© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
LIVE BLOG: Updates on Hurricane Milton
The State We're In connects with people in Central Florida and the greater Tampa Bay region about issues that matter to you. From the coronavirus to special coverage of politics along the I-4 corridor, it’s a chance to hear your neighbors, and better understand their experience.The State We’re In is a collaboration of WUSF Public Media in Tampa and 90.7 WMFE in Orlando and is part of America Amplified, a national community engagement and reporting initiative supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.[Join Us On Facebook]

Legoland's Reopening Gives Look Into The Future Of Florida's Theme Parks

Host Matthew Peddie (on right half of the screenshot) speaks with Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel (on left half of the screenshot).
The State We're In/Facebook
/
WMFE and WUSF Public Media
Host Matthew Peddie (on right half of the screenshot) speaks with Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel.

Legoland officially reopened Monday and it offered some clues about what theme park fans might expect in the post-pandemic world.

Reporter Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel visited the Winter Haven park and says it's a lot like other businesses that are trying to minimize the spread of coronavirus.

“When you walk up, you have to get your temperature checked to get in, you see employees wearing masks and some are wearing gloves,” Russon said. “Some have shields over their faces. You know, it's different. And they're trying to manage crowds, and there are certain places where you can stand.”

Russon was a guest earlier today on The State We're In - a Facebook Live show from WUSF and WMFE in Orlando.

She said she saw families having fun, despite social distancing guidelines that limited people on rides, or in lines.

"But I think there are just a lot of people who are really excited to go to a theme park,” Russon said. “I think there are people nervous about wearing a mask, you know, in the summer, but theme park fans are excited to go on a roller coaster again."

People who visit Legoland are not required to wear masks, but other parks like Disney and Universal will be asking patrons to do so when they open in the coming weeks.

Russon said that fewer than 900 of Legoland's 2000 workers are back on the job.

Floridians will see the state's larger theme parks open in the coming weeks, starting with Universal parks on Friday. Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa open next Thursday. And Disney World announced it will reopen its parks starting on July 11.  

For more content, visit The State We're In Facebook page.

This story is produced in partnership with America Amplified, an initiative using community engagement to inform local journalism. It is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Hi there! I’m Dinorah Prevost and I’m the producer of Florida Matters, WUSF's weekly public affairs show. That basically means that I plan, record and edit the interviews we feature on the show.
I’m the lucky one who guides the WUSF News team as it shares news from across Florida and the 13 amazing counties that we call the greater Tampa Bay region.
You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.