Category Archives: Universal Orlando Resort

How to Use My Universal Photos at Universal Orlando Resort

Leave a reply

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

There are two ways most people go about taking photos on vacation: having someone in your party not be in the photo or asking a stranger to take the photo for you. However, at Universal Orlando Resort, you have an ideal third option—My Universal Photos.

My Universal Photos takes the stress out of your vacation by helping you capture your unforgettable experiences here and share them with friends and family. With all of the awesome photo opportunities throughout the parks, we’ve got you covered—whether you’re screaming your face off on one of our high-speed coasters or coming face-to-face with spectacular, cinematic icons.

Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase Your Preferred Package

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

My Universal Photos has three different packages to make sure you’re properly set up for your day (or days) of play:

  • 1-Day Photo Package: This package gives you one full day of photos at any of our three parks with exclusive pricing on park photo prints and unlimited digital downloads. It also includes a My Universal Photos themed lanyard and card, discounts on photo gift products, as well as one 4×6 and one 5×7 photo print at time of purchase.
  • 3-Day Photo Package: This option allows up to three consecutive days of photos in the parks beginning on the day you pick up your My Universal Photos lanyard and card. You also receive one free 5×7 print in a folder and one free 4×6 print valid in-park or online, plus a few other exclusive discounts.
  • 1-Day Photo Package at Volcano Bay: If you’re just looking for a slice of Waturi paradise, this package is for you. With your one day of photos at Universal’s Volcano Bay (as with all packages), you get unlimited digital downloads and the ability to view and share your photos forever.

2. Time to Have Some Fun!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Once you’ve ordered your package, show your confirmation email at a merchandise location where Universal Express Pass is sold or at the My Universal Photos stores in the parks. A Team Member will give you your photo card and then you’re all set! There are three different ways to capture your vacation memories:

  • Have one of our professional photographers scan your card before taking a photo.
  • Scan it yourself at one of our selfie stations.
  • Scan it at a kiosk at the end of any participating rides.

The photos automatically show up on your My Universal Photos account, which you’ll be emailed a password and link to.

3. Photos at Your Fingertips

Make your friends jealous by sharing your adventures with the Amazing Pictures Mobile App. Download the app and log in with your email address and the password you were given. The photos you take during your day will be uploaded automatically. Once you see them, share them to your heart’s content. Click on a photo and send it via text, post it on social media, or even just download it to your camera roll. It’s super easy to share the fun.

4. Memories that Last a Lifetime

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Relive your fun-filled moments and choose which ones you want to keep forever. When you’re in the park, head to a standalone photo store or a ride photo location to get an individual print. You can also order prints of your favorite pics from home or print them on items like mugs, Christmas ornaments and more. There are tons of products to choose from.

It’s as simple as that. With over 30 locations to smile or scream, all you need to worry about is deciding which ride to go on next. Say cheese!

Macklemore, Pitbull, and More Coming to Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019

Leave a reply
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog

From the Universal Orlando Resort Blog:

The start of a new year is upon us. Time to set those New Year’s resolutions, start planning out your year, and most importantly, get ready for Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019. This year’s event returns Feb. 9 – April 4 to Universal Studios Florida with nightly parades, live concerts on select nights, Cajun food and drinks and beads, beads and more beads!

Let’s dive into the star-studded concert lineup with new and returning fan-favorites. Catch these live performances on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage.

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 Concert Lineup

  • February 9 – BUSH
  • February 16 – Gavin DeGraw
  • February 17 – Dan + Shay
  • February 23 – Macklemore
  • March 2 – To be announced
  • March 9 – Becky G
  • March 10 – Sean Paul
  • March 16 – Steve Miller Band
  • March 17 – Ziggy Marley
  • March 23 – NF
  • March 24 – Pitbull
  • March 30 – To be announced
  • March 31 – To be announced

New Nighttime Parade Theme

The nightly parade returns with 12 floats, beads, colorful dancers and stilt performers. This year’s new theme is one of my all-time favorites – Party Animals! You’ll see floats and performers dressed as their spirit animals from all over the world like the arctic, jungle, ocean, swamp and more.

