Guide to Face Mask Rules at Universal Orlando
This guide to face mask rules at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk covers official policies, our recommendation for the best masks, answers to frequently asked questions on wearing face coverings, and differences between policies and enforcement at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. (Updated February 11, 2022.)
Essentially, this goes beyond answering the question of “are face masks required at Universal?” We’re well aware that this is a highly controversial topic. This post exists to inform, not critique. At this point, the policy “is what it is” and shouting on the internet won’t change that one way or the other. If you want to argue, join a local debate club. If you want your voice to be heard about Universal’s rule in a meaningful way, contact them.
The latest change to Universal’s mask policy is prompted by plummeting case numbers and end of the Omicron surge in Orange County, Florida. Consequently, Universal Orlando Resort announced they will no longer require fully vaccinated guests to wear face masks anywhere in the parks or resorts, whether indoors or outdoors, effective beginning Saturday, February 12, 2022.
This comes after Universal reinstated its indoor mask rule on Christmas Eve. As a result of that rule change, there was no material difference in face mask rules between the policies at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. That’s no longer the case, as Disney still has indoor mask rules as of midday on Friday. It’s entirely possible that Disney follows suit before the end of the day, but we wouldn’t count on it. (See our FAQ & Guide to Face Masks at Walt Disney World for full details.)
If you’re wondering when that’ll happen…it’s a complicated question well beyond the scope of this post. We speculate at length in When Will Walt Disney World End Its Indoor Mask Rule?
In general, Disney has been behind Universal in relaxing health safety rules. In fact, after dropping all rules at the start of summer, Walt Disney World reinstated its indoor mask rules for everyone back at the end of July and hasn’t changed its policy since. Universal Orlando didn’t bring back mandatory masking until late December, opting instead to only ‘strongly recommend’ that unvaccinated guests wear face masks indoors.
Here’s the official rule from Universal Orlando’s website:
We are updating our policy for face coverings based on local trends and conditions. Fully vaccinated guests will no longer be required to wear face coverings indoors or outdoors effective, Saturday, February 12. Guests who have not been vaccinated will be encouraged to wear face coverings while indoors.
Here are the latest safety updates for your visit.
- 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
Each guest must confirm the following before visiting:
- You are not feeling sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms such as Fever and/or
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- You have not been in contact with someone with known or suspected COVID-19 symptoms
- You are not under any self-quarantine orders
Universal Orlando Resort recommends that face coverings consist of at least two layers (2-ply masks). Additionally, neck gaiters are considered an appropriate face covering as long as it covers the nose and mouth (gaiters are prohibited by Disney).
Next, let’s address some of the more frequently asked questions about masks and other health safety topics…
Is there still social distancing at Universal Orlando?
Not in any way, whatsoever.
Universal Orlando has seen its attendance return to 2019 levels in the last several months. This is further exacerbated by the parks being understaffed due to hiring difficulties, which makes everything feel worse than it is. Suffice to say, you’re going to encounter heavy crowds and long wait times at Universal Orlando, especially during the holiday season.
When will Universal Orlando’s indoor mask policy end?
We don’t have a specific date.
Universal is reinstating this rule following Orange County, Florida reentering the high tier on the CDC’s hotspot map, so it could end when the county leaves the high tier. It could also end following the busy holiday season or when the Omicron wave begins to subside. Universal has been more lax on face mask rules than Walt Disney World, but we still don’t expect it to be lifted until mid-January 2022 at the earliest.
What is face mask rule at Volcano Bay water park?
It’s essentially the same everywhere at Universal.
However, face coverings are not permitted on slides and in pools.
Are Universal employees still required to wear masks?
For now.
Universal has been quick to change its policies in accordance with CDC guidance, so if/when that changes again, our expectation is that Team Members will not be required to wear masks anywhere again.
What’s the best mask for Universal Orlando?
That depends upon your goal. If searching for a face mask for personal protection, you should aim for something higher quality. Our recommendation for this is the Powecom KN95 Face Mask.
