Team UTMT
Who doesn’t love Disney? Who doesn’t have Disney World on their bucket list? Have you given Universal Orlando Resort any thoughts? It is within a 15 minute drive/9 miles from Walt Disney World according to Google. Like many Disney lovers, Disney World was a priority and visiting Universal Orlando was originally a one day visit for us. Yet, after staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort in September 2023 for my birthday, I must say we cannot wait to go to Universal Orlando again!
Here are my six reasons why I think you should visit..
To begin, Universal Orlando boasts some of the world’s most renowned theme park attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is a must do for any Harry Potter fan and muggle! Unlike Universal Studios Hollywood, there are two lands to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley (at Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade (at Islands of Adventure). Universal Hollywood only has Hogsmeade.
There are five rides if you include the Hogwarts Express including Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts (at Universal Studios Florida), Flight of the Hippogriff, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
These are thrilling rides and worth the wait time. But wait, there’s more! Between featuring immersive experiences like Hogwarts Castle, immersive entertainment like Shutterbuttons Photography Studio or Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, dining at the Leaky Cauldron or the Three Broomsticks, and shopping at Ollivanders Wand Shop for your interactive wand or Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes among many other shops, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter outshines Disney! You are literally transported into the beloved wizarding world of the books and films!
The Hotels
Universal offers four price points similar to Disney. Universal has value, prime value, preferred and premier hotels like Disney’s value, moderate, and deluxe resorts. However, Universal’s hotel rates cater to more economical budgets and offer more family rooms like a two bedroom suite to fit the whole family or themed kids suites.
Lastly, Universal’s premier hotels include a FREE Universal Express Unlimited pass to skip the lines which provide visitors with flexibility and convenience during their stay. On the other hand, Disney does not include Genie+ for their deluxe resorts.
The Park Size
Universal Orlando is smaller with its three parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay vs Disney’s 4 parks and 2 water parks. However, in 2025 Epic Universe will open! On the other hand, Disney has opened new rides, but has not released a new park in recent years.
Additionally, Universal’s smaller size compared to Disney allows for a more manageable and relaxed experience, with the ability to easily navigate between the different attractions and parks. A lot more is done in a shorter amount of time. Lastly, Universal Florida and Islands of Adventure are literally next to each other. There is no need to take a monorail, bus, water taxi/ferry boat, or skyliner to jump between the two theme parks! You can take the Hogwarts Express (if you wish) with park-to-park tickets and it is epic!
I recommend taking the Hogwarts Express each way for a different experience.
The Thrilling Rides
From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit to immersive simulator experiences like Transformers: The Ride 3D, there’s something to get your heart racing at every turn. Most famous is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster which opened in 2021! I rode it twice and it was amazing!
They offer the convenience of single rider lines, which help if you don’t mind riding separately from your group and don’t have a Universal Express pass.
Universal Volcano Bay
It is Universal Orlando’s water park and it is a refreshing break from the theme park experience with its water attractions. Since we stayed at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, we were walking distance from Volcano Bay, which is why we chose that particular hotel.
Once you enter Volcano Bay, you receive a TapuTapu. It is a wearable, waterproof, wristband device like a MagicBand that is included with your ticket. It allows you the convenience to relax or play while you wait for your turn with TapTu Ride, a ride’s virtual line. Once it is your turn, the TapuTapu vibrates to let you know it is your turn. You can also use TapTu Snap to take pictures or TapTu Play to interact with the park.
To use TapTu Pay to make cashless payments or TapTu Lock to open or lock your locker, you need to set up your payment information in the Universal Orlando app. Furthermore, Volcano Bay is family friendly with the Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef. Thus, as a mother of three littles, this is the water park to enjoy for the whole family!
Universal CityWalk
Beyond the theme parks, Universal CityWalk serves as a vibrant entertainment hub with dining, shopping, and nightlife options, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure in the parks. With an array of themed restaurants, food stands, and snack carts throughout the parks and CityWalk, visitors can indulge in a wide range of culinary delights, from classic American fare to exotic international cuisine.
Whether you’re in search of wizarding wares or trendy souvenirs at Universal Studios Store, the shopping options at Universal Orlando are as diverse as the attractions, offering something for every taste and budget.
In closing, Universal Orlando is a bucket list destination for the whole family and visitors of all ages. With its renowned theme park attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, hotels, park size, thrilling rides, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk with its immersive entertainment, diverse dining options, and shopping galore, it is a destination that will not only relax, but create lifelong memories. It’s definitely worth considering a visit for anyone planning a trip to Orlando.
