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.
Farmer noted the Chargers and Rams were expected to raise $400 million in seat licenses, yet that number is currently closer to $100 million.
SoFi Stadium broke ground in November 2016 and is scheduled to open in July 2020.
Already, the venue has booked some of the largest events in sports and pop culture with WrestleMania 37 in March 2021, Super Bowl LVI in February 2022, the College Football Playoff championship in January 2023 and the Summer Olympics in 2028. It will also serve as the site of college football’s LA Bowl, which will pit Mountain West and Pac-12 programs against each other beginning in 2020.
