Things are moving fast with pandemic mandates being dropped around the United States and Canada, while some areas continue to maintain the standards they’ve held for the past couple of years. Today, however, Universal Studios Orlando has decided to drop the gauntlet and now says they will no longer require masks anywhere in their theme parks. Yes, they’ll continue to “recommend” masks for unvaccinated individuals, but there are no announced verifications of vaccinations at the theme park, and thus everyone is essentially free to make their own choices.
Per WDW Magic, here are the official changes from Universal Studios Orlando:
- Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests. For guests who have not been vaccinated, face coverings are encouraged while indoors – including restaurants, shops and indoor hotel public areas.
- We do not require proof of vaccinations
- We remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards
Other news sites are positioning this change in a way that is clearly untrue. Take USA Today’s headline as an example:
Do you have to wear a mask at Universal Orlando? Not if you’re vaccinated, starting Feb. 12
However, clearly “encouraged” is not “required”. This is a huge change for the Florida theme park, and it certainly puts new pressure on Walt Disney World. How many Floridians are going to want to keep going to Disney if they can drop the mask requirements at Universal?
More importantly, how many Floridian kids are going to want Disney over Universal if masks are gone?
https://twitter.com/SmellyFishx/status/1492005062775754754
Now clearly we’re not here to tell you masks are good or bad… that’s your call and your opinion. Speak with your medical doctor if you’re curious about the efficacy of masks and the different types of masks that are available. But there’s definitely a sea change on the horizon and the Florida theme parks are representing that shift. Will Disney join in?
In the comments below, share with us if this makes you more or less likely to go to Universal Studios Orlando. If this happens in Disney World, will you be more or less likely to attend? And be kind to others in the comments; these are contentious issues with strong opinions on both sides. But behind smiles, frowns, and masks, we’re all people with feelings, hopes, and dreams!
