ORLANDO, Fla. – Visitors should expect some additional safety measures when Universal CityWalk reopens on Thursday.
The entertainment complex has been closed for months along with the theme parks due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ad Content by Taboola | Sponsored StoriesIf You Like to Play, this City-Building Game is a Must-Have. No Install.Forge Of Empires|Sponsored Skip the Doctor and Upgrade to the World’s Smartest CPAPEasy Breathe CPAP Company: ResMedâs AirSense 10 Auto CPAP|Sponsored
Universal officials say enhanced sanitization procedures and additional measures will be in place. This includes:
- Everyone, both guests and team members, must wear face coverings.
- Temperature checks are required upon arrival and guests with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be admitted.
- Team members will also undergo temperature checks and wear face coverings. Those with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed to park.
- Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds.
- Practice social distancing and keep at least six-feet of distance between other guests. Floor markings will be visible to promote social distancing. Capacity will also be limited at venues to help enforce social distancing.
- Cashless payments will be an option at all venues. You can even order food and drink options at participating restaurants with the Universal Orlando Resort app.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Select shopping and food options will be available with limited menus and seating capacities.
Open venues will include:
- Auntie Anneâs Pretzels
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.⢠Restaurant & Market
- Jimmy BuffettâsÂŽ MargaritavilleÂŽ (outside seating and Lone Palm area only)
- Red Oven Pizza Bakery
- Voodoo Doughnut
- Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company⢠(retail only)
- Universal Studios Store
- Select merchandise carts as well as Hollywood Drive-In Golf.
Other venues, like Blue Man Group, all nightclubs, and Universal Cinemark, will remain closed.
RELATED: Walt Disney World resorts now accepting reservations beginning in July
Universal CityWalk will be open every day from 4:00 p.m To 10:00 p.m. and there will be free self-parking. Valet will not be available.
RELATED: Disney Springs to reopen May 20: Here’s what will be required of visitors
Universal’s theme parks and hotels will be closed until at least May 31.
ORLANDO, Fla. â With Florida entering phase one of its reopening, some businesses have started to reopen, including Central Florida attractions.
- Attractions have begun to reopen in Central Florida
- They are implementing new safety measures
- Florida is in phase one of reopening
Major theme parks like Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld remain closed at this time. But other smaller attractions in the area are ready to welcome back customers.
The attractions that are resuming operation will be implementing safety measures and following social distancing guidelines. Here’s a list of the attractions that are reopening (list will be updated):
Congo River Golf – Multiple Locations
The mini-golf attraction has reopened all of its Florida locations with additional measures, including increased cleaning and social distancing procedures.
Dinosaur World – Plant City
Dinosaur World has reopened in a limited capacity, with only the Dinosaur Walk and the indoor museum in operation. All hands-on activities will remain closed. Capacity inside park and the gift shop will be limited. The attraction is also dropping the price of admission until everything can reopen. Tickets will be $10 plus tax per person.
The Escape Game Orlando – International Drive
The escape room attraction has reopened with new safety protocols, including disinfecting between each game, contactless check-in, private experiences and employees wearing face masks.
IceBar Orlando – International Drive
IceBar will reopen May 14 in a limited capacity. The venue will have a new food menu as well as new sculptures featuring a Florida aquatic theme inside the IceBar. The location will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 5 p.m. midnight initially. Capacity will be limited to 25 percent and social distancing guidelines will be maintained in all dining areas. Visitors will be given a time to enter IceBar and will have the option of seating in the Fire Lounge or in the outdoor dining area while they wait. All employees will be wearing masks and gloves.
Wild Florida â Osceola County
Although Wild Floridaâs Gator Park and Airboat Tours are still closed, the attraction has reopened its Drive-Thru Safari Park. The park features more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. â Disney Springs will officially reopen to the public on May 20, although in a limited capacity.
