The best rides, how to avoid queues, dining recommendations and the best views, check out my top things to do in Universal Studios Orlando and get the most out of your visit.

There are so many things to do in Universal Studios and we had so many amazing experiences, that I struggled to limit this post to 35! Seeing my daughters face light up when she was chosen to receive a wand in Ollivanders is a moment I will never forget. Riding Hagrid’s Motorbike was another moment I will never forget – but for slightly different reasons!

If you never watched a Harry Potter movie, I guarantee you will still be mesmerised by the attention to detail in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hogwarts Castle is majestic, and walking through the magic wall in Platform 9¾ was another great experience that we all enjoyed.

However, there is so much more to Universal Orlando Resort than the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Three amazing theme parks make up this world class family theme park, that is filled with thrilling rollercoasters, sensational simulator rides, groundbreaking shows, and some of the world’s best water rides.
 

 
And that’s not all. Next to the parks you will find City Walk, a superb entertainment area packed with shops, bars and restaurants that ensure excellent night time entertainment long after the parks have closed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It is vital that you purchase tickets before you go to get the best choice and value. Attraction Tickets Direct offer excellent rates on all Universal park tickets and hotels, so you can book the hotel and park tickets in one simple transaction. You can find out more about various Orlando tips in these posts

Read: 10 things you need to know about Universal Orlando Resort before you book

Read: 30 things to do in Disney World Florida with teens

I picked up lots of tips during my visit and have plenty of recommendations to help you maximise your time there. I have listed my top things to do in Universal Studios Orlando below, with top tips and tricks for Harry Potter and Volcano Bay included. If you wish to skip straight to Universal Studios Orlando tips for Harry Potter, or tips for Volcano Bay, click here:

• • Harry Potter tips
  • Volcano Bay tips

1. Stay at one of the 8 Universal Hotels

We were fortunate to be staying in one of Universal’s hotels, which granted us early access to the parks. Nevertheless, I was amazed at how much time we needed to explore Universal’s three parks properly.

There are so many benefits of staying in a Universal hotel, but getting early access to the parks before the masses arrive is priceless, especially if you are travelling in peak season. Its not only beneficial for Universal’s top rides, but being able to wander around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without the crowds was a fantastic experience. 

Early access is handy in Volcano Bay too – there is no need to squabble over sun loungers if you get there early! Other benefits include free entrance to CityWalks’s best venues, and priority seating at selected restaurants in the parks and at CityWalk.

You can also charge any meals or purchases to your room, so you don’t need to carry cash, and any merchandise that you buy, can be delivered straight to your hotel.
 

 
You can use the facilities in all Universal hotels if you are staying in a Prime Value, Preferred or Premier Universal hotel. That’s all Universal hotels except the new Endless Summer Resorts (Surfside or Dockside). This includes swimming pools, restaurants etc.

However, if price is a factor, Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts are great value, with plenty of large family suites available. I think you will be surprised at how they compare to similar 3/4 star hotels on International Drive.

Check Universal Hotel prices here
 

 
If you stay in one of Universal’s premier hotels, Lowes Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel or Lowes Royal Pacific, you will get a FREE Universal Express Unlimited Pass. See more on this below and more top booking tips in this post:

Read: 10 things you need to know about Universal Orlando Resort before you book
 

2. Visit Universal Studios at the start of your holiday

It is all very well having early access to the parks, but if you plan your visit to Universal towards the end of your holiday, your children may not fancy getting out of bed at 6am.

However, the opposite applies at the start of your trip. Not only are children excited to visit the parks, but the five-hour time difference between Ireland and Florida means they should naturally wake early for the first few days of their holiday.
 

 
I suggest you book Universal at the start of your trip and stay in a Universal Hotel for a minimum of four nights – you need at least three full days to visit the parks properly.
 

3. Be clever with Express passes

Express Passes enable you to skip the queues in most of the rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I can’t stress how valuable these were for us, especially if travelling during school holidays. They are expensive, with prices starting at €79 per person per day, and these prices vary depending on availability and time of year.
 

 
However, there are a few clever ways to book Express passes. If you stay in one of Universal’s premier hotels, Lowes Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel or Lowes Royal Pacific, you will get a FREE Universal Express Unlimited Pass. You will receive a pass for two days with a one-night stay, three days with a two-night stay etc. This can be very cost effective if staying for a short duration.
 

 
However if your budget doesn’t allow for 5-star hotels, I suggest you purchase Express passes for your last day. Get to know the parks over a few days and then use the Express to re-visit your favourite rides or to visit rides that you were unable to do because of lengthy queues.
 

4. Download the Universal app and plan your day

The Universal Orlando app is not only great for planning before you go, but it also helps you when you are inside the park. You can see show times, the latest wait time for rides, and access maps of the park. Make sure to check height restrictions and show times and plan your day accordingly.
 

5. Have lunch in Mythos

Make sure to have lunch at Mythos restaurant in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This has won Theme Park Insider’s award for Best Restaurant four years in a row and 10 times overall.  There are rock formations, waterfalls and figures carved into the side of the restaurant, while the interior feels like a fantasy grotto.
 

 
Take time to enjoy a leisurely lunch here, with great park views. Although it is technically a Greek restaurant, you will find plenty of American favourites too, as well as kids menu. It was one of the best meals of our trip, so make sure you book in advance.
 

6. Set an alert for your favourite ride, it will tell you when the waiting times are low

Rather than constantly checking wait times, you can set an alert on the Universal app to let you know when the wait time for your preferred ride falls under a certain time. This is extremely useful, especially if you don’t have Express passes.
 

