Category: Universal Studios

Disney World, Planning, Universal Studios

What Can You Do For Spring Break?

LaurenVEA

Spring Break is just around the corner and brings a lot of planning questions to my friends and clients. Shameless plug… Contact me today to help you plan your trip. Now more than ever, things are constantly changing and it is extremely helpful to have someone staying on top of everything best I can. The vendors I book your trip with (i.e. Disney, Sandals, Universal, etc) pay me a small commission, so there are no additional fees for you for me to plan your trip vs booking directly through them, but you get my personalized service.

The number one question being asked: Where can I go and not have to get a COVID test?

This had a lot more answers 24 hours ago, but with the new CDC order taking effect January 26, 2021 your options are limited to domestic travel unless everyone traveling has had and recovered from COVID less than 3 months prior to your return from international travel. Of course some states are requiring and have been requiring you to get tested if you leave the state, but for states like Georgia, you can currently travel domestically without needing to be tested.

This brings us back to the answer. There are several great options for your Spring Break 2021 travel.

1. Disney World

Disney World has been on top of their COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols. Since their reopening in July 2020, Disney World has required masks for all guests and Cast Members. They have increased their ride cleaning protocols and clean the high touch areas more frequently. While traditional parades and fireworks have not been reintroduced yet, the magic is still there with sporadic character cavalcades and character sightings. Disney World is also promoting an AMAZING ticket deal right now for guests that stay on property. You can get a 5-day ticket for the price of a 3-day ticket with a 4 night stay or longer. This is a wonderful way to see all 4 parks and have even more time to take in the magic.

2. Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando is known most for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you are a Harry Potter fan in the slightest, this is worth visiting. Universal is also requiring masks of all their guests with increased cleaning procedures as well. Universal guests staying at Premier Resorts will also receive the Unlimited Express Pass as a resort perk. This is a fabulous way to stand in shorter lines and see more attractions. Premier Resort guests also receive priority seating for parties of 5 or less at many of the restaurants including one of my favorites: Cowfish.

3. Club Med — Sandpiper Bay

One of the very few all inclusive options in the United States. Club Med Sandpiper Bay is located on the St. Lucie River between Orlando and Miami and is a great location for an active family. With all-day gourmet dining and open bar, unlimited water and land sports, open bar and snacking and entertainment, this is one of the few all inclusive experiences in the United States.

4. Split Stays — Multiple Destinations

Florida and especially, Orlando have a lot to offer and for most people is a drivable location. If you do not think you want to spend a week at one location, do a split stay. You could stay at a Premier Resort for 2 nights and then move to a Disney resort for 4 nights or longer at one or the other. You could also do a theme park stay for the first 3-4 nights of your trip and then move over to Club Med for the end. There are so many possibilities to create the perfect trip for you and your family.

Best advice I can give — contact me today to start planning your spring break trip. I know we are all itching to go somewhere and do something and I am here to make that happen. I can answer all your questions and find the perfect fit for you and your family and your comfort level. Please feel free to use the contact form below or you can go over here and fill out a vacation questionnaire to get started. I am here and excited to help you.

~Lauren

Universal Studios

Universal’s Re-Opening! New Guidelines and Procedures for Your Safety

LaurenVEA

Universal has been open nearly a month and the reviews are in — They are ROCKING it! In today’s world everyone is yearning for a sense of normalcy, but with caution. Universal has added new guidelines and procedures to help keep you safe, but still have an EPIC experience. They definitely have my vote for travel right now!! I want to highlight some of the new guidelines for you in this post to make you see how AMAZING they are doing.

Families are raving about the memories they make and are continuing to want to return for more.

  • Face coverings and temperature checks will be required for all guests:
    • Everyone is required to wear a face covering during their visit
    • Temperature checks will be required upon arrival, and guests with a temperature of 100.4 °F (38° C) or greater will not be admitted
    • For important safety information at Universal Orlando Resort, please click here.

Note: New screenings may make security check slower, so please arrive earlier to give yourself time to get screened, while maintaining social distancing.

  • Wristbands are given to guests who pass the screening and a different color is currently being used for each day
    Wristbands are given to guests who pass the screening and a different color is currently being used for each day
  • Lines to help social distancing. Stand with your travel party.

