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Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe: A Complete Planning Guide

Experience Universal Orlando’s newest park like never before! Our complete 2025 holiday guide to Epic Universe covers seasonal décor, dining, itineraries, and insider tips for a magical winter visit.

Epic Universe Entrance

Celebrate the Holidays at Epic Universe: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

The 2025 holiday season marks a landmark moment — it’s the very first time Epic Universe will fully participate in Universal Orlando’s winter festivities. From November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026, guests can find seasonal magic woven into select corners of this newly opened park. This guide dives deep into what to expect in each land, how best to experience the holiday atmosphere, itinerary ideas, insider tips, and what may come in future years. Let’s unwrap the holidays at Epic Universe.

Overview: Holiday Season Dates & What’s Confirmed

  • Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (resort-wide holiday season)

  • Epic Universe Participation: For the first time, Epic Universe will be part of Universal’s holiday celebrations.

  • Confirmed Decor Locations:
      • Celestial Park will feature seasonal lighting and decorations.
      • The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic (Epic Universe version) will be adorned with festive garlands, lights, and themed décor.

  • Other Lands’ Status:
      • Super Nintendo World has not been confirmed to receive a holiday overlay in this first season; Universal may delay decorations until later years.
      • Dark Universe is a land with moody aesthetic that could lend itself to a darker twist on holiday theming, though full details are unconfirmed.
      • Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) likewise has no confirmed seasonal transformation this year.

In short: your holiday experience at Epic Universe will center primarily in Celestial Park and the Ministry of Magic land, with the rest of the park delivering its usual immersive attractions without (yet) a full seasonal overlay.

Meet the Lands: Holiday Highlights & What to Explore

Below is a breakdown of how each of the five Epic Universe lands may—or may not—transform during the holiday season, plus tips for making the most of them.

Celestial Park — The Festive Hub

As the central “world between worlds,” Celestial Park is the beating heart of Epic Universe. This season, it will serve as the park’s holiday anchor.

  • Expect sweeping architectural lighting: building façades, walkways, archways, and garden features will be lit up with seasonal accents.

  • The portal areas and paths leading to other lands may be lined with garlands, stylized wreaths, and tasteful winter motifs.

  • Celestial Park already boasts more than seven million individually-controllable embedded LEDs in its design. Those lights may be incorporated into holiday lighting sequences or shows.

  • Photo opportunities: at sunset and after dark, Celestial Park may become one of the most striking areas to pause and capture the illuminated ambiance.

If you plan carefully, Celestial Park might serve as a relaxing central zone to revisit at night when crowds thin and the holiday lighting feels most magical.

The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic (Epic Universe)

ministry of magic

This version of the Wizarding World is one of the feature draws for holiday theming in the park.

  • Expect classic wizarding décor: garlands, glowing lights, Magical touches that tie into the lore of the Ministry and wizarding winter aesthetics.

  • Seasonal merchandise: anticipate exclusive holiday or winter-themed wizarding souvenirs, ornaments, and specialty apparel in Ministry shops.

  • Seasonal treats: hot Butterbeer (or seasonal variants), bakery items, and winter-inspired sweets may be available in this land just as they are in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade elsewhere in the resort.

  • Enchanted ambiance: while large-scale shows (like projection mapping) are not yet confirmed in Epic Universe’s Wizarding World, expect lighting cues, mood music, and themed sensory touches to heighten the holiday feel.

If you’re a fan of the Wizarding World, this land offers perhaps the richest holiday overlay in Epic Universe this year.

Super Nintendo World

As one of Universal’s highly-IP’d lands, Super Nintendo World is a visual and interactive space. However:

  • In other Universal parks, Nintendo lands often wait until a second year before introducing seasonal overlays.

  • That suggests for 2025, Super Nintendo World may remain in its “base” theming, relying perhaps on subtle seasonal lighting (if any) or themed snacks rather than full decorative transformations.

  • Still, it’s a fun and lively land year-round: take advantage of interactive elements, character interactions, and game-style encounters while exploring the rest of the park’s holiday overlay.

Dark Universe

With its gothic, monster-lore aesthetic, Dark Universe presents interesting possibilities for holiday theming. For this inaugural season:

  • Full holiday décor is unconfirmed.

  • Creative holiday contrasts may emerge: moody snow, subtle lighting, thematic twists on winter folklore, or darker holiday motifs (think old-world European winter) might be stealthy enhancements rather than bold transformations.

  • Even without a heavy seasonal overlay, Dark Universe still offers immersive environments and rides that contrast sharply with the bright holiday décor elsewhere — which can create a compelling and varied “holiday through darkness” experience.

Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon)

This Viking-inspired land is another contender for eventual seasonal theming, though not confirmed in Year 1.

  • No official holiday transformation is listed yet.

  • In future years, Universal could introduce "Snoggletog"-style winter touches (borrowing from the source material’s winter festival) — snow-dusted lanterns, themed treats, or festive dragon lighting displays.

  • For 2025, enjoy the land in its default immersive state, and use adjacency to Celestial Park or Ministry for your seasonal moments.

How to Plan Your Epic Universe Holiday Visit

stardust racers

Tickets, Access, & Timing

  • Epic Universe opened May 22, 2025.

  • At the current stage, multi-day Universal Orlando tickets include one day of admission to Epic Universe. Universal Destinations & Experiences+2Undercover Tourist+2

  • A single-day Epic Universe ticket price starts around $139 (before extras).

  • Because only one Epic Universe day is typically included, plan your holiday-overlay day strategically and combine it with visits to the other parks.

  • Arrive early (park opening / “rope drop”) to experience the holiday décor in quieter conditions before crowds swell.

Itinerary Suggestions (Holiday-Focused)

Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary that maximizes the holiday experience inside the park.

DayMorningAfternoonEvening / NightDay A – Holiday Debut at EpicArrive at opening, head straight to Celestial Park to enjoy the holiday lighting and architecture before midday.Explore the Ministry of Magic land with seasonal decor and treats. Ride signature attractions in other lands.Return to Celestial Park and Wizarding World after sunset to absorb the illumination. End your night with a slower-paced stroll.Day B – Revisit Favorites & Photo OpsReenter early. Focus on Dark Universe and Isle of Berk (for contrast) while holiday crowds concentrate in the decorated zones.Leisurely lunch in a themed dining location; revisit favorite rides or hidden corners.Return to Celestial Park near dusk for images, then exit through portal areas lit beautifully.Day C – Flex / Rest & RecapOptional reentry (if your ticket allows) to revisit your top holiday moments.Shopping, holiday merchandise hunting, and relaxing in quieter parts of the park.Depart with a final evening stroll under festive lights in Celestial or Ministry.

Best Times & Crowd Strategies

  • Visit during weekdays in late November or early December (before holiday break crowds).

  • Use the Universal Orlando app to monitor wait times and plan visits to the decorated lands when lines are lowest.

  • Reserve any available dining or experience slots early, especially in Ministry or Celestial restaurants.

  • In the evening, some parts of the park (especially Celestial Park) may feel more peaceful as guests depart — that’s your moment.

Holiday Extras, Merchandise & Dining Highlights

helios grand hotel

Seasonal Dining & Treats

While Universal has not published a full holiday menu for Epic Universe, you can expect:

  • Seasonal drink offers like hot Butterbeer variants or winter-themed beverages in Ministry.

  • Festive desserts (cupcakes, cookies, specialty confections) in Celestial Park eateries and bakery-style venues.

  • Themed decor in dining areas — garlands, subtle lighting, and cozy touches in restaurants near holiday zones.

Merchandise & Keepsakes

  • Limited-edition holiday ornaments, clothing, and keepsakes tied to Ministry and Celestial décor will likely be featured in shops within those lands.

  • Even in non-decorated lands, guests may find subtler seasonal variants of popular merchandise.

  • Be early: holiday merchandise tends to sell out, especially in the themed zones.

Photo Opportunities & Lighting Moments

  • Celestial Park at dusk and nighttime is your prime photo zone, with architectural lighting and seasonal hues.

  • Ministry of Magic walkways draped in garlands provide atmospheric frames for pictures.

  • Portal archways and transitions between lands may be accentuated with light effects.

  • Capture moments before crowds fully fill the park — early evening or just before closing can be ideal.

What This Year Tells Us — And What’s Next

This inaugural season at Epic Universe is part of Universal’s broader holiday expansion.

  • The holiday inclusion is not merely additive décor — Universal is using this moment to enhance and evolve the guest experience in this new park.

  • In future seasons, expect holiday overlays to expand deeper into all lands, including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and Isle of Berk.

  • Because Epic Universe is designed to evolve, this first holiday run sets expectations: holiday lighting, mood, seasonal dining, and immersive touches will likely scale each year.

Final Tips & What to Watch For

  1. Check for official announcements close to November — Universal may reveal additional shows, lighting sequences, or holiday-specific entertainment.

