After passing the one-year mark of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is easy to see that many industries have been hit very hard by the results of it. One of the biggest industries to suffer from the pandemic, of course, has been tourism.
Credit: United
With countries still in lockdown, travel restrictions in place, mandatory quarantines, and the fear of traveling, many have not been able to continue their typical vacation schedules. Airlines have suffered due to this because customers have not been booking flights which resulted in massive layoffs across various airline companies, as well as reduced flight options making it difficult to travel for some.
Credit: Disney
Central Florida is one of the most visited travel destinations in the United States. With beaches, Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many more theme parks, there is so much to see and do in the area. Tourism to the theme parks has definitely picked up since the start of the pandemic as both Disney World and Universal are consistently hitting their 35% capacity limits. Both theme park moguls are also continuing to have their phased reopenings roll out with more resorts opening back up, both Volcano Bay and Blizzard Beach are welcoming Guests, and regular operations such as Park Hopping at Disney World are beginning to return.
As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be rolled out worldwide, the idea of travel is also one that is becoming increasingly popular, and airlines are taking note that people want to get over to Central Florida as soon as possible. According to the Orlando Business Journal, “Nearly 30 destinations will be returning or starting for the first time this summer and connecting Central Florida to various parts of the globe.” This means that overseas travel is about to become a lot easier, which is something that has been missing in Orlando for quite some time.
Credit: Kelly / ITM
Below is a full list of all the flights that will make traveling to Disney World and Universal much easier from all over the globe!
Aer Lingus New nonstop service from Manchester, U.K., starting July 29. Flight may be up to five times a week.
American Airlines Year-round daily flights to Austin starting May 6. Summer seasonal Saturday-only flights from Birmingham, Alabama; Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Flights start June 5.
Frontier Airlines Nonstop flights to Rochester, New York, starting May 20; San Jose, Costa Rica, starting July 1; and St. Maarten, starting July 10.
Hawaiian Airlines Flights to Honolulu from June 1 to Aug.10.
Silver Airways Flights from Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina, starting in November and December, respectively.
Southwest Airlines Saturday flight to Houston starting April 17
Spirit Airlines New daily routes to Louisville, Kentucky, starting May 27; St. Louis starting May 27; and Milwaukee starting June 24.
Sun Country Starting Sept. 2, two new flights to Indianapolis and Hartford, Connecticut.
Viva Air Three weekly flights to Medellin, Colombia, starting on June 10.
Credit: Universal
To add to the list, the article also noted that:
Emiratesthe Dubai-based airline, will resume flights to Dubai in June 2. Germany-based Lufthansa will restart flights to Frankfurt on June 2. Lastly, Virgin Atlantic, the British airline, will fly to Belfast, Glasgow, London and Manchester in June.
So, it seems that travel to Disney World and Universal will continue to become easier for Guests all over the world, and plans can once again resume for many to visit Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Please note that if you are entering the United States there are travel restrictions in place. All visitors must present a negative COVID-19 test taken three days or fewer prior to their flight. Please take a look at the official travel restrictions in place, as well as the CDC for up to date information.
When will you feel comfortable traveling to Florida once again?
If you want to book a trip to Orlando and experience sunny Central Florida, why not take a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort? With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse awaiting your arrival and the 50th Anniversary celebrations around the corner, the parks are getting even more magical! And at Universal, Halloween Horror Nights is on the way! Click here to get started today.
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