We based ourselves at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and threw ourselves into all things Universal: VIP tours, time in Volcano Bay, the Mardi Gras parade, and even a sneak preview of the brand‑new Epic Universe area before it opened to the public.

It was a trip packed with thrills, laughter and a few pinch‑me moments that I cannot wait to recreate for my clients.

Retro Vibes & Theme Park Convenience at Cabana Bay

Our home for the trip was Cabana Bay, a fun, retro‑inspired resort right in the heart of the Universal Orlando area.

What I loved about staying here:

• Location, location, location: Being so close to the parks makes it really easy to pop back for a swim or a rest, then head out again.
• Retro‑chic style: Think bright colours, mid‑century touches and a really playful, upbeat atmosphere.
• Brilliant for groups & families: Plenty of space, relaxed dining options and pools that make it feel like a mini resort in its own right.

It was the perfect base for early starts in the parks and late‑night rides, without a long journey back to the hotel when we were tired and happy at the end of each day.

VIP Tours: Front‑of‑Line Thrills

One of the standout elements of the trip was experiencing the Universal parks on a VIP tour. This takes the whole theme park day to another level.

With VIP access you can:

• Skip the regular queues and maximise your time on the rides
• Enjoy insights and tips from a dedicated guide
• Fit far more into a day than you ever could on your own
• Focus on the fun instead of worrying about planning and logistics

We whizzed through some of Universal’s most iconic attractions, ticked off big rides back‑to‑back and still had time to slow down and soak up the atmosphere. It gave me a really clear picture of the best way to structure days for different types of clients: from adrenaline seekers to mixed‑age families.

A Day at Volcano Bay

No Universal trip is complete without some time at Volcano Bay, the tropical‑themed water park that feels like a South Pacific escape in the middle of Orlando.

Highlights of our time there:

• The lagoon and beach area: Perfect for simply relaxing with a drink, cooling off in the water and taking a break from rollercoasters.
• Thrilling slides for the brave, as well as gentler options if you prefer to take things slower.
• TapuTapu wearable tech which helps manage virtual queues and unlocks little surprises around the park.

It is ideal for adding a more laid‑back, sunshine‑soaked day into a busy theme park itinerary, and I now have first‑hand tips on how best to combine it with days in the main parks.

Mardi Gras Magic: Street Food, Floats & Festival Vibes

Another big highlight was experiencing the Mardi Gras parade at Universal. The park transforms into a colourful, music‑filled celebration with:

• Bright, larger‑than‑life floats
• Costumed performers bringing the streets to life
• Beads, confetti and that “only in Orlando” party feeling
• Food stalls and pop‑ups inspired by flavours from around the world

Being there in person gave me a real sense of how special it feels to visit during one of Universal’s seasonal events. It is those extra touches that can turn a holiday from a standard theme park break into a true one‑off experience.

A Sneak Preview of Epic Universe

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was getting an exclusive sneak peek of Epic Universe, the brand‑new Universal park that was not yet open at the time.

Although I cannot share every detail, what I can say is:

• The scale and level of immersion is on another level again.
• There is a real focus on storytelling, detail and transportive theming.
• It will add a whole new dimension to an Orlando stay, especially for fans who have already “done it all”.

Seeing it in advance means I will be able to help you plan for its opening phases and beyond, from how many days to allow to how best to structure a Universal‑focused itinerary once it becomes part of the mix.

Leading a Winning Team

Because this was a winners’ trip for a sales challenge and I was team captain, there was a wonderful sense of camaraderie and shared celebration throughout.

That team mindset is exactly what I bring to my clients too:

• Listening to what everyone in the family or group wants
• Balancing thrill rides with downtime
• Planning smartly so you get maximum value from every ticket and every day
• Taking away the stress so you simply enjoy yourselves

Experiencing the parks with a group gave me even more insight into how different people like to spend their time, which is incredibly valuable when tailoring an Orlando holiday.

Why This Trip Was So Special

This winners’ trip to Florida reinforced why Universal Orlando is such a brilliant choice for so many of my clients:

• Huge variety in a compact area: Multiple theme parks, a water park, entertainment and dining, all within easy reach.
• Flexible for couples, friends or families: From relaxing pool days to full‑throttle ride marathons.
• Event‑led magic: Seasonal events like Mardi Gras add another layer of fun if you time it right.
• New developments: With Epic Universe coming, there will be even more to explore in the years ahead.

Most importantly, I returned with up‑to‑date, first‑hand experience of the hotels, parks, logistics and extras that make the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.

Ready To Plan Your Own Universal Adventure?

If reading this has you picturing yourself under the Florida sun, racing from ride to ride or floating lazily at Volcano Bay, I would love to help.

Whether you are dreaming of:

• A once‑in‑a‑lifetime family holiday
• A fun‑filled break with friends
• A shorter add‑on to a wider Florida itinerary

I can design a Universal Orlando escape that feels completely tailored to you, with the right hotel, park tickets, VIP touches and downtime built in.

Contact me to start planning your own unforgettable Florida adventure