Update to SaveatWDW.com Coming Soon
SaveAtWDW will soon change to OrlandoParksGuy.com to reflect Orlando as a destination, rather than just Walt Disney World.
Today I’m excited to share that my website, SaveAtWDW.com, will be changing to OrlandoParksGuy.com.
SaveAtWDW.com will soon be OrlandoParksGuy.com
This is a name change only, I will still be the one providing offers and travel guides for Walt Disney World.
I am busy as ever with Magical Vacations Travel too!
OrlandoParksGuy.com is more encompassing of the services I provide to my readers and clients. Over the past few years I’ve gotten more requests about Orlando as a destination, rather than just Walt Disney World.
Plus, as an Orlando resident, I am watching the city grow well beyond Walt Disney World.
Universal has already started work on a 4th theme park, high speed train service will soon connect Orlando to Tampa and Miami, and Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is expanding to accommodate more cruise ships, including the mega ships like Wonder of the Seas.
In addition to the new name, I gave the offers pages a new look and I’ve made it easier to bundle a Walt Disney World vacation with Universal Orlando or an Orlando-based cruise.
As we begin to get back out there, I am here to help you get the most out of your next Orlando vacation!
Look for the website change very soon! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
P.S. you’ll also notice that my social media channels are also being updated to reflect the new name and content as well. Check them out at Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 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.
New Florida Resident Offers for Universal Orlando Resort
2021 Florida Residents Offers Now Available
Today I updated the Universal Orlando Florida Residents page. There you’ll find several new offers that have become available for travel dates now through September 2021, including spring and summer.
There are two notable offers for travel dates between January 3 and February 11, 2021. One requires a 4-night stay at a Universal Orlando hotel and the other has no length of stay requirement. Rates are lower on 4-night or more stays.
There are also several Agency Exclusive Offers available for Universal Orlando from Magical Vacations Travel, especially in the month of May.
When you live in Florida, you know to always be on the look-out for deals. As a Florida resident, knowing the best times of year to visit Universal Orlando means you can treat yourself to extra savings, be the first to get excellent benefits, and to make the most of beautiful weather.
With so many offers to choose from, it can be difficult to know which offer works best for you. I’d be happy to explore your options and find you the best available rate.
Get started on your Universal Orlando vacation right now!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Club Level Rooms Now Available at Universal Orlando
Club Level Returns to Universal Orlando
The Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort are now offering Club Level options with some modifications.
Club Level at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort is now available.
The continental breakfast will be served in individual eco-friendly containers with plastic flatware, there will be hot items for evening hours in addition to cold items, served by a hotel server in eco-friendly containers.
There will be beverages throughout the day as well as beer and wine in the early evening.
For added safety, all Club Level rooms are vacant for 24 hours between vacancies. There will be no housekeeping being offered during your stay. If you need extra towels, shampoo, etc., housekeeping will deliver them to your door in a sealed bag. Room service will be delivered outside of your door and they will call you upon arrival). Additionally, there is no bell service, luggage carts will be available for guests to use. No valet parking, self-parking only.
There are several offers available for Universal Orlando, including Agency Exclusives. You can view them all here on the Universal Offers Page.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
More Updates
5 Tips for Making Holiday Travel Plans This Year
5 Tips for Making Holiday Travel Plans
More and more people are beginning to venture out in need of a little vacation fun. I’m noticing that the trend for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando is for shorter vacations, 3 or 4 nights, mid-week. There is a slight uptick in Universal Orlando travel and I suspect this is because it isn’t as complex as Disney World. 2 or 3 days in the Universal parks is just the right amount of time to see and do it all. But Disney is still a great choice, too, as it is planning on going all out with the decorations plus some special entertainment. Plus, with lighter crowds, it won’t take as long to tour the Disney parks.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
No matter where you are thinking of going, here are 5 tips that can help you make smart decisions about traveling this holiday season.
1. Look for fares or rates with built-in flexibility.
Many travel providers and destinations are changing up their policies. Make note of any deadlines to cancel for a full refund, and avoid any super restrictive airfares that prohibit changes. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are allowing guests to cancel up to the day of arrival for a full refund through December.
2. Start watching airfare prices now.
I just paid $100 roundtrip for a jetBlue flight during Christmas week. Now is the time to check for cheap holiday airfares as many airlines try to entice travelers into planning a trip. Historically speaking, fares increase as the holidays get closer, so it's worth booking a refundable/flexible ticket early if the price is right for you. Some airlines are offering refundable tickets at no extra charge. Set up fare alerts with your airline or through Google Flights so that you’re immediately notified when fares drop. Also, being flexible with your travel dates will help ensure you don't miss a great deal. Visit my airline page for more helpful tips on how to save on Orlando flights.
3. Research health and cleanliness measures.
Want to know what your hotel is doing to ensure the safety of guests? Visit the hotel website or call the destination directly if you have a specific question. Most reputable airlines, destinations, and hotels are taking COVID very seriously and have a plan in place. Walt Disney World has created a dedicated website that is constantly updated with the latest information. Universal Orlando created a Safety FAQ page on its website.
4. Factor in the popularity of your destination.
While there might be fewer holiday travelers this year, some destinations—particularly beaches and ski resorts—are expected to be in-demand as travelers opt to stay closer to home. So, if you're headed somewhere like Florida, Vermont, or Vail, now is the time to book. Remember to look for fares or rates with built-in flexibility (see Tip 1).
5. Consider alternate travel dates.
One upside to remote work and/or school is that you can do it from anywhere. Take advantage of the flexibility and avoid the typical busy travel days (like the day before Thanksgiving) or stay at your destination longer than usual to maximize your trip. Crowds are super light at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando right now thanks to reduced capacity, especially during the week. This is a very rare opportunity to enjoy the parks with fewer people and shorter lines.
Related:
View Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Offers
View Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Offers
How you Can Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
More Updates
Save Big! Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
AUGUST 14 - 18, 2020 - AGENCY EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Offer
Book with confidence - cancel up to 5-days prior to arrival for a full refund.
Sample Pricing - A family of 4, staying 3 nights at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, Standard View Room pays only $705.39 (including tax). Theme park tickets can be added at additional cost.
Centrally located at Universal Orlando, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel offers exclusive unlimited ride access which lets ticket-holding guests skip regular lines at Universal theme parks. CityWalk nightlife is 5 minutes' walk away and accessible by water taxi. Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal's Volcano Bay™ water theme park 1 hour before the theme parks opens. (Valid theme park admission required.) A 12,000-square-foot pool with underwater music and rock and roll memorabilia decor is on site. Free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station are available in each room. All rooms are decorated with rock music-themed decor.
This offer will sell out, get your quote today. Offer is subject to availability.
Find more offers and discounts on the Universal Orlando Resort Offers Page
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.
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!
- Adventures by Disney
- Animal Kingdom Park
- Aulani Resort
- Bllizzard Beach
- Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Genie
- Disney Springs
- Disney World Dining
- Disneyland
- Epcot
- Galactic Starcruiser
- Hollywood Studios
- Magic Kingdom Park
- My Disney Experience
- Offers for Walt Disney World
- Questions
- Resort Hotels - Walt Disney World
- Royal Caribbean
- Special Events - Walt Disney World
- Tickets - Walt Disney World
- Transportation
- Typhoon Lagoon
- Universal Orlando
- Universal Orlando Hotels
- Walt Disney World General
My Land and Sea Package with Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. See what’s included.