Disney competitor Universal Florida has submitted a proposal to reopen to the general public effective June 5, 2020.
Today Universal submitted its reopening proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. The theme park operator suggests a timline which has it opening for staff members only on June 1-2, a soft opening to invited guests (like annual passholders) June 3-4, and welcoming the general public as of June 5.
According WESH TV, the task force unanimously approved the plan. It is now being referred to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for final approval.
The plan features a variety of new social distancing and sanitation measures. Temperature screenings will be performed as guests arrive, and all park visitors must wear some form of facial covering. One complimentary face mask will be offered to each guest upon arrival.
Single rider lines will be eliminated and virtual queues utilized at more popular attractions. Self-serve racks previously used to distribute theme park maps, 3D glasses and similar items will be removed. Park Team Members will instead distribute these items by hand.
Among the changes to restaurants are single-use disposable menus, and pre-wrapped condiments and silverware. Buffets and other self-serve food offerings have been discontinued.
Updated signage will remind guests to sanitize and maintain social distancing. Posters placed at attraction entrances will provide guidance on the proper manner to maintain side-by-side distancing in switch-back queues.
The full reopening proposal can be found HERE.
Walt Disney World reopened its Disney Springs marketplace on May 20. A number of third-party vendors are now operating, with Disney-owned venues scheduled to resume on May 27. It is not known when Disney will present its own plan for reopening its theme parks and resorts.