7. Bring flip flops for water rides

You can expect to get drenched on some of the water rides – especially Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. While this may come as a welcome treat in hot weather, its not much fun having soaked trainers! Ideally plan these rides for the afternoon, leave your valuables and runners in the nearby lockers and wear flip flops.
 

8. Take time out and enjoy The Blues Brothers 

Full days in the parks can be very tiring, especially if there are lengthy queues. There are some great shows at Universal Studios, including street performances by The Blues Brothers. This 15 minute street show takes place regularly and is a nice break from rollercoaster and simulator rides.
 

9. Use the Child Swap system

If you are travelling with small kids that are unable to go on some of the rides, use the child swap system. This allows one person to stay behind with a child while the other members go on the ride. When they return, the remaining family member can go on the ride without having to queue again. 
 

 
TOP TIP: Mention at the entrance that you want to use the Child Swap as not all rides have the same system, some have dedicated lanes, others have waiting rooms.
 

10 Use the Single Rider Lanes

Another good tip is to use the single rider line, it is always the shortest. If you are happy to go on a ride alone, choose this line and save a huge amount of queueing time. This is ideal when you are looking to experience a ride for the second time and don’t necessarily need to have your partner beside you to share the experience.
 

11. Bring snacks

Although water is available for free in restaurants, you won’t fancy queuing to get it. Bring water with you and use the water stations that are scattered throughout the park to re fill it. You will more than likely have your fill of burgers and chips too, so I suggest bringing snacks or even a packed lunch to the parks if possible. 
 

 
Small back packs are allowed on many rides, and lockers are readily available beside the large rollercoasters where loose items are not allowed on.
 

12. Don’t miss The Bourne Stuntactular 

As well as being a welcome relief from standing, some of the shows at Universal Studios are superb – the Bourne Stuntactular was one of my favourites. This cutting-edge show is action packed and carries on the story-line from the movies. Fights are simulated, so it will appear violent to young children, but it is a great show, and a must for any Bourne fans.
 

13. Prebook good restaurants in Citywalk

We left it too late to book the best restaurants in Orlando and to say I never want to see a burger again is an understatement. Most of the good restaurants were booked out until 10.30pm. 
 

 
However, we did manage to enjoy a nice Italian meal in Vivo at City Walk. Its contemporary style and extensive menu was enjoyed by all of us. Other recommendations I received were Big Fire Steakhouse, Cowfish for sushi and burgers, NBC Sports Bar and the Chocolate Toothsome Emporium for decadent desserts!
 

14. Get the best park views from the rooftop bar in Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Take in the views of Universal’s three theme parks from the rooftop bar and grill at Universal’s Aventura Hotel. You don’t need to be a guest to visit the Bar 17, but hotel guests do get priority seating.

With creative cocktails and Wagyu beef sliders, you can choose to drink, dine, or do both here.  Top tip: Go at night time and enjoy spectacular views of the Krakatau Volcano erupting at Volcano Bay.
 

15. Be aware of rides with motion sickness 

Myself and my children suffer from motion sickness, and some rides are more prone to it than others. Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey is one that I can attest to, but I wouldn’t let it stop you from experiencing it – it is one of the best things to do in Universal Studios!
 

 
If you suffer from motion sickness, wear sea bands, bring medication, or at the very least wait until after the ride before you have some food. And if all else fails, shut your eyes! 
 

16. Pre-order fast food

While fast food is not ideal, it is practical when you are trying to see as much as possible in a given day. The problem is many of the fast food outlets have large queues. Be clever and  pre-order your meals via the Universal Studios app. This is available in selected restaurants – you simply order via the app and it tells you when its ready. Then go to the pre paid collection point and skip the queue! 
 

17. Explore Jurassic Park

We didn’t get the chance to ride the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster, but I have been told that it is one of the best things to do in Universal Studios for thrill seekers. It is the park’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, as well as the fastest launched roller coaster in Florida. Check out the video above to see what to expect! 
 

 
It is not possible to use your Express pass for this but wait times were not too long during out visit, on average 60 minutes. See height restrictions here.
 

 
However, there is more to Jurassic Park than the VelociCoaster. The Jurassic Park River Adventure is a great family ride on water. It is relaxing for most of it, with a nice surprise at the end…

The Pteranodon Flyers are a great way for smaller children to see the park from above, and if you want to come face to face with a raptor, check out the Raptor Encounter. This is a meet-and-greet attraction where you can get a picture with a raptor that approaches a gap between the fence.
 

18. Meet Universal’s characters throughout the park

From Minions to Marvel characters, Megatron to Marilyn Monroe, don’t miss the opportunity to get photos with your favourite characters throughout the parks. Check meet and greet times on the park map or app.
 

19. Visit Universal’s Christmas shop

There are numerous shops throughout the park and in City walk, but don’t miss a visit to the Christmas Shop. They have some fabulous Christmas decorations that make for the perfect souvenir to bring home.
 

Top 10 Harry Potter things to do in Universal Studios Orlando

Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the best things to do in Universal Studios. What you may not know is that it is spread out over two parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I’ve listed my top 10 Harry Potter tips at Universal Studios to make the most of your visit.
 

20. Go to Hagrids Motorbike Adventure first

If you are fortunate to be staying in one of Universal’s Hotels, I suggest you avail of the early park access and go straight to Hagrids Motorbike Adventure. Hagrids Motorbike adventure is one of the few rides where you can not use your Express pass, and the average queueing time was two hours during our visit, so the earlier you can go there the better.
 

 
It is a thrill ride, and not for the faint hearted, but it is one of the best things to do in Universal Studios Orlando. If you are feeling brave, choose to ride the motorbike rather than the side car. I am not a big rollercoaster fan by any means, and it did scare me many times, but it is a superb ride, and shouldn’t be missed!
 

