Family Fun at Universal Orlando Resort
Families can enjoy movie-themed fun and more at the Universal Orlando Resort.
What you need to know, before you go
What started as one small park that guests could see in one day has grown into a vacation destination unto itself. Planning a vacation to the Universal Orlando Resort can feel a bit overwhelming, but here’s what you need to know before you go…
Visiting the Parks
THEME PARKS
Universal Orlando Resort boasts three unique theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay as well as CityWalk, a shopping, entertainment, and dining promenade.
The original theme park, Universal Studios Florida, feels like you’ve walked into a film set that just so happens to have some rides and attractions! Where else can your family facing a fire-breathing dragon, take part in a car chase with characters from Fast and the Furious, defend the earth from an alien attack, and join forces with Gru and friend to become an actual minion all in one day?
Universal Studios Florida has seven distinct areas that each have a unique look and feel. The park is home to the extremely popular Diagon Alley section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you’ll want to be sure to experience the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts attraction.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is full of adventures featuring superheroes and favorite cartoon characters. The younger guests will fall in love with the whimsical Seussland while older kids and teens will find no shortage of thrill rides such as the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. There is lots of fun for the entire family on attractions such as Jurassic Park River Adventure and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls (yes, you WILL get wet… there is a chance you might get soaked!).
Probably the most popular area of the park is still Hogsmeade Village, a part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Muggles get their chance to visit Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Even if you don’t want to experience the ride, it’s worth going through the queue to explore the incredible detail within the castle! There is a viewing area you can sit in and wait for members of your party who do want to hop on board the ride.
Guests with a park-to-park ticket can experience the Hogwarts Express train ride between Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks. The enchantment of boarding at Platform 9 ¾, watching the quaint English countryside roll by outside your window, and the surprises in store make this quite a memorable train ride!
Universal’s Newest Theme Park
A newer addition to Universal Orlando Resort is Volcano Bay, a top-notch water park that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to an island in French Polynesia! There are rides and attractions for guests of all ages, or if you prefer, you can find yourself a beach chair and relax in the sun (or the shade!).
A unique addition to Volcano Bay is the fact that each guest is given a Tapu Tapu band when they enter the park. This free service allows you to hold a virtual space in line for attractions and lets you spend your time exploring the park rather than waiting in line. The bands will also activate interactive surprises around the park, open rental lockers, and allows you to leave your wallet behind by enabling cash-free payments to your account.
Be sure to experience the Krakatau Water Coaster inside the park’s iconic volcano for a thrill you won’t soon forget!
Universal Orlando Accommodations
RESORT HOTELS
Universal Orlando Resort features six onsite resorts operated by Loews Hotels, with two additional resorts opening in mid-2019. The resorts are categorized into Value Hotels (Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, both of which open in June 2019), Prime Value Hotels (Universal’s Aventura Hotel, and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort), Preferred Hotel (Loews Sapphire Falls Resort), and Premier Hotels (Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel).
Guests at all of Universal Orlando Resort’s onsite hotels can access early entry into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Each morning either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade Village will allow resort guests to enter one hour before the general public. This onsite hotel benefit will not only save you a significant amount of time waiting in line for the park’s most popular attractions but will also give you the chance to explore the incredible detail in these areas with limited crowds.
Guests of Universal’s Premier Hotels (Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel) also receive unlimited front-of-line access to most of the rides and attractions in the parks. Universal Express Unlimited passes are included in the price of your resort stay. This benefit is invaluable, especially during peak attendance times such as early summer and the holiday season. During the busiest travel times, Universal Express Unlimited passes can cost up to $150 per person so a family of 4 will save up to $600 per day!
All of the onsite resorts are beautifully themed and decorated and are close to all the action of CityWalk and the theme parks. Complimentary transportation is available to all onsite resort guests.
Learn more about each Universal Orlando Resort
Ready to plan your Universal Orlando Vacation?
Wondering if a Universal Orlando Resort vacation might be right for your family? Planning the perfect experience begins with scheduling your vacation consultation call. Click here to request a time for us to meet. We’ll discuss the details and what you are looking for in your dream vacation. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.