French Quarter Food and Drinks

The French Quarter Courtyard is getting a new culinary twist this year. All food and drinks will be served in tasting sizes. You’ll now be able to enjoy a variety of the New Orleans dishes during your visit.

Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog

To add to the excitement, our culinary team has whipped up new and returning fan-favorite food and drink options. We’re talking beignets, frog legs, crab etouffee, and crawfish! Plus, we’re going to have a signature Mardi Gras cocktail, craft beer and more. Stay tuned to the blog for more mouthwatering details.

French Quarter Entertainment Lineup

You can’t have the French Quarter Courtyard without the beats of the Big Easy. Catch these authentic New Orleans bands performing daily in the French Quarter.

  • February 9 – 17: Dirty Bourbon River Show
  • February 18 – 27: Naughty Professor Brass Band
  • February 28 – March 18: Free Agents Brass Band featuring Honey Bannister
  • March 19 – April 4: New Breed Brass Band

Special Ticket and Annual Pass Offers

Publicity Mardi Gras Parade Floats Universal Studios Florida USF Entertainment Beads

This spring we’ve got the perfect way for Florida residents to experience ANY day of Mardi Gras and Universal Orlando thrills and excitement. For a limited time get 3 days for just $159.99 plus tax with a valid promo code from Coca-Cola or Coke Zero Sugar now through April 4, 2019. You can use your three days anytime now through June 30, 2019. That means no blockout dates and you can use them non-consecutively. 

OR you can upgrade to an Annual Pass* to enjoy the parks all year long and our special events like Mardi Gras. Right now – April 4, you get up to six months free with the purchase of any Annual Pass. That’s a whole year now and up to half a year free! 

Plus, Passholders get awesome perks during Mardi Gras like an exclusive parade viewing area, float riding opportunities and more.

*Blockout dates apply for Seasonal Passholders on all concert event nights at Universal Studios Florida. You will still receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Grab your tickets and get ready to party with us at Mardi Gras 2019! Don’t forget to share with #UniversalMardiGras on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids at Universal Orlando Resort

Leave a reply

From the Universal Orlando Resort Blog:

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

At Universal Orlando Resort there is fun for the whole family, which means there is no shortage of activities for the little ones!

Check out these 10 things to do with kids at Universal Orlando Resort:

1. Breakfast at Voodoo Doughnut

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

When you’re on vacation, it’s ok to eat sweets for breakfast, right? Then start your day of fun with a stop by Voodoo Doughnuts at Universal CityWalk. There you’ll find the most delicious doughnuts ever – with all the flavors you can think of!

2. A Day of Fun at Universal’s Volcano Bay

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

If you want a place to have fun with kids and also relax while they burn some energy, Volcano Bay is the place to be. The park offers a lot of play areas, like Runamukka Reef, where kids of any age can have fun.

3. Flying on a Bike at E.T. Adventure

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

This is your chance to show your kids a little bit of your childhood memories! Who hasn’t dreamed of flying through the sky on a bike with E.T.? In this attraction, you get to make that happen with your whole family. And keep an eye on the end of the ride – he has a surprise for you.

4. Dance with Characters at Superstar Parade

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

A break during the day for a little fun and dance? Yes, please! See your favorite characters up close in the Superstar Parade, including the cute puppies and cats from The Secret Life of Pets.

5. Burn Some Energy at Fievel’s Playland

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

This themed playground inspired by the mouse Fievel Mousekewitz, from An American Tale, is the perfect place for the little ones to burn some extra energy during the day! Here they can run, jump and climb as much as they want.

6. Meet a Dinosaur

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Do you remember the first time you saw a dinosaur? Your kids will definitely never forget! At Raptor Encounter you come face-to-face with the velociraptor Blue, from the Jurassic World movies. We guarantee this encounter will result in awesome selfies.