 
As you ride into the Forbidden Forest, at a mind boggling 50 miles per hour, you will come face to face with some of the creatures from the movies, including Hagrid’s three-headed dog, as well as experiencing a scary drop into the Devil’s Snare.
 

21. Explore Hogwarts Castle with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Located inside Hogwarts castle, this is another one of the top things to do in Universal Studios. Before you ride the superb flying simulator, you will be brought through Hogwarts Castle, along winding staircases with talking paintings. Top Tip: Motion sickness is common on this ride, but if you do suffer from it you can walk through the castle and choose not to get on the ride. See height restrictions here.
 

22. Enjoy a frozen butter beer in Hogsmeade

After long queues and thrilling rides, a frozen butter beer will be warmly welcomed. Trust me, the frozen butter beer is much nicer than the regular one! You can pick these up on the street in Hogsmeade or in the restaurants or bars throughout Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. 
 

23. Don’t miss Ollivanders Wand Experience

For a serious Harry Potter fan, this is one of the best things to do in Universal Studios Orlando. When you enter Ollivanders wand shop – there is one in Diagon Alley and Hogsemeade, you will be treated to an immersive experience with wizardry and flair. A child is chosen at random from an audience of 25, or I should say the wand choses the child…
 

 
If you are staying in one of the Universal hotels and have early access to the parks, I recommend you go there first thing. We were lucky that there was no one else in the shop at that time, so my daughter Alex was chosen. It was one of her favourite experiences in Universal Orlando Resort.
 

24. Purchase an interactive wand to use in the parks

You can purchase a variety of wands in Ollivanders after the show. Interactive wands are $59 and although not cheap, they can be used to perform magic tricks in various locations throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They are also a wonderful souvenir to bring home.  
 

25. Take the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station

The Hogwarts Express is another unmissable ride. The train journeys between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Make sure to board it in Kings Cross so you can walk through the magic wall on Platform 9¾. Of course you can always ride the train in both directions. The train journey is a replica of the one Harry took in the movie, and both rides have slightly different experiences.
 

26. Visit the shops at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Many visitors spend hours wandering these streets without going inside the shops in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes is the ultimate joke shop, pick up a chocolate frog in Honeydukes, and there are plenty of clothing and gift shops to satisfy any Harry Potter fan.
 

27. Have breakfast or lunch in the Leaky Cauldron

The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks are themed restaurants inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, that serve up English breakfasts, lunch and dinner. They can get very busy, so be sure to choose your time wisely. The Leaky Cauldron has a more varied menu and tends to have a better choice of good food available.
 

28. See the fire-breathing dragon and Escape from Gringotts Bank

Another thrill ride, Escape from Gringotts Bank is a superb experience where you walk through the bank and enter vaults to evade Voldemort, Bellatrix and lots more creatures. You can’t miss the fire-breathing dragon overhead, which blasts out roasting flames approximately every 10 minutes. See height restrictions here. 

29. There is a Harry Potter ride for young children too!

Flight of the Hippogriff ride is a family-friendly roller coaster that dives around the pumpkin patch before swooping past Hagrid’s hut. It is an ideal coaster for younger children and is located next to Hogwarts Castle. See height restrictions here.
 

30. See the Night time lights at Hogwarts

The night time lights show at Hogwarts is one of the best things to do in Universal Studios Orlando for Harry Potter fans. All four houses are celebrated as music plays and the castle is covered in lights. It takes place around sunset, and lasts for about five minutes.

Performances tend to occur every 20-30 minutes after that until the park closes. Check with one of the staff in Hogsmeade, they will be able to give you exact times, as they change depending on the time of year.
 

Best things to do in Universal Studios – Volcano Bay tips and tricks

31. Add your credit or debit card into the Universal Orlando app

Once you download the Universal Orlando App and connect your credit or credit card, you won’t have to worry about bringing cash or credit cards with you. When you arrive at Volcano Bay you are given a wearable Tapu Tapu wristband, which looks like a waterproof watch. You can use your Tapu Tapu band to pay for food, drinks and gifts in the park.
 

32. Get there early to bag a sun bed by the beach

The queueing system in Volcano Bay is excellent. Simply tap your Tapu Tapu wristband at the entrance to the ride you want to go on, and it places you in a virtual queue. You are given an allotted time to return to the ride so you are free to enjoy the wave pool or sun beds in the meantime – hence the reason to get there early and bag a sun bed.

You can also choose to pre book cabanas and premium seating – at an additional cost.
 

33. Your next stop should be the Krakatau Aqua Coaster

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is the most popular ride in the park. When we visited the wait time was almost 3 hours. However, as they are virtual queues this doesn’t really matter – but make sure you go there first to get in the virtual queue, so you don’t have to wait until the evening to avail of your slot.
 

34. Bring snacks, towels, and a waterproof phone case

When you get to Volcano Bay you will have to rent a locker, so you might as well bring towels and snacks with you – otherwise you will have to pay for them. If you want to have your phone with you, make sure to pre purchase a waterpoof phone case.

Alternatively you can pre-purchase a 1-Day Photo Package ($39). This includes unlimited digital downloads of your theme park photos. Photos are taken by random paparazzi in the park as well as while you are on rides.
 

35. Buy a separate Express pass for Volcano Bay

The Express passes that are included when staying at a 5-star Universal Hotel only apply to Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure, and not to Volcano Bay. Express Passes at Volcano Bay mean you can go straight onto any water slide without having to register in the virtual line.

If you wish to purchase an Express pass for Volcano Bay, you will need to do this separately. Prices start at $19 per person per day for selected rides or $39 for ALL rides.
 

