Starting May 29, Universal Orlando Resort guests who have been will no longer be required to wear face masks, even indoors.
In practice, this will remove all mask requirements for guests, as Universal will not be checking for any visitors’ vaccination status. As of May 27, 39.5 percent of Florida’s population has been fully vaccinated, but this would not include any children under 12, as there aren’t yet COVID-19 vaccines authorized for this population.
Similar to SeaWorld’s recent change, Universal will rely only on an honor system and there will be no active enforcement of the revised policy.
In a statement to Theme Park Tribune, Universal Orlando senior public relations manager Kristen Clark Smith said:
“Based on new guidelines from the CDC, face coverings will no longer be required indoors or outdoors for fully vaccinated guests at Universal Orlando Resort beginning Saturday, May 29. While we will not require proof of vaccination, we do expect our guests to comply with this revised policy and to use face coverings if they have not been vaccinated. The health and safety of our guests and team members remains our top priority as we continue our thoughtful return to regular operations.”
Frontline Universal team members who work at attractions and shops in the theme parks have told Theme Park Tribune that they were made aware of the change on Thursday, ahead of Universal’s official statement. For the time being, employees will still be required to wear face coverings.
Universal’s policy change could be a prelude to similar policy shifts at other Central Florida parks. Disney World has followed Universal’s lead in recent weeks when the latter reduced physical distancing and ended the requirement for guests to wear masks while outdoors.