Two Parks for Everyone!
Dear Polite Traveler,
To
celebrate my 60th birthday, my husband and I decided to visit the Orlando
Universal Studios. I was a bit concerned about our choice since we are
not "roller coaster" people anymore and that seemed to be the focus
of the park. However, I wanted—more like needed—to see and do everything
Harry Potter. Universal Orlando delivered on that essential and
more. Surprisingly, we both loved
every single moment of our four-day visit.
Note: Follow CDC and
Universal’s guidelines when visiting.
Always wear your face mask when in public.
It’s
not all about the rides!
Also surprisingly, this theme park is not all rides. It is
full of real movie sets. Each is like a unique world where the guest can
immerse him or herself deeply into the experience. For example, guests
can meet and mingle with “Spider-Man “and many other superheroes on the Island
of Adventure.
Shows
and more shows!
Most
are live theater as if the action was happening at that very moment and we, the
guests, are part of the action. The actors are skilled, believable, and
entertaining. Plenty of music as well.
Speaking of music (and dance), the wizarding world's most popular performers Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees treat guests several times each day inside Diagon Alley. Alternately, the wizarding world may have Celestina and the Bandshees, but The Blues Brothers rock an entire block in "New York". People of all ages danced and sang to the songs delivered perfectly by these talented performers. (video)
But what about the rides?
There are rides for everyone in this park. Some rides are a
bit too violent for small children and older guests like me. However, we
found many that we could experience. Since Universal is a studio, not
just a theme park, most of the rides included a “story “which we found
enchanting. For example, inside the “Transformers” 3-D ride, we joined
Optimus Prime and the Autobots fight Megatron and the Decepticons.
How about those with disabilities?
The
Universal park designers appeared to have everyone in mind when planning this
park. There are ramps and elevators
everywhere for those in wheelchairs.
Those with “invisible” disabilities like me—I have MS
—found
assistance as well. Universal offers a
“Guest Assistance” pass. This pass
allows people like me to skip the mainline if the wait is more than 30
minutes. Often, I was allowed to skip
the line anyway. No one wanted me to
stand in line.
Note:
please do not abuse this generous gift if able-bodied. It’s not fair or polite to Universal or to
those who tire easily.
Final
Notes
The parks are squeaky clean and beautiful. Employees are
helpful, polite, and approachable. Everyone appeared to want to make our
visit amazing—and it was.
This is a park for everyone—old, young, with or without children. There
is something for everyone inside the gates. Will we return?
Absolutely!
Venue Review: Sapphire Falls Resort
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