Today is the today theme park fans have been waiting for. After two-and-a-half months of no rides, no shows and no characters, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay will be the first of the area’s parks to open to the general public this morning. Studios and Islands are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Volcano Bay is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Universal put its COVID-19 protocols to the test on Wednesday and Thursday. Here’s what to expect:

Parking will be every-other-space in the garage. Temperature (nobody in your party can be over 100.4) and bag checks are done before leaving the garage.

Bring your masks and sanitizer; everyone over age 3 must wear their masks at all times, but the parks are selling Universal-logoed masks and hand sanitizer will be available for nominal prices, and hand sanitizer stations are “nearly everywhere”..

All rides are open, but with one party to a car instead of two or three. Most restaurants will be open, and there will be secluded areas away from possible set up as zones to … de-mask and breathe.

Park guests can abide by social distancing guidelines by using Universal‘s Virtual Line, part of the reservations system that allows visitors to sign up via the official Universal Orlando Resort App. QR codes are also on signs near the rides and other attractions.
Face coverings will be required everywhere except while eating. At eateries, orders will be taken at tables, which are spaced apart to adhere to social distancing, and food is brought on a tray.

It’s all to ensure a pleasant guest experience when it opens to the general public today. For Sea World and Disney World, it will be their turns next week and next month.