UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Temperatures drop overnight Saturday, cold weather on the way
ORLANDO, Fla. — Saturday will be cloudy with scattered showers possible. Temperatures will drop as we make our way through the day. Saturday afternoon will see temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Read: Number of homes for sale around Orlando hits historic lowA chill arrives Saturday night, with clearing skies and temperatures dropping to the 30s and 40s. Read: Universal Orlando drops COVID-19 testing mandate for unvaccinated employeesChief meteorologist Tom TerryClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comUniversal Orlando drops COVID-19 testing mandate for unvaccinated employees
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando confirmed Friday that the theme park is no longer requiring its employees to get weekly COVID-19 tests if that have not been vaccinated for the virus. READ: CDC: Boosters 90% effective in preventing severe COVID-19, hospitalizationsThe change comes after the Supreme Court ruling against COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing mandates for businesses last week. Universal Orlando had announced last week that workers at the theme park will be required to be vaccinated by Feb. 9 or undergo weekly COVID-19 tests. READ: One in five Americans have been infected with COVID-19, according to statisticsIn a five-page letter that was sent to employees on Jan. 12, those who don’t comply with the new rules could face penalties up to termination. Officials has said about 90% of active Florida-based cast members were fully vaccinated.
wftv.comFlorida companies can still impose vaccine restrictions after latest ruling
However, a different majority decided a narrower rule tailored toward health care workers did pass procedural muster. For Florida companies, the rulings put to rest weeks of uncertainty. DeSantis’ promise to fine companies that implemented vaccine mandates and the federal government’s orders. READ: Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for U.S. businessesHe added that since the case wasn’t decided on merits, there are still questions left unanswered. Thursday night, both AdventHealth and Orlando Health executives said they were studying the court’s rulings.
wftv.comUniversal Orlando announces Mardi Gras concert lineup, more details
ORLANDO, Fla. — Musical legends, global superstars and Grammy-nominated DJs are some of the acts you’ll be able to see as part of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Universal on Thursday announced the concert lineup, as well as the return of the Mardi Gras parade and savory cuisine. Mardi Gras festivities are included with theme park admission. The Mardi Gras parade also returns. This year’s theme is Planet Mardi Gras and will incorporate six detailed floats that fuse Mardi Gras with cosmic-inspired elements such as comets, rockets, martians and more.
wftv.com‘Very efficient’: COVID-19 testing continues at Camping World Stadium without major lines
Dyer said the city opened the testing site this week to help take pressure off county-run sites. Right now, there is hardly any wait-time at the Free COVID-19 Testing Site at @CWStadium. — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 12, 2022READ: Universal Orlando will soon require team members to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testsHe said the city will keep the Camping World testing site open as long as there is demand for it. Dyer said testing access is important, as the omicron variant continues to spread through the community. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comFrom milestones to new roller coasters: Here are the 9 biggest theme park stories of 2021
Disney World celebrates 50 years of magicThe most magical celebration at World Disney World was arguably the biggest theme park news in the world this year. Peppa Pig is coming to LegolandPeppa Pig Theme Park Peppa Pig Theme Park will officially open in February. (Peppa Pig Theme Park)Good news if you have a “Peppa Pig” fan in your family: the first theme park based off the cartoon character is coming to Central Florida. READ: Here’s when Peppa Pig Theme Park opens at Legoland FloridaPeppa Pig Theme Park will include six rides, six themed landscapes, a water play area and more “oinktastic” experiences for the whole family based on the popular children’s cartoon. READ: Rides, attractions announced for Peppa Pig Theme Park coming to Legoland FloridaPeppa Pig Theme Park Peppa Pig Theme Park will officially open in February.
wftv.comOrange County home damaged in early morning fire
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The State Fire Marshal is investigating after an early morning fire damaged an Orange County home Thursday morning. Read: Universal Orlando to require face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination statusOrange County Fire Rescue said it responded to reports of smoke from a building at 213 Jemond Court just after 3 a.m. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 Orange County home damaged in early morning fire Fire crews were called to a home off of Jemmond Court just after 3 a.m. (WFTV)A man who lives in the home told Eyewitness News the fire was in an upstairs room of the home. Read: What the Florida: Top 9 Florida man stories of 2021Officials say two people inside the home were able to escape to safety. See a map of location below:Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comUniversal Orlando reports most profitable quarter ever
ORLANDO, Fla. — Good news for Universal Orlando theme parks, as the company reported its most profitable quarter ever. Unlike NBC Universal’s other theme parks, Universal Orlando does not operate with strict COVID-19 requirements such as limited capacity or vaccine requirements. Read: Workers to rally against medical mandates on the Space CoastComcast’s third quarter ended Sept. 30. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Universal Orlando Park guests wearing protective masks take a selfie at the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on Friday, June 5, 2020. Universal Orlando began a phased reopening, becoming the first of the major theme parks in Central Florida to resume operations after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
wftv.comWho-liday décor showing up at Universal Orlando
Guests visiting Universal Orlando are getting a glimpse of the <a href="https://www.clickorlando.com/theme-parks/2021/10/07/universal-orlando-unwraps-holiday-season-with-return-of-grinchmas-parade/#//" target="_blank">festive holiday fun</a> that is right around the corner.
