Theme park news: Face mask loophole closed / Volcano Bay injury / Knott’s event extended

Both Disney World and Universal Orlando have closed a loophole in their face mask requirements, requiring guests to be “actively” eating or drinking if they’re going to remove their mask.

Both resorts require guests ages 2 and up to wear masks to limit the spread of COVID-19. Disney made its change first, amending its mask policy to state: “You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.”

Universal made a similar change on Monday. “Guests must wear face coverings at all times, unless they are actively eating or drinking, and they must also be socially distanced from other travel parties while consuming their food or beverage,” the Universal policy states. “Inside restaurants, we have arranged tables and seating so that guests can safely remove their face coverings while enjoying their dining experience.”

The updated Universal policy also added more details on what types of face masks are allowed. Masks must be at least two layers, cover a guest’s nose and mouth, and be secured under the chin and around the head.

Face masks with exhalation valves or that are not secured with ear loops or around the head are not allowed. Neither are any face coverings that include holes or mesh material — which defeats the purpose of the mask and have been adopted by anti-maskers.

9-year-old boy found ‘unresponsive’ at Volcano Bay in June

A quarterly state report on injuries or illnesses experienced by visitors included only one incident between April and June: a 9-year-old boy who was found “unresponsive” at an attraction at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.

The boy was found on the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides on June 14, according to the report released by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Universal spokesman Tom Schroder told the Orlando Sentinel that the child was released from the hospital the following day, but declined to comment further.

Theme parks voluntarily disclose incidents where guests are hospitalized for at least 24 hours as part of an agreement to forego state inspections. This edition of the report covered a timeframe where most of the theme parks were closed. Disney World was closed for the entire three-month period, while Universal opened in June.

SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Legoland Florida also reopened in June, but did not report any injuries.

Knott’s Berry Farm adds two more weekends to Taste of Calico

The Town of Calico inside Knott’s Berry Farm will stay open for two additional weekends — though the park’s rides will remain closed.

Knott’s is extending its Taste of Calico event, turning the Ghost Town section of the park into a mini-food festival for two additional weekends: July 31-Aug. 2 and Aug. 7-9. Hours are also being extended, now running on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

Guests will have to buy a tasting card ($25 for adults and $15 for kids) to gain entry. All guests will have to wear a face mask, except while eating, and undergo a temperature check before entering the event. Stores will be limited to 50 percent of their normal capacity to allow for physical distancing.

You can look back at our original story to see the menu.

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