My trip to Orlando had Universal appeal
We stayed at Universal’s newest hotel, the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, which is a fantastic Caribbean-themed hotel located a short water taxi ride from Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. I really loved the pool area at this hotel. The water was a perfect depth and well suited to families with young children. There was even a waterslide. I liked the fact the pool was open until 11 o'clock at night, which means if you have had a fun packed day in the parks you can still have an evening swim and sometimes they even show movies, which you can watch whilst in the swimming pool. The hotel itself was light and airy and had beautiful spacious rooms with extremely comfortable beds.
Our week started in Universal Studios with a VIP tour. We explored the Wizarding World of Harry Potter first. If you are a Harry Potter fan then this is not to be missed. I loved the Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts ride and Diagon Alley is a must. We then caught the Hogwarts Express, which takes you across to Hogsmeade where we experienced some Butterbeer – the Frozen Butterbeer was really refreshing.
After exploring the rest of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter we then moved onto to Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park. My favourite rides in Universal’s Islands of Adventure were the Incredible Hulk coaster and the water rides. Top tip though is to not wear denim or white as you will get absolutely soaked!! We rounded our day off at Universal CityWalk with a meal at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – a must for any chocolate lovers and then a good singalong in Pat O’Brien’s with the duelling pianos.
On day two we visited the brand-new waterpark, Universal’s Volcano Bay which only opened in May 2017. We were given TapuTapu wristbands, which are a waterproof wearable and mean no standing in long queues as you simply check in for a ride and then go back when it is your time. I loved the amazing Krakatau Aqua Coaster. I also really liked the fact that the ground didn’t get too hot as they have sprays cooling the floor down.
There are five Universal hotels on site with a sixth hotel called Aventura due to open in 2018. The next day we set about viewing all the brilliant and differently themed hotels. If you are looking for the most affordable hotel then Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the perfect choice. The hotel is motel themed from the 50’s and 60’s and has two massive pools and a lazy river. The hotel is also the only Universal hotel with a bowling alley. I would have no hesitation in staying here with my family. It is situated right by Volcano Bay and some of the rooms have magnificent views of the waterpark. There is even a direct walkway into Volcano Bay if you stay at this hotel.
If ultimate luxury is what you are after, then Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel is splendid and you really feel like you are in Italy with its beautiful squares and alleyways. If you want to be within walking distance and literally next door to Universal Studios, then the Hard Rock Hotel is ideal. It is also the smallest hotel at Universal. Some of the benefits you get if you stay at an onsite hotel include early park admission, priority seating at selected restaurants, fast passes included (at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock and Lowes Royal Pacific Resort), complimentary transport by bus or boat to the parks and you can also get any shopping transported back to your room. In the evening, we headed back into Universal Studios to eat at Lombard’s Seafood Grill where we also enjoyed a cinematic spectacular celebrating 100 years of Universal from a private viewing area.
Our last full day at Universal Resort was spent in Universal Studios. It was a brilliant day. Highlights included the fabulous Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, Shrek 4-D, the lovely ET Adventure ride, which is one of the original features at Universal Studios and still a favourite and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit which we saved until last. My top tip when visiting Universal Orlando Resort would be to try and get around the outdoor attractions earlier in the day. Florida has a tropical climate and it often rains mid to late afternoon and if there is thunder and lightning the outdoor rides must shut down.
This trip certainly lived up to all my expectations and I am now looking forward to going back next year, but with my family in tow to do it all over again!