Long post - lots of pics
It’s summer-in the midst of Covid; however, we decided to pack our bags, book a house, and make way for Orlando. This was definitely a time we will remember. Universal parks were not crowded, CityWalk was not crowded, Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) was not crowded. Each time we headed out, we chose our masks, packed our bags with water, snacks, and extra clothes.
We went to Universal the first day, Harry Potter rides and world in both parks and some of Islands if Adventure rides on day, day 3 wet rides and Islands of Adventure, day 4 repeating rides in both parks. Thankfully Universal has special pricing in tickets that we were able to take advantage of purchasing and allowed us 4 days with Park to Park. The water rides were the best. Austin got soaked on the barges. We were full of laughter. Our family was able to ride in most carts together and no one else. We did have to go in two pods for HP Forbidden Journey. We watched stunt shows and Poseidon’s Journey within physical distancing guidelines. Lines and cues were marked for waiting. Mobile food orders. We rented a wheelchair for easier access and less walking for Dylan. We saw characters. Ashleigh has given Austin a challenge before our trip to find interesting and trivial things about the park. We were able to discover and use those- Ash used secret code for a song. Austin talked to the fountain and he and Ashleigh talked to Knight Bus head. So much fun—-
Relaxation was nice too- a pool, pool table, ping pong, family movies and food are always much needed. We all were able to enjoy family time together- laughing, playing, reading, watching, and making memories.
Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) was also an adventure. It wasn’t crowded. We all shopped and ate and enjoyed our time.
And the kids did- Great! We rented a wheelchair for Dylan and he learned how to move it himself. Without the crowds this was possible, although most of the time someone pushed him. He would share sometimes and slow Ashleigh or Austin a short ride. Thankful to have access and able to use wheelchair. Hand sanitizer was used quite frequently and even distributed by park personnel at many rides throughout the parks. Some of the shops and eateries were closed as well as some effects were not used (water effects in some rides). As the week progressed to Friday and Saturday, the wait times were “longer”. However the longest line wait was an hour (for the Hulk). We used virtual line access when needed. Masks were used by everyone but the park also had areas where you could sit and not wear masks- U Rest areas. All in all, family fun and laughs were great!
