Universal Orlando, FL
Updated: Apr 20, 2024
Universal Parks and Resort
December 18-21, 2022
I have been to Universal in the summer and the winter and I personally preferred the winter time. The weather was great and everywhere was decorated beautifully for Christmas.
Stay
I have stayed at Universal Hotels both times I went but the last time I stayed at Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. This is a great way to do your Universal trip because there is a shuttle that takes you to and from the hotel to the Board Walk which is the restaurant and shopping strip leading to the parks. Other than the shuttle, there are ferry boat rides that will take you as well which was a great way to see Universal. There are usually a few special offers and trip bundles with staying at a Universal hotel as well.
Universal
Universal Theme Park is split into 3 parks Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
The Universal theme parks are unique with different universes. Islands of Adventure is known for Jurassic World, the Wizarding World Hogsmeade, and Skull Island. Universal Studios is known for traveling around the world, the Wizarding World Dragon Alley, and Minions Land. Each park has lots of food options, roller coasters, 3-D motion simulated rides, and things to do for the ones who don't enjoy rides.
For only visiting 1 day, I recommend getting the 2-Park 1-day ticket so you can experience both parks and can take the Hogwarts Express Train ride. But if you are there for more than a day and don't care about the train experience, then I recommend getting the single park pass to be able to spend more time in each park.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The most magical part of Universal is the Wizarding World of course. The Harry Potter attractions are split between the two parks.
The Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure are all in Universal Islands of Adventure. Then, Diagon Alley, Escape from Gringotts, the Knight Bus, the Wand Experience, and the Hogwarts Express Train are all in the Universal Studios found in London through a secret passageway (easy to find).
If you want to experience the Hogwarts Express Train ride then the 2-Park Day Pass is required because the train takes you from one park to the other. Both sides of the Wizarding World are amazing but if you can only attend one park, choose the attraction you want to see most. I will say, if you are more interested in rides then the Hogwarts Castle side is a better choice. But if you want more explorations, wand experiences, and small Harry Potter fan details then Diagon Alley is the way to go.
Recommendations
Universal CityWalk- no tickets are needed. My favorite restaurant is NBC Sports Grill & Brew. Check out the famous Voodoo Doughnuts. And for chocolate lovers, check out Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. (need reservations for restaurants)
Butterbeer- You have to try it if you are a Harry Potter fan. It comes as a cold drink, frozen drink, or ice cream. I prefer the ice cream version.
Men In Black- I am a Harry Potter fan but if I had to pick another theme park experience, MIB was my next favorite. Looks just like the movie, life-size aliens, and a laser shooting ride.
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