It has been exciting times for Universal fans with the reopening of the Universal Orlando Resort last week. We have learned interesting things about how the first week has gone and we have hope that any issues they have faced will be ironed out quickly in order to make the experience for those wishing to go, as safe and as enjoyable as possible at a time when COVID-19 is still present.

Around the web, there have been mixed views from those who have taken the plunge and decided to visit this week. It was fascinating reading our writers account of her first experience back at the parks on an Annual Passholder Preview day.

There can't be anyone who isn't aware of the mandatory mask wearing measure, which has been so widely discussed and argued over in the last few weeks, as well as temperature testing and a range of other health and safety protocols that have had to be put into place to adhere to government guidelines.

Although there has been such controversy regarding the mandatory mask wearing measure that is in place at Universal Orlando as well as at Walt Disney World, when it reopens on July 11, it must come as welcome news to many of those that disagree with it that we find that Universal has put in place a few, U-Rest areas, which allow you to relax with the rest of your party while social distancing with guests from other households without wearing your mask. It has been rumored that more of these U-Rest areas are likely to be added to the parks in the near future.

So this week since Universal Orlando Resort has reopened there have been some reports of low capacity and therefore fairly short standby lines. Virtual queuing has been implemented on a number of rides including:

• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Skull Island – Reign of Kong
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem

 Although there have been a few hitches reported at times when using the virtual queueing system. There also still appears to be some problems with the popular ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, but as I have already said hopefully these will be fixed quickly. The implementation of several U-Rest areas for guests to relax in without wearing masks has hopefully been a welcome addition which wasn't originally divulged when the mandatory mask wearing measure was first announced. There has also been a lot of positive comments from numerous visitors who stated that temperature testing was done efficiently and quickly, team members appeared to know what they were doing and things overall ran smoothly. 

I don't know about you, but back in March when the lock down first began, I questioned whether any theme park would be able to open at all in 2020 and here we now are with Universal Orlando Resort open, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay following today (June 11) with Walt Disney World reopening in a month. Devising comprehensive reopening plans which adhere to government health and safety guidelines and actually bringing them to fruition has surely been an incredibly difficult task. So...

Poll 21 - Do YOU Think Universal Orlando Resort's Reopening Has Been A Success?

Here it is, Poll number 21, do you think Universal Orlando Resort's Reopening has been a success? I am expecting, from what I have read so far, that for the majority they will vote 'yes' but it will be very interesting to see what the results are for this one and to read the comments outlining readers views.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Florida is being closely watched as lock down rules have slowly been lifted. For many I am sure that they may feel Universal perhaps shouldn't have opened as early as they have. For others they have welcomed the news that Universal Orlando Resort made the decision to reopen when they did. These are all personal choices to each individual and we love reading all your comments. Everyone has a right to their opinion and we ask for respect to be shown to others when replying to comments.

So here it is, Do you think Universal Orlando Resort's Reopening Has been a success? Here are your simple choices:

• Yes
• No
• Changes need to be made

I have included the third option because I thought it would be very interesting to hear what (if any) changes you think Universal should make to improve their current strategy. 

To vote, CLICK HERE and don't forget to share this with your friends and family. You can leave a comment below or on our Facebook page. I will update you on the results in my next poll which will be coming soon!