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It's Time to Go to the Movies!
It's Time to Go to the Movies!
When we're not at Disney World, we love spending time at the Universal Orlando Resort! With 2 Theme Parks, and INCREDIBLE Water Park, and 8 Resort Hotels, this is no property to pass by. Guests young, and young at heart, will find something for them. Since Universal Pictures has produced some of the world favorite movies and TV shows, they have transformed some their most iconic films into attractions. Some of these include Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, Men In Black, and of course Harry Potter!
Universal Studios
Universal Studios
The original Florida Universal property includes the classic movie studio sound stage theming, and has so many classic rides. Some of these include Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, The Mummy, ET, The Simpsons, Men In Black, Transformers, Despicable Me and more.
While we do enjoy this park, we find that that it will only take up 1/2 of your day and is best paired with a Park-to-Park ticket where you can visit Islands of Adventure as well.
While we do enjoy this park, we find that that it will only take up 1/2 of your day and is best paired with a Park-to-Park ticket where you can visit Islands of Adventure as well.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure
Often labeled one of the worlds best amusement park, we think this place is truly incredible. From the moment you walk in, you are immersed in the amazing theming. Throughout the park you will find Marvel Superheros, Classic Cartoons, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Suess Landing!
Around the holidays this past year we visited specifically for 2 items:First was Grinchmas! Jordyn loves The Grinch and at this event we would not only get to see a live stage show of How the Grinch stole Christmas, but we got to meet the Grinch as well! This character meet and greet was likely the best interaction we have ever had at a theme Park. However meeting the Grinch wasn't the easiest thing to do... If this is going to be a must do on your trip, please talk to us so we can let you know how to make it happen. We estimate that less than 150 families per day get to meet him.
Second, was to ride the new Velocicoaster! This new coaster launches you all around a raptor paddock, up over steep hills and through multiple inversions. We were dizzy at the end, but immediately jumped right back in line. This ride is not for the faint of heart, but if you are brave enough, you will love it.
Overall, this park is great for the whole family!
Around the holidays this past year we visited specifically for 2 items:First was Grinchmas! Jordyn loves The Grinch and at this event we would not only get to see a live stage show of How the Grinch stole Christmas, but we got to meet the Grinch as well! This character meet and greet was likely the best interaction we have ever had at a theme Park. However meeting the Grinch wasn't the easiest thing to do... If this is going to be a must do on your trip, please talk to us so we can let you know how to make it happen. We estimate that less than 150 families per day get to meet him.
Second, was to ride the new Velocicoaster! This new coaster launches you all around a raptor paddock, up over steep hills and through multiple inversions. We were dizzy at the end, but immediately jumped right back in line. This ride is not for the faint of heart, but if you are brave enough, you will love it.
Overall, this park is great for the whole family!
Volcano Bay Water park
Volcano Bay Water park
This incredibly immersive themed water park is a great way to enjoy a relaxing day at the pool/beach/lazy river. With tons of rides mixed through the lush landscape, you can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you want.Chris had the opportunity a few years ago to go enjoy this park while on a work trip and he would definitely go again!In Florida in December there is always a good chance for the weather to be warm enough for a water park day.
City Walk
City Walk
This is the "Downtown" area at the resort. Here you will find lots of shopping, dining and nightlife to enjoy while you are on property. We always enjoy a dinner here, as well as some last minute shopping before we leave.Our favorite place though is the "Toothsome Chocolate Factory" Restaurant. This place has incredible food, and of course delicious chocolate! They are famous for their Crazy Milkshakes and it is so hard to pick one when we come. While it is on a theme park property, we also find it very reasonably priced.
Tips to Enjoy some time at The Universal Orlando Resort!
Tips to Enjoy some time at The Universal Orlando Resort!
As with any theme park, everyone enjoys them a bit differently. Below you will find our tips for how to plan a great trip to Universal Orlando!
- Stay On Property! With some properties down to only $100 per night, there is a price range for everyone. We have stayed at the Aventura Hotel ($200-300 per night) and most recently at the Royal Pacific Resort ($300+ per night). Both were great, and come with early entry to the parks!! That extra hour gets you a few rides on some of the most popular rides with little to no wait.
- Get Park-To-Park Tickets. We find that we like to bounce around between parks throughout our day as they are all very close together.
- Arrive early to shows! Universal has a few shows to see, but all of them fill well before the showtime. arrive 30-45 minutes early for the best chance to get great seats!
- Bring water bottles in! The Florida heat will get to you, and spending $5+ on small water bottles is not fun. Stock up and fill your backpack.
- For the biggest rides (Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic Park:Velocicoaster, and Harry Potter: Escape from Gringotts), expect a long wait. Hit these rides fast, and don't be scared of the 90 minute wait. The lines are well themed and it will go by quick.
- Get a Universal Express Pass (If its in your budget!). This will save you on lines all throughout the day and is well worth it.
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