From beachside hotspots to the Hollywood hills, these hotels will let you swim in their pools—no overnight stay required

You don’t need your own pool to have a proper pool day; you just need a hotel pool day pass! Want to cool off on a swanky rooftop with a view of the city? It’s possible! Hoping for some sangria with your swim? Yes, please! Prefer a pool with a waterslide? No problem. Here are the best hotel pools with day passes in Los Angeles.

Hilton Hotels

Universal City: Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Lights, camera, splash! Take your pint-size paddlers to the Hilton Universal City located just one block from Universal Studios Hollywood. The best part (aside from the large outdoor swimming pool and hot tub that will keep your kids busy dipping between the two) is you can head over to Universal Studios when you finally feel water-logged. Poolside dining along with complimentary wifi is available.

Pool Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $45 for adults, $35 for kids, and infants are free. Cabana rental is $250 and includes day passes for up to six people as well as a TV, bottled water, and a fruit bowl.
Parking: Discounted self-parking for $12 and valet for $22.

555 Universal Hollywood Dr.
Universal City
Onlineresortpass.com/hotels/hilton-universal-city

West/South LA: Marina del Rey Hotel
Access to a heated outdoor pool and hot tub—and the chance to score a cabana without reservations or paying through the wazoo? The Marina del Rey Hotel offers all of that plus complimentary wifi, the ability to order food and drinks from SALT, as well as access to their fitness center if swimming those laps (or watching the kids swim their heart out), isn’t enough of a workout. And let’s not forget you are minutes away from everything in Venice and Marina del Rey—making this a no-brainer stop during any westside visit. On Sundays throughout the summer, the hotel offers “Sunday Fundays” with live music, poolside treats, drink specials, free goodies, as well as swag to take home at day’s end.

Pool Hours: 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (“Sunday Funday” is 12-4)
Cost: $50 for adults, $20 for kids, and infants are free. Cabana rentals are $450 and include day passes for five people as well as a complimentary fruit plate, light snacks, and an ice bucket with soft drinks and water.
Parking: Valet parking is $10 for the first 2 hours and $7 per additional hour.

13534 Bali Way
Marina del Rey
Online: resortpass.com/hotels/the-marina-del-rey-hotel

Anaheim: Cambria Hotel
If your idea of a killer pool day includes zipping down waterslides, the 30,000-square-foot water park at this Disneyland-area hotel will be right up your alley. With two twisty slides, pop-up jets, and splash pads (plus a full-sized pool), it’s a perfect place to hang on a day off from Disney—or as a destination in itself. When you’re ready to dry off, families can putt-putt on a small putting green, play ball on the basketball court, or enjoy a movie on the outdoor movie wall. Hungry? The grab-and-go market has snacks galore for the kids, while adults can order drinks from the poolside Bar. Free wifi is also available, so you can scroll away while the kids play.

Note: Kids must be 44 inches to ride the waterslides. 

Pool Hours:  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 for adults; $20 for kids
Parking: Self-parking is available for $15.

101 E Katella Ave.
Anaheim
Online: Resortpass.com/hotels/cambria-hotel-anaheim-resort-area

LAX-Area: Marriott LAX Airport
Got a long layover at LAX? Sure, you could spend it sprawled out on the floor of the airport terminal…or you could spend it basking in the sun, poolside, at this hotel just a few minutes from the runway. Want a private room to shower and relax after a day at the pool (or take your tiny swimmer for a nap)?  You can book a day room that includes four pool passes and gives you a private guest room (with a king bed or two queens plus a private bathroom) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  When you’re hungry, the hotel has several eateries to choose from, including Social Market & Eatery, Hangar 18 Bar + Kitchen, and JW Steakhouse, or grab a coffee and quick bites from Starbucks.

Pool Hours:  8 a.m.-10 p.m. (pool bar is open June through September, 12 p.m – 5 p.m.
Cost:  $30 per person.
Parking:
Self-parking for $25 and valet parking for $35.

5855 W Century Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: Resortpass.com/hotels/los-angeles-airport-marriott

Westlake: Hyatt Regency Westlake
Relax in the heated pool and hot tub at this Mediterranean-inspired oasis in the Valley. When you want to take a break from the pool, wander the meandering wooded pathways to Harvest Kitchen & Bar for healthy, farm-to-table cuisine.  To-go drinks and snacks are also available—and there’s a full-service Starbucks if the afternoon siesta time gets too sleepy for you. When the sun starts to set, cozy up on cushioned seating around the fire pits and enjoy some S’mores.