 
I hope you enjoyed my top things to do in Universal Studios Orlando and it helps you make the most out of your visit. If I have missed any of your top tips and tricks, I would love to hear them, please comment below to help out future visitors to the parks.

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Read: 15 Top tips and tricks for visiting theme parks

I have visited many theme parks, thankfully without enduring massive queues or spending a fortune. Check out my top tips for visiting theme parks and maybe you can too.

1. Book your tickets in advance

This may sound obvious but booking tickets in advance is one of the top tips for visiting theme parks! Tickets are ALWAYS dearer at the entrance to a theme park, and you won’t have to queue. Attraction Tickets.com have the LOWEST theme park ticket rates on the web, with free delivery and no credit card fees 😎
 
Attraction Tickets.com also offer many combination tickets that are not available to buy at the gate. You may get 2 days for the price of 1, or get discounted tickets to multiple theme parks, that are only available on their website. 
 

2. Research, research research.

I can’t stress this enough. You WON’T be able to go on every ride, no matter how fit you are, or how small the theme park is. Check the height and or age restrictions before you go, so you can rule out rides that are not applicable for your children. Not only will this save you time, but by preparing your kids in advance you may avoid any upset, if they are too small to go on a top attraction.

Mark the attractions that are ‘must see’ and go for them first. Check the times of shows or parades and decide what you want to see. Rides are usually quieter during parades, so bear that in mind if the parade is repeated and take advantage.
 

3. Parking tips:

Before you decide to drive, check the price of the parking. In some cases it can be exorbitant. It may be quicker and cheaper to take a shuttle bus or UBER to the park. If you do decide to drive, take note of where you parked. You will probably arrive at the park early, when the car park may be somewhat empty. Leaving however is a different story, so if you don’t know you where you parked your car, you could be in for a long night…
 

4. Bring supplies.

If there are water rides, bring swim suits, and if you don’t want to get wet bring a poncho. A waterproof casing for your phone is also a good idea, as is a powerbank for your phone. You will probably take hundreds of pictures so you will want to re-charge it.
 

 
Bring snacks, they will come in handy when you are waiting in line for a long time, and will be a lot cheaper than buying snacks in the park. Most parks also have free water dispensers so I suggest bringing your own water bottle.
 

 
A lightweight back pack is ideal as sunglasses and phones are not allowed on some of the fast rollercoasters. Most parks have lockers available, take advantage of this rather than carrying a bag around all day. If travelling during the summer time – don’t forget your sunscreen!
 

5. Arrange a meeting place if you get lost.

Hopefully this won’t happen, but having a meeting place pre-arranged will alleviate some of the stress if you manage to get separated from your friends of family. Remember there will be rides that only some of the family will go on, and on some occasions the rides finish in a completely different place to where they started from. Having a meeting place is essential.
 

6. Plan your route

Don’t follow the herd. Most people tend to turn right when they go into a theme park. Why not go anti-clockwise, or go to the rear of the park and work your way towards the entrance. Another good option is to go straight for the rides that you really want to go on.
 

 
The most popular rides will have the longest queues, so go on them first when you have more energy and don’t mind queueing. Trust me, this is a much better than standing in line for an hour at 5pm with exhausted children.
 

7. Check out express passes / fast track

Express passes vary from park to park. Disneyland Paris for instance has a great ‘free’ fast pass system. You simply go to a ride and get a time slot for later that day, then come back to a shorter queue. Other theme parks are not so good, or indeed free.
 

 
Fast pass tickets in some parks can be a Godsend if you are travelling during peak season, and if you want to go on the most popular rollercoasters. If however, you happen to be travelling off peak and/or you have small children who are unable to go on the big rides, they may be a waste of money. Fast passes in many parks are not valid on the top attractions, make sure you check each park for their individual offering.
 

8. Use the single rider lanes

There may be one or two people in your group who want to try the fast coasters. Make use of the single lanes where there is usually little or no queue. It may mean that you wont be able to sit next to your partner, but you may be seated in the row behind them, and if that means saving a half hour in the queue, it might be worth it!
 

9. Use the baby swap.

The baby swap facility is not available in all theme parks, but if you see it – take advantage. They are used primarily for people who are travelling with a small child. You all queue together, one person stays with the baby in a room at the top of the queue, while the other goes on the ride. When your partner is finished the ride, you simply swap places.
 

10. Go at night time

Not only are queues way shorter at night-time, but many parks offer discounted tickets for evening visits. You may also catch a parade or fireworks display.
 

11. Bring ID

This is one of the top tips for visiting theme parks in America. You have to have picture identification if you want to buy alcohol, regardless of what age you are in America. A nice cold beer after an exhilarating (or terrifying) ride might be needed, so make sure you bring ID with you.
 

12. Consider staying in one of the theme park hotels for a few nights.

Many theme parks including Universal Studios, Disney World and Disneyland Paris have hotels on site. These can be handy if you are planning on spending a lot of time in these particular parks. You will usually have early access to the park before the general public, so you can go on top attractions without large queues.
 

 
It can also be handy at night time for dining options, and for easy access to the park for firework displays, parades or shows. Some of Universal’s top hotels include express passes in your stay.

Read: My top things to do in Universal Studios Orlando
 

13. Check the shows are in English

We got caught out in Disneyland Paris when we queued for 45 minutes for the French version of Frozen! Many shows in theme parks are shown in different languages. Make sure the show you are planning your day around, is the English version. Sometimes there is a small icon on the park guide showing which language the show is in, failing that, check in with the information centre beforehand.
 

