented on a tray you take yourself, and interactions with Team Members are kept to a minimum.
Counter-service restaurants now highlight mobile ordering; simply use the Universal Orlando app and order the food and beverages for the party. If a guest has an Annual Pass or Team Member discount, the difference is offered back in change at pick up. Seating and ordering change location to location. Indoor locations, such as Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley, seat you prior to order and the food is delivered to your table. Other venues operate like normal, including the illusive Wimpy’s Burgers in Toon Lagoon, which offers standard window ordering.
One food and beverage location NOT open currently are bars due to Florida regulations. Backwater Bar and Hog’s Head in Islands of Adventure along with Moe’s, Duff Gardens, and Finnegan’s in Universal Studios Florida remain closed. Florida Governor DeSantis announced recnelty bars can reopen June 5 but it is unknown when Universal will reopen their bars.
U-Rest Areas
If guests require a rest, Universal has set up areas where social distancing is possible and masks are allowed to be removed. Named U-Rest, these areas sprinkled throughout the parks provide tables, chairs, umbrellas, and places to rest without having to wear a mask. U-Rest areas are subject to change and currently located at Port of Entry in Islands of Adventure, Central Park in Universal Studios Florida, and Fear Factor Live in Universal Studios Florida.
Hotels
What’s a visit to Univerasl Orlando without a stay at their amazing resorts? This week the Universal hotels reopened, with Endless Summer Dockside and Portofino Bay remaining closed. Prior to entry a temperature check is required and masks must be worn at all times in public areas. Universal is only filling every other room on flooors to keep social distancing when returning to your room.
These are the first looks at changes to Universal’s parks and resorts. While several of these changes are unique and specific to Universal, it is very possible these changes will be adopted at Disney parks as well. Universal has not stated an end date for their policies and procedures, but we expect them to last through the fall and until a therapeutic and/or vaccine for COVID-19 is developed.
Here’s the good news. A full day in the parks is still fun. And that is good. It was great to feel this happiness again. I felt safe, and I had fun. pic.twitter.com/BtCngKuTci
Universal Orlando Resort reopened June 5, 2020; CityWalk Cinemark movie theater and the Blue Man Group Orlando show remain closed until further notice. Follow TouringPlans Blog and TouringPlans on Twitter for the latest reopening information for the Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
