Fun Spot America owner downplayed COVID-19 safety concerns: ‘I have no fear of this virus’
E-mails from Fun Spot's owner denying the severity of the pandemic preceded the Orlando park failing multiple inspections on COVID-19 safety.
Orange County health officer flagged COVID-19 concerns about Fun Spot as early as June
The email came more than a month before the first Orange County inspection of Fun Spot's Orlando location.
Theme park industry’s biggest convention canceled due to COVID-19
The IAAPA Expo will instead go virtual for 2020.
Theme park news: Volcano Bay closing 2 days a week / Southwest flights to Orlando / Kings Island Fall Fest
While smaller parks have closed on certain days since reopening, this marks the larger Universal Orlando Resort's biggest reduction in operating hours during the pandemic.
Fun Spot Orlando given failing grades on COVID-19 safety in secret shopper reports
The reports obtained by Theme Park Tribune found many Fun Spot guests were not wearing masks after Orange County, Florida's mask mandate went into effect.
This Orlando theme park owner spread anti-face mask misinformation. Now his parks require masks
Fun Spot America owner John Arie shared posts on Facebook that falsely claimed face masks could cause a harmful buildup of carbon dioxide and oxygen deprivation.
Give Kids The World closed indefinitely, most staff to be laid off
The Make-A-Wish Foundation informed the resort won't be granting wishes for Central Florida theme park visits for critically-ill kids until a COVID-19 vaccine is in wide use.
COVID-19 reopening notes: Universal hotels / Disney World, SeaWorld approved / The Wheel
Six of Universal's eight on-site hotels will reopen to guests on June 2.
COVID-19 notes: Universal to present reopening plan / Icon Park reopens / Rumored Disney cuts
The plans, which will be detailed to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, could include a projected date for reopening the resort’s theme parks while the coronavirus pandemic continues.