LEGOLAND Florida re-opened today , the first big theme park to come back after a Covid 19 shutdown.
Someone in Orlando has wryly pointed out that for the first time in the park’s history, it was more popular than Disney
The attraction welcomed back at visitors at 10 a.m. as a crowd of about 100 or so gathered at the front gates, socially distanced at 6 feet apart.
Visitors had their temperatures checked and showed their tickets to employees wearing gloves and masks.
The park’s walkways were wide, giving families plenty of space to avoid each other.
What is certain is the theme park experience will be different .
First off, expect smaller crowds.
Legoland General Manager Rex Jackson said the Winter Haven park will operate at maximum 50% capacity — or about 6,000 people.
Unlike Disney, Universal or SeaWorld, visitors coming to Legoland are not required to wear a face mask, although Jackson said it would be strongly encouraged.
People who don’t have masks can get complimentary disposable ones.
Legoland’s specialty is catering to young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend those under age 2 should not wear face coverings.
Visitors must also pass temperature checks before they can enter, with the threshold of admittance of less than 100.4 º F.
The screening process will also prohibit people who have traveled internationally or been on a cruise within two weeks to enter.
Character meet-and-greets have been suspended and the park’s staff will disinfect high-frequency touch points like Lego bricks and ride restraints., tables, chairs, service counters and door handles.
No cash please – in stores and restaurants where capacity will be limited only cashless purchases are permitted.
Legoland plans for other measures, including spacing the cars in the parking lot and adding hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.