STOP IGNORING UNIVERSAL ORLANDO!

Listen, I'm not telling anyone anything they don't know, including folks AT Universal. For ages, Walt Disney World has dominated the Olando theme park world and for good reason. Disney feels magical. BUT...MAGIC is REAL at Universal Orlando.

I am the first to admit, when I visited Universal for the first time back in the 90s I was underwhelmed. It was a fun day, but at my core, I was a Disney girl. And then...I visited Universal again during Covid (of all times) and I haven't been the same since. I am here to shout from the top of the Velocicoaster, "STOP IGNORING UNIVERSAL!"

Repeat after me, "There is room in my heart for more than one Orlando themepark." By enjoying Universal you aren't "cheating" on Disney. (I've actually heard that sentiment a lot.) By NOT going to Universal, you are robbing yourself of a second, immersive, magical, fun, core memory making vacation adventure.

Even before those magical portholes of the new Epic Universe opened, Universal Orlando struck me as special and I'll tell you why!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Holy moly. You have to see these three "worlds" to believe exactly how immersive, magical and fun they are. Best part, you don't even need to be a fan of the Harry Potter books or movies to enjoy and be impressed by the level of detail in these worlds...but if you are...you will never be the same, you'll never want to leave. (And you are going to go home and reread all the books and rewatch all the movies!)

From shopping in Honeydukes (chocolate frogs anyone?) to thrills like Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, strolling through the Hogwarts Castle as you embark on a "Forbidden Journey," coming face to face with Gringotts goblin bankers, choosing your wand in Ollivaders to traveling by floo powder at the Ministry of Magic-you are IMMERSED.

Food

No reservations needed to dine at Three Broomsticks, Leaky Cauldron, Cafe L'air De La Sirene and Le Gobelet Noir; they are all Quick Service locations that not only are brilliantly immersive, but the food is anything but your traditional theme park food. Think bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, Guiness Stew and also plenty for anyone not wanting to dive headfirst into dining like our friends across the pond.

Butterbeer...frozen, regular, hot, as fudge, as ice cream, as a popsicle, crepes...it's the signature treat of Wizarding World and you will need to try it in as many different forms as you can get your hands on.

The Classics-We ARE Retro & Cool!

Men in Black, The Simpsons, Classic Spiderman & Marvel heroes straight from our Saturday morning cartoons, Beetlejuice, Scooby and the gang, the Blues Brothers, Betty Boop-every nook will offer something that appeals to the kid in you while still keeping the next generation pulling you along to save the world with the Transformers and race raptors in Jurassic Park!

Minion Mayhem & More

A huge misconception about Universal Orlando is that there isn't enough for the kiddos in our lives. You've heard all about the thrilling coasters (they really do corner the market on AMAZING roller coasters) but that doesn't mean that the littles won't have PLENTY to do!

Minion loving littles will have a blast at Minion Villain Con, dining in Minion Cafe (cheese blasters!), meeting Gru, the girls and Minions all while snacking on banana (of course) cake pops!

There is also the timeless Seuss Landing with attractions the whole family will enjoy together as you relive the classic stories of Dr. Seuss, while sipping Moose Juice and eating green eggs and ham tots. (It's real-and really tasty...Sam I Am...)

The new Dreamworks Land has an amazing meet & greet with Shrek and Donkey, fantastic play areas, an interactive Kung Fu Panda show, the perfect Trolls themed kids' coaster, splash areas and plenty of seating for Mom and Dad to catch their breath.

Epic Universe

For the record, Universal Orlando had me firmly in their clutches long before they opened the gates of the brand new, FULL theme park appropriately named Epic Universe. But Epic Universe IS a gamer changer. This was the missing piece that has now officially themed the playing field between the two Orlando theme park heavies.

There is no more immersive theme park experience out there. None. Five, unique portals that are beyond belief. Epic Universe breaks the theme park mold. Shattered it.

• Celestial Park where everything twinkles and the dueling coaster, Stardust Racers will take your breath away and have you wanting to get right back into that ride queue to do it again!

