We recently took our family to Universal Orlando to experience what the parks would be like during these unprecedented times. I can say without a doubt the safety procedures and dedication of the team members working the parks really went beyond our expectations! In many ways we felt safer at Universal Orlando than we did at our local grocery store.
Arrival
During this trip we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel on-site. As soon as we arrive you immediately see the focus on safety begin. A Bellmen stepped outside, in a mask, and welcomed us to the resort. He apologized that he could not assist with our bags as they are avoiding touching guests items. However, he pointed us to baggage carts we could use just a few feet away– and those recently returned were being sanitized by a second team member.
Once unloaded we went inside to check-in and were immediately stopped just inside the door. Here a team member asked us a few screenings questions, ensured we had masks on, requested we use the hand sanitizer, and then she took our temperatures. Once we passed everything we were giving a wrist band with a corresponding daily color to show we had been cleared. At the check-in desk there was plexiglass between the front desk team member and our family along with clear floor markings to show appropriate social distancing.
Rooms
One in our room we received a note stating that housekeeping would not be coming into our room to minimize exposure. While that was a minor inconvenience from a daily clean up point of view, we totally understood. The Hard Rock did have an internal text system where we could request trash service, towels and any other housekeeping needs. I was very surprised at how FAST the front desk responded and how quickly all of our needs were met.
You could also see other small touches focused on sanitation, such as the sanitized and wrapped TV remote. Check out our room tour from the trip!
Parks
Here is where Universal Orlando really knocked it out of the park! Several steps were being taken to help maintain safety and sanitation throughout the park:
- Crowd levels were kept to a minimum— honestly the park felt “empty”, which helped address concerns on social distancing
- Hand sanitizer… All. The. Time.– Everywhere you looked there was hand sanitizer and clear signs pointing to hand washing locations. Before you got on a ride the Universal team members would also request guests use hand sanitizer
- Cleaning was happening constantly— everywhere you looked you saw a team member cleaning surfaces, down to the railing in the ride lines
- Mobile Ordering for food and limited capacity— Each restaurant offered mobile ordering so that you could sit down and place your order on your phone. The team members would then bring you your food. They would also strictly enforce restaurant capacity to ensure all families were properly socially distant.
- Team members understood the expectations… and enforced them— You could sense both seriousness and pride in the entire team at Universal Orlando as they sought to maintain the highest level of safety. They would also make sure, in a pleasant and professional manner, that each guests followed the rules as well. This really made me feel safe!
- U-Rest Areas— Throughout the parks you had U-Rest areas, which were cornered off locations families could sit together and remove their masks. This was a great way to cool off for a moment and now you could do so in a safe way!
- Character encounters— You could still see characters around the park, albeit in a much more limited manner. The characters would position themselves in such a way that you could get a a picture with them in the background. You could also remove your masks to grab a quick snap!
Check out our video below to see the parks first hand!
Transportation and Guidance
Throughout Universal Orlando you have various shuttle bus and boat options to get between your resort and the parks. In each instance the capacity has been significantly limited– essentially less than 50% of normal occupancy. Each seat is clearly marked on whether or not it should be used in order to maintain social distancing between families. With staying at the Hard Rock we often found ourselves choosing to walk to the parks– its about five minutes to Universal Studios and less than 10 minutes to Islands of Adventure.
Across the park, and especially in queues, you see signs guiding social distancing. From markers to show six feet apart to extra entry capacity, it is very clear where you should be in order to maintain safety for your family and other guests.
We Highly Recommend!
I will be honest– I am one of the paranoid mama bears when it comes to COVID-19 right now. We are actively debating whether to go remote on in-person for school. I felt completely safe during our time at Universal Orlando. The team members were great and on top of everything. The procedures and policies were not only top notch, but actually enforced.
Right now many of our clients do not know where they feel comfortable booking for trips and to be honest we are often unsure as well– but we can highly recommend Universal Orlando from our own experience.
About the Author
Jenn Whitney, ACC
Owner & Travel Advisor
Jenn has a passion for travel. She loves helping families create amazing memories while exploring the world. After growing up in a household where the family summer vacation meant heading to grandma’s house, Jenn has spent her adulthood seeing the world and exposing her kids to travel adventures. From fun family road trips through the mountains of California, to climbing Machu Pichu, conquering Disney Parks, and even sailing the seas, she has either been there or helped a family get there! Jenn is a graduate of the University of North Texas.
