NEWS: Orange County Task Force Meets to Discuss Initial Guidelines for Reopening Theme Parks

Last week, we brought you updates from the Re-Open Florida Task Force, who met several times throughout the week to discuss the best guidelines for reopening the businesses of Florida, including the theme parks.

Earlier this month, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced that a similar task force would be formed for Orange County, which is one of two counties that make up where Disney World is located in Florida. The task force includes representatives from the Orlando theme parks, including Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Resorts and Transportation Operations.

The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force met today, and gave a wide overview of guidelines that are currently being looked at for industries, including restaurants and theme parks. At the start of the meeting, they set out the goal to have a solid set of guidelines and mandates by the end of the week to be able to share with businesses so they will be able to reopen once allowed.

Theme Parks

Since Orlando is far and away the theme park capital of Florida, the task force has representatives from Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. However, the group recognized that guidelines will need to be different between both big theme parks like Disney World, along with smaller ones like the local Gatorland or Fun Spot.

Proposed Large Theme Park Guidelines

Some of the proposed mandates for large theme parks included regulations for essential employees, potentially asking for all essential employees to wear face masks, as well as temperature checks for essential employees prior to their shift (with fevers over 100.4 degrees unable to enter the premises, and anyone with flu-like symptoms asked to stay home).

The proposals also had a heavy emphasis on sanitation, specifically touches hand sanitizers at each ticketing entry and turnstile, as well as at each ride entrance and exit. Additionally, they would ask staff to regularly wipe surfaces at random, and wipe down railings/surfaces after each use.

As for reopening, the group looked at limited capacity as a potential for reopening in phases. Specifically, a proposed 50% capacity for phase one, and 75% capacity for phase two. During both these phases, they note that those most vulnerable, such as those 65 and older, should still stay home.

Restaurants

The guidelines discussed for restaurants were similar, such as mandatory hand sanitizer at every table, while encouraging (but not requiring) disposable menus. Additionally for restaurants, they looked to have sanitizer available in plain site at the restaurant’s entrance, with doors wiped regularly.

For employees, they proposed all essential employees wear face masks, with temperature checks similar to those for theme parks. Additionally, all staff behind counter must wear gloves, except for bartenders who will sanitize hands after each beverage.

As far as capacity, they would like to see restaurants open with tables six feet apart, with a similar proposal of 50% capacity for phase one, and 75% capacity for phase two.

Stay tuned to AllEars as we continue to bring updates on further Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meetings.