7. Fly Over the Park on a Pteranodon

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Still talking about prehistoric creatures, how about taking your little adventurers for a ride on a Pteranodon? The Pteranodon Flyers ride will take you on a flight under the wings of a dinosaur with a great view from the park as a bonus.

8. Meet Your Favorite Characters

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

See your favorite characters come to life at Universal Orlando. Your kids will surely never forget the time they met Dora the Explorer or SpongeBob SquarePants in person.

9. Watch Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

This nighttime water and light show will amaze travelers of all ages, especially kids! You will live amazing and fun moments inspired by some of your favorite characters, all coming to life at the Universal Studios Florida lagoon.

10. Chill at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Down time during vacation is just as important. Stay with your family at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and enjoy all the comfort and play areas available. We guarantee your kids will love the pool and the awesome view of Volcano Bay water theme park.

What are your favorite things to do with kids at Universal Orlando? Share in the comments!

How to Add a Day at Universal to Your Disney World Vacation

1 Reply

Many guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels or Orlando area hotels want to spend a day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando Resort. Disney does not provide transportation to Universal Studios from any of the Disney Hotels, so how do you add a day at Universal without a car? The most convenient and affordable way to add a day at Universal to a Disney World vacation is by purchasing a Universal ticket that includes a round-trip shuttle!

We offer a one or two day park to park ticket that includes roundtrip shuttle transfers from any of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. The shuttle transfers are through Quick Transportation. It is an easy process. After you book your ticket, you call at least 24 hours before you are visiting Universal Studios to schedule your pickup time. Then, you are picked up from your hotel for your day at Universal Studios.

Once you are done playing at Universal Studios, you call the same number to schedule your pickup time to head back to your Disney Hotel. The shuttle can run until 2 AM, which means that you can stay and play at CityWalk after your day at Universal Studios and then take the shuttle back to your resort.

The shuttle transfers saves you from $90 on transportation from Disney to Universal Studios. Plus, this ticket is also saving you $10 per person off the regular gates prices.  One more HUGE perk, you do not have to wait in line at the ticket windows.  You walk right up to the electronic kiosks to pick up your tickets.  This can easily save you 30 minutes!

We can even add Universal’s unlimited Express Pass to these tickets to help you enjoy as much as possible during your day at Universal by skipping the line at most attractions! Plus, if you book your tickets by March 14, 2019, you’ll get two days FREE with the purchase of a two day ticket!

Call Siera today at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com to book your day (or two) at Universal Orlando Resort so you can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Top Ten Things You Must Do at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando

Leave a reply

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Top Ten Things You Must Do at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando

Universal’s Islands of Adventure really is the “choose your own adventure” of theme parks. With so many options, what attractions would you regret skipping? Here are ten things that we think that you must do at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort:

1. Soar above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Make your way through iconic locations inside Hogwarts castle before boarding this exciting attraction. Then join Harry as you come face-to-face with an array of magical creatures.

2. Get up close and personal with a prehistoric predator at Raptor Encounter

If you’re brave enough to step up to this electrified paddock, you’ll find a wild raptor inside for a truly unique photo op.

3. Rage out at 67 mph on The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Volunteer to be a test subject for Dr. Bruce Banner’s research and your Hulk-like powers will propel you faster and faster on this thrill ride.

4. Blast into action on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Swing above the streets, scale skyscrapers, and battle the Sinister Syndicate with Spidey.

5. Indulge in a delicious Butterbeer at Hog’s Head

It’s easy to love this classic treat, enjoyed by Harry and his friends in the films. The Hog’s Head pub provides the perfect cozy spot for sipping and relaxing.

6. Take an 85-foot plunge on Jurassic Park River Adventure

There’s only one way out of trouble when a hungry T. rex stares you down.

7. Learn who rules the jungle on Skull Island: Reign of Kong

This mysterious island contains many treacherous creatures – who is friend and who is foe?

8. Meet Dr. Seuss’s beloved storybook characters at Seuss Landing

The Grinch, Thing One and Thing Two, The Cat in the Hat, and others can be found here surrounded by whimsical scenery.

