Last week I was very fortunate to be invited to a session of Universal and U held in Garden City, NY. I wanted to share some of the valuable information that I learned to help enhance your next Universal Orlando vacation.
Universal is truly set up like a college campus, to be honest. Everything is pretty accessible and within reasonable walking distance. Which makes staying at a Universal Resort ideal for when you are visiting the parks…
This July 14th, their newest resort opens, Sapphire Falls…
Guests staying on site receive early park admission, complementary transportation to their theme parks PLUS Wet N Wild, Sea World, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens in Tampa. Hotel guests are also PERMITTED to pool hop- using ANY of the resort pools AND transportation from Resort to resort is also provided. Priority seating or first available seating is also available to guests at restaurants in their parks and at City Walk, just show you room key card at the podium and your travel party will receive the next table available. At certain Universal Orlando Resorts, Express Pass is available- FOR FREE – which helps save 75% off your wait times during your visit.
Now, moving on to the theme parks!
Did you know every attraction at Universal Studios Orlando (which is a real working TV and movie studio) began as a movie or television show?
Here you will find your favorite minions…
Summer 2017 will see Race Through NY Starring Jimmy Fallon!
Fast and Furious will also be opening in 2017 in Universal Studios Orlando after it premiered and become hugely popular in Hollywood…
Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park has rides and attractions that all started as books…
It is also where you will finding the highly anticipated Skull Island The Reign of Kong attraction, opening this summer.
Raptors have also been added in Jurassic Park…
Don’t forget City Walk! Universal Orlando’s premier spot for dining and shopping.
In 2017, as Wet N Wild closes this year the NEW Volcano Bay Water Park (located nearby Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort) is scheduled to open.
Universal Orlando Resort also has some pretty neat happenings around the holidays.
Though, visiting for Halloween Horrors Nights is not for the faint of heart! Keep in mind, the park closes at 5pm on these nights and you will need a separate ticket to attend the party. We suggest no one under 13 years old attend.
The Christmas holidays are far more family friendly… ask your Castle Dreams Travel planner how you might be able to ride one of the floats in the parade!
And don’t forget Mardi Gras!
Something special to see all year round? Blue Man Group (separately ticketed show) is awesome for all ages!
Now, how do you do it all? Universal has something for everyone and you will need time to pace yourself. I strongly suggest buying a park to park admission ticket. This is the only way to ride Hogwarts Express.
There is just SO much to do in both parks, it just makes the most sense, in our opinion. The parks are so close to each other, it is easy to get from one park to another as well. Neat tidbit- if it rains- there are far more indoor attractions at Universal Studios than in Islands of Adventure.
So, how long should you stay? We suggest at least 2 nights (ideally 3) in your Universal Resort and 2 day park to park ticket.
I cannot end this article without mentioning a bit more about the amazing Harry Potter attractions in Universal Orlando…
JK Rowling was intricately involved in developing these totally immersive lands and experiences that your family, Harry Potter fans or not- are sure to never forget. Castle Dreams Travel planners can help you plan a truly magical vacation by helping your reserve a vacation package that includes 4 night hotel accommodations, 3 day park to park admission tickets, breakfast at the Leaky Caldron and Three Broomsticks, Early Park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and City Walk All Club Access PLUS a visit to Shutterbuttons:
Are you ready to vacation like you mean it?
