As of Friday (June 5), Universal Orlando Resort is officially reopen.

Though the Florida based resort, which consists of two theme parks, a water park, a shopping and entertainment complex and multiple hotels, is up and running again after shuttering due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, guests will see a number of changes when the visit the park. Here's what you can expect if you're planning a visit to Universal Orlando in the coming weeks.

The biggest change will be crowd numbers. Universal Orlando will be restricting the number of people allowed into the parks, as well as inside each individual attraction, store and restaurant. Once inside the park, social distancing will be implemented in a number of ways, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Stickers have been placed on the ground to indicate the preferred spacing of 6 feet between traveling parties. Employees will provide hand sanitizer to visitors before heading into attraction.

At the front gates, guests must also undergo temperature checks before being allowed into any of the theme parks. Masks musts be worn inside the park at all times except when guests are eating.

In addition to these practical safety measures, Universal Orlando has also implemented a virtual line for most of its rides and attractions. In order to utilize the virtual line, guests must download Universal Orlando's app. Once the app has been downloaded, guests can proceed to make reservations for the rides of their choice.

Guests will want to book their ride reservations ASAP as slots are limited to promote social distancing. The Orlando Sentinel reports reservations for the popular Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure roller coaster were completely booked up within minutes of park opening.

Other rides currently available for virtual reservations include Skull Island and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure, and for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringott's, Revenge of the Mummy, Fast & Furious: Supercharged and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at the Universal Studios park.

Social distancing methods are also being implemented for the safety of Universal Orlando employees. Guests will have to remain 6 feet away from any of the characters seen throughout the park. There will also be taped used to indicate that distance for guests when they spot their favorite characters.

The Orlando Sentinel also reports that crowds were so low on opening day that it was easy for guests to keep safely apart as they roamed the park.

Photo: Getty

Entertainment News

97.9 WJLB · Detroit's Hip-Hop & R&B