We also carry disposable 3-ply face masks. These are great as a back-up, or if you opt to double mask to give you a more secure fit or better filtration. Additionally, the Auliné Collection Mask is a good reusable option for adults. If you have other recommendations, we’d love to hear them in the comments.
Does Universal Orlando sell masks?
Yes. Face coverings are available for purchase at select merchandise locations in CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the hotels. They are available in various sizes for kids and adults.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to wear a mask to enter any of the retail locations to purchase these masks, so you will want to bring your own.
Are the masks sold by Universal any good?
The designs are a 10/10, especially for those who love ‘classic’ Universal Studios Florida attractions like Kongfrontation, JAWS, E.T. Adventure, and Earthquake: the Big One.
Comfort-wise, they’re also pretty good, like an 8/10.
Any other mask-related accessories that are worth carrying?
Essentially anything that will help cool you down. Another absolutely necessary accessory is the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad. We’ve been praising these things for years, as they’re basically space age magic. Great for keeping cool–but staying dry.
Another must-have accessory is the Life Straw Go Filter Water Bottle. Drinking fountain water in Florida is sourced directly from the swamp, and is actually 3% alligator urine. This bottle filters out the pee, and it’s BPA-free! It also uses a 2-stage activated carbon filter to reduce odor and chlorine, leaving zero aftertaste! (If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Brita Filter Water Bottles are great, too.)
Is Universal Orlando still fun despite all the changes?
We think so, but that’s in the eye of the beholder. Beyond the masks, there’s a far greater sense of normalcy at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure than at Walt Disney World. Pretty much everything is operating at Universal Orlando, and there’s a full slate of entertainment in the parks. Universal feels alive and full of energy, even while working within the parameters of health safety protocol.
Nevertheless, it’s totally understandable if you don’t want to visit Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure while the face mask policy is in place. You’re certainly not alone, and it’s no secret that Americans are divided on the topic of face masks.
Need trip planning tips and comprehensive advice for your visit to Central Florida? Make sure to read our Universal Orlando Planning Guide for everything about Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Also check out our Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for everything about those parks, resorts, restaurants, and so much more. For regular updates, news & rumors, a heads up when discounts are released, and much more, sign up for our FREE email newsletter!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you have any questions this FAQ failed to answer? If you’ve visited since Universal Orlando reopened, what was your experience wearing masks? Are you happy or disappointed that Universal did not reinstate its face mask rule? Do you think there’s anything else guests should know before visiting in during this ‘temporary abnormal’ time? Will you be attempting to visit Central Florida this year, or are you waiting until 2022 or beyond? Do you agree or disagree with any of our advice or answers? Please keep the comments civil. This is not the place for arguing about efficacy, politics, and so forth–all such comments will be deleted, irrespective of perspective. Not only are you not going to change anyone’s mind via the comments section on this blog, but you’re not going to change Universal Orlando’s policy.
I’ll keep checking for when they get rid of these ridiculous masks. Our large family used to go several times a year but won’t be back until we can go without masks. If other people want to wear them, that’s fine but they are not for us.
I wrote a formal complaint to [email protected] and I am writing the same to DS. This is what is said,
Your own local government Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed an executive order invalidating all remaining local emergency COVID orders and signed a bill into law that bars businesses, schools and government entities across Florida from asking anyone to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.
So I am confused why you continue to require mask to enter your park? The CDC says that fully vaccinated or not, people do not have to wear masks outdoors when they walk, bike or run alone or with members of their household. They can also go maskless in small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated people. So explain to me your customer why coming into summer you are requiring masks? One of your customer service representatives stated and I am guessing you told her to say it, that it was to protect employees and guests. Yet I must argue that the vaccine is readily available and that anyone who fears exposure or illness can I fact continue to wear the mask and get the vaccine if they wish.
Requiring ALL to wear the mask, when everything that I stated previously is in place is draconian. I am not alone In my thinking and you will lose a lot of business if you continue to run you business this way.