14. Pre-purchase Disney’s Fast Pass+ and Memory Maker.

Disney’s Fast Pass+ allows you to pre-book your favourite rides and attractions online before you go. This is automatically included with Disney tickets purchased through Attraction Tickets.com. Similarly Disney’s ‘memory maker’ which normally costs $199 is free if you buy your Disney tickets through Attraction Tickets.com. This allows you to keep ALL photographs that are taken of you in the park.
 

15. Download the App

Many theme parks have their own free apps with tips for visiting theme parks, as well as wait times for rides, showtimes and availability in restaurants. Download the app before you go.
 

 
Remember to pre book your theme park tickets through Attraction Tickets.com , who have the LOWEST theme park ticket rates on the web, with free delivery and no credit card fees. If you prefer to book by phone or are confused about what tickets to buy, why not call the expert staff in Attraction Tickets Dublin office. They are open from 9am-9pm, 7 days a week, call free on 1800 936 640. All they sell is theme park tickets and hotels, so they know all the theme parks inside out.

I hope you enjoyed my top tips for visiting theme parks. If you have any to add, just comment in the box below I would love to hear them.  This post was sponsored by Attraction Tickets.com but all views, as always, are my own.

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10 things to know about Universal Orlando before you book

Sarah

Early access to three amazing theme parks, staying in top quality accommodation and free entrance to some of Orlando’s best night life – spend the October Mid Term Break at Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort!

I was fortunate to stay in one of Universal Studios’ hotels a few years ago. I felt like a VIP most of the time, to be able to access the parks early, to have free entrance into the nightclubs and when I bought anything in any of the shops, it was delivered back to my room free of charge! Universal Studios have five hotels in Orlando, varying from three to five star. If you fancy staying in one of their luxury hotels, you also get a free Universal Express Unlimited pass, worth up to $89 per person, per day. This allows you to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Island of Adventure. You can see offers on all Universal Studios’ hotels here.

Universal Studios now have three parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and their newly opened waterpark, Volcano Bay. Whether you are a massive movie fan or want exhilarating rollercoaster rides, Universal Studios offers both in abundance. My personal favourite is the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.  Even if you have never seen the movies, you cant help but be blown away by the attention to detail and the technology behind the scenes. Board the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure and visit Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, trust me you will not be disappointed. There are lots of cool simulator rides too, Transformers, Despicable Me and Spiderman are just some of the favourites. If you are visiting during the Summer, try some of the water rides at the Islands of Adventure or better still visit the brand new waterpark, Volcano Bay. For more details check out my blog on Universal Studios.

I found this amazing deal staying in Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort. I stayed in this hotel and loved it. Although only rated three star, I would say it probably deserves a four star rating. It’s cool retro design resembles beach resorts from the fifties but with a modern twist. The standard rooms are spacious but they also have large family suites that sleep six, with a privacy partition and a kitchenette.

The facilities on site are pretty cool too. There are two swimming pools, a lazy river and a large water slide so it might be hard to get the kids to actually leave the pool area! If you fancy chilling out after a day at the parks, you can rent a private cabana for up to six people. It comes with a phone so you can order pizza and have it delivered! The onsite food court has a cool diner offering all the American classics and in keeping with its retro theme, they even have a ten lane bowling alley and an arcade!

If staying in Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort wasn’t enough you also get early park admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, complimentary shuttle buses to Universal Orlando® Theme Parks, Universal CityWalk®, Volcano Bay®, SeaWorld®, and Aquatica™, resort-wide charging privileges with your room key, complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to the hotel and my personal favourite, Universal Orlando® character appearances in the hotel.

Fly from Dublin to Orlando and enjoy a seven night stay in the Cabana Bay Beach Resort from only €579 over the October Bank holiday weekend, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. If you want to travel during the Summer months? Prices in June are only €529 per person! If you want to stay longer just talk to the dedicated staff in American Sky and they will tailor make a holiday to suit you.

Click here for more details:

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by American Sky but all views, as always, are my own.

Sarah

For most families Orlando is THE bucket list destination. Lets face it the magic starts as soon as you tell your kids you are going to Disney World!

With over 12 theme parks and four waterparks you are literally spoilt for choice! From Disney World, to Universal Studios, simulator rides to rollercoasters, water slides to dolphin swims, the choice is endless.  Lets not forget how much is accessible from Orlando too. Visit the Kennedy Space centre, shop till you drop in the outlets, or chill out one some of Florida’s amazing beaches. Suffice to say there is something here for everyone. For more info on Orlando you can read my blog here.

I found a great Orlando family offer with Sunway Holidays. Book early, save yourself a fortune! Fly from Dublin on the 9th of May and spend seven nights at the newly renovated Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, for only €435 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children. This hotel is located in the heart of Orlando on International Drive, close to theme parks, restaurants and night life and also offers free shuttle to Universal Studios. Facilities include 3 swimming pools, children’s playground, restaurant, sports bar and video games room! Highly rated on tripadvisor and awarded a certificate of excellence, this is a great choice for a fun filled holiday. Price include flights, taxes, baggage and seven nights hotel accommodation. If you want to extend your stay talk to the Sunway team, add on more nights in Orlando, a few days at the beach or even a Caribbean cruise – the choice is yours!

Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Sunway Holidays but all views as always are my own 🙂

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Sarah

A California road trip is one of the best coastal drives in the world and for me it has always been a bucket list holiday. It was everything I had hoped it would be and a lot more. Check out the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway and make sure you get it right!

