ORLANDO, Fla. – Even with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic having an effect on Central Florida, some formerly bustling tourist attractions and hot spots are slowly beginning to reopen.
Granted, guests can expect added safety precautions and social distancing measures wherever they go, in addition to reduced capacity and, in some cases, shortened hours.
Recommended Videos
Disney Springs, City Walk and Icon Park are among a few of the places where residents can visit once again, but since the state as a whole is taking a phased approach, they won’t be operating like they were pre-pandemic.
Of course, not everything is open just yet, which is why we’ll update this story as more locations start to open their doors.
Check out the list below of things open in Central Florida:
Treetop Trek: The Brevard County zipline park is open with reduced hours. Guests will need to purchase a timed-entry ticket in advance and wear a mask when they arrive. Read more here.
Leu Gardens: Not only has this Audubon Park botanical gardens remained open, it’s also been free for the past few weeks. Guests can walk through the flowers and trees from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Read more here.
Topgolf Orlando: Topgolf is open with some new changes. Employees will wear masks, gloves and need to pass health screenings. Dividers have been installed between bays and the area will be disinfected after every group. Read more here.
Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park: Stay in your own vehicle as you drive on a winding path through an expansive pasture filled with deer, bison, water buffalo and more. Book in advance because tickets do sell out. Read more here.
Fun Spot: The attraction’s Orlando location is accepting guests once again. Staggered seating on rides and enhanced safety measures will be noticeable. The Kissimmee location remains closed for now. Read more here.
Chocolate Kingdom: Chocoholics can go on 45-minute tours of the 11,000 square foot facility. Tours will take place at the top of every hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and operate at 50% capacity. Read more here.
The Wheel: Formerly know as the Orlando Eye, The Wheel will reopen June 3 and for their time being, each party will get their own private capsule. Read more here.
Madame Tussauds Orlando: Explore wax figures galore at this International Drive attraction. Adult tickets are $20 if you buy online in advance. Read more here.
Sea Life Aquarium: Located in The Wheelhouse across from Madame Tussauds is the interactive Sea Life Aquarium. Markers will be placed on the floor to help guide guests through the attraction while maintaining social distancing. Read more here.
Orlando Starflyer: The 450-foot swing ride on I-Drive is open. In a tweet, the attraction said CDC guidelines will be followed. Read more here.
ICON Park: Many restaurants are beginning to open, including Yard House, Tapa Toro, Tin Roof and Sugar Factory. Those are in addition to Madame Tussauds and Sea Life, which are also in ICON Park. Read more here.
Island H2O Live!: The Central Florida water park is open with limited capacity. Guests are encouraged to wear masks between rides but they won’t be allowed to on rides due to safety concerns. Read more here.
Wall Crawl Orlando: Snap some Insta-worthy pictures at this interactive experience with sets painted by a variety of artists. Wall Crawl is limiting capacity to 10 people per session and tickets must be purchased in advance. Read more here.
Old Town: The Kissimmee attraction is open from noon to 9 p.m. each day with shops and restaurants now operating at 50% capacity. Read more here.
Disney Springs: While the theme parks remain closed, Disney’s shopping and dining district is open. Guests will need to pass a temperature check before being allowed inside. Read more here.
Universal’s CityWalk: CityWalk was the first theme park-related property to open in Central Florida. Select restaurants and shops are accepting guests but do expect a temperature check and limited parking and hours. Read more here.
Arcade Monsters: The Oviedo location offering retro games, food and more hosted a soft reopening on May 22 to debut its expansion. Read more here.
Aloma Bowl Winter Park and Boardwalk Bowl: Both bowling alleys are back open but guests must wear face coverings and arrive in groups of no more than 10. Balls will be cleaned and sanitized after each use and social distancing measures will be in place. Read more here.
Central Florida Zoo: The zoo will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with limited capacity. Tickets must be purchased in advance and groups sizes need to be limited to 10 people or fewer. Read more here.
Brevard Zoo: The Brevard Zoo recently reopened. All guests must wear masks and plan to bring a credit or debit card since cash won’t be accepted. Read more here.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games: The Universal Boulevard go-kart racing is back open with new sanitation and hygiene measures in place. The ropes course is temporarily unavailable but all other areas are accepting guests. Read more here.
Dinosaur World: The dino walk and indoor museum are open but all hands-on activities are closed for now. Capacity will be limited inside the park. Read more here.
ICEBAR Orlando: Guests can cool down and grab a drink and a bite to eat at this I-Drive ice-themed attraction. All areas will operate at 25% capacity and guests will need a timed-entry ticket. Read more here.
Machine Gun America: Guests can fire AK-47s, UZIs and more during the pandemic. Masks are required. Read more here.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: The visitor complex launched its reopening on May 28. Guests will need to pass a temperature check and wear a mask. The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour will be closed but all other areas will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more here.
Lakeridge Winery: No events or festivals are currently taking place, although guests can stroll through the vineyards at their own pace. The retail store is open and wine tastings are available. Read more here.
K1 Speed: With all-electric karts and an indoor track, K1 Speed is open once again. Face coverings are required for everyone and karts and helmets will be sanitized before each use. Read more here.
Epic Axe Throwing: The downtown Orlando location reopened on May 21. Reservations should be made in advance. Read more here.
Magical Midway: The home of the Sling Shot and the Starflyer is open once again with free parking and free admission. Read more here.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando: The entire resort, including The Margaritaville Cottages and The Promenade, are back open and some deals are being offered to entice guests to book an overnight stay. Read more here.
WonderWorks Orlando: The I-Drive attraction will be open again starting May 29. Social distancing will be required and employees will need to wear masks, although guests don’t have to. Read more here.
Nona Adventure Park: While the climbing tower is closed, the rest of the inflatable water park in Lake Nona is open. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Read more here.
Bok Tower Gardens: The sprawling Lake Wales garden with its famous carillon opened June 1. Guests can begin purchasing timed tickets now. Read more here.
Orlando Museum of Art: OMA will open its doors to members only June 2 through June 4 and welcome back the general public starting June 9. Read more here.
Polasek Museum: The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens reopened its sculpture garden June 2 and its indoor gallery June 9. Masks will be required and capacity will be limited. Read more here.
Urban Air Adventure Park: Before the park opens to the public on June 6, essential workers and their families are invited for a free day of play on June 4. They’ll just need to sign up online for a two-hour block on that day. Read more here.
While all the locations listed above are open now or will be in the coming days, we also know of some things that are going to start back up soon:
Universal Orlando: Beginning June 5, all three of Universal’s Orlando theme parks will open. Masks and temperature checks will be required for all guests. Read more here.
Disney World: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom will open July 11, followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15. Read more here.
SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld, along with Aquatica and Discovery Cove, will begin reopening June 11. Read more here.
Did I miss something? Send me the details by emailing acutway@wkmg.com.