If you haven’t visited Cancun and the Riviera Maya in a number of years, you may not recognize it. Miles and miles of some of the softest white sand you’ll ever sink your toes into are filled with upscale resorts, thatched-roof palapas, Bali daybeds and picture-perfect beaches. But how many of Cancun’s numerous activities can travelers enjoy today? Surprisingly, a lot.

It’s finally here. We’ve all been waiting, both guests and Team Members alike, for the day we could jump in the car and head back to Universal Orlando Resort. The parks, hotels, and CityWalk are open and starting to welcome guests back. I recently went with a friend to experience it all first-hand, and after a few sappy moments about being back home, we set out to see how much may have changed in the parks.