Universal Orlando drops mask requirement outdoors, but visitors still must wear them on rides and indoors

Universal Orlando announced Friday that guests will no longer be required to wear masks while outdoors starting Saturday. 

“Based on guidance from local government and health officials, effective Saturday, May 15, face coverings for guests are no longer mandatory when outdoors at Universal Orlando,” Tom Schroder, a spokesperson for Universal told USA TODAY.

The Florida theme park’s announcement came one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new mask guidance for fully vaccinated people. Disney said just hours after the health agency’s new guidance was released that it would be considering changes to its mask requirement.

While face coverings will no longer be a requisite outdoors at Universal Orlando, visitors will still be expected to bring a face mask. 

“Face coverings will remain required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas,” Schroder continued. “Face coverings are also required at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience.”

Last week, Universal Orlando announced that its social-distancing requirement has been reduced from 6 feet to 3, which will remain intact, and that visitors will no longer have to undergo temperature checks before entering the park.

The loosening of mask requirements won’t be applied at Universal Studios Hollywood, according to Schroder, at least not yet.

“At Universal Studios Hollywood, we will continue to operate under existing, enhanced health and safety protocols based on local conditions and guidance from government and health officials,” Schroder said. “We will continue to review CDC guidelines and move forward in a way that is best for our guests, our team members and our business.”

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