 As our Florida theme parks begin to reopen, operating procedures have been scrutinized, adjusted and fine tuned to meet the health and safety concerns of protecting staff and visitors alike. Much of what a visitor is used to has remained, but guidelines and additional procedures have been added to comply with CDC recommendations. This, of course, changes our theme park normal. Universal Orlando Resort will be the first major theme park to open their gates. Let's take a look at what guests can expect in regards to new safety and health guidelines, social distancing and touchless transactions.  Changes begin right at the beginning, in the parking garages. In order to create distance between travel groups, parking is being staggered. This is an easy way to social distance groups which also naturally staggers the arrival to the first checkpoint which is temperature check and instructions to put on your face covering, if you haven't already done so. Signage is clear and present!  At the entrance to each park and CityWalk, spieling team members bring a little levity to brighten the mood and remind guests of the required face coverings while visiting, social distancing guidelines within the parks and attractions, hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer. By the time guests have reached the entrance plaza of either park, they are fully aware of the new expectations and guidelines.  In case you might have missed it, a face covering is REQUIRED! Not going to sugar-coat this one - it's annoying, it adds nothing to any fashion statement one might be trying to make, there is a whole new biosphere going on between the nose and chin (think rain forest), it adds a new level of discomfort with the summer heat and humidity and darn it, how many times will you go to take a sip from your water bottle only to have your attempt thwarted. For now, this is what is needed to have the parks open. Embrace it, work with it, figure out what is best for you and your family and enjoy.
 What about character greetings, you ask? They are still happening, but have a different approach, so to speak. When it comes to meeting a favorite character, changes have been made to comply with social distancing guidelines. Guests will interact with their favorite character from a healthy distance. Characters are positioned on a raised platform, which is cordon off by at least 6 feet from guests. This allows for interaction and an awesome photo op, but at a safe distance. Need to Know EssentialsStaggered car parking. Temperature check. Face covering is required, except when eating and drinking. Social distancing throughout the parks. At select locations, guests will be required to use hand sanitizer prior to boarding ride vehicles. Capacity will be limited throughout all attractions, restaurants and shops. You will utilize the Official Universal Orlando Resort App for mobile food and drink ordering, purchasing park tickets for touchless entry, and setting up TapTu Pay for Volcano Bay. #universalorlandoresort #universalstudios #islandsofadventure #florida #blogger #universal #lovefl #visitflorida #harrypotter
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 For many families, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a yearly Christmas tradition. It just wouldn't be the holidays without experiencing all the magical, festive fun! Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event. A regular one-park base ticket or park hopper ticket will not get you into the party! The Christmas merriment begins at 7 pm, but you may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm. You will receive a special, Very Merry wristband to identify you as a party guest. From 4 to 7 pm, you may enjoy all the Magic Kingdom has to offer and at 7 pm the park flips to Christmas party mode! Don't forget to pick up a Very Merry guide so you can plan your evening. You do not want to miss -Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration at Castle Forecourt Stage, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show! Cinderella Castle is always gorgeous during the holiday season; especially when Elsa works her Frozen magic on it!   All your favorite characters join in on the fun and holiday spirit in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade! The attention to detail comes out, throughout the park, in the Christmas decorations. Be sure to notice the changes from one area to the next! I love the Mickey shaped wreaths on Main Street, U.S.A. Spy the giant candy cane stick and you know you have found a special holiday treat location! Peppermint, ginger molasses and snickerdoodle cookies are handed out throughout the park at specific locations. You might also find a snowman pretzel and don't forget your special Welcome Holiday Treat on Market Street! Dancing when you find the candy cane stick is optional!  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is on select dates through December 22. Make sure you buy tickets in advance because some dates are sold out! I would love to hear your thoughts - have you attended a party this season? What did you think? #verymerry #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #mickeysverymerrychristmasparty
 I love trying new food and beverage offerings at theme parks, especially ones that connect you more to the experience. So a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, at Universal Orlando, definitely requires partaking of Butterbeer, in any form! For all the muggles out there that have no knowledge of Butterbeer, oh, I’m so sorry for your sheltered life! Butterbeer is an amazingly, sweet beverage enjoyed by the Harry Potter characters from the book series of the same name. To the delight of visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, anyone can enjoy. Whether you fancy yourself a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, you will agree, it’s delicious! No need to be a die-hard Harry Potter fan to enjoy, Butterbeer is well, Universal! Did you know that there are six different Butterbeer offerings? Crazy, I know! There’s definitely something for everyone. But which one’s the best? Glad you asked. Our “research team”, with very little prodding, sacrificed themselves to try them all! The consensus? Hmmmm, I think we will need to go and have another go at it! As you might suspect, all six are delicious and worth a try! Here’s the Butterbeer lineup: Cold Butterbeer This is the classic beverage muggles and wizards can’t get enough of. Seriously, cold Butterbeer is just as magical as you expect - sweet and fizzy with a butterscotch flavor, just like it’s described in the books; except without the alcohol. The whole family can enjoy this beverage. It’s love at first sip! Frozen Butterbeer Frozen Butterbeer features the same amazing flavor as the cold, but comes as a slushy, icy consistency. It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, especially when you’re spending the day in the Florida sun. Grab one before you jump into a long line and the wait, hmmm, what wait! Hot Butterbeer When the weather [finally] gets chilly, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a delicious, steaming mug of hot Butterbeer. It’s my favorite Butterbeer-flavored beverage variety of the three… but that could just be because hot Butterbeer is a seasonal offering. The good news? It’s available now! Head to Universal and get your fix before it’s gone! Butterbeer Ice Cream Universal has taken ice cream to a whole new level with their soft-serve Butterbeer. Soft-serve generally isn’t my first choice when it comes to ice cream, but I can’t say “no” to this particular butterscotch and vanilla frozen treat. Get it in a waffle cone or a cup, either way, it’s yummylicious! Butterbeer Fudge
I usually have to be in the mood for fudge, but I found out I’m always in the mood for Butterbeer fudge. Each square is made up of two layers - a butterscotch layer and a shortbread layer, perfectly capturing the Butterbeer flavor. It’s not too sweet, just the perfect blend! Unlike its Butterbeer cousins, this treat is convenient to carry, so you don’t have to eat it all at once. Nibble on it or if you’re feeling generous, slice it up and share it with friends. Butterbeer Potted Cream I don’t know the technical definition of potted cream, but I would describe this treat as a thick pudding or custard. The consistency is smooth and creamy perfection. It’s definitely a satisfying dessert, and features the same Butterbeer flavor as the other offerings. Plus, you can keep the cute pot it comes in! #freesouvenir #sortof All Butterbeer varieties are available in both Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. Which Butterbeer item is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! |
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