Well I guess my family of 13 will not be going to Universal Studios, EVER. No mask. I can’t wear one. I hyperventilate. My grandson is 2. No. Never again
Omg! I think the EXACT same! lol! You, my friend, are awesome!
I am at Universal now first week of ApriI 2021. I went to Epcot for Easter and felt very safe. Not everyone complied but cast members looked out for all guests and said something. Universal guests aren’t complying and I have yet to see anyone reminded by a staff member. I went to complain and saw the service associate speaking to a man who wasn’t wearing a mask. She resolved his issue and he left the area unmasked. Inside ride lines aren’t being watched and people remove their masks and ignore distance markers. Really disappointed in their failure to enforce their own rules. Don’t visit Universal is you haven’t had the vaccine and are concerned for your health.
Having to wear masks many hours in Florida summer heat is too much for this senior citizen from California. So we are postponing our trip until 2022.
If kids are sitting in a stroller are they permitted to take their masks down to eat a snack, or do we have to find a place to stop?
If you are moving, you aren’t considered to be stationary. I think someone might call you on it.
We were due to come back last September for a month from the UK. Reschuled to September 2021 but think we’ll be cancelling as we’ve got a 3 year old who absolutely won’t wear a mask and is to young to understand.
Personally I think it’s ridiculous but that’s just my opinion.
How about STS face masks? Are these approved for wear at Disney, Universal, Sea World, etc? https://www.stsofficial.com/
I just looked at them online and my guess is no since they have a mesh cover as one of their layers. Here’s what Disney says:
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
suay la mask link is broken..
Tammi, that’s just silly thinking. CDC guidance keeps changing all the time. 11 months ago, Dr Fauci said don’t bother wearing a mask at all. Numbers are going down all the time and Florida is a safe place to visit.
Well said.
Tom – found these great facemasks from Honeywell. They make air filters, so figured they had to be good at this. The insert is >97% so technically on par or a step above 95% and the filter is replaceable inside a comfortable fabric mask that fits securely and snug. I have run two half marathons wearing this mask at an indoor track – no breathing challenges at all as it gives space in front of your mouth and like an N95, it protects you, the wearer as well: https://ppe.honeywell.com/products/honeywell-3d-knit-face-cover-multi-pack
Your comment about the drinking water disturbed me more than anything. Drinking Fountain water is not processed & purified?? Aligator urine? In previous posts you mention how “bad” it tastes…. Tom, Please tell me you are joking here.
“Aren’t mask wearing people”? My gosh, Floridians and people who are fortunate to get their amusement fixes in during these times are just so shallow. I don’t know about FL, but if you’re in Northeast, you WEAR THE MASK and you KEEP IT ON over your mouth and nose, not around your ankles. What is the attitude about “guest experience”. It’s a PANDEMIC! Keep it on and have courtesy to everyone else who might give a hoot.
You keep it on, I’ll have no part of them or anyone in my family. My business only goes to places that let people decide for themselves on what is best for my personal health.
If you’re afraid of the pandemic, then stay home. The rest of us would like to get on with our lives. Get busy living or get busy dying.
I use the Shema97 mask, like a lot of coaches you see on tv wear, and the mask is somewhat see through. Do you think it will be an issue?
It shouldn’t be an issue, but another commenter literally just reported having an issue with this same mask at Walt Disney World in the last day or so. I’d bring a backup mask just to be safe.
How do you deal with low-lifery , Tom! And I love “opinions” from folks who are childless! Bought those Suay masks you suggested, months ago. Maybe triple masking next. Lol. Gave to your fund raiser. Hmm, wonder what they did???
..whew lowlifes…disturbing, answering a post from weeks ago. Stay home and eat cheese doodle dust or whatever culinary delight is on your paper plate.
Very accurate article! We went to Disney 2/9/2021 and universal 2/10/2021. The feeling between the 2 parks was very different! So many stores and eateries were shut down at Disney and their mandatory mobile ordering system was a mess. The masks were hot(mid 80’s out) but we survived and we aren’t usually mask wearing people. I’d say do universal now but wait for Disney.
