Travel Tuesday: Are guests getting a glimpse of theme parks reopening?

After Universal City Walk opened and Disney Springs is set to reopen, are theme park guests getting a glimpse of what to expect when theme parks reopen?

As the official start of summer approaches, Disney Springs and Universal City Walk will have welcomed guests back. While the walkways might seem less crowded and some establishments may not be open, the return of these two theme-park-adjacent areas give many people hope. Can people expect similar measures once theme parks begin reopening?

With Florida beginning to reopen, two popular shopping and dining destinations are getting people excited. Although tourists should not be rushing to the Sunshine State, many locals are ready to step out of the house and back into a little sense of normal. Even though people are ready to play a round of mini golf or grab a bite to eat, there are many parameters associated with that experience.

Although both Disney and Universal have their own parameters, there are similarities to the guidelines for guests. First, the biggest change is that everyone will have to wear a mask, no exceptions.

According to recent guest experiences at Universal City Walk, guests without a mask are directed to an area to purchase one or turned away. There are no exceptions. Since Disney Springs has not opened yet, it is uncertain how they will handle guests as they enter the area.

For many people, wearing a mask is the going to be the issue when theme parks reopen. Putting aside children and mask issues, there is one major concern for everyone involved: enforcement. While security might require a guest to be wearing a mask upon entry, who will be enforcing that rule while everyone is wandering around?

Even though theme parks can be magical places, there can be moments of tension. From the child meltdowns to the family fighting, the idea of a cast member or employee being made to force a guest to put a mask back on could be difficult. Even if the guests know the rules, following the parameters might be difficult to enforce.

In addition to enforcement, the idea of wearing a mask in hot Florida weather can be difficult. Putting a fabric in front of your mouth could make it hard to breathe on a hot, humid day. Guests might want to consider how that added protection will impact them. From drinking extra water to taking breaks, there are many factors to consider.

Lastly, if a mask is to be worn in a theme park, riding roller coaster could be quite different. Thinking about the high adrenaline rides, that mask needs to be secure on the rider’s face. Even a piece of fabric can be a projectile at 60 miles an hour.

Then again, if the mask isn’t required on the rides, what is the point of having the requirement? With all the screaming and yelling on rides (not to mention the tight quarters), this area is where masks are quite important.

Still, the reopening of Universal City Walk and Disney Springs does not mean that the theme parks themselves will be open in the next couple of weeks or even months. Although some distancing markers have appeared in front of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the potential plans have not been approved by the Florida governor.

So far, many people are excited to see Disney Springs and Universal City Walk reopen. They are happy to have their temperature checked, wear masks, and keep their distance from other guests. Additionally, they are willing to order at kiosks, have less full restaurants, and keep their distance at mini golf. While it might not be the old way, this new normal is better than sitting at home.

While this first step might change and adapt, the biggest issue that everyone needs to consider is their comfort level. Just because the doors are open doesn’t mean that people have to walk through them. Only time will tell how these openings will impact the future.

Do you think that everyone will adhere to the rules? Are you ready to return to theme parks?