Pool Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids; infants are free.
Parking:
Complimentary self-parking and valet parking for $24.

880 S Westlake Blvd.
Westlake Village
Online: resortpass.com/hotels/hyatt-regency-westlake

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach: Hyatt Regency Huntington
This coastal oasis has everything you and your little swimmers would want, including three waterslides, a private beach, and even a mermaid school where little Ariels-in-training can earn their fins. Featuring lush tropical grounds and ocean views, the resort offers multiple pools, waterslides, hot tubs, beach access, two full-service restaurants, poolside dining, a grab ‘n go market and pizzeria, and activities for the whole family. “Mermaid Magic” classes include one adult day pass and up to four children’s passes.

Want more? You can also book Beach Bonfire passes (for up to 10 guests), and Pacific View Private Fire Pit passes (up to 6 guests).  The full listings of resort day passes can be found here.

Pool Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids, and infants are free. Cabana rentals start at $500 and include day passes for four people as well as as
haded cabana with sofa seating & two chaise lounge chairs outside of the cabana; a flat-screen TV; and a ceiling fan. “Mermaid Magic” swim lessons—which include a “tail” rental, mermaid meet & greet photo ops, and mermaid swim instruction—are $50 for adults; $70 for children.
Parking: Discounted valet parking for $15.

880 S Westlake Blvd.
Westlake Village
Online: Hyatthuntingtonbeach.idaypass.com

Melissa Heckscher

Garden Grove: The Great Wolf Lodge
Ready to be the coolest parent on the block? Turn your pool day into a pool-plus-water-park day! Turns out, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the hotel chain’s 105,000-square-foot Orange County water park, which boasts enough water attractions to thrill everyone from your tiniest tots (there’s a toddler water play area) to your gutsy teens. Want to make it a quickie? You can even book a half-day pass that lets you in from 4 p.m. to closing (8 p.m.). Parents with older kids can enjoy the outdoor pool—which has a full bar if you’re thirsty for a smoothie, daiquiri, or mimosa—while the kids zip the day away.

Related: Make a Splash at SoCal’s Great Wolf Lodge

Water Park Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Day passes start at $54 per person (for weekdays during the school year) and go up to $125 per person (weekends in the summer).

Parking: Self-parking is available for $24 per car per night. 

12681 Harbor Blvd
Garden Grove
Online: Greatwolf.com/southern-california

Fairmont Miramar

Santa Monica: Fairmont Miramar Hotel
Sip and swim! Swirl cocktails (or mocktails for the kid crew) poolside just steps from the Pacific at this gorgeous hotel that blends contemporary style with unique historical charm. This LA hotel pool day pass includes all-day access to a spacious heated pool, comfy sun loungers (first-come, first-serve), and complimentary wifi. Take a poolside lunch break by ordering from FIG which offers a 10 percent discount on all items including the kids’ menu. They’ll love the mac and cheese and you can grab yourself a fish taco from the grown-up selections.  A total mom-boss move? Book this with a friend so you can watch each other’s kids while you each sneak off to Exhale Spa where you get a 15% discount on spa services.

Good to know: The hotel hosts family-friendly poolside movies every Sunday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend.

Pool Hours: Daily from 9 a.m.–sundown
Cost: $45 per adult, $20 for kids, and infants are free.
Parking: Metered street parking or discounted valet at $10 for the first two hours and $7 per additional hour.

101 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
Online: resortpass.com/hotels/Fairmont-Miramar-Hotel-Bungalows

Long Beach: Hyatt Centric the Pike
Pack in a full day of water fun thanks to this day pass from one of Long Beach’s most beloved ocean-adjacent hotels. This heated rooftop pool with 360-degree views will have your mini dolphins jumping for joy during their swim session while you soak up the views of the Queen Mary from your sun lounger. Order food poolside, and enjoy the complimentary wifi. And if anyone starts to get restless, you can head across the street to the Aquarium of the Pacific for more ocean adventures!

Pool Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: $35 per adult, $15 for kids, infants are free; Daybeds are $90 (max 2 people) and include day passes for two people as well as bottled waters and a shaded daybed; Cabanas start at $175 and include day passes for four people, a covered cabana with a couch and chairs, bottled water, and a mini-fridge.
Parking: Discounted valet parking with the purchase of a day pass.