I can’t stress how important it is to plan it in advance. For those who have heard people saying not to plan it – please ignore them! Well that is unless you have no time constraints and a pocketful of money. Most of us have two – three weeks, so use your time wisely! I have left out numerous places, but these are my recommendations on the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway, based on a two – three week trip. I also have a separate post – top tips for driving the Pacific Coast Highway so make sure you check that one out too. I hope they help you with your travel plans!

1. San Francisco

For most people this is where you will start your journey, try to allow four days if possible. Bike the bridge, see Alcatraz (book online beforehand), walk Fisherman’s wharf and check out Union Square and the Castro district. I stayed at the Suites at Fisherman’s Wharf. They are ideally situated only minutes from the Wharf, Lombard Street ( crooked street) and on the cable car route to Union Square. For more info on San Francisco you can read my blog here.

2. Monterey or Carmel

This is a tough choice as they are very close to each other, so you will probably only chose to say in one. If travelling with kids I would choose Monterey. The aquarium there is one of the best I have seen and the town is very family friendly. I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel. It is a fantastic hotel in the centre of the town with excellent facilities and sea-views. It also has an excellent happy hour from 3 – 6. Not only are drinks half price but so are their delicious light bites. A nice glass of Californian wine and a plate of Monterey Bay Calamari will only set you back $12! They also have an excellent kids menu in the restaurant, even at breakfast time. Monterey has some lovely walks and bike paths along the seafront, and it even has it’s own Fisherman’s Wharf.

Carmel is more authentic and if travelling as a couple, this would be my choice. You will love strolling around the pretty streets and stumbling upon local shops and art galleries, selling upmarket souvenirs. If you happen to be staying in Monterey, pop in for lunch or even a coffee, there is something special about Carmel by the Sea. If you have time, try lunch at Clint Eastwood’s (a former Mayor of Carmel ) Mission Ranch.  If you are a golf fan, take a spin to nearby Pebble Beach, they have numerous dining options and some quite reasonably priced.

3. Cambria or San Luis Obispo

Another tough choice but it really depends what you are looking for.  Cambria’s quaint town is full of art and antique shops and has a country feel to it. It is generally quiet and everything pretty much shuts down at 9pm so if you are looking for nightlife, don’t stay here! It is the gateway to the Big Sur and the mountainous scenery is a welcome break from the coast road. I liked it because it was a total contrast to the other places we had stopped in, and it was beside Hearst Castle. This was a total surprise to me and well worth a visit. Sitting on 250,000 acres it is so hard to believe that this was once a private house.

I stayed at the Cambria Pines Lodge. The country style hotel with old furniture and quirky gardens make it utterly charming.  Visit the elephant seal rookery in San Simeon and witness hundreds of seals playing. Stop by Sebastian’s café  for lunch afterwards. It is one of those places that is a post office, a grocery store, a wine tasting emporium and a café! Trust me, their subs ( and wine ) are amazing!

San Luis Obispo is a college town and offers much more night life and upmarket shopping than Cambria. You will find everything from high street stores to theatres as well as some terrific wine bars. It is a good distance from the coast, about a 20 minute drive, so don’t expect the beach at your doorstep.

4. Santa Barbara

This was one of my favourite towns. It is the kind of place I would like to retire to ( in my dreams!). The fact that Rob Lowe happens to live here might have something to do with that! In fact numerous celebrities have houses here, including  Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise. There isn’t actually much to see but it has such a relaxed feel that you can’t help but chill out. I stayed here for two nights and loved it, (incidentally I found one night was sufficient in Monterey and Cambria). There are no billboards allowed, only pretty shops and upmarket restaurants. Go wine tasting in one of the numerous wine bars, sample some of California’s best restaurants or chill out on the beach. I stayed in the Harbor View Inn which is ideally located across the road from the beach. Try Bouchon for lunch or dinner, its a fantastic French brasserie – but make sure you book in advance.

5. Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a bustling city but with a beach resort feel. We stayed at the fabulous Palihouse Hotel. This luxury boutique hotel is situated on a quiet residential street yet only one block from the heart of the city. The rooms are so spacious, equipped with walk in wardrobes, fully fitted kitchens and round baths. It doesn’t have a swimming pool but if like me, you plan on spending most of your days visiting LA and the surrounding area, this shouldn’t matter. The Santa Monica pier has a fun fair with a rollercoaster and big wheel and although a little tacky, it is a great family friendly resort.

The main hub of the city is the pedestrianised 3^rd Street Promenade. It is full of shops and dining options and is a nice place for an evening stroll. Make sure you try the Misfit bar and restaurant for contemporary American cuisine, situated just off the 3rd Street Promenade. If travelling with kids, you will have to do lunch as they are not allowed in after 6pm. Although not as pretty as Santa Barbara, it is a launchpad to stay in when visiting LA. There are plenty of public transport options. If you don’t want to drive into LA, the hop on hop off bus is a good choice which will bring you to all the nearby beaches as well as Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Universal Studios.

6. Los Angeles

I chose to stay in Santa Monica when visiting LA. However, if you want to stay central, West Hollywood (or WeHo as the locals say) is probably your best bet. This two mile radius is home to the Sunset Strip and full of upmarket hotels, designer shops and the latest celebrity hangouts. You can easily pop down to the walk of fame, Beverly Hills and see all the highlights of LA from there. Treat yourself to lunch at Spago in Beverly Hills. Although a two star Michelin restaurant, the prices do not reflect this. It is exceptional value for such amazing food and the atmosphere is electric – I would highly recommend it.

Make sure you visit the California Science Centre. It is free to enter and you could easily spend the day there. It is amazing to see the space shuttle, Endeavour  – make sure you book in advance, its only a $2 charge. If travelling with kids, visit Universal Studios which is home to rides such as Harry Potter, Transformers, Minions and Jurassic Park. You should be able to see this in one day. Disneyland however has two parks, so you would need to allow two days to see it properly.

