A Recent Visit to Universal Studios Orlando
Published Sunday, August 30th 2020 - Updated Sunday, August 30th 2020Under the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic people cannot take their family vacation as they had been accustomed. Are frightened or cannot go far. Thus, staying in the U.S.A.
A friend of ours recently returned from visiting Universal Studios in Orlando, and she came home excited citing that her experience was better than expected. It was excellent!
This particular person stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, Orlando, and stayed for a few nights there to visit and enjoy Universal Studios, in Orlando. Upon arriving, they had to wear masks and were required to immediately sanitize their hands, and have their temperature taken at the point of entry.
At the check-in desk at the hotel they were greeted by a very friendly reservation agent who too wore a mask and had a plastic see-through glass-like barrier. Allowing everyone to see each other and everything around them. Paperwork and credit card processing was through a special slot in the barrier. Each guest staying at the hotel would be given a colored wrist band and were required to wear it until the next day. There would be a different colored wristband each day. Once all paperwork and the key cards exchanged, the guests were able to proceed to their rooms. The reservation agent would then sanitize the entire station upon the guests departure from their station.
This particular person said that one of the two rooms they had, they were adjacent, did have a seal on the door indicating that the room had not only been cleaned but sanitized as well. A couple of things that she noted, is that room service was not available. Over the course of their stay their room would not be cleaned unless specifically requested. Fresh towels would be made available also upon request.
Temperatures would be taken again every time you were about to leave the hotel, and once again sanitize their hands.
For the park, and part of staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and park package, they were able to obtain Express Passes with park hopper. These are extremely valuable as they make the lines that much shorter and access that much easier. It allows you to travel from Islands of Adventure to the World of Harry Potter by train possible as well.
Upon entering the park everyone was wearing masks. Even young children who did not seem bothered by having to wear their mask. "It was as if they were wearing sunglasses", and didn't bother the anyone in the slightest.
Again, temperatures would be taken at the entrance. Everyone entering would also have to sanitize their hands with sanitizer.
The park seemed busy, but not horribly. Certainly not crowded. Most people were respectful of social distancing, but in a line setting this was not always the case.
Everything seemed to be operating as usual. Shows, rides, attractions, etc. Although children and guests could not take pictures next to a character, the characters were present but place behind ropes. You could still take pictures of them.
While in line for the rides, everyone wore their masks. Before entering the ride, everyone would be required to sanitize their hands again. On some of the rides visitors were allowed to lower their mask once seated, but once the ride was over they had to put their mask back on. A hand sanitizer station was available as you left the ride, and everyone was encouraged to use it.
Seating on the rides was set up for social distancing. With as much as three rows of seats being empty front to back, and for those not traveling together, two to three seats apart from each other. This was well enforced and all guests followed through with the protocol.
Dining while in the parks or at the hotel required that people download apps. From the app they would be able to see the menu and order what they wanted. A person would not be coming to their table to take their order unless you were experiencing an issue with the app. The app was being a challenge for use for my friends. In this instance, a person would come and take their order. Apparently all Apple I-6 model phones were not compatible with the app. The food was delivered by a very friendly person wearing a mask and gloves.
All the workers at Universal and at Hard Rock were friendly and welcoming. Each seemed genuine as they exclaimed how happy that you were there. My friend felt sorry for those who have to stand and work in the heat and sun that the peak of summer in Florida presents. Surprised how they themselves were able to keep up a joyful and happy disposition. Yet realized that in this day in time these folks were grateful to have a job and having visitors to allow for the park or hotel to be opened.
My friend says she would go again. Everything was perfect, and reiterated that her experiences were excellent. She would recommend this park, even under our uncertain times, to anyone.
It is important to note that not all hotels or resorts within Universal are open to the public. Only a few select at the time of writing.
Are you ready to escape the confines of your home? Escape for some fun for the entire family? Some place close to home, and offering you a level of safety and comfort?
Give us a call at Cruise Planners, or visit my website, as we may have some special offers available for you, and let's get you traveling again!
Thank you to Pat for your input and sharing your experiences with us! So much appreciated!!
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