What You Need To Know
Disney Springs to begin reopening May 20Only select restaurants, stores will be openCapacity will be limited
Only a handful of restaurants and retail stores will be opening at the Disney World shopping and dining complex during what Disney is calling “the initial phase.” Third-party retailers will reopen, while the rest of Disney World, including the theme parks and hotels will remain closed.
For the businesses that do reopen, they will be implementing enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning and the use of face masks.
Hereâs a list of the businesses that will be reopening soon. The list will be updated as more restaurants share details.
Pizza Ponte – Opening May 22
Pizza Ponte will have a limited menu when it reopens. Guests will be required to wear face coverings except when eating and drinking.
Morimoto Asia/Morimoto Asia Street Food – Opening May 22
Both venues will have limited menus for both lunch and dinner. Guests will be required to wear face coverings at all times except when eating and drinking. Table layouts have also been redesigned to allow for social distancing.
Vivoli il Gelato – Opening May 22
Wine Bar George, according to its website, will be reopening on May 20 at noon. The restaurant will also implement new health and safety precautions. Reservations are available on OpenTable
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will be reopening with Disney Springs, the restaurant has confirmed. Reservations can be made on its website.
The YeSake kiosk serves poke bowls and Japanese street food snacks.
Click Here to Access Disney World Blog
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-112, extending the suspension of all vacation rentals in the State of Florida during phase 1 of the stateâs reopening plan.
This means no new check-ins are allowed until further notice.
There are a few exceptions where guests would still be allowed to check in:
- Long Stays : Rentals for more than 30 days
- Covid Relief Workers : Rentals to persons performing military, emergency, governmental, health or infrastructure response activities
- Business Travelers: Travelers engaged in non-vacation commercial activities
The statewide ban on vacation rentals will continue in phase one of Gov. Ron DeSantisâ plan to reopen Florida.
For more than a month, guests have been unable to schedule vacation rentals through services like Airbnb or HomeAway. And with phase one, starting Monday, that wonât change â at least for another two weeks.
Earlier this month, DeSantis extended the vacation rental ban until Thursday. On Wednesday, the Governor issued a carryover order (Executive Order 20-111) that extends the ban until phase one begins on Monday, and another, 20-112, that carries the order through phase one.
The original order, issued March 27, (Executive Order 20-87) suspended vacation rentals in homes and condominiums. It did not apply to hotels, inns and resorts, and it did not apply to long-term rentals.
If you had a booking schedule to check in until 05/18/2020 and need to reschedule , please contact us at guest portal messages and we will be more than happy to change reservation for a future stay.
Stay Safe !
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) â Gov. Ron DeSantis has unveiled his plan to reopen Florida, saying restrictions will be loosened starting on Monday, May 4.
The governor said the first phase of the plan will begin on Monday, May 4. As part of the first phase, restaurants and stores will be allowed to reopen with 25 percent capacity, if local government allows it.
During his ‘Safe. Smart. Step-by-step’ conference, DeSantis said that the plan will prioritize public safety, protecting the most vulnerable and protecting civil liberties, condemning fear as “our enemy.”
“The facts should be comforting than the fear,” DeSantis said.
Along with restaurants and stores reopening, the governor will also allow hospitals and surgical centers to restart nonessential, elective procedures if they have sufficient medical supplies and agree to help nursing homes and assisted living facilities respond to COVID-19 outbreaks.
The first phase of reopening will not include Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties, which have all been heavily impacted by the coronavirus.
This is a breaking news story. We’re working on updating this story with more details.
CLICK this Link to Watch Full Press Conference for Phase 1 Reopen FL State
WHAT IS PHASE 1?
Here are the basics of phase one of Gov. DeSantis’ plan:
- Schools must keep distance learning
- Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited
- Elective surgeries can resume
- Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with six feet of space between tables
- Indoor seating at restaurants must be at 25% capacity
- Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity.