285 Bay St.
Long Beach
Online: resortpass.com/hyatt-centric-the-pike-long-beach

Related: A Weekend Getaway in Long Beach with Kids is Crazy Fun

Manhattan Beach: Shade Hotel
Enjoy ocean breezes and vacation vibes on the “Skydeck” at this boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. The small rooftop plunge pool is the perfect size for little swimmers (you’ll feel safe being within arm’s reach, though it’s maybe too small for bigger kids looking for serious water play). Mostly, it’s a nice place to relax, have a few drinks, and soak in some rays before hitting the beach or exploring the bustling streets of this quaint seaside town.

Pssst: You can pre-order a Make Your Own Mimosa package that includes 1 bottle of prosecco, assorted juices & fruit plate ($60)

Pool Hours:  10 a.m. to sunset
Cost: $30 for adults, $10 for kids, and infants are free.
Parking: Complimentary

1221 N Valley Dr.
Manhattan Beach
Online: resortpass.com/hotels/westdrift-manhattan-beach

Hilton

Huntington Beach: The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
Soak in the SoCal vibes at this popular seaside destination where your family can splash away in the pool, take a ride down the hotel’s waterslide, or relax in the roomy hot tub. Want to take a break from the pool? The hotel has beachfront access so you can get the best of both worlds. No need to bring a beach chair. They are supplied to day pass guests free of charge. Poolside food and drinks are available through the restaurant, Riptide. We recommend the Endless Summer Burger or the Sunset Nachos. End the night with a stroll down the Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest on the West Coast!

Hours: Pool, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Waterslide 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (times may vary due to weather)
Cost: $65 for adults, $55 for children, infants are free; cabana rentals start at $650 and include a day pass for six people as well as a shaded cabana with sofa seating, lounge chairs; an HDTV; and a mini-fridge stocked with bottled water.
Parking: Valet parking is available for $30 per vehicle.

21100 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Huntington Beach
Online: resortpass.com/hotels/the-waterfront-beach-resort

Hollywood: Kimpton Everly Hotel
Spend the day relaxing like a movie star at the Kimpton Everly Hotel, located in the heart of Hollywood.  Swim for a bit in the heated rooftop pool, then take in the views of the LA skyline and surrounding Hollywood Hills. Grab lunch from Jane Q, the hotel’s signature restaurant. For the kids, there are made-to-order wood-fired pizzas. The adults will love the fresh summer salads and handcrafted beverages. The hotel’s central location is perfect for an impromptu trip to Grauman’s Theater or the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for children, and infants are free.
Parking: Discounted

1800 Argyle Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: resortpass.com/hotels/kimpton-everly-hotel

Additional reporting by Andie Huber

The hotel resort scene is hopping thanks to resort day passes you and the family can access all year long

Summer is on the horizon and when the kids aren’t at camp, and you don’t have a pool, and you’re tired of the beach, there’s only one things to do—book yourself a resort day pass.The good news is you can treat yourself to a resort day pass at a luxe San Diego resort and take advantage of the coolest, most decked-out pools in town. And the best part? You don’t need to pack an overnight bag or budget for a pricey resort stay—just grab the SPF, and get ready to splash the day away. You’ll get all the best staycation vibes at these local hotel resorts near San Diego without the hefty price tag.

Resorts that Offer Day Passes in San Diego

1. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Everyone in your family from babies to big kids will love spending the day at the glorious Omni La Costa Resort & Spa pools. Even if your visit only lasts an afternoon, you’ll feel as rejuvenated as if you’d gone on a mini-vacation at this slice of paradise. You’re spoiled for choice with an array of pools that all beckon you for a refreshing dip.

The Sandy Beach Family Pool is perfect for tots and little kids due to its shallow beach entry and for the fact that kids can build sandcastles and play in the sand. The Splash Landing Pools will keep big kids entertained for hours. There are not one, but two 100-foot waterslides (an open slide and a tunnel slide) that kids will gleefully slide down again and again. There’s also a water play area/splash pad complete with plenty of fun features like a raining umbrella and squirt guns kids can aim. If you just want a general swim, there’s also the main swimming pool and a large hot tub.

