Universal Orlando During the Pandemic - Embrace the Journey Travel

We visited Universal Orlando during the pandemic…

My family and I decided to take a much needed family mini-vacation, and headed to Universal Orlando this past February. It was sort of last minute, but all the planets aligned and we were desperate for some sunny days, blue skies, and swaying palm trees. And… we weren’t sorry. (haha)

Staying at a on-property Universal resort is recommended. There are many perks with staying onsite, including extra hour early entry, free transportation to the parks (even though most you can walk to and from), having your in park/city walk purchases sent to your room, etc.

Even better, stay at one of the Premier resorts and the Unlimited Express Pass is included for every day that you visit the parks during your stay! This was DEFINITELY a convenience that we all decided we could never live without again, haha! With the Universal Unlimited Express Pass, you can skip the regular line on almost EVERY ride and attraction multiple times a day!! Having it included in your resort stay, well… it’s a little piece of heaven.

Covid Safety at Universal

Universal is doing a fabulous job with the Covid Safety efforts. Upon arriving at our resort, our temperature was checked and we were issued a paper wristband showing we had been temp checked for that day. Each day, before we left for the parks, there would be someone in the lobby, or out by the back entrance, where you would walk or catch the boat to the parks that would take your temperature and issue you a band for that day. This saved time when going through security at the parks.

Our room was cleaned before we arrived, and our TV remote was put into a sealed plastic bag. Housekeeping was upon request, and if we needed more towels, toiletries, or our trash emptied, it was just a quick phone call and it was done.

There is hand sanitizer offered at almost every turn, and social distance reminder markers whenever there was a line for an attraction, food service or shopping. Mask “reminders” were enforced also. We felt totally safe. There were also areas throughout both parks where you could rest and take off your mask for a little break.

Food at Universal Orlando

The food was AMAZING everywhere we went. We were heck-bent on SNACKS this trip (Check out our super fun Snack video) and while butterbeer “anything” is our favorite, we tried Toothsomes Chocolate Emporium this trip and it was HANDS DOWN our new favorite!!! We loved it so much that we had to squeeze in another visit for an early lunch before heading to the airport the day we had to leave, haha. Highly recommend.

The Rides and Attractions of Universal Orlando

Whether you are a thrill seeker, or like something a little more mild, there is something for all. Harry Potter fans… well.. this is the place for YOU! There are so many fun things to explore in both parks, whether you are in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. And even if you are NOT a huge Harry Potter fan (I’ll try not to hold that against you.. haha) the rides in both these areas are great!

The newest is Hagrid’s Motorbike ride… thrill seekers take note !AMAZING! While this is the ONLY ride that does not accept the Express Pass (at this time) it’s WELL worth the wait! In fact, most of the attractions here are worth the wait, and the themed line queues are actually pretty fun. The one downside to the Express Pass is that you bypass a lot of the fun line theming.

And if the rides get to be too much for you… take yourself back to your resort and enjoy a few hours at the pool. The resorts at Universal Orlando all have pools that have a little something for the entire family. Most have slides and/or water features. Grab some sun, some shade, and a cocktail (wink). Towels are provided and are plentiful. Grab a snack (we had some nachos the one day) and just kick back and relax… and get ready to hit those parks again the next day!!!

Universal Orlando is one of my family’s favorite places to visit. Now let’s make it a favorite for YOUR family too…