9. Get soaked on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

Slosh your way through twists and turns – and a 65-foot drop.

10. Experience the otherworldly cuisine of Mythos

The Lost Continent’s award-winning, full-service restaurant offers modern cuisine with Mediterranean, Asian, and American-inspired dishes.

What are your favorite things that you must do at Islands of Adventure experiences? Tell us in the comments below!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top Six Blue Man Group Experiences Not to Miss at Universal Orlando Resort

Leave a reply

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

For over 10 years, Blue Man Group Orlando has delivered electrifying music, interactive art and hilarious hijinks in their nightly show in Universal CityWalk.

Get your marshmallows ready – here are the top six Blue Man Group experiences at Universal Orlando Resort that you won’t want to miss:

1. Dare to GIF in Full Color

In the lobby of the Blue Man Group theater, you’ll find a photo kiosk where you can create a personalized GIF. Plan out your three poses and smile for the camera, and you’ll end up with a GIF ready to share on social media. Make sure you tag @bluemangroup and add in #BlueManORL!

2. See Your Name on the Big Screen

We know there’s nothing quite like seeing your name on the big screen. The theater features LED screens that are ready to host your name just before each performance (feel free to nominate a friend to be featured, as well!). After you’ve booked your tickets, email the Blue Man Group Box Office at least 48 hours before the show to see if a spot is available.

3. Dinner Date with the Blue Men

Didn’t check out a CityWalk restaurant before the show? Maybe you’ll be the lucky audience member chosen to dine onstage with the Blue Men. No one can be sure of what’s in store once their dinner guest is seated, but laughs are always guaranteed.

4. Get Ready to Get Messy

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

If you’re looking to make the most of your Blue Man Group experience, look no further than the “Poncho Section.” Located in the four rows closest to the stage, this section ensures that you’ll be up close for all the action.

Blue Man Group uses over 50 gallons of vibrant paint and 32 pounds of Jell-O each week, so you’ll be thankful for the complimentary ponchos by the time the show is over.

5. The Ultimate Dance Party

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Sometimes, you just need to shake your booty. Or your “dance captain” or “sit biscuit” or “wiggle cloud”. Whatever you want to call it, the Blue Men are ready to help you move it.

Blue Man Group throws the ultimate dance party in the show’s encore, complete with thundering music, fog machines, toilet-paper streamers and larger-than-life glowing inflatable balls.

6. Get Up Close and Personal with a Blue Man

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

With Blue Man Group’s VIP Experience you’ll enjoy some seriously special treatment that takes you you behind the scenes. First, take a pre-show tour before enjoying the performance from the best seats in the house. After the show, you’ll get an exclusive meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with a Blue Man, so you can bring home truly unique photographs and autographs (signed in blue paint, of course).

What are your favorite Blue Man Group experiences at Universal Orlando Resort? Share it with us in the comments below!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Seven Ways to Have a Stress Free Universal Orlando Vacation

Leave a reply

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

Planning a vacation should be fun and easy, right? After all of the planning for a vacation, you probably want to know how to relax. Spending your hard-earned vacation at a theme park doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips for a stress free Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

  1. Stay on property to get free transportation to and from the parks: Don’t mess with traffic. Start the day off right with a leisurely ride on a Universal Orlando shuttle bus or water taxi and arrive right at the front gates.
  2. Stay on property and go to the resort for some pool time in the afternoon: Tired of walking? Feeling a little exhausted? Nothing a nap by the pool and a refreshing drink can’t fix!
  3. Plan a day at Universal’s Volcano Bay: The vibes at Universal Orlando’s new water theme park will always be chill. Grab a Private Cabana or float down the Kopiko Wai Winding River as you indulge in the ultimate forms of relaxation.
  4. Head for indoor attractions to enjoy air conditioning and seating: When your feet are tired and the Florida sun is a little too much, there is plenty to do indoors while you cool off. Try lounging in the lobby of Universal Studios Florida’s Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon or exploring the Discovery Center in Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic Park.
  5. Pack a towel you can wet and put on your neck: You’d be surprised at how much your entire body cools down with this trick.
  6. Use The Official Universal Orlando Resort App to plan your day: Find wait times, ride information and more on this app while exploring on-the-go. You can even reserve a spot in our Virtual Line for the all-new Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
  7. Take a photo of your parking spot on your smartphone: Don’t stress over the prospect of walking for hours at the end of the day in search of your car. Simply keep a record of where it is on your phone. There is also a handy Parking Reminder section of the Universal Orlando Resort App where you can record your spot.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