State releases safety report for major theme parks
ORLANDO, Fla. — According to the latest quarterly report released by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there were seven reported incidents at Orlando area theme parks for the period of July through September. In September, a 69-year-old man was found unresponsive at Roa’s Rapids attraction at SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica water park. Disney also reported two incidents in September. According to the state report, Legoland did not report any incidents. The report, which is released every three months from the state agency, includes visitor injuries and illnesses at Florida’s major theme parks that require a hospital stay of at least 24 hours.
wftv.comSo long, Shrek: Universal Orlando says 4D attraction is set to permanently close
Universal Orlando confirmed Wednesday that the <a href="https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/rides-attractions/shrek-4-d" target="_blank">Shrek 4D</a> family attraction and its gift shop will be closing Jan. 10, 2022.
Universal will require team members to disclose vaccination status
Universal Orlando team members will be required to share their vaccination status with their employer, a resort spokesperson said. The resort is urging all team members to be vaccinated if they’re able to do so, the spokesperson said. READ: Universal Orlando announces new haunted houses and shows for HHN 2021Additional details will be shared with team members soon. Recently, Universal announced it will require all team members to wear face coverings while working in indoor guest areas. READ: Universal Orlando celebrates their fans with Passholder Appreciation Days©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comOlympic families find solace, create bonds far from Tokyo
Team Dressel was the main event during the swimming competition, with Christina Dressel and Caeleb’s photogenic wife, Meghan, taking center stage for an entire week. Most of his crew wore red Speedo T-shirts with Team Dressel printed on the back. They posed for pictures on the stage, cramming shoulder to shoulder underneath a Team USA banner, and led “U-S-A, U-S-A” cheers that have become a nightly lead-in to NBC’s television coverage. Team Dressel was in full effect for both. But, of course, I’d like to be in the USA House in Tokyo.
wftv.comThunderstorms expected to move through parts of Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Thunderstorms are expected to move through parts of Central Florida on Wednesday. The storms will move in throughout the afternoon hours. Meteorologist Brian Shields said not everyone will get rain, but there is a 50% chance. Daytime highs will climb into the low 90s. READ: Photos show Belle Isle condo building deterioratingIn the tropics, things are quiet.
wftv.comWalt Disney World no longer requires face masks for fully vaccinated guests
BAY LAKE, Fla. — Starting Tuesday, face mask are optional for fully vaccinated visitors at Walt Disney World resorts and theme parks. According to Disney, guests will not be required to show proof of being vaccinated. READ: Central Florida theme parks returning to normal following COVID-19 pandemic woesGuests who are not fully vaccinated will still need to wear face masks indoors and on all rides. READ: Universal Orlando moves to full capacity, company CEO announcesChannel 9 spoke to some guests who say they are all for the change. “We are fully vaccinated right now.
wftv.com9 ideas to help if your dog exhibits panic, separation anxiety-related behavior
That means there’s a whole lot of dogs staying home alone for the first time in more than a year. Be kind to your dog; dogs crave reassurance. Hire a pet sitter to stay with, or regularly check in on, your dog when you’re away. Begin to leave your dog at home for small increments of time and build from there. The most effective step: Work with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, who can coach you in developing and following the right evidence-based treatment plan for your dog.
wftv.comUniversal Orlando Resort to raise minimum wage to $15 an hour
ORLANDO, Fla. — eUniversal Orlando Resort announced Thursday that it will raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour. The company said the raise, up from $13, will give more than 18,000 current team members a raise based on the new rates and their time with the company. Universal said the announcement represents the single-largest wage increase in Universal Orlando history. READ: Stimulus update: IRS sends out new round of paymentsIt will also increase start rates for many other positions based on job requirements. “This is about taking care of both our current team members and those who will be joining our team.