  2. Focus your holiday day on Celestial Park and Ministry — those are your best bets for festive immersion.

  3. Balance thrill and ambiance — use quieter times to enjoy less-decorated lands while crowds cluster in holiday zones.

  4. Stay late — evening illumination in Celestial Park and Ministry will be one of your most magical memories.

  5. Bring a good camera or smartphone — holiday lighting makes for dramatic visuals.

  6. Be flexible — since not every land is decorated yet, adjust your plan on the fly based on crowd flow and lighting conditions.

  7. Watch for seasonal enhancements in future years — if you visit again, expect even more holiday presence across Epic Universe.

Epic Universe’s debut holiday season may not yet be a full winter wonderland across every land, but it promises a fresh, inspired take on holiday magic. With festive lighting in Celestial Park, immersive décor in the Ministry, and the contrast of the park’s unadorned lands, your holiday visit will feel unique and original.


About Martin:

Martin is a lifelong theme park and cruise enthusiast—and the proud son of this site’s founder. Bringing a fresh, youthful perspective, he shares his experiences at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. You’ll often catch him in the background of his dad’s travel videos—or even behind the camera, capturing moments himself. Check out some of his contributions on YouTube at Orlando Parks Guy Orlando Parks Guy.


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How Universal Orlando Resort Spends the Holidays 2024

Holiday happenings you don’t want to miss at Universal Orlando resort

Beginning November 22, 2024 through December 31, 2024, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are merry and bright, naughty and nice.

Minions float at Universal Orlando Macy's Parade

Take in the spectacle of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Witness a stunning seasonal celebration when Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s takes to the streets.

And get a little naughty as they laugh along with The Grinch™ as Seuss Landing is all spruced up for the holidays.

There’s festive fun around every corner with holiday-themed entertainment, exclusive limited-time holidays food and drink offering, and New Year's celebrations at both parks.

Plus, there are even more festivities at Universal Orlando Resort's spectacular hotels! 

  • Rejoicify for “Wicked,” in theaters November 22, 2024, with an all-new, magically immersive experience opening November 16th in Universal Studios Florida. It’s time to fly with enchanting film costume and prop replicas, Elphaba and Glinda-themed photo ops, and bewitching merch. Plus, you will be able to try some popular food and drinks at Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk. Glinda and Elphaba will make “surprise and delight” and unscheduled appearances for guests at Wicked: The Experience during the movie’s opening. However, a permanent meet-and-greet experience is not planned at this time.

  • Staying at Universal Orlando for Thanksgiving?  All of the on-site hotels will be offering Thanksgiving feasts on November 28th!  Reservations can be made through Resy.

  • On December 31st, both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure will be open through 1:00am for your guests to ring in the New Year

  • Rock the Universe 2025 will take place on January 24th & 25th. 

  • Beginning February 1st through March 30th, 2025, celebrate Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval! You’ll enjoy a spectacular parade, beads by the handful, live music, and more. You can now reserve a spot on a parade float and enjoy a meal at select Universal Orlando restaurants with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience.  Spots are limited!

Contact me now to book your Universal Orlando holiday vacation for 2024 or even 2025.


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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.

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Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package

Now, with the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package, you can have the ultimate fan experience right here at Universal Orlando Resort.

Now, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package, you can have the ultimate fan experience right here at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Harry Potter EXCLUSIVE vacation package is customizable but starts with:

Harry Potter Themed Breakfasts

Before you set out to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, enjoy a hot breakfast from the Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks.

Three Broomsticks

Three Broomsticks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade

Three Broomsticks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade

Leaky Cauldron

Leaky Cauldron Breakfast at Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando

Leaky Caldron breakfast at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley.

Leaky Cauldron Breakfast at Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando

Leaky Cauldron Breakfast at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 0 Diagon Alley

Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour

Special Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Flight in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley featuring four flavors of your choosing.

Plus a Honeyduke’s Cooler Tote

Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

 
 

Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio

Have you ever dreamed of being a part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter You know, really picture yourself there?

Well, Shutterbutton’s at Universal Orlando Resort is making this fantasy a reality.

Shutterbuttons Photography Studio at Universal Studios Florida - Diagon Alley.

You can wear your favorite Harry Potter-themed outfit, house colors and other wizarding gear, and this magical shop will place you in your favorite Wizarding World sights and scenes!

Tips for Shutterbutton’s at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • There are 12 iconic scenes from Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

  • Bring your wizarding world props like wands, merchandise, hats, etc

  • 5 guests are allowed per session

  • Make a reservation

 
Shutterbutton's Photo Studio at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Orlando

Shutterbuttons at Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando

 

So, what exactly is included in Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive vacation package?

