A Magical Journey to Universal Resort, Orlando
The adventure kicked off bright and early at Manchester Airport, where the group gathered around 7:30 AM for check-in. The excitement was palpable as we made our way to the Aer Lingus check-in area, ready for a smooth start to our journey. After a leisurely breakfast hosted by Aer Lingus, it was time to board flight. After a smooth and comfortable flight, we landed at Orlando International Airport . A quick transfer via the Visit Orlando Bus took us to the Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, where we checked in. The resort was a charming throwback to the golden age of beach resorts, with vibrant retro vibes. For dinner, we dined at the Bayliner Diner, an easy and relaxed spot to refuel after a long day of travel.
The next morning, we had breakfast at the Bayliner Diner, with plenty of options to choose from. Once we were ready to head out for our day at Universal Volcano Bay. With early park admission, we made our way down the dedicated walking path, feeling the excitement build as we approached the park.
Volcano Bay is a true paradise for water lovers, with its signature Krakatau Volcano looming above. I braved the terrifyingly thrilling Krakatau Aqua Coaster and the OhNo Drop Slide, both of which left me laughing and breathless. If you're a thrill-seeker, this is the place to be!
After a few hours of splash-filled fun, we returned to the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, where guests could enjoy some leisure time before regrouping for an evening of exploration. In the afternoon, we took a resort tour, visiting Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. These luxurious properties are perfect for those looking for upscale accommodations with easy access to the parks. Dinner was served at Mama Della’s Ristorante, where the food and atmosphere made me feel like part of the family. It was a perfect end to a busy day.
After another relaxing breakfast, the group was ready to head to Universal Studios Florida for a VIP tour of both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The VIP tour was an absolute game-changer. We bypassed the lines, got insider knowledge from our guide, and experienced the parks like never before.
My favourite part? The jaw-dropping Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride in Diagon Alley—truly magical! After a wonderful lunch, I returned to the parks to take in all the shows, attractions, and live entertainment that Universal had to offer. As night fell, we made our way to NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk for a casual dinner in a sports-dining atmosphere. The food was delicious, and the ambiance was lively, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a packed day.
The next morning was dedicated to getting a sneak peek at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe at Universal CityWalk. As Universal Epic Universe was not open until May 2025 we unfortunately were not able to get a physical look at the park but we were however taken out to the park and got a view of it from a distance and if what we did see is anything to go by this park is going to be out of this world. This left me buzzing with excitement for the innovations to come!
We boarded the Visit Orlando Transportation to head to the Universal Stella Nova Resort for a site inspection. This brand-new property has luxurious accommodations with a futuristic design. It’s sister hotel Universal Terra Luna Resort is located next door. Both hotels are mirror images of each other both in terms of the exterior and interior and come highly recommend for families and are less that 4 miles from Universal Orlando Resort, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk and Volcano Bay. Complimentary transport to all parks and CityWalk available to all guests.
After the tour, we ventured to The Florida Mall for some shopping and exploration. I indulged in a little retail therapy before heading to ICON Park. Here, we rode the Orlando Eye, took in the views from the top, and visited the Museum of Illusions, where we had some fun with optical illusions. For dinner, we were treated to a flavourful meal of Brazilian cuisine at Chima Steakhouse before returning to the resort.
The next day we headed to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. With the help of Universal Express Passes, we bypassed the lines and got to enjoy the attractions we missed during the VIP tour, including Transformers: The Ride – 3D and the epic Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. I would highly recommend purchasing the Universal Express passes, as I could see from the Universal Resort App that the waiting time for many of the rides was a minimum 90 minutes. Later in the afternoon, we made our way to Universal Mardi Gras for an unforgettable evening. The parade, complete with spectacular floats, music, and food from around the world, made it feel like we were celebrating in New Orleans. The party continued long into the night with the vibrant atmosphere of Mardi Gras.
Our final day began with a relaxed breakfast and after checking out of Cabana Bay Beach Resort, we had the morning free to explore, relax by the pool, or shop for some last-minute souvenirs. At 3:00 PM, we retrieved our luggage and departed the resort to head back to the airport.
We boarded our flight home, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had over the past few days. The magic of Universal Orlando Resort had certainly left its mark, and I’ll treasure these memories forever. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a fan of immersive themed experiences, or simply in need of some downtime by the pool, Universal Orlando Resort offers a little something for everyone. If you're planning a visit, this itinerary is an excellent guide for making the most of your time in this magical world!
Make sure to get in touch when you are planning your epic trip to Universal Resort Orlando, as I have lots of hints and tips to share with you along with making your fun filled holiday that extra special and one with unforgettable memories.