7. Last Stop – Beach!

Driving south from LA you will come across numerous beach towns. Huntington beach is a good choice for college students, Laguna beach is the upmarket choice for families and couples, and San Diego, the most popular option, is suitable for everyone. I stayed at the Bahia Resort Hotel on Mission beach. It is a great family friendly hotel with excellent facilities and friendly staff. You can rent numerous boats at reasonable prices, visit their luxury sister hotel, the Catamaran by steam boat, or chill out in one of their cabanas by the beach. My kids highlight was watching movies at night in the heated swimming pool! Draft is a good choice for drinks or dinner (American style) and offers the best view to watch the sunset. Mission beach on the whole is a little tacky though..

If you want a nice upmarket beach resort try Coronado Bay or La Jolla. Take in happy hour from 3 – 6  in Peohe’s Coronado, overlooking the bay. Like many good hotels and restaurants in California they offer half price drinks and bites during happy hour. San Diego is home to a world famous Zoo, Legoland, Seaworld, the USS Midway museum and some of California’s best beaches. There are lots to see and do in San Diego, so make sure you allow yourself enough time to see it!

Well if you managed to read all of that I am impressed. As you can see there is so much to do, you do need to plan! I am a travel expert and I still felt it necessary to contact umpteen travel agent friends, and read numerous travel blogs for recommendations. Queue to thank our Irish – Californian girl Kristin Skinner from American Holidays for all her advice! 

I hope you liked my choices on the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. If I have left out any of your favourites, please comment below – I would love to hear them.

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Book now for Easter 2017 and plan a holiday to the best family holiday destination in the world – Orlando!

With twelve theme parks, four waterparks and a host of other activities on International Drive, you will be spoilt for choice of things to do in Orlando. Take the kids to the Magic Kingdom, enjoy the parades, the fireworks and let them meet their favourite characters. Enjoy the amazing simulator rides at Universal Studios and experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it will take your breath away. For the dare devils amongst you try the world famous roller coaster rides and slide down the tallest water slides in one of the aquaparks. Shop till you drop at the Premium Outlet Mall or swim with the dolphins at the stunning Discovery Cove. I can’t stress enough how much there is to do here. It’s an amazing holiday for adults and kids and that’s what makes it such a good family holiday destination – there is something for everyone! Check out my blog on Orlando by clicking here.

Easter is an ideal time to travel, its not as hot as the summer months and I’ve chosen dates at the start of the Irish Easter holidays, these are earlier than the US holidays so hopefully it wont be as busy in the theme parks.

Fly from Dublin on the 10th of April and spend 10 nights at the Rosen Inn International for only €2440 for 2 adults and 2 children. This hotel is in a great location on International Drive and gets great reviews on tripadvisor.  You can choose to extend your stay in Orlando or spend a few nights at the beach, but either way you should book now before the airfares increase – which they definitely will!

TOP TIP:  

There are a range of flight options with this deal to Orlando that vary in price. Some connections are better than others, I have priced this holiday based on flights with American Airlines with one stop in Philadelphia. There are cheaper options available with two stops, so try to select the one with the best connections and the least flying time. For the best prices on theme park tickets and plenty of other things to do in Orlando please click here.

Click here to book:

Sarah

Fancy ringing in the new year in style? No where does it better than Orlando, amazing fireworks, long lasting celebrations and balmy weather… tempted?

Orlando is one place that will definitely guarantee you a holiday full of fun. There are over twelve theme parks and four water parks to choose from as well as numerous entertainment facilities on International Drive, you will literally be spoilt for choice. The biggest surprise for me was that Orlando is not just for kids, most of the theme parks are great for adults too. It’s not all about Mickey Mouse and roller coasters. My favourite theme park is  Universal Studios, the Harry Potter experience is amazing and the simulator rides are remarkable. And if thats not enough you have the Florida Mall and the Premium Outlets on your doorstep with plenty of bargains waiting to be snapped up! Read my blog on Orlando for more information.

This fantastic offer includes flights with Virgin Atlantic on the 29th of December and 8 nights in the Ramada Gateway Hotel, based on two adults and two children sharing. This accommodation receives good reviews on trip advisor and is centrally located. You can choose to stay longer or upgrade your accommodation but bear in mind there is so much to do in Orlando you won’t spend too much time in your hotel.  This price includes all taxes and charges based on four sharing, supplement for 2 sharing is only €100 per person.

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Sarah

The Travel Expert

Before you book your accommodation you need to ask yourself, do you want a hotel or a home, and do you want to rent a car.

If you are going to spend most of your time in Walt Disney World then maybe one of their Hotels or a nice Home in Lake Buena Vista would be most suitable. If on other hand you are visiting most of the other Theme Parks then International Drive is ideal. There are plenty of great value Motels here and  there is a regular bus service (I-Ride) to all of the main attractions and shopping malls, so car hire is not required. There are plenty of  bars, restaurants and lively nightlife, so if you want to be in the hart of the action, then I-Drive is for you.

My favourite theme park is Universal Studios so given the choice I would stay at one of their hotels. They have four hotels of varying standards so they have one to suit every budget. One of the main advantages is that you are allowed to enter the park one hour before opening, fantastic for the Harry Potter Rides. The Cabana Bay Resort is their three star hotel but to be honest its more like a four star. Its 50s retro style gives you the feeling you have walked on to the set of Grease. They have a bowling alley upstairs and a real diner downstairs. In fact I’m told the reason it is not rated four star is that the diner is self service.   I thought it was a great family hotel, really spacious rooms with a kitchenette, which saves on the cost of dining out. There is a large family pool with a lazy river, slides and a jacuzzi, open till late every night, a fab way to relax after a long day at the park.