This custom vacation package offers exclusive experiences and convenience – making it something you truly can’t miss on your vacation. 
 

  • Hotel accommodations at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel. I recommend a Primer hotel. Ask me why!

  • Admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida). Volcano Bay Water Park can be included as a package extra.

  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay (and select attractions) Get access 1-hour before the park officially opens

  • Breakfast at The Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks

  • Ice Cream flight at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley

  • Honeyduke’s cooler tote.

  • Shutterbutton’s experience that unlocks an exclusive background and a complimentary 8” x 10” photo

  • Access to select venues at Universal’s CityWalk

 
 
See Universal Offers ▸

TIP! With your park-to-park passes, you’re able to ride the Hogwarts Express between the lands at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 
 

Have questions about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter EXCLUSIVE vacation package? Contact me now or request a quote.

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Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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Universal Orlando's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites Review

Resort Tour: Universal’s Endless Summer Resort Dockside

Resort Summary

Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites is divided into two parts: Dockside Inn and Surfside Inn. The name comes from the 1966 documentary on surfing titled, The Endless Summer.

Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites

This resort is located on Universal Boulevard, a few blocks away from the Universal Orlando theme parks.

This value hotel features 2-bedroom suites that accommodate up to six guests and standard rooms that sleep 4.

There are 1,059 2-bedroom suites and 991 standard rooms with interior corridors.

What is the difference between universal dockside and Surfside?

These two hotels sit across the street from each other on Universal Boulevard. Dockside is larger and has 2 pools. It also has a larger lobby and foodcourt. Surfside is smaller and has 1 pool. Personally, I think Surfside is a little easier to navigate but I like that Dockside is bigger. Surfside and Dockside are comparable in terms of room size, nightly rates and the amenities offered.


Arrival and Lobby Areas

Room Categories

2-Bedroom Suites – These suites, which make up more than half the rooms at both Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites, sleep up to six and offer guests an unrivaled value.

With the families suite you no longer need two connecting rooms for extra space.

Standard Rooms - With separate bath and vanity areas, it’s easy for multiple people to get ready at the same time.

Pool View Rooms - Each inviting 313-square-foot room offers two queen beds and sleeps 4.

Room Rates

Standard rooms begin at $79 per night. The 2-Bedroom Suites start as low as $115 per night. Prices vary based on season with mid to late summer having the lowest rates.


2 Bedroom Suite

Standard Room


Hotel Services

Dockside Inn and Suites features:

  • Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms and public areas.

  • Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center

  • Self-parking (daily fees apply)

  • Car rental available on-site

  • Universal Studios Store

Only Universal Orlando’s hotel guests get more ride time, more free time and more family time every day of their vacation.

  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay, one hour before the theme parks open (Valid theme park admission required. Select attractions.)

  • Free shuttles are provided so it’s always a quick hop between your room and the parks.

  • Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key.

  • Complimentary merchandise delivery to your hotel from the Universal shops.

  • Complimentary Club-to-Club access at Universal CityWalk to select venues for the length of your stay.

Pool and recreation

Dining Options

Dockside Inn and Suites has tasty and convenient offerings for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every craving in-between.

  • Pier 8 Market – With multiple stations offering breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Wave Makers Pool Bar – Laid-back poolside bar 4 The Oasis Beach Bar – Sunny poolside bar

  • Sunset Lounge – Lobby bar offering favorite cocktails and craft beer

  • Starbucks – Relax and sip for awhile or grab a coffee creation to go as you pass through the lobby

  • Fresh Pizza – Delivered directly to your room. Available during limited hours

Theme Park Transportation

Free shuttles to the Universal theme parks and Volcano Bay water park. Uber is also available.

Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside is located off-site, a few blocks away from the Universal theme parks.

  • Universal Orlando Resort

  • 15 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO)

  • 10 miles from downtown Orlando

  • 10 miles from Walt Disney World Resort

Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn address:

7125 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Can you walk from Endless Summer to City Walk?

No, it is not possible to walk to Universal City Walk or to the Universal theme parks from Endless Summer Dockside. This hotel is located a few blocks away on very busy roadways. Bus transportation is fast and convenient.

Does Universal dockside have free breakfast?

No, breakfast isn’t free at Dockside or at any other Universal Orlando Resort hotel. A food court is available for breakfast, with many menu items under $12.

Is the pool at Endless Summer dockside heated?

Yes, pools are heated during cooler weather at all Universal Orlando hotels.

Does Endless Summer have water slide?

