Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe — Attraction in Florida

If you're in the area for vacation, this is the certainly most logical church for Mass. However, if you're like me and live here I would say don't even bother. I'm not even really sure to start - it's not the actual church that bothers me; it's the other disrespectful church goers. I've witnessed people cutting in line for communion, talking on their cell phones in the middle of the gospel, people sitting on kneelers, and people sprawled out on the ground sleeping. It's distracting and disrespectful and an awful representation of the Catholic faith. People hold conversations at normal talking level throughout Mass and no staff member feels the need to remind them that this is a place of worship and others are here to pray in peace. I have been Catholic my entire life and have attended Mass at multiple churches all over the country and never have I seen a more apathetic staff. But why would they ask people to be respectful? That's one less donation during the offertory; because let me tell you, don't come to this church expecting an inspirational message during the homily - week after week, the priest reminds you that they need money because they WANT a new organ. He'll also remind you nonstop that they have a gift shop where you can spend money as well; forget about donating to a deserving charity, this church wants the money all to themselves. There are too many good Catholic Churches in Orlando to deal with this headache...

What is happening with church administration, for practically 15 years I have been attending masses and I always go to church with my emotional pet along with me. Today I was scared because my wife was with my mother, my newborn daughter and along with my emotional pet, as soon as they arrived at the holy water fountain, after a few seconds one of your security guards arrived behind my wife and with an aggressive tone of voice saying that my emotional pet, pet service, could not be inside the church, but before I came to my wife, another security guard approached him and said something about my family, to him I came with a threatening tone and still screaming, get out of here, you are not welcome even more with that pet service/emotional pet in your arms... I felt totally discriminated against with this attitude because I know that God loves all living beings and doesn't care or discriminate against his children. Plus this security guard who is said to have that attitude. I'm seriously thinking about looking for my rights with my lawyer because this attitude cannot happen. As I already witness every Sunday there is a gentleman who goes to mass with his pet service and has never been expelled from the house of God. By no one and without being treated, now with my family we are going through...

Although a church primarily funded by tourists ( but I miss the good old days when Disney was friendly too God and allowed Mass at the Polynesian, but times sadly change), this church seems to hold to Catholic traditions. Many people well dressed, not many flip flops, etc. Very beautiful choir, good singers (our son is a singer and vocal coach, so we can tell). However, we're not a big fan of applause at Mass, and it seems that is expected after the post-communion song. But no big deal. Doesn't seem to be too far down the Francis led "reject tradition" rabbit hole that many churches seem to have fallen into.

Grounds are gorgeous, this is actually a tourist spot in it's own right, very beautiful. The parishioners greeting guests are very friendly and welcoming. Easy parking, many spots with some shade. Just know that you MUST turn right when leaving church, you cannot turn left, even if that's the way you want to go. You must turn right, and then u-turn up the street a bit. It's amazing to me how many people stubbornly turn on their left turn signal and actually block traffic arguing with the police directing traffic. Just turn right, the u-turn up the street a few blocks is easy and you'll waste about a...