Depending on your budget, there are also three luxury hotels which, not only allow early access to the park, but where you receive a complimentary express pass ticket. Express pass tickets are fantastic, particularly in high season, the queue should be no more than 15 minutes on any ride.  Note the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is excluded from the express pass.  You  can also buy these passes at the gate but they only sell a limited number and they cost $89!

My personal favourite was the five star Portofino hotel, its such a contrast from the busy Theme Parks. Designed by Steven Spielberg, it is an exact replica of the jet set Italian Resort. Sitting at one of the lake side cafes, sipping a latte, listening to the Tenors singing, you almost forget where you are. The rooms are very spacious and beautifully furnished and the service is what you would expect of a five star hotel. It is suitable for families and couples as there are three swimming pools. You can choose from the lively family pool with slides and waterfalls, the quiet pool, or the fantastic spa. You can also avail of the free water taxi straight to Universal Studios, it’s such a nice touch.

If, however, you fancy a livelier setting then the Hard Rock Hotel is for you. However bear in mind, you can’t get away from the music, it’s everywhere, even under water in the swimming pool.  It is also a five star hotel so you can expect the same excellent service but for me it lacked the grandeur of the Portofino.  There is also another choice, Lowes Royal Pacific Resort, another themed hotel, this time like a Pacific Island. I felt it was a little dated and more like a four star but then it less expensive to stay there than the others and the cost of drinks and meals  are reasonable too. It is one of their luxury hotels and you will still receive a complimentary express pass, so this is an excellent choice if you want to keep the costs down.

Sarah

Universal Studios is my favourite theme park in Orlando. They have 3 parks, Universal Studios, Islands of adventure and the newly opened Volcano Bay.

I’m a bit of a movie buff anyway so I was mesmerised looking at the film sets and loved taking photos with all my favourite characters. The simulator rides are amazing. I think it’s safe to say that there are rides for everyone to enjoy. Some have height restrictions but there are enough rides to keep the small kids happy too.

You really feel like the ‘Transformers’ character, Optimus Prime is throwing you up in the air on the Transformers ride, the technology is mindblowing. Dispicable Me, Spiderman and the Simpsons are fantastic too. You are seated in what appears to be a small car, but they feel like rollercoaster rides. I should mention that if you are a Simpsons fan, there is a whole area dedicated to them. You can have a drink at Moes Tavern, try a Krusty Burger or just hang out and meet some characters.

If Rollercoasters are your thing, there are plenty. Although I don’t particularly like being scared to death for fun, I did go on a few for research purposes! The Hulk goes upside down 7 times, I don’t know how I managed it, but I did it.

I preferred the water rides in Islands of Adventure. There are several, and they area a great way to cool down during the heat of the day. Some are more daring than others, like Dudley do-Rights Ripsaw Falls, which is really a rollercoaster on water! For a great fun family ride try Popeye and Blutos Bilge-Rat barges, ride the white water rapids but beware you will get drenched! Since my visit Universal Studios have opened a dedicated water park called Volcano Bay, I guess I’ll have to go back and try that one out!

There are so many great rides in both Universal Studios parks, but for me the pièce de la resistance is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Even if you have never watched the Harry Potter movies, you cannot help but be amazed at the technology and the attention to detail. There are now two rides, one in each park, but you can go between the two on the Hogwarts Express Train. It is not just about the rides though. You visit Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, you would easily spend a whole day there! Make sure you go to Olivanders and buy a wand. They are beautifully made and presented in a box, a really nice gift ($35) to bring home. See my detailed blogpost on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter by clicking here .

Like most of the rides at Universal Studios, there is a child swap facility. If both parents want to ride, but can’t leave the kids alone, one parent can wait in the child swap area and they won’t have to stand in line again. Speaking of queues, these can be quite long during peak season and around school holidays.

I recommend buying an express pass to save yourself queuing time. Generally speaking  with an express pass you shouldn’t have to queue for longer than 20 minutes. Alternatively if you stay at one of Universal’s luxury hotels, you get the express pass for free. You also avail of early access to the Parks, one hour before opening time which is a huge advantage especially if you’re visiting Harry Potter. Incidentally the only area the express pass isn’t accepted is on the Harry Potter rides, so staying at one of Universal’s Hotels is the only way to avoid long queues there, by availing of the early access to the park.(See my other blogpost on where to stay in Orlando by clicking here)  In low season queues are much shorter and express passes should not be necessary.

Located next to Universal Studios is City Walk. This is a huge area with bars and restaurants and a few shops too. Remember if you are planning on having a drink, you must bring age identification with you. Even if you think you couldn’t possibly be asked, you will! There were people aged over 50 refused alcohol because they had no identification with them, so don’t say you haven’t been warned! Keep your park entrance ticket, as this allows you free into the bars and night-clubs without charge.

I was genuinely surprised at the quality of the food here and throughout the park in general. The biggest Hard Rock Cafe in the  world is here and there are also some really nice restaurants too. I loved Vivo Italian Kitchen and Antojitos authentic Mexican. They make the guacamole at the table beside you and you can choose how much garlic and spice you like – it’s a nice touch.  Dare I say it, but I liked the Karaoke bar too! Rising Star is not like the tacky karaoke bars you might find abroad. You sing with a live band and backing singers, and the talent is really good!

So whether you want rollercoasters, simulator rides, movie memorabilia or some great night life – don’t miss a visit to Universal Studios, Orlando!

For the lowest price ticket options visit Attraction Tickets Direct.

Sarah