Theme parks are continuing to adapt amid the coronavirus pandemic, adding new mask rules, scaling back hours, and changing ticketing systems to better fit the ever-evolving situation. Since reopening in June after closing in March, Universal Orlando has implemented a number of health and safety measures, including mandatory face coverings for employees and guests, reduced capacity across the theme parks, and physical distancing markers. The latest updates from the Florida theme park resort include the temporary closure of two hotels, reduced operations for Universal’s Volcano Bay water park, and new ticket prices.
Universal Orlando recently unveiled new ticket pricing, in which the ticket cost is determined by the date of your visit. That means that tickets can now be more expensive on peak days and less pricey when fewer people plan to visit. In September, the price for a one-day, one-park ticket ranges from $109 on a Tuesday to $130 on a Saturday, according to the website. Disney World already uses this price model at its theme parks.
Universal Orlando also recently announced that Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Universal’s Aventura Hotel temporarily suspended operations as of Aug. 21. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn and Suites are also temporarily closed, leaving the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites as the only open hotels at Universal Orlando.
Starting Sept. 8, Universal’s Volcano Bay — a tropical-themed water park — will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, according to the park calendar on the Universal Orlando website.
Of course, there’s also some good news. Both Disney World and Universal Orlando are offering great deals on tickets for Florida residents — guests who purchase a one-day, two-park ticket for Universal Orlando can visit every day for free through Dec. 24.
Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure who loves all things theme parks. Follow her adventures on Instagram @elizabetheverywhere.
Source: Read Full Article