Has anyone ever been to the Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe?

[AngelRose81]

My husband and I are going to Disney World in May and I was looking for somewhere to attend Sunday Mass while we are there. I had seen the Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe in Orlando before and I checked it out online. It looks very pretty and they have lots of other things, activities, and services. Apparantley that is where Disney directs Catholic guests as well. I was just wondering if anyone had heard of it or been there? Thanks!

-Kristy

BTW, here is their website and a picture of it (click on the pic to get to the site)


http://www.maryqueenoftheuniverse.org/images/index/shrineexterior.gif

 

[puzzleannie]

we found it by accident because the week we had our extended family on vacation in Orlando we were looking for Mass for feast of the Assumption. simply beautiful, wonderful little museum inside as well. definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Orlando. Beautiful sung Mass, and we sang Salve Regina afterward. One passes through a beautiful plaza from the parking lot to the entrance of the Church, roses were in bloom everywhere.

 

[Brendan]

We were there with the kids last year on a Disney vacation(my son thought the parish was Mary, Queen of Universal. and wanted to know why Universal had it’s own parish, but Disney didn’t

Standard N.O. Mass, it tends to be very crowded on Sundays, so get there early.

The grounds are very beautiful, especially the Rosary Garden,where they have a path in the shape of a Rosary.

 

[dranzal]

They also have a sizable gift shop.

 

[1ke]

Yes, I went just last month when I was attending a conference for work at one of the Disney properties.

It’s very close to Disney, and it’s a beautiful church. I thought it was exquisite, breathtaking inside-- an architecture that is very traditional and very modern at the same time.

The grounds are also very nice.

The mass was orthodox liturgically. And big. I wasn’t expecting it to have 2K people at the Mass!

 

[Sir_Knight]

Been going there for over a dozen years (when on vacation). Very nice place. After buying your stuff at the gift shop, you can walk over next door and have it blessed because a priest is always around.

 

[AngelRose81]

It sounds wonderful. I can’t wait!!

Do any of you know if you are allowed a camera, not for the Sanctuary or anything, but for the outside gardens? I know that the Shrine in Alabama doesn’t allow them at all but I wasn’t sure about this one and it didn’t say on their website. I don’t want to be disrespectful accidentially!

 

[1ke]

It sounds wonderful. I can’t wait!!

Do any of you know if you are allowed a camera, not for the Sanctuary or anything, but for the outside gardens? I know that the Shrine in Alabama doesn’t allow them at all but I wasn’t sure about this one and it didn’t say on their website. I don’t want to be disrespectful accidentially!

I did not have a camera, but I saw others who did. There was no indication that photos were prohibited.

 

[AngelRose81]

I did not have a camera, but I saw others who did. There was no indication that photos were prohibited.

I think I’ll go ahead and take one and put it in my purse just in case I want some pictures of the outside gardens! Thanks!

 

[maryjk]

Been going there for over a dozen years (when on vacation). Very nice place. After buying your stuff at the gift shop, you can walk over next door and have it blessed because a priest is always around.

Because of this they also have Confessions available all day. BUT it is face to face, in his office with him at his desk. Kind of freaked me out.

I have tons of pictures. My husband took them last September. The entire place is beautiful.

 

[introibo]

We were there with the kids last year on a Disney vacation(my son thought the parish was Mary, Queen of Universal. and wanted to know why Universal had it’s own parish, but Disney didn’t

 

[AngelRose81]

We were there with the kids last year on a Disney vacation(my son thought the parish was Mary, Queen of Universal. and wanted to know why Universal had it’s own parish, but Disney didn’t

Standard N.O. Mass, it tends to be very crowded on Sundays, so get there early.

The grounds are very beautiful, especially the Rosary Garden,where they have a path in the shape of a Rosary.

I just saw that post!

 

[LilyM]

Because of this they also have Confessions available all day. BUT it is face to face, in his office with him at his desk. Kind of freaked me out.

I have tons of pictures. My husband took them last September. The entire place is beautiful.

I’m never game to go for face-to-face confession :nope:

Mind you, in such a situation it’s most unlikely you’re ever going to see that priest again, so I suppose it could be worse.

For 15 years of my life the local priest was a very close friend of my parents - I cannot imagine, no way no how, that I ever would’ve confessed to him face to face. It would have been :bigyikes: x 100

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

We were there with the kids last year on a Disney vacation(my son thought the parish was Mary, Queen of Universal. and wanted to know why Universal had it’s own parish, but Disney didn’t …

Along with Our Lady of Busch Gardens, and down the road a piece, Mother of Wikkewachee…

 

[Sir_Knight]

Cameras are allowed – just don’t take pictures during mass.

Because of this they also have Confessions available all day. BUT it is face to face, in his office with him at his desk. Kind of freaked me out.

This is true. Also be sure that you are WELL prepared for confession because unlike some priests who listen to your sins and give an absolution, he really gets into it asking detailed questions making sure that he fully understands each sin and making sure that you understand why you have offended God with that sin.

Wish we had more priests like that.

 

[dranzal]

I would like to mention to take a close look at the stained glass on the sides. They are very detailed. If my memory serves (and forgive me if I’m wrong) each rather large image depicts several parts of a patriarch’s life. Again, I could be wrong. What I remember most is that they were wonderful.

Can anyone else be more specific?

 

[bakhita]

It’s a beautiful place to go to Mass–I think during the week, they have a couple of different Mass times as well as a beautiful Adoration chapel.

 

[Lovemyfaith]

We went there with a priest friend of ours and he did not like the Shrine at all. Maybe too touristy or something; lots of people in shorts and disney shirts. It is beautiful though, the grounds are lovely. We went to Holy Family Church (I believe that was the name of the parish) on our last trip, which was a longer drive from Disney than the Shrine. It was such a nice parish though, the people were so friendly. One part of vacation I always enjoy is attending Mass.
I wouldn’t miss the Shrine, but if you have a chance to visit that area again, Holy Family was very nice.

 

[AngelRose81]

We went there with a priest friend of ours and he did not like the Shrine at all. Maybe too touristy or something; lots of people in shorts and disney shirts. It is beautiful though, the grounds are lovely. We went to Holy Family Church (I believe that was the name of the parish) on our last trip, which was a longer drive from Disney than the Shrine. It was such a nice parish though, the people were so friendly. One part of vacation I always enjoy is attending Mass.
I wouldn’t miss the Shrine, but if you have a chance to visit that area again, Holy Family was very nice.

I am figuring that it will be a little too touristy too but DH (who’s not Catholic and doesn’t care for church) wants to stay close to Disney so we can get there early on Sunday.

Personally I’d rather spend more time at the Shrine. We’re going to the 7:30 Mass & He did tell me that we can spend a little time there so I can go to the gift shop, museum, etc. So I’m sure I’ll have a good time.

 

[Lovemyfaith]

I forgot to mention, Disney used to allow Mass to be Celebrated on site, at one of their hotels. They did away with it a few years back.
Anyway, have a great trip!