Universal: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Universal is a fantastic park in which you have the opportunity to experience the worlds of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Spiderman and even Fievel (I can’t be the only one who remembers Fievel, right?)
Universal is as simple as 1-2-3! 3 resort levels, 2 parks, 1 waterpark, TONS of adventure and fun!! So let’s dive right in (pun intended) and find out how YOU can experience everything that Universal Orlando has to offer!
WHERE TO STAY!
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5 Resorts:
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: The newest preferred resort located on Universal Property, it is currently slated to open up Summer 2016, and is currently accepting reservations!! This location is ideal for access to the parks, to CityWalk and is themed as a tropical oasis complete with waterfalls, a resort styled pool and incredible restaurants!
Photo Credit: Universal.com
Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Have you ever just wanted to get away from it all and relax on a white sand beach? Here you can! Royal Pacific is the 2nd preferred resort located on Universal Property and with the sand beach and the lagoon style pool and incredible scenery, it’s not hard to see why.
Photo Credit: Universal.com
Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Have you ever seen a retro beach movie? Maybe even Beach Party? Could you imagine enjoying a vacation where you get to be part of that? Look no further! At Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you get the opportunity to step back in time to the golden days of the 50’s and 60’s in this retro chic resort.
Photo Credit: Universal.com
Hard Rock Hotel: Come experience Universal like the ROCKSTAR you are! Here at the Hard Rock Hotel, you can rock out to great music anywhere you are! Even underwater at their 12,000 sq. ft. sand pool! You might not actually BE a rock star, but you will feel like one during your stay!
Photo Credit: Universal.com
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: If you’re ready to live it up in the style and grace of a European themed resort, which offers the finest of dining, day spa and luxury amenities, then the Portofino Bay Hotel is for you! Modeled after the town of Portofino Italy, this premier resort offers chic architecture, cobblestone walkways and outdoor cafes.
Photo Credit: Universal.com
All of these incredible resorts have awesome pools, comfortable rooms and include an array of extra perks!
Stay at ANY Universal property resort (All Resorts) and you will have access to:
Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Free transportation to and from parks
Character Meet and Greet Experiences
Resort Charging Privileges
Stay at a preferred or premier resort (Portofino, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific) you also get:
Universal Express UNLIMITED
Priority seating at select restaurants
So let’s talk about the Parks, since the perks don’t mean much if we don’t know where we’re going!! Let me preface this by saying how big of a Harry Potter fan I am. I can’t wait to visit Universal SOLELY based on this part of the parks (yes, PARKS) you can experience Harry Potter in both Universal Studios AND Universal Island Adventure!
Universal Studios: 8 Spots 1 park 1 AMAZING journey!
Photo Credit: Universal.com
Take a stroll through some of your favorite movies and scenes from a few of the most outstanding parts of the film and tv industry. You can take a stroll through Hollywood, New York, a Movie set, San Francisco, Diagon Alley (Harry Potter, Y’all!), The World Expo or even Springfield! Not sure where Springfield is, except Middle America, the home of the Simpsons! There’s even a kid’s area based on Woody Woodpecker.
For many of us, a lot of Universal will bring back memories of our childhood, the experience of making you a part of that world, to be a part of the Simpsons, to be a part of Harry Potter’s world, to take a stroll through Hollywood from the east coast, it’s a pretty impressive grouping and one that will leave you in awe and talking about it and planning your next chance to return!
Universal Studios Island Adventure: 7 Islands
If island travel is more your “thing” then maybe this is for you, I wouldn’t necessarily call this “beachy” but it helps to identify the amazing spots you’ll find here! Head to Marvel Super Hero Island to meet and be a super hero, head to Jurassic Island to experience the dinosaurs, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to participate in some non-muggle activities, Toon Lagoon, The Lost Continent and let’s not forget Seuss Landing where you can be as whimsical and nonsensical as any Who who who’s however they like!
There are rides and experiences for all ages at both parks, for the thrill seeker, for the child, for the adventurer, for the family, for the couple: you’ll have no trouble finding something to create a unique experience for you and your family.
Photo Credit: Universal.com
And when it gets too hot, head to Wet N Wild or Volcano Bay!
Yes, I did say 1 water park and listed 2…Wet N Wild will close at the end of 2016 and be replaced by Volcano Bay.
Wet n Wild has 18 water slides and attractions, if water parks are your “thing” I recommend heading there soon, as the park is scheduled to close 12/31/16!
Volcano Bay is scheduled to open in 2017, it is being built on 53 acres close to the Cabana Bay resort.
City Walk:
City Walk is the hub of Universal, lots of shopping, dining options, an AMC movie theater, Night Clubs and even a Blue Man Group show! Head here on your off day to keep close to Universal and have some down time to relax!
Photo Credit: Universal.com
Hope you enjoyed this overview of what's available at Universal Studios Hollywood. Continue to follow us here and on Facebook to learn more about a Universal trip for your family.
Nikki Fisher
