UniversalParksBlog News for February 21st, 2022
This week’s UniversalParksBlog News features the update you’ve craved for so long. Oh yes, I’ve got grrrreat news today! Let’s get started.
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
Face Masks No Longer Required at Universal
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
I previously mentioned that Universal Studios officials might soon impose fewer face-covering restrictions. After all, the Omicron variant outbreak has thankfully diminished in scope since the start of 2022.
This wave of COVID-19 didn’t come with the devastation of the Delta wave nor the original one. As such, recovery occurred more quickly across the country. So, Omicron lacked a drawn-out period of impact. Once the wave crested, we could all return to normal more quickly than the first two times.
That’s one of the massive benefits of a primarily vaccinated population. The waves end faster.
Now that hospitalizations are back under control, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have quietly spread the word about COVID guidelines.
These latest suggestions indicate that face-coverings aren’t as necessary right now. Yes, that could change if we had another wave…but that’s a later concern. For now, we don’t need masks to protect vaccinated citizens. Of course, anyone who isn’t vaccinated remains at risk, but that’s a side conversation.
Photo:Orlandoweekly.com
With the situation mostly under control, states have decided to roll back their pandemic guidelines. And yes, Universal has watched carefully.
Universal officials have decided to abandon indoor face mask requirements for guests at their American parks based on current information.
Similarly, vaccinated Universal Studios employees get their choice of going mask-less if that’s their preference. I think I speak for all of us when I say, “Woohoo!”
The New Guidelines
Photo: The Associated Press
This policy change comes with massive implications for your upcoming park visits. So, let’s walk you through the rollback.
Word rolled down at Universal Orlando Resort on Friday, February 11th. Universal officials noticed a quiet signal from California’s Governor on that date.That state was ready to drop its face-covering mandate on February 15th.
Since California hosts one of Universal’s two primary American parks, Universal has tried to keep health officials in that state happy.
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Florida has behaved more like the Wild, Wild West with its pandemic policies. I’m not judging. That’s just the reality of it. Their Governor isn’t as safety conscious. Once California decided masks weren’t requisite, Universal Orlando Resort dropped its face-covering requirement immediately. We’re talking within 24 hours.
Starting on February 12th, guests and employees at Universal’s Orlando parks could enter and work without wearing face-coverings.
Photo: Instagram/Universal
Some still did, as it’s a matter of personal choice now. But, overall, most images and videos emerging from the parks last Saturday were of happy guests not wearing masks.
Part of their joy stemmed from the fact that it was an unusually hot day for mid-February. The lack of masks improved the overall park experience. However, nobody knew whether Universal Studios Hollywood would follow suit.
Again, park officials don’t want to anger the health officials who have kept them safe during a pandemic.
What about Universal Studios Hollywood?
Photo:Universal Studios Hollywood
To the surprise of many, the Hollywood theme park wasn’t that far behind its eastern counterpart, although not as aggressive in its stance. On February 16th, Universal Studios Hollywood formally declared that masks are optional outdoors at the park.
The indoor face-covering requirement remains. So, at Universal Orlando Resort, you no longer need a face mask anywhere. At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can walk around outside without wearing any face-covering.
In any indoor area, you should continue to wear a face-covering for the time being. How long will park officials maintain that stance? I’m unsure.
LA County hasn’t dropped its indoor face-covering mandate yet. So, to a certain extent, park officials remain at the whim of local health guidelines.
Presuming that we don’t get another wave, I’d expect face mask requirements to end by late spring, though.
A New Online Planning Portal
Photo: Universal Parks
Universal Studios has finally gotten its act together on vacation planning.
For many years, confused fans gazed at Disney with jealousy. Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World feature apps with vacation planning tips. Then, there’s the planDisney YouTube site that’s overflowing with pro tips at the parks.
Similarly, Disney’s official website is chock-full of valuable suggestions for booking the perfect vacation.
Photo: TravelSavvy
Meanwhile, Universal’s services have lagged far, far behind. Thankfully, Universal pros like the agents at Let’s Adventure Travel can help with trip planning.
Still, Universal fans are giddy over the news of Discover Universal. What is it? Here’s an introductory video:
The gist is that Universal has hired some former influencers to run its online outreach hub. In other words, Discover Universal is much like UniversalParks Blog, only the people working for it are (now) Universal employees.
Universal promises tips, insider videos, recipes, and all the other stuff that you’ve come to expect from fansites. The difference is that it’s a first-party offering. Presumably, Discover Universal will be the place where Universal breaks the news on upcoming park features.
The Discover Universal Schedule
Photo: Universal Parks
Here’s the listing schedule for the various shows according to Attractions Magazine, which used to employ one of the Ride Guys:
- “Ride Guys (Debuts February 17th, 2022; new episodes released monthly) – Mike and Dylan – AKA The “Ride Guys” – will take viewers on a tour through the top rides at Universal Orlando, including showing what the actual ride experience is like. They’ll also answer specific attraction-related questions.
- The Discover Universal Podcast (Intro episode available February 18th, 2022; new bi-weekly episodes beginning February 22nd, 2022) – Hosts will discuss the tips, tricks, and “must-know” information to help guests plan their best vacation ever.
- Dine & Ride (Debuts May 2022; new episodes released monthly) – Learn more about the food and beverage offerings throughout Universal Orlando.
- Checked In (Debuts May 2022) – A fun tour of the lobby, rooms, pool, and amenities of Universal Orlando’s eight themed hotels (one hotel highlighted in each episode).”
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Photo:instagram/universalorlando