- No change for bars, gyms and personal services, like hair dressers
- Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home
- Everyone should maximize physical distance from others while in public
- Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not “readily allow for physical distancing”
- Face masks are recommended for those in face-to-face interactions and where you can’t social distance.
The reopening plan applies for Florida counties except Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Gov. DeSantis said.
“We will get Florida back on its feet,” Gov. DeSantis said Wednesday.
Florida residents had been under a statewide safer-at-home order since April 2.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Gov. DeSantis said the state is working to build a foundation for Florida’s future.
He presented the key metrics to consider before the state moves on to phase 2:
- The state maintains the health benchmarks of the “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan”
- Maintaining hospital bed capacity
- Monitoring COVID-19 test positivity rate
BABY STEPS
Gov. DeSantis’ plan says these three steps do not need to take months. It will be based in the state’s health metrics and will be guided by medical authorities, according to Gov. DeSantis’ plan.
Earlier in the week, Gov. DeSantis said his plan was to reopen the Sunshine State in âbaby steps.â
“Folks should see a light at the end of the tunnel for the state of Florida. Now itâs not going to be something that a switch is going to be flipped,” Gov. DeSantis said at Tampa General Hospital earlier in the week. “This is going to be slow and steady wins the race. Itâs going to be methodical, very data driven, and thereâs gonna probably be some people that think itâs too slow.”
As of Wednesday, Florida has more than 33,000 coronavirus cases, more than 5,400 hospitalizations and more than 1,200 deaths, according to DOH.
The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force met early today to discuss the initial guidelines for reopening Orlandoâs theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort. Other industries covered include hotels, bars, and restaurants, with a distinction set up between smaller theme parks (like Gatorland, for example) and larger theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Mayor Demings has also noted that a June reopening would be âmore realisticâ than a May reopening due to ongoing supply chain issues. You can browse through guidelines for each segment below:
Guidelines for Hotels establish that during Phase 1, housekeeping services should be limited and allow for minimal guest and employee exposure. Hotels and resorts should also encourage mobile check-in, something weâve already seen being slowly implemented into the My Disney Experience app for upcoming Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations. Room service will follow new âcontactless deliveryâ protocols, leaving items at each guestâs door. Service items in guest rooms, like glassware, coffee cups, mini bars, and coffee makers should be removed. Self-parking should also be provided. In addition to touchless hand sanitizer at all entry points, all sanitation and cleaning should be increased throughout the property.
All employees will be required to wear face masks, with temperature checks prior to their shifts. Front desks should utilize sneeze guards.
Restaurants will only offer paper or disposeable menus, and encourage takeout and/or online orders as much possible. As always, touchless hand sanitizer should be available at all entry points and at every table. All employees will be required to wear face masks, with temperature checks prior to their shifts. All doors must be wiped down regularly, and bartenders must sanitize their hands after each drink order. Seated tables are to be set up six feet apart. During Phase 1, restaurant and bar capacity will be limited to 50%. During Phase 2, restaurant and bar capacity will be limited to 75%.
Movie Theaters will follow similar guidelines, with touchless hand sanitizer available at all entry points and all employees required to wear face masks, with temperature checks prior to their shifts. Railings, cupholders, and seats must be wiped down prior to each movie, and staff must leave doors open until the movie begins and open the doors 2 minutes prior to the movie ending. During Phase 1, parties of up to 4 people will be allowed, with 2 seats between each party. During Phase 2, parties of up to 6 people will be allowed, with 1 seat between each party.
Malls and retail will follow similar guidelines, with touchless hand sanitizer available at all entry points and all employees required to wear face masks. Employee temperature checks prior to shifts will be required for Interior Retail. Within checkout lines, there should be markers to ensure people are 6 feet apart. All countertops, railings, and door surfaces must be regularly wiped down.
For larger theme parks, guidelines establish that there should be tape markings of 6 feet in ride queues, with staff wiping down surfaces regularly. All employees will be required to wear face masks and undergo temperature checks prior to their shifts. During Phase 1, parks may reopen at 50% capacity. Phase 2 will expand capacity to 75%. Seniors 65 or older are still encouraged to stay home through Phase 2 reopenings.
