Pack your wands and face masks: Universal Orlando will reopen on June 5
After more than two months, the gates to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — and the rest of the Universal Orlando Resort – are officially reopening on June 5.
On Thursday, May 21, Universal Orlando received unanimous approval for its reopening proposal from the voting members on the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. All that was needed was approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed off on Universal's plans to reopen on Friday, May 22, making Universal the first Orlando theme park to welcome back guests after unprecedented closures.
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The Universal Orlando website now says, "We're getting ready to re-open!" with a list of the new safety guidelines and a warning of the "inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19" in public spaces.
Just like the Universal City Walk shopping and dining area that partially reopened last week, guests who wish to enter the Universal Orlando theme parks will be required to wear face masks and pass temperature screenings. Guests will need to have a temperature below 100.4 degrees to enter and will be provided with a disposable face mask, if necessary.
Related: When will Disney World reopen?
Universal Orlando told the committee it plans to manage capacity and ramp up slowly, though the company says that it's still working through the details of this on its FAQ page.
The park proposes to not only limit capacity for the park, but also within each restaurant, attraction and show. As an example of some changes that will be made, the single rider lines will be eliminated, as only party groups will be placed on rides together. Virtual queuing, which was already in use at some Universal Orlando rides and Universal's Volcano Bay waterpark, will be expanded.
Related: How to use points to visit Universal Orlando
Social distancing will be used to manage parkgoers in lines — probably similar to what we've seen at the recently reopened Disneyland Shanghai.
In the parking lot, expect to see staggered parking, so you aren't loading or unloading too close to others.
While cash will still be accepted at the theme park, there will be an emphasis on mobile ordering and payments whenever possible. At Universal's restaurants, all menus will be single-use.
Universal's interactive play areas will remain closed due to the challenges involved in distancing children in a play structure. Water features on rides and mists will also remain shut down in case water increases the virus transmission rate.
Universal Orlando hotels, including the Aventura Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, are currently accepting reservations for stays from June 4 and onward.
Related: Choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip
Bottom line
Universal Orlando can officially proclaim an early June reopening, but things will most definitely look different than we remember.
Additional reporting by Liz Hund.
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- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees