Visiting Universal Studios Orlando after 20 years feels like it's the first time ever experiencing it again! Everything I remembered has changed, and boy, have I been missing out! I would like to share with you about my recent “first” experience at Universal Studio’s Orlando destination. It was pretty incredible 20 years ago and now…it’s bigger, better, and more jaw-dropping than ever!!
This was the first time I have ever stayed at Universal Studio Orlando Resorts. I decided to try out the 50-60 beach resort inspired Cabana Bay Beach Resort. I chose this resort because it says it all in its name…Cabana Bay Beach Resort. I love the beach and Cabana’s, so I selected this one! What’s a vacation without feeling some sand in between your toes? I loved coming back to this resort after a long day at the park. It felt like I was on the beach to unwind for the day. Oh, and the evenings were so lovely! I really enjoyed this time to reflect on the day while relaxing in a lounge chair, white sand, warm breeze, twinkling lights in the palm trees, and someone serving me a night snack and drink from The Hide A Way Bar and Grill. I also had an evening where I wanted to be inside in the air-conditioning. Instead of staying in the room, I ventured on over to the bowling alley and arcade while rocking to 50’s music! I chose to have dinner at the resort’s Bayliner Diner. It was a fun way to end the day.
Starting the days off went very smoothly. I went down to the lobby to get my new wristband for the day. You get a different colored wrist band every day you get your temperature checked. I definitely wanted to get this wristband here at the resort so I didn’t have to wait in line to get one at CityWalk. I was very thankful for this because it saved me so much time! Other mornings, I went to Starbucks and Bayliner Diner (located in the resort), to grab a coffee and pastry before getting on the bus. You can catch the bus right outside or take the walking path to CityWalk. Another awesome bonus is because I stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, I got an hour early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I love being able to get ahead of the crowds.
I had some of the best food for all three meals. I really enjoyed breakfast at VooDoo Doughnuts, Lunch at Hard Rock Café, and dinner at VIVO’s Italian Kitchen. I highly recommend dessert at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium!
There are many favorites but these were my top three attractions:
1. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
2. Race Through New York with Jimmy Falon
3. Spiderman
Due to having an Express Pass, I was able to do these attractions multiple times.
Don’t let years go by without stopping for a few days at Universal Studios Orlando. It really is quite timeless and the newest technology adds unspeakable magic to each visit.