The Happiest Blog on Earth

Splitting Your Stay with Disney & Universal

11/4/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • In the last 40 years, Walt Disney World has been the reason that millions of families visit Orlando each year.  However, with the full Harry Potter experience and so many additions to Universal Orlando, many families want to do both, but don’t know where to start.  This can get very expensive and overwhelming if you haven’t done your research. One of the questions I get asked most is “how much time do I need at Universal?”  Several factors do come into play here, but I generally recommend 3:1.  For people doing three days at Disney, add 1 day at Universal and for six days at Disney, add 2 days at Universal.  Of course recommendations can change based on your family’s individual preferences, but it is certainly a good place to start. Another question asked frequently is “should we get tickets only or purchase a Universal package as an add on?” […]

Dining at Universal CityWalk Orlando: NBC Sports Grill and Brew

11/2/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • One of the most popular questions I am asked is “Where is the best place to eat at Universal?”  Unlike Disney, Universal’s in-park dining selections are fairly limited and if you are in the mood for something a little better than burgers, chicken fingers and fries, it is really convenient to leave the park and head to CityWalk.  With so many selections for table service restaurants with prices comparable to in-park counter service restaurants, I highly recommend a table service meal at CityWalk as a much-needed break from the parks.  On my last trip, I visited NBC Sports Grill and Brew and it was my absolute favorite meal. For a bar and grill, this restaurant had a huge variety of pastas, burgers, steaks and comfort food selections.  My table enjoyed the Chicken Mac and Cheese, Chicken Pot Pie and the Smokehouse Stack Burger.  As much as we each enjoyed our […]

Bayliner Diner Located at Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios

10/29/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Looking for a little nostalgia? Stop in and visit the Bayliner Diner. It is located in the Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios. The Bayliner Diner is a self-service food court with multiple counters to pick from. It is open from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Hours are subject to change.) The atmosphere is family-friendly offering a casual dining experience. Many families like to gather here before and after going to the parks, so expect a lot of activity during these times. Grab a tray and explore the variety of choices offered! Discover a new favorite food from around the world at the International Station, with dishes changing seasonally. At the Deli Station, you will find fantastic wraps and sandwiches. The Pizza Station offers home-style pizza and pasta options that everyone can enjoy. For the healthy eaters, a Salad Station is offered with an […]

Three Tips to Enjoy Your Day at Volcano Bay

10/27/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • Universal Orlando opened its gates to the most incredible and advanced water theme park I have ever seen.  It is no wonder this is a very popular (and very crowded) park! Here are three tips to enjoy your experience and dodge some of the crazy crowds. Tip #1 When Should I Get There? I have three very different recommendations on when to arrive to make sure you get in and not have to deal with horrible lines.  Your best bet is to arrive at the park opening and claim your chair at Waturi Beach.  This works even better if you are staying on-site and eligible for Early Morning Hours.  You will be guaranteed entry and will have your choice of chairs and the best view of the breathtaking volcano.  My second recommendation is after 4 pm.   Guests that have arrived in the morning are exhausted, sunburned, and ready to leave, which means you […]

Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Universal Orlando

10/25/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Step back to a simpler time in this retro-style resort. Depicting the feel of the 1950s and ’60s, this resort makes you feel you have walked onto the set of Mad Men and the Brady Bunch. Cabana Bay may be considered a value resort, but it is a fabulous well-appointed, and clean resort and perfect for families with their spacious family suites, that sleep up to 6 people or their 2 Bedroom suites, that sleep up to 8. All family suites make dining more convenient for busy families with each suite fully equipped with kitchenettes complete with microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and a kitchen sink. Each living area also has its own flat-screen TV. If water fun is on your agenda, you can enjoy two large pools, one is complete with a lazy river. In my opinion, the best part of Cabana Bay is the fact it is adjacent to the all-new […]

Resort Spotlight: Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando

10/22/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Staying “on property” at Universal Orlando definitely has its perks, but what you might not expect is the high quality of their hotels.  I had the pleasure of staying at Loews Royal Pacific during my last visit and had one of my most enjoyable hotel stays to date in Orlando. Loews Royal Pacific is a tropical, “South Pacific” themed resort just tenths of a mile away from the entrance of Islands of Adventure.  While you are just walking distance away from Universal Studios, you feel a surprising sense of peace and relaxation in this gorgeous resort hotel. Room types include water view and garden view rooms available with one king bed or two queens at 335 square feet as well as suites, including the popular Jurassic Park kids’ suites. These rooms provide an incredibly comfortable night’s rest so you are refreshed and ready for Early Entry to the Wizarding World the […]

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

10/20/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Looking for a unique experience while visiting Orlando?  So was I - on Valentine’s Day while visiting my daughter. What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?  Perhaps flowers and candy?  Perhaps chocolate?  Yes, indeed. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal’s CityWalk is perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration.  Let’s be honest - this place is perfect to visit any day of the year!  If I lived closer – I would be sure to visit frequently so I could try practically everything on the menu. The Chocolate Emporium is a full-service restaurant, bar, and confectionary with a steampunk theme.  It is two stories with seating on both levels.  The menu offering is tremendous making it hard to choose just one item.  Their brunch menu is served all day featuring unique crepes, waffles, French toast, and quiches.  Also served are soups and salads, sandwiches and […]

Touring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

10/18/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • Are you ready for some Muggle Magic? Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most immersive and impressive themed lands ever created. It is no wonder that this area is very popular and always crowded. In order to get the most out of the Wizarding World with the least amount of hassle, you must go in with a plan. By following the steps below, you are sure to experience all that your Muggle heart desires without the aggravation of lines, crowds and excessive waiting. Step 1 – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Park Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into Hogwarts so now you must pick up all of your supplies. Stepping into Diagon Alley is like stepping into the movie. Never have I experienced such a feeling of being a part of the story. You will want to spend some time here experiencing all of its beauty. […]

Resort Spotlight: Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando

10/15/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • An exciting, new resort opened on Universal Orlando property in July 2016.  Loews Sapphire Falls is a beautiful resort conveniently located one mile from the entrance of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  Full of lush Caribbean scenery and breathtaking waterfalls, this resort hotel is sure to make you feel like you are in a relaxing tropical paradise, not in the middle of a theme park. Walking into the lobby of this resort was very impressive.  The spacious lobby is decked out with a giant beach ball chandelier. You can also see a view of Islands of Adventure from the windows. The check-in process was absolutely flawless. The desk staff was extremely friendly and efficient.   It took only 10 minutes from check-in to being in my room! My room had two queen beds and a standard view. However, I still had a great view of the water surrounding the resort.  Each room comes […]

Lockers 101 – Universal Studios

10/13/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • At Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, most major attractions have a strict ‘no loose items’ policy - and that encompasses change, wallets, purses of any kind, backpacks, sunglasses, hats, etc. There are a few solutions to this:  asking a party member to hold everything while you enjoy the attraction is one solution, but a better one is to utilize Short-Term Lockers.  Various locations throughout the theme parks, strategically located close to attractions with these requirements, will house banks of lockers with a digital kiosk.  Using the kiosk allows you to ‘rent’ a short-term locker by either using a fingerprint and code, or your theme park admission ticket.  You will then be assigned a locker for your belongings, which are roughly big enough for a standard sized backpack. What’s great about these lockers?  They are FREE for the first hour, typically.  The FREE use of the locker is […]