I read a statistic at the end of July that 60% of Americans kept their summer travel plans. People are out, they want to connect with their families, and they want to have fun. It made me wonder … what is it like spending time at the major theme parks right now? Is it safe? Does it feel strange? Is it worth going? And – perhaps most interestingly – are the ride wait times any shorter?
Legoland
To get a sense of what the park experience is like right now, I spoke with several people who have visited the parks in recent weeks, and I trekked up to Legoland Florida in Winter Haven with my daughter. Given our relative lack of out-of-the-ordinary adventures over the past six months, the prospect of a day trip to Legoland proved screech-worthy for my daughter. She screamed so high and so loud that neighborhood dogs came running.
And reality exceeded the anticipation, the hype, the expectations. As amusement park virgins, we adored our experience at Legoland, taking it all in and riding as many rides as possible. We spent time at the water park, packed lunches in case the concessions were limited, and enjoyed virtually nonexistent wait times across the park. More times than not, my daughter would politely ask the ride operators in her sweet voice, “May we please do this ride again?” And they would d happily comply. Though not all the rides were open, we thoroughly enjoyed the ones that were and made immediate plans to return to Legoland. It was a perfect first park experience, and riding small roller coasters with a 5-year-old was a new kind of thrill for this overprotective-ish mama.
Thinking of making a trip to Legoland? Here are some things to know before you go:
• Legoland is still holding its annual Halloween event, Brick or Treat, which includes contactless candy distribution and the return of character photo ops as well as the fireworks display. If you’re craving seasonal celebration, this is it! Brick or Treat will take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October.
• All guests ages 8 and older must wear masks on the rides. While you’re walking around the park, you are not required to wear a mask.
• The park has limited operational hours: It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except for Wednesday, and the water park is open the same days from 12-4 p.m.
• Guests are subject to a temperature check before entering the park.
• The park has a reduced capacity, and no cash is accepted on site.
• Legoland has significantly increased cleaning and disinfecting measures across the park.
• Concessions are available, but the hours are limited. Guests may bring small, personal coolers that can fit in a backpack.
• There are many hand sanitation stations throughout the park, and guests are strongly encouraged to use these stations throughout the day via loudspeaker announcements.
• The park and its employees require social distancing on all rides and in all ride lines. There are markers on the floor to guide guests.
Universal Studios Orlando
Felicia Gal, a senior at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, recently visited Universal Orlando Resort with her boyfriend, Jackson, just before school started in August. “Universal’s rides and overall atmosphere never fail to bring a smile to my face,” she said. Felicia appreciated the increased health and safety measures. “None of the rules in place bothered me at all. Universal was very adamant on keeping us social distanced and wearing masks. They gave us hand sanitizer before entering each ride, which made me feel a lot cleaner entering the attractions.”
Ashely Shuell went to Universal with her husband and two boys – Brayden, 8, and Ethan, 6 (pictured above) – over the summer. The family enjoyed the fact that the park was mostly empty. “The wait times for the rides were not long at all,” Shuell said. “You could get off and on a ride over and over, which was a fabulous experience with two young kids. It felt like we owned the place. All the usual headaches of going to the park – crowds, parking, and wait times – were nonexistent for us.”
Like Felicia, Shuell was impressed by the precautions taken by the park. “Our family welcomed the restrictions and safety measures. The protocols made us feel safer and showed us how much Universal cared for its guests. You could tell they really wanted to be open. We completed all food orders via the app, and the experience was much more efficient and expedited.”
The Shuell family had a great experience overall. “Having masks on in the heat was somewhat challenging, but the benefits outweighed the inconveniences,” she said. “All of the safety measures made it feel safer than some of the everyday outings we attend at home.”
Before you go to Universal Orlando Resort, here are a few things to know:
• Universal is offering several Florida resident discounts right now. Visit the website to learn more.
• Guests are required to submit to temperature checks and use hand sanitizer before going on rides.
• All guests ages 3 and older must wear a face mask, except when actively eating or drinking.
• Universal is limiting park capacity and throughout all attractions, restaurants, and shops.
• The park cleans and sanitizes aggressively and regularly.
• Universal guidelines require social distancing throughout the park and in ride lines.
• Universal team members provide various instructions to guests throughout their visit to the park, which guests must follow.
Walt Disney World Resort
Shay Phillips and her husband brought their two young children to Disney World in Orlando this summer. “It felt like a day from my childhood when Disney was far less crowded, and it had a nostalgic feel that was so enjoyable,” she sad. “Since there weren’t the usual crowds, we were able to ride almost every attraction in about five hours. Most ride lines were about 5-15 minutes, and the more popular rides were 30 minutes.”
In typical Disney fashion, the parks have gone full force on the safety measures. “I felt safer at Disney than I do at the grocery store,” Phillips said. “They have lots of hand washing stations, hand sanitizer before and after rides, and they clean the rides every 30 minutes. Disney requires mobile ordering for food, which limits lines and interactions.” She noted that all of the guests were adhering to the guidelines. “Everyone was very respectful and just happy to be there.”
Julie Ojanovac, her husband, and two teenage daughters visited Disney World over Labor Day weekend. “Disney will do whatever it takes to create a positive, safe experience for everyone who visits the park,” she said. “Many of the measures in place made for a more enjoyable and efficient experience. I loved it.” As for wearing a mask all day in the heat, “We don’t mind at all – we’re happy it’s open. Plus, the cooling masks at Costco are outstanding and make for a more enjoyable Disney experience.”
Ready to brave Disney World for a few days? Here are some things you need to know:
• All of the Disney parks’ hours have changed, and they are operating at a reduced capacity. Disney World does not allow for park hopping at this time. Additionally, ticket prices have changed a bit, and there are a few different deals available to Florida residents. You must make a reservation to go to the park on the day you want to go.
• All guests over the age of 2 must wear a mask. Masks must be worn over the mouth and nose. Disney team members will alert you if your mask dips below your nose. Additionally, all food must be eaten while sitting down in designated eating areas. Guests may not eat while walking around the park.
• Concessions are limited to food made off-site and brought to the parks in order to ensure high levels of sanitation. Many of the regular Disney food items are not available at this time.
• Disney World strictly enforces social distancing guidelines throughout the park, in ride lines, and on rides.
• Disney World requires a temperature check to enter the park, and they clean and sanitize aggressively.
So, get out there this fall and make some memories with your loved ones!
October 2020
From the October issue of Neapolitan Family.