Do note that these are just initial guidelines that will be continuously revised over the week during future task force meetings. All of these guidelines follow the âOpening Up America Againâ three-part phased reopening plan issued by the White House, where Phase 1 is considered the earliest possible reopening time, Phase 2 marks a continued decrease in COVID-19 cases, and Phase 3 would be generally considered a âreturn to normal.â You can read our full analysis of the new guidelines here. To view todayâs full Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting, click here.
Walt Disney World Resort remains closed indefinitely, and no official reopening date has been identified.
We opening ours homes for longer stays, welcoming local guests, and offering housing to medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus (COVID-19) response. Our cleaning routine is important to make sure weâre doing what we can to protect ourselves and ours guests.
We want to help, so weâve put together some guidelines based on insight and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why cleaning is more important than ever
Cleanliness has always been top of mind for hosts and guests. But itâs even more critical as we all aim to reduce the spread of infection. According to the CDC, itâs possible for someone to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surfaceâlike a doorknob or light switchâand the virus may live on some surfaces for several hours or even days. Thatâs why itâs essential to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often, especially between reservations.
Note: Based on CDC recommendations, we advise limiting access to your spaceâincluding for cleaningâduring the 24 hours immediately after each guestâs stay. In addition, Wonder Vacation Homes is partnering in Frontline Stays program so we are required to wait 72 hours between reservations to provide ample time to properly clean and disinfect all areas accessible to the guest, due to a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure.
The difference between disinfecting and cleaning
When it comes to preventing the spread of germs, it helps to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning is the act of removing germs, dirt, and impurities (like when you use a soapy sponge to wipe off a visibly dirty counter or stovetop). Disinfecting is when you use chemicals to kill germs (like spraying with a bleach solution). By cleaning first, then disinfecting, you can lower the risk of infection.
Cleaning Guidelines
Here are some guidelines that we are following when cleaning our space between guests. Our Wonder Vacation Homes cleaning professional team is ready and setup with those Guidelines:
1. Wear disposable gear while you clean. Personal protective items like gloves, gowns, and face masks or cloth facial coverings can provide additional protection. Make sure to throw gloves out after each cleaning and then immediately wash your hands.
2. Ventilate rooms before you clean. Allow fresh air to circulate for at least 20 minutes. If possible, leave all windows open during the entire cleaning process.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each cleaning. Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. If thatâs not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Learn more about proper hand washing
4. Clean, then disinfect. Use detergent or soap and water to remove dirt, grease, dust, and germs. Once the surface is clean, spray with a disinfectant. Let it stand for a few minutes, then wipeâand if youâre not using paper towels or disposable wipes, itâs best to use a new cleaning cloth for each guest.
5. Avoid touching your face while cleaning. To prevent the spread of germs, the CDC recommends not touching your face, nose, and eyes with unwashed handsâso pay extra attention when cleaning.
6. Use the right disinfectant. We use the professional household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as cleaning solutions with diluted household bleach or at least 70% alcohol, are believed to be effective against the coronavirus. We pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces, like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and faucet handles. (See our full list of surfaces to disinfect at the bottom of the page.)
7. Donât forget about sofas, rugs, drapes, and other soft, porous surfaces. Carefully remove any visible dirt or grime, then clean with the appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. If possible, machine-wash items according to the manufacturerâs instructions.
8. Wash all linens at the highest heat setting recommended by the manufacturer. That includes bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. Remember to wear gloves when handling dirty laundry, and take care to avoid shaking laundry, which could increase the spread of germs.
9. Clean and disinfect laundry baskets and hampers. If possible, consider using a liner that is either disposable or that you can throw into the washing machine.
10. Empty the vacuum cleaner after every cleaning. You should wipe down the vacuum cleaner with disinfectant, along with appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine.
