Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort, one of Florida’s top attractions, is more than just a theme park—it's a world of adventure, entertainment, and visual thrills that attracts millions of visitors each year and I was lucky enough to be one! In May 2024 I was whisked away, with a group of fellow Travel Counsellors, courtesy of Aer Lingus and Universal Orlando Resort!

Whether you're a fan of heart-pounding rides, immersive lands based on your favourite films, or excellent dining and shopping, Universal Orlando has something for everyone.

Home to two major theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, each park offers its own unique set of experiences, with attractions based on some of the biggest blockbusters in cinema.

Universal Studios Florida brings movies to life, featuring attractions that dive into beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Transformers, The Simpsons, and Men in Black. One of the standout experiences is the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride, which combines thrilling roller coaster elements with 3D film sequences, transporting guests to the wizarding world. The Revenge of the Mummy ride is another adrenaline-pumping favourite, where visitors race through dark tombs and face mummies and terrifying special effects.

Islands of Adventure is home to some of the most iconic rides in the park, with areas dedicated to Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park, and more. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is a high-speed ride that twists and loops at incredible speeds, while Jurassic Park River Adventure gives guests a dino-themed boat ride with a drop that will have your heart racing (from first-hand experience!).

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade offers visitors the chance to explore the enchanting village, sip butterbeer, and hop aboard the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster. The Hogwarts express links Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios taking you from Kings Cross to Hogsmeade Station, complete with platform 9 and ¾. A highlight for any Harry Potter fan!

Volcano Bay, the third park completing the trio of Universal Orlando Resort, is a tropical paradise with waterslides, a lazy river, and the massive Krakatau Volcano at the centre. This waterpark offers something for everyone, from thrilling rides like the Ko’okiri Body Plunge to relaxing cabanas for those who just want to unwind in the sun! On arrival at Volcano Bay you will be given a TapuTapu to wear on your wrist. This is your key to making the most of your day allowing you to schedule your rides so you can avoid queueing!

The Resort has its very own App which allows you to access the parks maps, see the latest wait times for the rides, order ahead from select restaurants when you’re in the parks and at CityWalk (a complex of dining, shopping, and entertainment), and create a ‘favourites list’ to make the most of your trip! Plus, it's easy to stay connected while you're there with free WiFi throughout the parks and Universal CityWalk!

The Universal Orlando 3 park Explorer ticket is the best value ticket to purchase in advance. This gives you access to Universal Studio’s, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, including the Hogwarts express! Plus, no queuing to collect your tickets on your first day at the parks!

We stayed in Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a vibrant, retro-style resort inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s! A great family option! This resort is right next to Volcano Bay so you can walk through the grounds to the waterpark in 5 minutes.

One main advantage of staying in a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel is the 1 hour early admission to the Universal theme parks as well as the shuttle service, either by bus or water taxi depending on the resort, which easily connects guests to the parks and Universal City Walk. Three of the signature collection hotels, Loews Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific have the added benefits of Universal Express passes included which gives fast track access to the rides.

Universal’s newest park, Universal Epic Universe is opening May 22, 2025 and offers different worlds for everyone. Step through amazing portals transporting you to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park!

Having visited all of the Universal Resort hotels I can advise you on the best option for you! This is a holiday of a lifetime with something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're traveling with family, friends, or as a solo adventurer, the resort promises an unforgettable experience!

If you would like to discuss your bucket list trip to Universal Orlando and Orlando in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!