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2021 Orlando Theme Park Guide

Posted August 2, 2021

Checking In Writer and Editor, Tori Ferrante, stands in front of a white house wearing a purple-gray top and statement necklace.

Tori Ferrante

She’s a writer, craft beer lover, dog mother and adventure seeker who's always on the hunt for those little-known, hidden gem spots in each place she visits. She's become quite the expert at planning budget-friendly, long weekend getaways, and Tori's absolute favorite vacation memory was resting and recharging at Tabacon Hot Springs in Costa Rica on her honeymoon. She's also fallen in love with her trips to Georgia and North Carolina with her husband, Brooks, and fur son, Deagon.

We know you may have a lot of questions about Orlando theme parks (and what COVID-19 safety precautions are looking like) nowadays.

Masks, temperature checks, special ticket reservations … it can all be a little confusing!

So, we asked Tori, one of our Checking In writers, to compile everything we know so far about Orlando theme park safety measures near our Holiday Inn Club Vacations® Resorts in Central Florida.

A woman wears sunglasses and t-shirt in front of the Epcot entrance.Tori getting ready to head to her favorite Epcot ride: Frozen Ever After.

Since they’ve reopened, many of our team members have visited some of the popular parks like Disney’s Magic Kingdom® and Animal Kingdom® Theme Parks and SeaWorld® Orlando.

And just like the Safe Travels program at our resorts, the common theme among all the parks seems to be lots of cleaning, face masks and social distancing.

While we hope this theme park guide is a helpful first step in your vacation planning (and decision-making) process, only you can decide if the time is right to start riding rides and enjoying park snacks again (churros, anyone?).

Please keep in mind all this information is subject to change as COVID-19 continues to evolve, so be sure to double-check directly with the theme park you’re considering before heading out for your day of thrills, magic and fun!

Theme Parks Near Orange Lake Resort and Orlando Breeze Resort


Child shaking hands with Goofy at Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World®

Walt Disney World® Theme Parks Safety Measures


Miles from Resort:

  • 10 miles from Orange Lake Resort
  • 13.5 miles from Orlando Breeze Resort

Opening Dates:

  • All Disney Parks are currently open.

Mask Requirements:

  • As of July 30, face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2+), regardless of vaccination status, while indoors, upon entering the park, on all attractions and on Disney buses, monorails and the Skyliner.
  • Face coverings are still optional for everyone in outdoor common areas.

Temperature Screenings:

  • Disney World no longer requires temperature checks for guests upon entry.

Reservations:

  • Guests ages 3 and up will need both a valid theme park ticket and a (new) park entry reservation for the same date.

Learn more on Walt Disney World’s website
Learn more about Orange Lake Resort
Learn more about Orlando Breeze Resort

Exterior view of SeaWorld Orlando
Photo courtesy of SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment, Inc.

SeaWorld® Orlando Safety Measures


Miles from Resort:

  • 15.3 miles from Orange Lake Resort
  • 18.6 miles from Orlando Breeze Resort

Opening Dates:

  • SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica® Orlando are currently open.

Mask Requirements:

  • Consistent with CDC guidance, SeaWorld Orlando recommends that guests wear face coverings while indoors.

Temperature Screenings:

  • Temperature checks are no longer required prior to entrance.

Reservations:

  • Reservations are no longer required at SeaWorld Orlando.

Learn more on SeaWorld’s website
Learn more about Orange Lake Resort
Learn more about Orlando Breeze Resort

Family of four standing in front of the Universal Orlando globe
Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort TM

Universal Orlando ResortTM Safety Measures


Miles from Resort:

  • 19.8 miles from Orange Lake Resort
  • 23 miles from Orlando Breeze Resort

Opening Dates:

  • Universal Orlando Resort is currently open.

Mask Requirements:

  • Face coverings are encouraged for all guests while indoors and are optional while outdoors.
  • The mask requirements apply to guests ages 3 and up.

Temperature Screenings:

  • Temperature checks are no longer required.

Learn more on Universal Orlando’s website
Learn more about Orange Lake Resort
Learn more about Orlando Breeze Resort

Small child riding mechanical horse at LEGOLAND Florida
Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Safety Measures


Miles from Resort:

  • 34.4 miles from Orange Lake Resort
  • 29.2 miles from Orlando Breeze Resort

Opening Dates:

  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort is currently open.

Mask Requirements:

  • LEGOLAND recommends that all guests wear face masks in all indoor locations.
  • Face coverings should not be placed on children under 2 years of age.

Temperature Screenings:

  • LEGOLAND Florida is no longer requiring temperature checks upon entry.

Learn more on LEGOLAND’s website
Learn more about Orange Lake Resort
Learn more about Orlando Breeze Resort

Roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens®

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay Safety Measures


Miles from Resort:

  • 65.7 miles from Orange Lake Resort
  • 62.6 miles from Orlando Breeze Resort

Opening Dates:

  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is currently open.

Mask Requirements:

  • Consistent with CDC guidance, the park recommends that guests wear face coverings while indoors.

Temperature Screenings:

  • Temperature checks are no longer required upon entry.

Other Safety Notes:

  • Certain animal interactions will be modified and only tours allowing for physical distancing will operate.

Learn more on Busch Gardens’ website
Learn more about Orange Lake Resort
Learn more about Orlando Breeze Resort

Theme Parks Near Cape Canaveral Beach Resort



Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden
Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space CenterTM

Kennedy Space CenterTM Visitor Complex Safety Measures


Miles from Resort:

  • 16.7 miles from Cape Canaveral Beach Resort

Opening Dates:

  • Kennedy Space Center is currently open.

Mask Requirements:

  • All guests, including those who are vaccinated, must wear face coverings in all indoor locations, including all attractions, attraction queues/lines, show viewing areas, restaurants and buses.
  • Guests who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear face coverings outdoors.

Temperature Screenings:

  • Temperature checks are no longer required upon entry.

Learn more on Kennedy Space Center’s website
Learn more about Cape Canaveral Beach Resort

Whether you’re ready to roll right back into theme park action or you’re wanting to wait for a little while longer, we hope this Orlando theme park guide was a helpful start on what to expect as you plan your next vacation.

And, we hope that you’re staying happy, safe and healthy from wherever you are!

Remember: For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check with the theme park you’re visiting directly since the situation is ever-changing.

Safe travels, and let the fun begin!


All information is subject to change. This article is a curated guide and is neither sponsored nor considered an official endorsement. Please be sure to check information directly with any/all tours, guides or companies for the most up-to-date and direct details.

Checking In Logo

Checking In Writer and Editor, Tori Ferrante, stands in front of a white house wearing a purple-gray top and statement necklace.

Tori Ferrante

She’s a writer, craft beer lover, dog mother and adventure seeker who's always on the hunt for those little-known, hidden gem spots in each place she visits. She's become quite the expert at planning budget-friendly, long weekend getaways, and Tori's absolute favorite vacation memory was resting and recharging at Tabacon Hot Springs in Costa Rica on her honeymoon. She's also fallen in love with her trips to Georgia and North Carolina with her husband, Brooks, and fur son, Deagon.