If I could only watch one movie series for the rest of my life, it would 100% be the Harry Potter movies. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit Harry Potter world during my trip to Orlando in October.
I knew this experience would not be like the last time I visited, but I was confident that Universal was taking the appropriate measures to keep all of their patrons safe.
Since I drove, I got to the park early to make sure I was there in plenty of time. The line seemed long to get to security, but it never stopped moving. Getting through security was a breeze, and I was off to the parks!
I had a 3 day, park to park ticket meaning I could go to both parks on the same day. I started at Universal Studios and rode all my favorite things – Despicable Me, the Jimmy Fallon Ride, and E.T. I spent a majority of my morning riding everything I wanted to before venturing to Harry Potter World.
Universal Studios had TONS of characters out and about. You could interact and take pictures with all of them. They were typically behind a rope or up on a stage so that proper social distancing could be achieved.
I then went into Harry Potter world and headed straight for Gringotts Wizarding Bank. I was SO excited to ride this ride that I didn’t care that the wait was 100 minutes. I waited about 45 of those when the ride broke and they made me exit. I did receive an express pass to use if I decided to come back later.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling solo, those lines can be long and boring. Download and audiobook or podcast to listen to during the long waits!
I hopped on over to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure via the Hogwarts Express and went straight for the Butterbeer cart. I chose the frozen butter beer and went straight to the line Hagrid’s Magical Creatures. Y’all! This ride is AMAZING. I won’t give anything away, but it was SO fun!
I spent the rest of the day riding more rides and enjoying my time. I rode everything I wanted to, except for Gringotts Bank, so I knew I would have to come back for round two!
I arrived the next day and rode a few more things before ending my time at Universal. I had a blast and felt extremely safe.
THINGS THAT WERE DIFFERENT
Masks are required at all times, but they do have some areas you can go to for a mask break. These areas are socially distanced and a great way if you just need a break.
You must sanitize before every single ride. They put some in your hands before you get on every ride. They also have self sanitizing stations at the exit of each ride. Beware – their sanitizer is not the best smelling.
The lines and rides all practice social distancing. Many of the 3D rides put 3-4 seats between your party and the next. The lines also have markers to stand on to ensure socially distancing while waiting.
The hours are shorter, so make sure to check the app to see what times the parks open and close.
The capacity was limited and there were less people, however Harry Potter world seemed more packed because it’s a smaller area – and it’s awesome 🙂
Overall, I had the BEST time, and I really enjoyed being immersed in Harry Potter world. Of course, I loved all the other rides too. I felt extremely safe and would go back in a heartbeat.