Are universal Orlando covid restrictions the same as Disney Worlds?

[monica9]

Anything different? Have you been to both UO and WDW and found one to be different than the other? Deciding on how to split our vacation time. Thanks

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Both very similar.
Notable differences:
1. You can take masks off for photos at UO.
2. Socially distanced queues at UO wind through the regular indoor (ie, interesting) queues. Socially distanced queues at WDW are primarily outside, so you're not inside with people as long, but then again you're standing on walkways with lots of people passing by.
3. UO Cinematic evening show is running select nights (weekends when I was there). Other UO shows are also mostly running, and distanced character meets are available. WDW - limited shows, drive by parade floats, did not really see character meets although Star Wars characters were out.

 

[monica9]

Both very similar.
Notable differences:
1. You can take masks off for photos at UO.
2. Socially distanced queues at UO wind through the regular indoor (ie, interesting) queues. Socially distanced queues at WDW are primarily outside, so you're not inside with people as long, but then again you're standing on walkways with lots of people passing by.
3. UO Cinematic evening show is running select nights (weekends when I was there). Other UO shows are also mostly running, and distanced character meets are available. WDW - limited shows, drive by parade floats, did not really see character meets although Star Wars characters were out.

Thanks for the good info. Sounds like UO is being more flexible.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Oh, I forgot the major difference!

WDW requires park reservations to control capacity. UO just closes to new entries when they reach capacity (onsite guests can still enter).

 

[cfoxga]

Thanks for the good info. Sounds like UO is being more flexible.

We've been to UO twice now during Covid, both during holidays. They do a good job of enforcing mask usage, and most people follow the markers to keep lines spaced. After a while, we got used to the masks, so it didn't feel like a diminished experience vs previous trips.

 

[atricks]

Anything different? Have you been to both UO and WDW and found one to be different than the other? Deciding on how to split our vacation time. Thanks

At Universal, before getting on any of the rides, a team member will give you hand sanitizer directly to ensure it never runs out.

 

[puffkin]

We have been to both twice during COVID and felt they were pretty similar. Both are pretty good about enforcing masks and distancing in queues. I like that Universal makes you put sanitizer on before the rides, Disney just has it available. Disney does enforce shop limits more so than Universal. But otherwise they are about the same.

FWIW, we have seen a lot more employees out and about wiping things down at Universal than we have at Disney, but that is just anecdotal.

 

[patster734]

Gaiter masks are allowed at Universal, but are not allowed at Disney.

 

[monica9]

We've been to UO twice now during Covid, both during holidays. They do a good job of enforcing mask usage, and most people follow the markers to keep lines spaced. After a while, we got used to the masks, so it didn't feel like a diminished experience vs previous trips.

Good to know because my husband is having a hard time thinking we will be wearing masks when we go. We thought it would be over by November!

 

[monica9]

We've been to UO twice now during Covid, both during holidays. They do a good job of enforcing mask usage, and most people follow the markers to keep lines spaced. After a while, we got used to the masks, so it didn't feel like a diminished experience vs previous trips.

Did you go for horror nights?

 

[cfoxga]

Did you go for horror nights?

No, Thanksgiving and President's Day weekend. When the kids get a bit older, I'd love to do HHN. But as it is, I cannot get them to go to any haunted houses at Six Flags over Georgia. So HHN is definitely not on the radar for UO yet...

 

[puffkin]

Good to know because my husband is having a hard time thinking we will be wearing masks when we go. We thought it would be over by November!

We went in July, and it did get a little uncomfortable in the heat/humidity with the masks, but even still we really did get used to it. I was shocked, even my kids had zero issues with it and really didnt' complain at all. We were back in November with much cooler temps and wearing masks was even more of a non-issue then.

 

[only hope]

Queues are set up better for distancing at Universal. More space between lines, lateral distance is accounted for, no cramming people side by side with a bit of plexiglass inbetween- except for some loading areas. Both parks place guests in adjacent rows on some rides. Disney has installed barriers on all but one ride where there is no distance, not that that stops microdroplets; Universal has not.

 

[limitdis]

Gaiter masks are allowed at Universal, but are not allowed at Disney.

Are bandanas allowed at Universal?

 

[patster734]

Are bandanas allowed at Universal?

I’m not sure, but I don’t think so. I believe the requirement is that the mask or gaiter must sit tightly across the chin. Because a bandanna sits loosely on the chin, I don’t think it is allowed.

 

[Iris1974]

I thought I would lend a solution to having trouble breathing in a mask. I found on Etsy 3-D face mask brackets made of food grade silicone with loops instead of hooks. They help hold the mask away from your face so you can breathe easier. It has a triangle nose bridge so your glasses won't fog up. It will also keep make up and lipstick off your face mask. Go to Etsy and type in "face mask brackets" or "3-D face mask brackets". They have some fair prices. I got a set of 6 for $21.00 with shipping. The reviews are really good. Just thought I'd let you all know. Just in case.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Are bandanas allowed at Universal?

They are not, nor are masks with any kind of vent or exhaust. Neck gaiters, however, are allowed.

 

[soniam]

I like that Loews/Universal hotels only allow 1 party/family per elevator; however, Disney allows up to 4 people and they can be from separate parties. I really dislike the thought of getting stuck in an elevator with someone else right now. Also, the Universal hotels are controlling their entrance/exits and require a temp check before entering. They give you a wrist band each day, so that you don't have to go through temp check again that day.