Dockside has 2 pools and a splash pad for little kids, but there is no water slide.

Which Universal hotel has a lazy river?

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a small lazy river.

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando Resort

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. New for 2023! Select Dates Feb. 4–Apr. 16.

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando


Select Dates Feb. 4–Apr. 16.

Reserve a spot for your family on one of Universal Orlando’s spectacular parade floats.

You can also enjoy a 3-course meal from the full menu at one of four participating restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort.

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando

The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando includes:

  • Access to one (1) Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation on the same day as prix fixe meal**. Guests will receive Mardi Gras Float Rider credentials at the restaurant after their meal. The credential will specify the parade check-in information, including location and time.

  • One (1) prix fixe meal at a select full-service restaurant located at Universal Studios Florida or Universal CityWalk. Prix fixe meal includes one (1) appetizer, one (1) entrée, one (1) dessert, and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage per person.

  • The price is $69.21 per person.

See Universal Orlando Packages


*Prices, dates, times, experience details, and benefits subject to availability, change and/or cancellation without notice.

**Mardi Gras Parade Float Riders must be 18+ or accompanied by their legal guardian age 18 or older. All riders must be at least 48” in height and able to board the floats and must be able to stand for the duration of the parade.

^Price does not include admission to the Universal Studios Florida theme park. Separate theme park admission required and for the same date as the parade and prix fixe meal. Purchase must be made 24 hours prior to event date.



Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

Yes I want to work with darren

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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2 Days at Universal Orlando, Here's What it Was Like

I attended two days of previews at Universal Orlando Resort under the new health and safety guidelines and I had a great experience. Walt Disney World Resort will have nearly identical guidelines when it reopens on July 11, 2020 and based on how well Universal Orlando managed things, this just might work out even at Disney!

Here’s a recap of my experience at Universal Orlando with the safety guidelines in place.

All guests must have their temperature taken prior to entering the park. Team Members will also check for masks at this point. If you do not have a mask, you can purchase one at the gift shop near the security checkpoint. Guests who do not have a mask, even those with medical notes, will not be permitted to enter, no exceptions.

Every attraction at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios have blue floor markers that help guests visualize where to stand. It’s amazing how many of them there are, I couldn’t help but think how long it must have taken to measure and tape them down. These markers even take into account switchbacks. So, not only are you 6ft. behind the group in front of you, but you’re also spaced appropriately from those alongside of you. This is no joke here, Universal thought of everything.

Guest stand about 6ft apart in attraction lines. It works well, floor makers, pictured above, help show guests where to stand. Having the extra room in line is nice, no annoying people stepping on your heels in line. It’s a first class experience.

Team Members will dispense hand sanitizer for all members of your party right before you board an attraction. I would bring hand lotion as the sanitizer does dry out your skin after a while.

Sponge Bob Character Greeting at Universal Orlando with Social Distance

Guests won’t be able to hug the characters for obvious reasons but you can still interact with them. Here Sponge Bob did a number of silly poses for my son and I. He was really playful too, we had no idea what he was doing behind us, but he had my wife, the photographer, laughing hysterically.

We saw other characters getting kids to dance with them, Fortnight dances, the Hand Jive, Chicken Dance all very popular. The kids loved it and parents got some great photos and video. Characters will also pose for photos if you ask, you just have to stand 6ft. in front of them. But in the photos, they appear to be right behind you.

Is it like it used to be? Unless you must give them a hug, it’s still a lot of fun, and in some ways it’s even more fun now because they interact more rather than just pose for photos.

What’s it like having to wear a mask all day in the park? Well, it would be better if we didn’t have to, but it’s not that bad. For me, it beats staying home. You do get used to it. I highly recommend investing in a quality mask, one that fits comfortably and breathes well. I had been using those blue paper masks until I finally got one made of cloth. Wow! What a big difference! I was a lot more comfortable and didn’t mind wearing a mask at all. I didn’t feel too hot or stuffy with the mask on. The only issue I had was that my sunglasses would occasionally fog up when I exhaled into the mask.

If you need a break from the mask, Universal has designated areas where you’re allowed to temporarily remove it. They just ask that you stay 6ft from others while doing so in this area.

So was it worth visiting the parks with these guidelines in place? Absolutely! It really didn’t feel that much different honestly. My family and I were so focused on the experiences, that we didn’t think much about the new guidelines. It just felt great being back in the parks again.

The Simpsons Ride at Univereal Orlando, couldn’t agree more!

The Simpsons Ride at Univereal Orlando, couldn’t agree more!

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