Legoland is reopening on July 4 – with whole empty rows between guests on rides
LOCKDOWN-WEARY parents will be delighted to hear that Legoland is planning to reopen on July 4 in line with government guidelines.
The park will be opening on the same day as Chessington World Of Adventures and Thorpe Park, who are all owned by Merlin Entertainment.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
In preparation for reopening they are introducing new hygiene and safety measures across the resort.
Operations Director, Karen Glassey said: “As you’d expect, a day out or overnight stay at LEGOLAND Windsor will feel a little different to before.
“You’ll be used to a lot of the new measures, such as social distancing in queues and being encouraged to use cards rather than cash, as these have become the new normal when visiting supermarkets and other shops.
“But in preparation for reopening we have reviewed how we operate every single part of the Park and Hotel – some things to expect include a pre-book ticket system to manage visitor numbers and different seating arrangements on rides.”
New protocols which will be followed by guests include:
- Pre-booking mandatory, including annual pass holders
- Temperature checks at the gates
- Paying using contactless cards only, not cash
- Carrying a face mask which may required in certain areas
- Less seating and limited capacity at restaurants and cafes to enable social distancing
- More takeaway options for food and drink service
- Rows left empty between families on rides to enable social distancing
- Additional hygiene stations across the park
While the limited capacity measures could see longer queues at food stations and attractions, park visitor numbers are expected to be low initially.
Non-invasive temperature checks will be a condition of entry and guests displaying a high temperature associated with a fever will not be permitted into the Resort or Hotels.
Some experiences like character meet-and-greets will either be modified or scrapped for the time being, and indoor attractions may also be unavailable.
Guests will also be kept separate from each other and performers during live shows and entertainment .
Similar measures are being introduced at Alton Towers as well, although the theme park is yet to announce a date for when they can open.
Theme parks across the UK were unable to open for the season this year due to the pandemic, with many now hoping to open ahead of the summer holidays – the busiest season.
In Europe and the US, theme parks and attractions are already beginning to open.
Efteling in the Netherlands and Europa-Park in Germany both opened last month, while Universal Orlando in Florida opened this week.
The Sun Online was one of the first to visit the US theme park as it reopened to guests – here is everything to know about the attraction experience post-coronavirus.