• Dark Universe is a nod to Universal's classic horror movie monsters like Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Dracula, Werewolf and the Gill Man. This isn't a land of jump scares, rather a place where you want to be a part of the monster universe and befriend these misunderstood characters.

• Super Nintendo Land is sensory overload-the colors, the coins, the characters (Princess Peach), the food, the attractions-you won't know where to go first! Mine Kart Madness makes you feel like you are living in your favorite game and winning Bowser's Challenge will give you forever bragging rights.

• Isle of Berk was the portal that naysayers weren't sure of when the announcement was made, but it will blow you away. "The Untrainable Dragon" show is unlike anything you've seen, meeting Toothless will be the highlight of your trip only eclipsed by eating your face off like the Viking you were destined to be in Mead Hall. You'll head back here again and again throughout your day.

• Ministry of Magic...wow. Right when we thought Universal had used ALL the available magic to create Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, the Ministry of Magic portal opened. Amazing food, a jaw dropping magical show, the most impressive, stunning ride queue you will ever experience (the queue is arguably better than the attraction) all while feeling like you should have both a passport and time machine to be in this so authentically themed version of 1920s Paris.

Resorts-Your Home Away From Home

Seriously, release the idea of staying at Disney and driving over to Universal for the day. For one, you won't have enough time to hit all three parks AND Volcano Bay. (Even two days is robbing yourself of all the fun!) With 11 on property resorts to choose from, Universal Orlando has a resort option to fit every budget. Annnnd, plenty of perks to help make staying on site at a Universal hotel a no-brainer decision.

Early Park Admission

Guests staying at any of the 11 Universal on site resorts will enjoy Early Park Admission which will get you into the magic a full hour before the local traffic and off-site guests are able to enter. That hour is CRUCIAL and the perfect way to hit your favorite attractions before lines start to form.

Express Pass Unlimited

Three of Universal's five "Signature Level Resorts" provide their guests FREE Express Unlimited for each of their park days, even on check-in and check-out days.

Express Pass Unlimited allows guests to bypass the standby lines of all their favorite attractions in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. No app needed, no additional purchase, no scheduling rides in advance...just free to their resort guests. SO easy, so simple, just like vacation is supposed to be!

Free Transportation

All eleven of Universal's on property resorts provide free and easy transportation to the three theme parks, Volcano Bay and CityWalk. Whether it be a bus, water taxi or an easy walk along a lush garden path-Universal makes getting front point A to point B super easy! (You won't believe how seamless it is to float between Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and CityWalk-no map necessary, Universal trips are ALL about being easy and convenient.)

Pool Hopping

Resort guests can really maximize a "resort day" by pool hopping over to their neighboring resorts. Whether you want to relax in the lazy river at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, listen to underwater tunes at the Hard Rock Hotel or check out the pool at Loews Sapphire Falls (the biggest pool on property), you can do so regardless of where you stay! What a fantastic way to experience other resorts and maybe the next spot you'll call home! (Only resorts that don't have hopping privileges are Universal Dockside Inn and Suites and Universal Surfside Inn & Suites)

Airport Transfers for Superstars Like You

Universal's Superstar Shuttle service is an easy vacation package add-on that leaves the driving to someone else when it's time for roundtrip service from/to the Orlando Airport. this reliable, comfortable shared shuttle service checks off on more thing on your trip to-do list.

Tips for Visiting Universal Studios

To make the most of your visit to Universal Studios, consider these helpful tips:

• Arrive Early: Get to the park before it opens to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.

• Use the Universal App: Download the app for real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and dining options.

• Plan Your Day: Prioritize the attractions you want to experience and create a rough itinerary to maximize your time.

• Consider Express Passes: If you want to skip the lines, consider purchasing Express Passes for popular rides .

  
  

What Are You Waiting For?

Universal Studios is a treasure trove of attractions that cater to all interests and ages. From the enchanting world of Harry Potter to the thrilling rides based on blockbuster films, there is something for everyone. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your visit to Universal Studios will be an unforgettable experience. So gather your family and friends and get ready to explore the magic of Universal Studios.

I would love to be your FREE, trip planning wizard to make your first or 400th trip to the movie magic a fun, easy and memorable trip for your whole crew!