11. While restocking your supplies, take a moment to check expiration dates. And remember to never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning solution that can release toxic gases that are dangerous to inhale.
12. Line trash cans. Placing bags into trash bins will make it easier to dispose of tissues and other waste.
13. Dispose of or wash your cleaning supplies. If youâre using paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other disposable cleaning supplies, take the trash out after youâre done. If youâre using cleaning cloths and other reusable products, make sure to machine-wash them at the highest heat setting appropriate for the material.
14. Safely remove any cleaning gear. When youâre done cleaning, immediately remove any protective outerwear like gowns, gloves, or masks, and dispose of them or wash accordingly. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds afterwards.
15. OZON Machine. Before Each check-in we are running for 2 hours, ours OZON MACHINES that kills 99.5% os bacterias in the air also to maximize cleaning and disinfection from ours environments , as a plus from Wonder Vacation Homes Cleaning Team !
Helping guests protect themselves
We are encouraging social distancing by offering self check-in and checkout and we are also minimizing person-to-person contact by avoiding routine maintenance during your guestâs stay.
To help guests maintain a higher standard of cleanliness and hygiene, we had ours spaces is well-stocked with the essential amenities, and we consider adding a few extras. Things like:
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Hand soap
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Toilet Paper
WVH units are stocked plenty of extra towels and sheets, especially for guests who are staying for more than a few days. You can encourage guests to clean up after themselves by leaving disinfectants and other cleaning supplies for them. You may even want to print and share the above cleaning guidelines so that if they decide to clean or wash linens, they can do so according to the CDCâs guidelines.
Checklist of items to clean and disinfect
General:
- Doorknobs
- Air vents
- Surfaces
- Light switches
- Remote controls
- Tables
- Fan and lamp chains
- Window sills and window handles
- Thermostats
- Keys
- Hairdryers
- Railings
- Ironing boards and irons
- Garbage and recycling bins
Kitchen:
- Sinks
- Cabinet handles and pulls
- Appliances: oven, toaster, pressure cooker, coffee maker, etc.
- Condiments: oil, salt and pepper shakers, commonly used spices and containers, etc.
- Kitchenware that isnât dishwasher safe: ceramic bowls, kidsâ plasticware, etc.
- Hard-backed chairs
Bathroom:
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Faucet handles
- Showers and tubs
- Shower curtains and doors
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap dispensers
Bedroom
- Hangers and luggage racks
- Nightstands
Cleaning appliances:
- Dishwashers
- Vacuum cleaners
- Washer/dryer units
Kidsâ items:
- Toys
- Portable cribs and playpens
- High chairs
Other amenities:
- Bikes
- Surfboards
- Games
- Books
Clean and Disinfect all Corners of Each Wonder Vacation Home
SPECIALTY DEAL: We are offering WONDERFUL properties for an amazing price!Book your stay of 30 days or more NOW and SAVE 30% on your rental! We also have specials on shorter stays, take advantage of our low prices and book NOW! We have Business Traveler opportunities also, please request by email [email protected] or message us here from our website! We are waiting to host YOU!
Safety is our number one priority. We have been following the news very closely, working in accordance with all guidelines being given by the CDC, WHO, and our local government.
At this time itâs our duty to inform you that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has extended the existing statewide short-term rental ban until April 30th.
If you already have a reservation, donât worry, your stay is unaffected. This ban is for the creation of new reservations during this time period.
For all guests looking to book, we are excited to welcome you any time after May 1st.
There are a few exceptions where guests would still be allowed to check in:
- Long Stays : Rentals for more than 30 days
- Professionals Relief Related: Rentals to persons performing military, emergency, governmental, health or infrastructure response activities
- Business Travelers: Travelers engaged in non-vacation commercial activities
Please click here to see all original Executive Order
Click here to see the Extending Executive Order
Check the Video from Conference COVID-19 Update :