Would you go to a theme park during a pandemic? What if I told you that you only had to pay for one day and could come back the rest of the year… for FREE; would that change your mind?
Well, for Florida residents, it is a tempting offer. Universal Orlando is now offering a “buy a day, go for the rest of the year” deal for $164 (the normal price for a one-day ticket). With this ticket, you get access to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure through December 24. If you want to add on their incredible water park, Volcano Bay, that will only cost you $193. There are no blackout dates, and tickets cannot be used on consecutive days. Tickets must be purchased by September 30.
If you are not a Florida resident, there are still some incredible deals to take advantage of. Visit the Universal Orlando site to learn more.
But what about COVID? Are you safe traveling to a theme park during a global pandemic?
Universal is taking plenty of precautions to help guests feel safe and also ensure they have the best experience. Some of the protocols Universal has taken to ensure guest safety are listed below.
But what is it like to go to Universal during this new world of coronavirus? I asked a close friend who is a frequent visitor of Universal and has taken on the parks during the pandemic. He is what she had to say.
“For my 25th birthday, we went to Universal to celebrate. The easiest way to get to the parks and get the most out of your day is to stay in the hotels, they are super clean and pretty empty right now. Staying at the hotels also gets you early park admission, and if you stay in one of their top tier resorts, you get unlimited express passes as well.
Your temperature is checked before entering the park at any location, whether it be the hotel or City Walk. Once in City Walk, you’re required to have your mask on (2-layered masks) unless in a designated area. I was worried it would be really crowded and people would not follow social distance guidelines, but that wasn’t the case! Everyone stayed at least 6 feet away and the lines were really spaced out; it was actually nice, instead of being packed in like we used to be.
There are also virtual line options for certain rides, like Hagrid’s. To get yourself in queue, you have to download the Universal app, which I recommend doing for the most up-to-date wait times.
We had so much fun because it was less crowded, and we were able to go on all the rides in both parks before 5! We were even lucky enough to get into the Bourne Stuntacular, which is INCREDIBLE.
Before going into any restaurant or getting on any ride, you were required to use hand sanitizer that the park provided. It was hot in the mask, but you were able to go to places to rest and take them off! I think Universal has handled COVID well, and I felt nothing but safe when we were there. Take advantage of the low numbers and go! You won’t regret it.”
-Claire Hamilton