Good to Know: The pool menu (available seasonally until 4:30 p.m.) boasts plenty of delicious food, and yummy drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and the wait staff is helpful and quick to serve. Also, for an additional charge, you can choose to add on any number of different activities to your pool day pass, such as kids’ dinner and a movie, fireside s’mores, low-tide sand art or a family art workshop. Complimentary self-parking is included with your day pass.

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd.
Carlsbad, CA
Online: resortpass.com

2. Town and Country San Diego

Centrally located in Mission Valley, Town and Country Resort, the 10,000 square foot pool complex includes a zero-entry pool, hot tub, children’s pool and 4-story, looping 150-foot waterslide. Enjoy poolside food and beverage service and free WiFi. Daybeds and cabanas are also available for an additional cost.

500 Hotel Cir. N.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

3. The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

The iconic swimming pool at The Lafayette Hotel (reopening 2023 after a major renovation) has been making a splash in the seven decades since it was designed in 1946. Go for a swim in this heated pool and bask in the realization that Hollywood royalty including Ava Gardner has also lounged poolside at this locale. Channel your inner movie star, grab your favorite sunglasses and hit this scene.

2223 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

4. Rancho Bernardo Inn

Get away from it all and feel a world away basking in the pools and Spanish-style architecture of the beautiful Rancho Bernardo Inn. There are two pools: one for adults and one for families, as well as a hot tub, poolside food and drink service, a fitness center and free WiFi and self-parking. Sip on one of their famous craft cocktails and work on your Vitamin D intake while the kids make a splash.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

5. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Stay cool by the pool at this all-star downtown resort by the bay. When the brood wants to eat, order food and beverages from their MARKET | ONE grab-and-go. Rent a Family Pool Cabana and you’ll get special perks beyond the shade. Your day pass also gets you access to showers, basketball and volleyball courts and the 24-hour fitness center

1 Market Pl.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

6. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Flow into this luxury resort located near Torrey Pines in La Jolla for a day with the crew. Stretch out by the saltwater pool while the kiddies take a dip and order-up food and drinks. Go all out and book a shaded king-sized daybed or cabana that comes with sliced fruit, berries and smoothies. Even more, the day pass includes complimentary parking and WiFi.

9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA
Online: resortpass.com

7. The Westgate Hotel

Swim in the old-world glamour and customer service of this posh downtown hotel that also boasts the largest rooftop pool in San Diego. Even more, you can order poolside lunch service. Also, dip into the hot tub while keeping a keen eye on the kiddos a few feet away. If time allows, grown-ups can steam and sauna in the luxury locker rooms.

1055 2nd Ave.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

8. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Hightail it to San Diego Mission Bay Resort for a day of family fun. Enjoy the large resort pool, with waterfalls, kids wading pool and life-sized checkers, ping pong and board games). It’s “shore” to be a magical summer day.

For everything you need to know about San Diego’s hidden gem, check out our insider’s guide to Mission Bay.

1775 E. Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

9. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Jump in feet first at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Not only are there two heated swimming pools, a hot tub and seasonal Shoreline eatery, there are also tennis courts, a fitness center and a basketball court. So grab the goggles and floaties and head to this centrally located resort.

1380 Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

10. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina

Slip into paradise at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, voted the best hotel pool by San Diego Magazine in 2017. In addition to three fab waterslides (little riders must be at least 42″ tall to ride the two big ones) there are plenty of reasons to take a dip here. In addition the main pool, guests can enjoy a pool with a walk-in slope, plus another smaller pool and one large hot tub (yes, kids are allowed). Your day pass includes a 10% discount on poolside food and non-alcoholic beverages from Pelicans on the Bay pool bar and lounge and a 20% discount on water sport rentals from the Mission Bay Sports Center.

1441 Quivira Rd.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

11. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Grab a morning day pass (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) or an afternoon day pass (2-6 p.m.) to enjoy this stunning pool and lounge around at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas resort. You’ll find a mountain of waterslides, a lazy river, sandy beach, and a large main pool plus play zones with fountains and sprinklers. Order up some food and drinks via poolside service from the Splash Grill. Note: Kids must be 42 inches tall to ride the water slides.

41000 Bob Hope Dr.
Rancho Mirage, CA
Online: resortpass.com

12. Blue Sea Beach Hotel

Pool and beach lovers rejoice! The only beachfront hotel pool in Pacific Beach also offers a resort day pass. A surf chic haven awaits you at the Blue Sea Beach Hotel, nestled right on the sand in Pacific Beach. Located near the world-famous Strand, you’re in the perfect spot to end the day on the white sandy beach.

