The same day that Universal Orlando’s theme parks reopened to the public, the resort announced some new benefits for annual passholders.
Beginning June 8, Universal will offer dedicated parking lanes and security lines for passholders, along with dedicated entrances at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Once inside the park, APs can get a free souvenir Coca-Cola Freestyle cup (and one free refill) when they purchase a meal through mobile ordering on the Universal Orlando app.
The special perks will be available until July 5.
By all media accounts, the public reopening of Universal’s parks saw light crowds. According to a report from Spectrum News 13, lines for pre-entry temperature checks went quickly and queues did not build up at park entrances. The busiest areas in each theme park, Spectrum News said, were the two halves of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, particularly Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
The Orlando Sentinel reported that the “vast majority of guests” wore their required face masks and spotted Universal employees reminding guests of the new policy.
The next Central Florida theme parks to reopen will be SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, both of which will welcome back guests on June 11. Those two theme parks will implement many of the same safeguards as Universal, aimed at limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus — face masks, physical distancing and increased sanitation — along with a requirement to make reservations in advance before your visit.
Disney World will be the last of the major players in Central Florida to reopen its parks. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are scheduled to reopen to the public on July 11, followed by Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot on July 15.
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