Additional measures throughout the property and resorts include:

  • Limiting capacity at attractions and restaurant venues to help ensure social distancing
  • Signage throughout the theme parks and CityWalk to help you follow social distancing guidelines
  • Continuously and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all tables, chairs and high-touch surfaces
  • Offering contactless payments at select locations
  • Requesting guests to be aware of and comply with government guidelines regarding travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines before visiting our destination
  • Limiting attendance during our phased reopening

One of my favorite things Universal has done is recognize wearing masks is new to most people. This is not something we are accustomed to and therefore they have introduced “U-Rest Area” areas in the theme parks. This is an area where you accept the risks of taking off your mask, but can go for a break.

I have seen so many positive reviews coming out of Universal and I can’t wait to get my family there soon. Another huge positive: Volcano Bay is also OPEN! Yes, if you have been wanting to visit a waterpark, here is your opportunity. With the TapuTapu, Volcano Bay already has virtual lines in place for the water park too. Perfection! To make it even better, Universal currently has a ticket promotion: 4 days at the parks for the price of 2 days!!

Quick list of what you need before you go:

  • Face coverings for everyone in your travel party, for each day in the park (or bring soap to wash each night to help keep healthy and clean)
  • Download the Universal app here for virtual queues, maps, mobile food ordering and more
  • Review the safety guidelines before you go here to know the most updated information before you go

If you’re ready to start planning your trip to Universal or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to help you and can not wait for your to experience Universal with some EPIC memories of your own. I can book resort packages or ticket only for you and assist with all the planning. Best Part: EXACT same cost for me to handle everything for you, as it is for you to book direct with Universal.

Time to pack!

In connection with your purchase of Universal Orlando products and your visit to Universal Orlando, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk, and the Universal Orlando Resort hotels, please be advised that you must follow Universal Orlando’s policies, CDC guidelines and the recommendations of health officials. Please note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and Universal Orlando cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit. By visiting Universal Orlando, you acknowledge and agree that you assume these inherent risks associated with attendance. When you enter Universal Orlando, you understand that you are subject to the Universal Orlando terms of service (including arbitration, class action waiver, assumption of risk, and infectious disease release of liability) located at Universalorlando.com/safetyinfo

Beaches/Sandals, Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, Disney World, Planning, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Universal Studios

Spring Break 2020 Planning: Part 2

LaurenVEA

If you follow my blog, then you know I posted earlier about March Spring Break and some great options.  A very popular time is April, so as promised — here is Spring Break planning: Part 2! The goal is simple: give you some great options and go ahead and get Spring Break planned and checked off your list.  You have more options and better pricing, when you plan it early and while it may seem far away right now, once the holidays get closer time begins to fly.

Continue reading “Spring Break 2020 Planning: Part 2” →

Beaches/Sandals, Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, Disney World, Planning, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Universal Studios

Spring Break 2020 Planning

LaurenVEA

I know school just started for some and Spring Break seems very far away, but it will be here before you know it.  I know planning Spring Break can seem overwhelming at times and just trying to think of ideas is difficult too.  If you feel this way, then this post is for you. I find September and October are the best months to start planning Spring Break.  You will have more availability for your options, better pricing and also the satisfaction of checking that off your daunting to do list before the holidays are upon us.  The best part is I can help you with all of it and it will cost you the exact same if you did all the hard work yourself.

Continue reading “Spring Break 2020 Planning” →

Universal Studios

Dos and Don’ts of Universal Studios Orlando

LaurenVEA

There are so many amazing things to do in Orlando, it comes as no surprise it was the #1 destination in 2018.  While I write a lot about Disney World, there is an entirely different world just 20 minutes away: Harry Potter World.  Universal Studios Orlando is best known for Harry Potter and there is good reason for that.  It is 100% worth seeing, even if you are not a Harry Potter fan and even if you have never seen the movies or read the books.  The attention to detail in Diagon Alley and Hogsmead are stunning.  It is immersive and absolutely breathtaking.

Since you might be planning your first visit, let’s go over the Dos and Don’ts of Universal Studios: Orlando. Continue reading “Dos and Don’ts of Universal Studios Orlando” →