Universal Orlando and SeaWorld have both officially be reopened for over a year following their temporary closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the theme park resorts hit their year anniversary both have eased up on their COVID restrictions. More recently, SeaWorld even saw a new rule allowing employees to go without face masks entirely, if fully vaccinated.

Last week, both companies, in addition to the Walt Disney World Resort, saw the elimination of temperature taking stations and the ability for guests to go without a mask when outside–if they are vaccinated. However, at this time, it’s worth noting that none of the theme parks are actually checking if each guest is vaccinated. The theme parks are operating on an honor system.


SeaWorld is the first of all the Florida theme parks to allow its vaccinated employees to go without face masks, if vaccinated. The news came in an email Tuesday to SeaWorld employees saying as long as employees provided proof of vaccination, they would be allowed to go without masks. Guests will be able to determine if an employee holds these special privileges because they will have a sticker on their name tag identifying their eligibility to go mask-free.

According to Spectrum, the new rule goes into effect on Tuesday, May 25. At this time, it’s not known if this rule only applies when employees are working outdoors or also inside.

Currently, both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are still requiring all of their cast members and team members to wear face masks at all times when working on property with guests. But, given SeaWorld’s recent change, these resort’s may also make the change to allow their employees to go without masks, if vaccinated.

What are your thoughts on the loosening of restrictions on guests wearing face masks to the Central Florida theme parks? Let us know in the comments! 

Sean Sposato

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