wftv.comFlorida’s major theme parks relax face-covering restrictions
Theme parks ease restrictions Theme parks like Walt Disney World have loosened restrictions on face coverings. (Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images)Visitors to Central Florida’s main theme parks will no longer have to wear masks or other face-coverings outdoors. Cast members are also still required to wear masks. Universal OrlandoUniversal Orlando was the first theme park to drop outdoor mask requirements. Busch GardensBusch Gardens, owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, announced Friday that coverings are no longer required at the Tampa park, along with its next-door neighbor, the Adventure Island water theme park.
wftv.comPublix to no longer require masks for fully vaccinated customers, employees
Publix on Friday announced that fully vaccinated associates and customers are no longer required to wear face coverings unless required by a state or local order or ordinance. The new policy goes into effect Saturday. READ: Universal Orlando to drop mask requirements for visitors while outdoors“In accordance with CDC guidelines, individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to use face coverings over their noses and mouths while inside any Publix store,” Publix stated. READ: Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s lift mask restrictions for vaccinated customersThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased mask-wearing guidance for Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, saying that they no longer need to wear masks to protect against the virus. READ: Stimulus update: ‘Plus up’ payments and new batch of $1,400 stimulus checks sent out
wftv.comUniversal Orlando to drop mask requirements for visitors while outdoors
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando announced Friday that it will no longer require guests to wear a face mask 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,” officials said. Read: Stimulus update: ‘Plus up’ payments and new batch of $1,400 stimulus checks sent outUniversal Orlando will still require face coverings at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops and indoor hotel public areas. Face coverings are also required at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience, officials said. Officials said guests are still expected to bring a face covering with them for their visit, and social distancing guidelines still apply.
wftv.comHeading to the theme parks? Here’s what you need to know about changes coming to temperature checks, social distancing
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two Central Florida theme parks are making big adjustments to their COVID-19 safety measures. Walt Disney World said it will phase out temperature checks starting May 8 for cast members and on May 16 for guests. Universal Orlando also announced it is implementing 3 feet of social distancing throughout its theme parks and resorts. “They are able to increase capacity as a result of that.”Walt Disney World did not say when or if it will be making changes to its social distancing guidelines. As of now, all theme parks are still requiring guests to wear a face covering during their visit.
wftv.comWork resumes on Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park project
click to enlarge Concept art courtesy Universal OrlandoConstruction work resumed on Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park project on Wednesday after being on hold for nearly eight months.Work on the park had gone on an indefinite hiatus back in July due to the coronavirus pandemic, but is restarting immediately — though it will take several months to get back to full momentum. Hiring new construction staff and securing vendors is happening now.“The resumption of the Epic Universe project couldn’t come at a better time,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings in a press statement. “Our community has so many talented workers who will benefit from this massive project. I am confident it will deliver a huge economic boost to Orange County.”There was some speculation last year that the ambitious, multibillion-dollar Epic Universe concept might be permanently shelved , but this very public announcement of work resumption bodes well for anxious theme park devotees wanting to experience planned Epic properties like Super Nintendo WorldPre-pandemic, the park was originally scheduled to open in 2023, but that timetable will no doubt be pushed back somewhat.Universal Orlando claims that an up-and-running Epic Universe will create more than 14,000 permanent jobs to work the park. That's great news; they should give first dibs to qualified employees who were laid off en masse last year.
orlandoweekly.comThree seasonal events happening now at Orlando attractions that you can enjoy in the great outdoors
Considering that this is Universal's first attempt at an Epcot-style food festival, I was impressed by the variety and value. (daily through March 28)Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorldWhen SeaWorld Orlando launched their Seven Seas Food Festival in 2017, I praised it for offering a better bang (or buzz) for your buck than similar events. This year's fifth edition has expanded to over 200 items across 26 locations, creating what SeaWorld is calling "the largest theme park food festival in Central Florida." Unfortunately, there are signs that the Seven Seas Food Festival has grown too fast for its own good. If Creative City can continue supporting this type of unique, intimate experiences, I'm A-OK with their Immerse street festival remaining on extended hiatus.