What hacks do you like to use for a stress free Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Tell us in the comments below!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top 12 Toys and Tricks to Find at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes

1 Reply

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley has many shops that long-time Harry Potter fans dream of visiting.

Most fans know the name of this infamous store; but for those who don’t, allow me to introduce you to Weasleys Wizard Wheezes: the joke shop founded by Fred and George Weasley. These unpredictable twins had a lifelong dream of opening a place to share their fun creations with all witches and wizards.

Some of the products are widely known, but there are many that the common Muggle may not be familiar with. Take a look at this list of 12 popular items you can find at this one-of-a-kind shop!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

 1. Fever Fudge, Puking Pastilles, U-No-Poo, Fainting Fancies and Nosebleed Nougat

This range of sweets has been useful in getting students out of class for years at Hogwarts. Each sweet will give the user a different symptom such as fever, vomit, unconsciousness, or a nosebleed. You can pick the one you want to try or experience a variety of them with the Skiving Snackbox.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

2. Screaming Yo-yo

The name definitely shrieks for itself with this magical toy. Its distracting screams can be heard from across the room!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

3. Decoy Detonator

This popular item is typically used to create a diversion in a time of need. You’ve actually seen it in action before in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow: Part 1. Once dropped, there’s no way to catch it!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

4. Love Potion

This powerful brew doesn’t need much of an explanation. Give it to the person you desire and see the magic happen yourself.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

5. Chattering Teeth

Wind it up and the conversation will never stop!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

6. Extendable Ear

Looking to eavesdrop? Get an Extendable Ear to listen to any quiet conversation from up to 12 feet away. Make sure your cat doesn’t eat it though… Yes, we’re talking about you, Crookshanks.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

7. Boxing Telescope

I wouldn’t suggest taking a peek through this telescope. The Boxing Telescope is said to land a punch on whoever squeezes it, but we would never confirm or deny it.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

8. Pink Elephant

This may look easy, but it only took twenty tries. Keep you and your friends easily entertained by seeing how many attempts it takes to perfectly flip this toy to land on its feet.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

9. Duck on Bike

There’s an assortment of Muggle toys inside the shop as a tribute to the twins’ father, Arthur. He was fascinated with Muggle artifacts, so there are a few vintage toys you can get like the Duck on Bike, Elephant on Bike and Robot Lilliput.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

10. Pygmy Puff

These furry little creatures are one of the Weasleys’ most popular bestsellers. They come in different shades of pink and purple, can be found in three different sizes and you may even get one that purrs! There’s also a fun naming ceremony for each Pygmy Puff that gets adopted.  The giant bell in the store is rung to announce the adoption and the new owner gets to tell everyone the name they chose.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

11. Fanged Flyer

This type of Frisbee is just as fun as any other… as long as it is used with caution. The Fanged Flyer gets upset when you pet its teeth, which is why the handler’s glove is included with your purchase.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

12. Cycling Dolores Umbridge

Last, but certainly not least, is the toy everyone loves to hate. Turn it on and watch her go!

These items (and many more) can all be found in Weasleys Wizard Wheezes at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

Which item from Weasleys Wizard Wheezes is a must-have for you during your next visit? Let us know in the comments!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top Five Best Desserts at Universal Orlando Resort

Leave a reply

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

The Orlando theme parks are known to offer the latest dessert crazes and biggest, most Instagram-worthy treats. You know, the kind of desserts that are so outrageous you can’t help but pause to get a perfect picture no matter how deliciously tempting it looks. Even though it’s hard to choose just five, here are the best desserts at Universal Orlando Resort.