707 Pacific Beach Dr
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

13. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Splish-splash in the family pool, then warm-up in the spacious spa. When you work up an appetite, there are five restaurants, including a Kid’s Cafe and poolside service too. Also, the day pass includes complimentary valet parking and WiFi. Step-up the luxury with a Family Cabana which includes a complimentary fruit bowl, bottled water, a T.V., chaise lounge chairs and day passes for six people. Cabana hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The attention to detail and customer service are resort perfect.

7100 Aviara Resort Dr.
Carlsbad, CA
Online: resortpass.com

14. Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Located on none other than Vacation Road, a tropical oasis in Mission Bay, Paradise Point is brimming with options, and the resort day pass gets you access to many of them. There are five swimming pools, including a waterfall pool, a lagoon pool, and a meadow pool. They also offer a full-size marina and various sports courts and recreational activities for the whole family. So create your daycation story, including a trip to the mini-golf course. You might want to book that overnight trip, after all.

1404 Vacation Rd
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

The new policies offer more flexibility, discounts for residents, and free PhotoPass digital downloads

If you have planned a Disney Parks vacation in recent years (or really, the last few decades), you are well aware of how expensive it’s gotten, from park passes to Genie+ to parking fees. Disney has addressed this complaint in a recent press release by making some changes to offer more flexibility and savings to families. While they aren’t outright decreasing the cost of park tickets, the changes are a step in the right direction to make a Disney visit more feasible for families. Here’s what we know:

Matt Stroshane/Disney Parks

At Disneyland Resort:

  • The park will offer nearly two months’ worth of days when adult tickets are priced at $104, the lowest price tier.
  • Park Hopper tickets will become more flexible, allowing park crossover as early as 11 a.m. (starting Feb. 4).
  • Throughout the Disney100 celebration, all ticketed park guests will receive complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital downloads of attraction photos (starting Feb. 4).
  • Disney will increase the number of days when Magic Keys are available for purchase.
  • A 3-day SoCal Resident weekday ticket will be available for $73 per day through late May at Disneyland Resort.

At Walt Disney World Resort:

  • Beginning in the next few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blackout dates will continue to apply as they do today.
  • Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will receive free self-parking.
  • Guests purchasing the Disney Genie+ service will receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of their purchase, at no additional charge (to begin in the next few months).
  • 2-, 3- and 4-day Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic tickets and a special package offer that includes a Disney Dining Promo Card for guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels will become available.

Disney is “committed to listening, adapting, and staying relentlessly focused on making the guest experience at our Disney parks even better,” according to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. While we’d all love to go back to 1980s pricing, these changes will at least help families make the most of their upcoming visits.

“As we step into this bright future it is important that we continuously evolve to help deliver the best guest experience possible.”

What’s the perfect complement to an action-packed visit to Orlando? Enjoying your “downtime” at the perfect hotel: Orlando World Center Marriott. Centrally located near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, this fantastic resort is not only your family’s home base, but a true destination in itself. The world’s largest Marriott hotel, there are 28 stories, complete with 2,010 newly redesigned guestrooms and suites. 

Here’s why your crew will want to snag a room, STAT, for your next Orlando visit:

Park, Stay and Play at Orlando World Center Marriott with up to 30% savings including free self-parking! Be among the first to experience the all-new Falls Pool Oasis and enjoy savings on your future stays when you book by October 31, 2021.

It’s Simple to Get around Town

First thing’s first… getting here. A prime location in central Florida makes Orlando an easy drive for Floridians. If you're flying, the hotel is 17 miles from Orlando International Airport, so you’ll be unpacking your bags in no time. Adjust your Mickey ears and hop on the scheduled shuttle service to Disney Parks and Springs—less than two miles away!

Two Words: Water Oasis

The newly redesigned (400K gallons!) heated lagoon-style pool takes those vacation vibes up a notch. Lounge poolside in a luxurious private cabana with beverage service from Falls Pool Bar & Grill (because you totally deserve the break!). Little ones love the kid's splash zone, while thrill-seekers will be busy speeding their way down twisty slides galore. Voted one of the "World's Coolest Hotel Pools" by Forbes, this is an unforgettable spot to soak up the sun. Next Spring, River Falls will be unveiled—complete with three new water slides and a 575-foot lazy river.