orlandoweekly.comUniversal Orlando's Volcano Bay water park will reopen in February
click image Photo courtesy Universal Orlando/TwitterUniversal Orlando has set a reopening date for the Volcano Bay water park, and it looks like you'll be able to experience the head-rush of the Ko’okiri Body Plunge again as soon as the end of this month.A post on Universal Orlando's Twitter on Thursday broke the big news that the reopening date for the Bay is Saturday, Feb. 27. The water park had been shut down since November for maintenance.Universal's current safety measures and capacity limits will be in effect at the water park, except for the caveat that masks are expressly not permitted on slides or in pools — though they have to be worn at all other times.Tickets for Volcano Bay are already available for purchase through Universal's website.Also this month, Universal Orlando finally settled a lawsuit with James Bowen, a tourist who was left paralyzed after riding Volcano Bay's Punga Racers attraction in 2019. According to the Orlando Sentinel , the terms of the settlement were not disclosed and neither Universal nor the Bowen's lawyers offered comment.However, the lawsuit and resulting trial revealed that 115 park visitors have reported injuries from riding Punga Racers, and that eight other people have sued Universal for injuries suffered at the water park.
orlandoweekly.comBlue Man Group close up shop in Orlando after 14 years
click image Photo courtesy Blue Man Group/FacebookWhile this is the end of our run at Universal Orlando, we hope our fans will visit when we safely reopen in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago and Boston. 💙 pic.twitter.com/09Votg0zuu — Blue Man Group (@bluemangroup) February 1, 2021With a tweet — perhaps ironic for a group notable for their stoic silence during performances — posted on Monday , the Blue Man Group's 14-year run in Orlando officially came to an end. Amid growing rumors that the Blue Man Group production at Universal Orlando's CityWalk would not reopen — shows were halted back in March and never restarted — the brief announcement both confirmed "the end of [their] run at Universal Orlando" and hyped eventual reopenings in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago and Boston.Since opening in 2006, the Blue Man Group's Universal outpost has put on more more than 6,000 shows, but in recent years has been plagued with shrinking audiences and financial troubles on the part of parent company Cirque du Soleil (Cirque bought the BMG in 2017). Not to mention, it almost goes without saying, the body blows that COVID-19 has inflicted on Central Florida's tourism industry.Universal Orlando has so far done their best Blue Man Group impression and remained silent as to what will replace the theater and attraction.
orlandoweekly.comUniversal Orlando teases opening 'Jurassic World VelociCoaster' ride ahead of summer 2021 projection
click image Concept art courtesy Universal Parks BlogUniversal Orlando revealed some new details on Wednesday about its long-awaited Jurassic World VelociCoaster ride, set to finally open this year. Since 2019 we've been writing about and anxiously awaiting the VelociCoaster, which looks to be Orlando's next big thrill ride, and is being touted as Florida fastest coaster. Or in Universal parlance, "a new species of roller coaster. “d’s involvement was the spark for me to really know that this was going to be so much more than ‘just a coaster.’”The official opening date for this not-just-a-coaster will be coming "very soon," teases the blog . So be ready to pounce on Universal's social media like a good velociraptor.
orlandoweekly.comUniversal Orlando announces new ‘International Flavors’-themed Mardi Gras celebration
click to enlarge Photo courtesy Universal OrlandoMardi Gras in New Orleans may be canceled this year, but Universal Orlando is going ahead with a heavily modified version of their own annual Mardi Gras celebrations.Pivoting away from the usual live music events to a more foodie-friendly affair, Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval will be an "eclectic global food fest with more than 70 delectable dishes and beverages from 13 locations around the globe. "Additionally, the theme park will be decked out in vibrant Mardi Gras-inspired colors, and there will be stilt walkers, dancers, brass bands and stationary floats positioned throughout the park — a selfie bonanza, if you will. There will also be a Mardi Gras tribute store, a followup to Universal's Halloween and holiday-themed stores last year.Promised food on offer includes "iconic Cajun fare and traditional Carnaval flavors from across the globe." ), vegan pholourie, jerk chicken, Bavarian pretzels, leche frita, Belgian liege waffles and much more.Mardi Gras at Universal takes place from Feb. 6-March 28. This event will be included as part of regular park admission prices.Masks are required for all park attendees.
orlandoweekly.com2021 holds potential for a big rebound and these eagerly awaited attractions may lead Central Florida’s recovery
With the incoming administration promising economic relief and accelerated vaccinations, 2021 holds potential for a huge rebound in domestic (and even international) travel. And if the theme parks' surprisingly robust post-New Year park attendance is any indication, look for these eagerly anticipated attractions to help lead Central Florida's recovery this spring and summer. In 2021, they are looking to rebound locally with two rides originally scheduled to premiere last year. That's a problem few would have anticipated in the spring, when the attractions first reopened to record-low crowd. Hopefully Universal's overcrowded holidays will be a leading indicator that things could be looking up for Orlando in 2021.
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