Pick a special occasion — a birthday, an anniversary, or just being on vacation — are get ready. These treats from Universal Orlando Resort are indulgent with a capital “I”, so invite your friends to dig in as these are made for sharing!

THE BIG CANNOLI

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Where To Find It: Vivo Italian Kitchen, Universal CityWalk

What Makes It Epic: The Big Cannoli is an Italian dessert of epic proportions — over a foot long cannoli shell filled with two pounds of cannoli cream! It’s topped with white and dark chocolate shavings and is best when shared with friends as it easily serves four or more.

JUMBO PINEAPPLE DOUGHNUT

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Where To Find It: Islands Dining Room, Loews Royal Pacific Resort

What Makes It Epic: Universal Orlando is known for giant donuts. This single homemade donut is easily large enough to feed four people and is filled with pineapple cream and coconut ice cream.

7-LAYER KITCHEN SINK CAKE

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Where To Find It: The Kitchen, Hard Rock Hotel

What Makes It Epic: Imagine all of your favorite desserts layered on top of one another, and that’s what you get with the Kitchen Sink Cake. Starting with chocolate walnut brownie on the bottom, then layered with peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie, pecan pie, New York cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, and topped with vanilla cake. Then, the whole thing is covered in chocolate icing, chocolate cake crumbles, and chocolate chips. You’ll be challenged to fit all seven layers of dessert on one fork!

BUTTERBEER ICE-CREAM

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Where To Find It: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Universal Studios Florida

What Makes It Epic: It tastes like the ultimate combination of vanilla and butterscotch swirled to perfection. Treat yourself to a fun spin on this beloved flavor with Butterbeer ice-cream in Diagon Alley.

RED VELVET MILKSHAKE

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Where To Find It: The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Universal CityWalk

What Makes It Epic: Have your cake and sip it too! This vanilla ice cream and raspberry milkshake has not one, but two red velvet cupcakes. One whole cupcake is blended inside like a sweet hidden surprise while the other proudly sits on top, making this one of the most Instagram-worthy milkshakes you’ll ever see.

What are you waiting for? Head to Universal Orlando Resort to try one of these amazing desserts.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top 8 Reasons Why You Need to Ride Hogwarts Express Both Directions

Leave a reply

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Straight from the pages and silver screen, Universal Orlando Resort is the only place where you can actually ride the famous Hogwarts Express. From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley and back again, traveling between Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida aboard Hogwarts Express is a must-see attraction unto itself.

There are hundreds of reasons to choose the Hogwarts Express as your mode of transportation, but we are sharing with you the top eight reasons today:

1. First and foremost, the aesthetics of the stations and attraction are true to the movies and books, so you’ll feel like you’ve actually been dropped into the story.

2. Each station offers unique opportunities for epic photos to share with your friends and family.

3. Not to mention, the architecture is totally stunning.

4. And remember, the Hogwarts Express is the best way to stay immersed in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when traveling between the two lands.

5. At King’s Cross Station, you’ll find yourself at Platform 9 ¾. You can even walk through the iconic wall; but I’m leaving that bit out because it’s so much better when you experience it for yourself!

6. When traveling from London to Hogsmeade, be sure to look out for a number of cameos from your favorite characters, like this fly-by of Hagrid and his magical motorcycle.

7. And from Hogsmeade to London the story and cameos are completely different, so look out for moments like this one with Fred and George *casually* plugging their Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes store in Diagon Alley.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

8. Finally, riding the Hogwarts Express both ways allows you the opportunity to experience both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, which is a true one-of-a-kind experience that you can only get here.

Of course, there’s much more mind-blowing stuff to see and do on the Hogwarts Express. What’s your favorite part of riding!?

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Thanks Universal Orlando Resort Blog!