After three visits to the Universal Orlando Resort this year… it won’t be hard to admit it’s really growing on me. By now, you know I am a Walt Disney World girl through and through. However, that doesn’t mean I’m not also a lover of Harry Potter and all things wizardry and witchcraft. Universal Orlando is the home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you are a fan of this book series, including Fantastic Beasts, you must make a pilgrimage to Orlando for this fully immersive experience.
Universal Orlando is home to 3 theme parks with a 4th gate in construction as we speak: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. The entrance to the two land parks is City Walk, but good luck trying not to get distracted by Voodoo Donuts as you walk in, or maybe stop in for some donuts to start your day.
Since you will want time to get in as much as possible, you will want to stay in one of the on-property resorts. Universal Orlando has four resort categories Value, Prime Value, Premier, and Preferred.
Some of my favorites in each category are:
Value– Universal’s Endless Summer Beach Resort- Surfside Inn and Suites. It’s the cute surfboard beds and amazing pricing for me.
Prime Value– Cabana Bay Beach Resort. A Volcano Bay view room is the only way to go here. The volcano is lit at night and is the most exciting view to wake up to. If you listen carefully, you can hear the squeals from guests plunging down the Ko-okiri body plunge.
Premier- Sapphire Falls. The only one in this category might be my favorite resort on the property. Featuring a waterpark-sized pool with a shallow wading section in the middle for little ones and sandy areas to relax and play. I enjoy hopping on the boat to get to City Walk.
Preferred– Besides the close proximity to the parks, all Preferred resorts include the Unlimited Express Pass, which can be a huge money saver. I always compare pricing and availability to a preferred resort stay against buying the express pass, and often times the stay will save money. Once again, I am a bit of a sucker for a tropical-themed resort, and I absolutely love the Loews Royal Pacific resort.
Theme Parks
Volcano Bay
I am more of a Kopiko Wai Winding River girl, but if you want a little more speed, go for TeAwa, The Fearless River. We spent most of our day in a lounge chair on Waturi Beach, waiting for the big waves to hit.
Universal Studios Florida
This park is home to Diagon Alley, where you can sample all the varieties of Butterbeer and then help the MIB defeat alien invaders. I love Race Through New York, Starring Jimmy Fallon, and I enjoy taking a little break there while friends and family go on Rip Ride Rockit.
Islands of Adventure
Once you have taken the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station to Homemade, you have entered the home of one of the most popular attractions in all of Orlando, The Jurassic World VelociCoaster. You can also get your superhero fix here with The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman.
As you leave the parks, through City Walk, stop in Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, you can stop in for a milkshake big enough to share with the family. Universal Orlando is great for families who are looking to please those thrill seekers and wizarding fans. Universal Orlando is known for truly immersive experiences that take you into your favorite movies. This is a destination you want to take advantage of for families visiting Orlando, Florida.
