Overview of Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios in Orlando is the first theme park to open back up (on June 5th) after the pandemic closures. They have revamped their procedures to keep all their guests safe and healthy.
Universal Studios in Orlando consists of 2 theme parks (Universal Studios Orlando–USO, and Islands of Adventure–IOA) and a water park (Volcano Bay). Universal has sometimes been called the grown up version of Disney World. If you are wanting thrills and chills, then Universal is the place for you!
There are lots of great things to love about Universal Studios. But, this blog is going to cover just 5 things that we loved from our last trip.
5 Things to Love About Universal Studios
1) Hogwarts Express
Hogwarts Express is the train that takes guests from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Diagon Alley (USO) to Hogsmeade (IOA). The King’s Cross Train Station was so awesome to walk through. There are so many great details to make the walk through the station more interesting. The best part was the view out the window. How the creators take you through the countryside is awe-inspiring. The drama in the coach during the ride was very cool too.
You must have Park-to-Park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express. For our family it was complely worth the extra cost. The train was a ride in itself and we went back and forth quite a few times during the day.
2) Interactive Wands from Ollivanders
Even the purchase of a wand from Ollivanders ($52 as of March 2020) is an event in and of itself. They make it quite fun as your wand picks YOU! After purchase you get to take your wand all over the two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter looking for the special mediallions embedded in the ground (a map is also provided). Each time you discover a midallion stand upon it and wave your wand, cast a spell and see what happens. It is so exciting to anticipate what is going to happen each and every time. There are a few surprise locations so keep an eye out for those–check out the Slug ‘n Jug and take a look at your map in Knockturn Alley).
The interactive wand is definitely an extra. Your visit will be wonderful even if you don’t purchase one the first time you visit. In fact, finding the medallions takes time from your day so you might want to save it for a second or third visit. We were lucky to follow my neice along on her adventures through the Wizarding World. Oh, by the way, the wand will work for you each and every trip to Universal Studios.
3) The Attention to Detail
The attention to details is over the top at Universal Studios in Orlando. From the streets of San Francisco and New York to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios you are surrounded by buildings, shops, and rides that bring you right into that world. Even the ride queues are unbelievable with all the little things they include to bring you into the story. So awesome!
4) Staying at a Universal Resort
When you stay at a Universal Resort you can take advantage of Early Entrance to the theme parks. It was so great to be able to get into the park early. There were hardly any people and we could get onto rides so quickly. Loved that!
The other super cool thing about staying at a Universal Resort is that if you stay in a deluxe resort such as the Lowes Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, and Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel you also get a Universal Express Pass for every member of your party. This is good for your entire stay. You can even check in early and use the pass on check in day. The benefit of the Express pass can be well worth the extra cost of the resort.
5) Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™
Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure was definitely my FAVORITE activity at Universal Studios. We waited for over an hour for this ride the first time and we loved it so much we thought the hour was totally worth it and we did it again later. I have NEVER EVER waited for an hour for a ride and thought it was that worth it. The queue was pretty cool too.
There were so many awesome things about this ride. The ride vehicle was fun no matter which position you take. Both the motorcycle and the sidecar are great fun. The smooth speed of the ride was fantastic. There is enough excitement but not super scary. The scenery that you fly through is magical. I loved the forest. Then, the greatest thing is the story throughout and the surprise along the way! I cannot express how much I LOVED this ride!!!
So, do you have things you love about Universal Studios in Orlando? What do you think about my choices? Do you agree or not? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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