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Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe won’t open on schedule because of the coronavirus pandemic, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced Thursday.
What’s the news:
- According to WESH-TV, Roberts said in an earning call Thursday that construction on Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park will hit a snag because of the coronavirus. However, Roberts did not provide specific details bout the delay.
- In October, Comcast suggested the park would open in 2023.
- Universal Orlando is already dealing with closures because of the coronavirus pandemic. Universal Orlando will remain closed until May 31. It’s unclear when the parks will reopen.
- Similarly, Disney parks remain closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Analysts estimate the parks will reopen in January 2021.
What theme parks could look like
- The Orange County Economic Task Force in Florida issued preliminary recommendations for what theme parks will look like once they reopen from their coronavirus closures, which I wrote about for the Deseret News.
- According to the plans, theme parks would open at 50% capacity. That number would jump to 75% in the second phase of reopening.
- Universal Orlando Resort CEO John Sprouls told The Tampa Bay Times the parks would reopen with temperature checks, enhanced cleaning and on-site medical workers to help keep people safe.