Tips to Make Your Orlando Theme Park Trip Enjoyable

You have weighed all the options, made the tough decisions, and concluded that a vacation to Orlando works for you and your family. Excellent!

Going to Theme Parks

The first thing to know is that if you have ever been to an Orlando Theme park, currently, it is an entirely unique experience. Take any expectations you have and throw them out the window. There are fewer (if any) shows, and the character Meet and Greets (if you can find them) are from a distance.

Many travelers think, “great! They are doing their best to keep us safe.” If this is not you, it may be a good idea to rethink your trip.

Before you make your journey, be sure to check your destination (s) current operating status. Things can change in an instant.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/safety-faqs

Masks and Safety

I’ve added links to both Disney World and Universal Studios websites. Read these. Doing this is very important. When you enter the properties, you agree to these policies. If you disagree, do not go. The Cast Members, Team Members, and employees go to work each day to do their jobs. Besides this, they are responsible for the guest’s lives. Let that soak in. They care about your well-being.

They go home to family members and loved ones too. Wear your mask. If you don’t believe in masks, stay home.

Speaking of masks, Florida is HOT and HUMID. I won’t lie; wearing a mask all day is uncomfortable. You can solve this with a little extra planning. All the Major Theme parks have relaxation stations, where you can take your masks off for a short time. Use them. Make time in your day to breathe (just respect other people’s space!)

A few other mask tips:

•Bring multiple masks. They are not effective if they are wet. Dampness will happen quicker than you think (remember, hot and humid.) Not to mention a damp, sweaty mask is just gross.

•Change your masks. I am repeating the above advice, but it deserves another bullet point.

•Try different masks. You may find the masks you wear in your day-to-day lives are not comfortable for long periods. I found the ones that they sell at the parks lighter (and fun!) However, comfort is a personal thing.

•Listen to the Cast/Team Members. If they tell you your mask is wrong, fix it. If they ask you to put it back on, do it. I will probably sound like a broken record here, but this is their job. Maybe even go a step beyond. Say “Thank you!”

•Drink a lot of water. Drinking water has nothing to do with masks, but it is crucial. You are walking in the heat. Don’t forget to hydrate!

Plan Your Day

Check your park’s reservation system. Disney World requires you to reserve space. If you do not review policies, it will disappoint you. Universal does not have a reservation system. However, if you arrive late, you may find that it has reached capacity. Being sent away can be pretty disappointing.

Virtual queues: Some rides use a virtual queue system. Before going to a park, do some research on the rides you want that use this program. You will want to sign up for a spot in line as soon as you arrive on the park property. If there are no time slots available, keep trying. Sometimes they add more space, or other visitors drop their spot.

Have Fun!

Now that we have discussed some challenging parts of enjoying the theme parks, let’s look at the positives!

Space. With lower capacities and fewer people choosing to go, you have some wiggle room. Most visitors are great about respecting (or trying to) appreciate the six feet between parties.

Time. Many rides have the lowest wait times you will ever see! Enjoy this, even ride your favorites twice. How many times can you say that you fit in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures three times and still went on most of the other big ones!

Friendly people. In my experience, the ratio of grumpy vs. cheerful people leaned towards cheerful. I think everyone That I came across when to the parks knowing and expecting things to be different. There was much more of a ‘roll with it’ attitude.

HAVE FUN!

I hope I could pass along some useful advice! The final tidbit I offer is to practice kindness and grace. Remember, we have all had a challenging year. The Cast/Team Members and other guests are all in the same boat. It may sound cliche, but I have found if you give kindness and positive energy, you get it! Have an AMAZING trip!