Interesting that universal mask requirements are for 3 and over, this is one area Disney need to get real on. No 2 year old is going to wear a mask no matter how much you beg them at entry. Who would risk all that money to go and be refused entry or asked to leave due to a 30month old refusing to wear a mask.
It needs to be at least 4 or 5 year olds upwards, at least you can communicate why they are to be worn and that it’s no Disney with it to that age group.
By spring with vaccinations it should be raised to 8-10 years old. They are largely a symptomatic so we know they are less likely to spread CV.
Hopefully you think the same Tom? Here’s hoping there’s an air ridge with U.K. come late august!
“By spring with vaccinations it should be raised to 8-10 years old. They are largely a symptomatic so we know they are less likely to spread CV. Hopefully you think the same Tom?”
What I think “should” happen with regard to kids and what has actually happened have consistently been two very different things throughout this. I’m shocked even that with all we know about total and long-term harms, schools remain closed.
This is my concern, and why we haven’t returned with our 27 month old. She is getting better, but the mask usually only lasts 10-15 minutes before it’s being ripped off and thrown on the ground. We’re bummed because our plan has always been to take another trip while she’s free, and she is at such a fun age right now!
I will say, we visited Disney in 2020 in September. I thought the masks would bother me more than they did. They weren’t bad at all. They were actually worse indoors than outside. We had a very long walk back to our room at Disney Kidani Village and that indoor walk was terrible. I guess lack of air flow? If you are thinking about going and thinking the masks will make you miserable, take it from someone who is NOT a fan of them AT ALL, it’s not as bad as you’re thinking it is. My issue with Disney during pandemic is the lack of Dining Plan (they took away our free one), the lack of park hopping, and the no fast passes. Fast pass lane was still being used by those with “disabilities”. These three things make zero sense to me to have stopped providing. Those things will cause me to reconsider our yearly trip, not the masks.
Sara, just a gentle reminder (as many have too frequently had to do) from a disabled person: not all disabilities are visible. Please don’t judge by what you see or perceive. I realize the system somewhat gets abused, but not NEARLY as much anymore, since the DAS pass or any other disability access provided by Disney has you wait and come back at a certain time equivalent to if you stood in line. We are gaining nothing in you, a non-disabled person. The Castmembers direct us to enter the ride through the fast pass line, or in some cases, the exit line, the only feasible options. I’m not sure if you are just upset that currently this is the only use of the FP line, or if you are suggesting the policy should change overall, but the use of “ “ around the word disabilities is quite telling about your attitude. Unless you have a medical degree and that person’s chart in front of you, you are CLUELESS as to what the situation may be, and need to check yourself and have some grace.
The only good thing about masks:
1). You save money on lipstick
2). You can talk/sing to yourself quietly and no one knows
3). You can stick your tongue out at rude people and they don’t know it
4). If you forgot to brush your teeth, it’s OK!
It’s not common courtesy. It’s theater.
i wish people everywhere would have more courtesy when it comes to masks, even for those one-minute interactions. in any fast-food drive through line, customers should be courteous to the employee and wear a mask. glad to see universal requires them in such cases like their parking attendants.
Unless you or the other person is actively sick, a one minute interaction is not going to spread the virus.
Even though I know the risk is infinitesimally low, for me it’s simply a courteous gesture. Especially given that the employee might not know it’s low risk or be worried about interacting with the public for work.
Along those same lines, I wear a mask when ordering at an outdoor table service restaurant or move to the other side of the street while walking or jogging in our neighborhood and I don’t have a mask. Those are low or no-risk scenarios, but it’s thoughtful. Like holding a door open–obviously the other person can open it themselves, but it demonstrates courtesy.
Uh no…..
thank you, tom. it’s just common courtesy, something that has been severely lacking the past long while in society. doesn’t matter in the least if someone thinks it’s “only one minute”. not breathing in someone’s nearby direction in these times is appreciated.
If people had had common courtesy 11 months ago, we probably wouldn’t have to be wearing masks today. By refusing to wear masks, we just have to wear them longer because people keep spreading Covid.