Park, Stay and Play at Orlando World Center Marriott with up to 30% savings including free self-parking! Be among the first to experience the all-new Falls Pool Oasis and enjoy savings on your future stays when you book by October 31, 2021.

The Food Is Awesome

From grab-and-go to pool-side dining, there’s no shortage of great ways to refuel. Choose from nine unique dining options depending on your cravings. Families especially love that this is the only hotel with a hydroponic garden—providing sustainable, non-GMO cuisine that’s free from pesticides throughout all dining outlets. (Yep, even on vacation you can still get your kids to eat their veggies.) 

Parents Can Have “Me Time” Too

Golfers will be eager to head to the onsite 18-hole championship golf course, Hawk's Landing Golf Club, which has a full-service golf shop and an onsite pro for personalized instruction. Be on the lookout for native birds and Florida wildlife while you enjoy the course. When you want a little R&R, the full-service spa has you covered with pampering massages, facials and nail services. 

Park, Stay and Play at Orlando World Center Marriott with up to 30% savings including free self-parking! Be among the first to experience the all-new Falls Pool Oasis and enjoy savings on your future stays when you book by October 31, 2021.

Based on availability, blackout dates may apply.

-Jessica Solloway

As the country begins to reopen, regional theme parks are also initiating their phases to invite guests back. As of Mon., May 18, Orlando’s Universal CityWalk is now open daily from 4 to 10 p.m. daily.

During that time frame, select venues will be open, along with complimentary self parking. All guests will be expected to followed the recommended CDC guidelines which includes wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and following floor markings to ensure adequate space between individuals.

photo: Guneet Jassal via Unsplash

Additionally, guests will undergo a temperature check before entering CityWalk, and those with a temperature of 100.4 or greater will not be allowed in. In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, Universal is limiting capacity and most venues, offering more hand washing and sanitizing stations, thoroughly cleaning high-touch surfaces and offering cashless payments at all venues.

To read more, head to Universal Orlando.

––Karly Wood

 

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Disney fans have been getting their fix riding the rides virtually, whipping up park exclusive treats in the kitchen and binge watching their favorite movies. We are not sure what life looks like after social distancing norms begin to ease. Florida’s Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force is also focused on putting a plan in place for reopening the state’s theme parks.

It is still unclear when it will be safe for the parks to reopen. During a meeting of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, mayor Jerry Demings predicts that a June reopening seems more realistic than May, but nothing is official yet. The task force laid out their initial guidelines for large theme parks including Walt Disney World. 

Within the guidelines for reopening the country, the parks will reopen in phases. In the first phase, parks will be allowed to fill to 50 percent capacity, rising to 75 percent in phase two. Employees will be required to wear masks at all times, have their temperature taken before each shift and stay home if they are not feeling well or are 65 and older. 

Touchless hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the parks, especially at ticket booths and ride entrances. Railings and surfaces will be wiped down after every use. Guidelines for large parks include putting down tape markings requiring guests to stand six feet apart on each attraction line. 

Theme park hotels will also reopen in phases. During phase one, hotels will encourage patrons to utilize mobile check-ins if available, limit housekeeping, conduct contactless room service delivery and promote social distancing whenever possible. Touchless hand sanitizer stations will be located in common areas, highly trafficked areas will have their surfaces cleaned often and self-parking will be encouraged. Guest rooms may look a little different as items like glassware, coffee cups and coffee makers will be removed and minibars will not be stocked. 

Similar to the theme parks, on-site restaurants will be able to fill to 50 percent capacity in phase one and 75 percent in phase two. Disposable paper menus will be encouraged as will takeout and delivery options. If you wish to dine-in, tables will be set up at least six feet apart. Restaurant employees will be required to wear masks. Hand sanitizer will be readily accessible and surfaces will be wiped down often. 

Stores located in the parks will be required to have their entrance doors propped open. Hand sanitizer stations will be located at various points throughout the store and commonly touched surfaces will be wiped down regularly. Checkout lines will be marked to ensure shoppers stand six feet apart. 

These are just the initial thoughts of Florida’s economic recovery task force and details are subject to change as more information about the virus and the country’s reopening plans become available. 

Even if the parks look different initially, guests should not expect their visit to be any less magical.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Joel Sutherland on Unsplash

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