Universal Orlando is now OPEN for a special Annual Passholder preview, (and we’re ready to drink all the Butterbeer we can get our hands on)!
Butterbeer
While we’ve been taking you to some of Universal’s newly reopened hotels, as well as showing you how the new virtual lines works, we’ve received a lot of questions from you guys about what it’s like to wear face coverings while riding attractions!
Does wearing a mask detract from the thrill of riding Univeral’s attractions? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about wearing a mask at the theme parks — including a few tips and tricks we’ve picked up from some of the rides we’ve been on today!
Universal Studios
Universal Orlando announced that it would be taking necessary health and safety precautions for guests to visit the parks. While they will have temperature screenings and physical distancing, the parks will also be requiring masks for both guests and employees.
Health Signage
This means that everyone will need to wear masks at all times, except when they are eating, drinking, swimming, or visiting one of Universal’s new U-Rest Areas. Guests are required to provide their own face masks. We’ve also seen Universal’s shops are selling additional face coverings throughout CityWalk and the theme parks.
Universal
Guests without face coverings will be turned away at the gate. Universal MIGHT be able to provide guests with face masks if they forget to bring one, but since this isn’t a guarantee, we think it’s best NOT to chance it!
Learn more about the first day of CityWalk’s phased reopening here!
How Weird Does It Feel To Wear Face Masks on Rides?
Believe it or not, it didn’t feel that strange to us! Since we’re used to wearing masks when we leave the house now (and seeing others wearing masks in our everyday lives), it feels more surreal to actually be sitting down on our favorite attractions again than it does to be wearing a mask!
Universal Studios
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts along with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure were still super fun — even while wearing a face-covering! We didn’t think it took anything away from our enjoyment of these experiences!
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Similarly, we were expecting our mask to blow off on faster roller coasters like The Incredible Hulk Coaster, but to our surprise, the speed of the ride kept our mask in place with no issue!
On a water ride like Jurassic Park River Adventure, after our entire car was seated (with rows left empty between guests), we were permitted to take our masks off.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
We’ll keep updating this post as we ride more attractions so you can see how our masks survived on various rides!
Tips and Tricks
And now for a few quick lessons we’ve learned along the way!
- On 3D attractions where you’re given special goggles, we recommend placing them over your mask to prevent them from fogging up.
- We’ve been wearing face coverings with elastic ties that wrap around our ears which have stayed in place during the rides we’ve experienced!
- Bring a back-up face mask or two for everyone in your family in case your mask gets wet. Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, we’ve noticed the misting features on several rides (like the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Escape From Gringotts) are still working.
Queue for Hogwarts Express
We’ll be back soon with more face mask ride reviews for you — so sit tight while we check out some more rides!
See everything happening in Universal Orlando LIVE today with us!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
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Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
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What are your favorite rides in Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments below!
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Sorry, not going to a theme park until masks are not required. It does not make for an enjoyable experience. Makes no sense for it to be off for a Jurassic Park boat ride and on for other rides. The social distancing on rides makes no sense either as anything that escapes the mask from the person in front of you will reach the next in line behind you…again makes no sense. Not trying to be negative but is just plain silly!
Dawn I agree 100% with you
Why open if you can’t enjoy the experience. I have visited for many years and also a DVC member
The rules are just plain stupid
Here’s a great blog with info boiled down from CDC, NIH, WHO, and current research, written for those of us who aren’t fluent in microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases!
Re: masks – the most recent entry covers masks. Yes, the number of layers, in addition to the type of fabric, does make a difference. And ensuring a good fit. If you’re wearing it under the nose, like so many I’m seeing these days, you’re either a “mouth breather” (which isn’t a complement), or if you’re breathing thru your nose you’re kinda defeating the purpose.
Re: rides without masks – not sure of the rationale behind that, but hopefully they’ve done the math to estimate what the viral load exposure is to those behind someone ahead who is infected. Best estimates at this point is it takes at least 1000 copies of the virus getting into your body to trigger an infection. Put into perspective, a single cough or sneeze can launch up to about 200,000,000 virus particles into the air if not properly contained.
So, yeah, like Dawn, I’m going to wait until masks aren’t required. Which probably means when there’s a vaccine available that’s been distributed enough to hit herd immunity.
Sigh.
Argh! Forgot to include the link: https://www.erinbromage.com
Masks are a joke !!!
Can you find out if a doctors note can get you out of having to put a mask on because with my medical issues I can’t have one on and it’s hard for my father in law to have one on at times due to his breathing issues
If they are saying “face coverings” , what exactly does that mean? Masks, yes, but what about adventure bands or bandannas? What about the shields that attach to bucket caps or ball caps… are those acceptable?
Crissy, you’re right that the language is “face coverings.” We have seen masks primarily, but here’s Disney’s language:
Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable
Nichole, so far Disney cast members have said “no exceptions” when we asked. Universal does have a policy with regard to a doctor’s note, so this is something we will keep checking on at Disney Springs and when the Parks and Resorts reopen.
Either mask are necessary or they are not. Allowing children under age 2 to attend a park without a mask, allowing people to remove mask on some ride, allowing mask free zones is all so stupid. I see no benefit from a mask and me and my family absolutely will not return to any park that requires them. We actually cancelled a Disney vacation and just booked a beach condo. Wearing a mask is hot, uncomfortable and unnecessary.