Blog Posts Categorized Universal Studios

Life Hack: Landry’s Card to the (Dining) Rescue!

9/6/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • Their names are synonymous with fun family dining- T-Rex and Rainforest Café. Both restaurants are housed at Disney Springs and attract families from all over to dine and experience the food and unparalleled atmosphere they offer! Because of their popularity, reservations should be made as close to 60 days in advance of your room check-in as possible. But what if you couldn’t get dining reservations? No worries- they Landry’s Select Club to the rescue! Both T-Rex and Rainforest Café are Landry’s restaurants, and as such, they are eligible for the benefits associated with Landry’s Select Club. Joining the club is […]

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios – Which is Best for Your Family?

4/23/2024 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • My clients often come to me wanting to plan the perfect Orlando getaway but question which theme park is the best fit for their family. Both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offer unforgettable experiences and tons of fun for everyone, however, they are unique destinations with many differences. While the decision can be difficult, I’m here to point you in the direction of your perfect vacation! One of the main differences between the resorts is the size. Walt Disney World is much larger than Universal Studios. Some people love the endless possibilities, while others find this overwhelming. If you […]

Benefits of Staying On Property at Universal Orlando

9/10/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • If you are weighing the idea of staying on property or off for a Universal Orlando vacation, consider the following list of benefits of enjoying one of Universal's incredible properties. • Early Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. You are able to get in 1 hour prior to the public. • Shuttle busses to the theme parks and CityWalk, however, all of the resorts are within walking distance if you would like to take a leisurely walk to and from the parks. • Charging privileges with your room key. • Complimentary transportation to Sea World […]

Universal Orlando: Vivo Italian Kitchen – Review

6/21/2022 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • When choosing table service restaurants for your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Vivo Italian Kitchen. Located in Citywalk, you don't need park tickets to enjoy this delicious meal. Vivo has a modern look, with ample seating and an open kitchen. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled absolutely amazing, making us want to go back for another meal the next day. Each meal begins with a homemade loaf of Italian bread. Olive oil is provided at the table for dipping. Although all of the appetizers were tempting, we decided on the fried ricotta. The […]

Revealing The Surprise

2/11/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • Whether you are planning a Disney, Universal, Cruise, or an International vacation; and you are keeping it a secret, revealing the surprise is half the fun. While I don't keep all of our trips a secret, there are times when it just adds to the excitement. One of my favorite Disney World reveals for my kids was a scavenger hunt. After all the gifts had been opened on Christmas morning, I gave them a white envelope and inside was their first clue. The clues led them all over our house and yard and ended in the attic. Sitting just inside […]

Toddling Around the Universal Parks

1/14/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios • Universal has a reputation as the perfect destination for thrill-seekers, foodies, Muggles, and Wizards, but what about toddlers? Will my family with varying ages be able to find entertainment for everyone- even the littles? Happily, I can answer- yes! My three children span ages 12 to 2 years old. With varying interests and thrill levels, we found that there was plenty to enjoy for each age. Here are some specific areas of interest and some tips to help you with your next trip to Universal with little ones! Tip #1: Ride the Hogwarts Express! Sure, the Hogwarts Express is like […]

Restaurant Review: Mythos at Islands of Adventure

1/1/2022 • Reviews, Universal Studios • When you think of theme-park food, it doesn’t usually conjure up images of delectable cuisine, but Mythos at Islands of Adventure (IOA) changed that perception for us and all by happenstance. Jason and I just recently took a trip to Universal Orlando Resort and wanted to hit up IOA to ride Hagrid’s after a very relaxing day at Volcano Bay. (Side note: Hagrid’s might be the best ride I’ve ever ridden. I highly recommend it). Anyway, we were making our way through IOA when we encountered the “towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and ancient figures carved” into the rock that […]

Exploring Hogwart’s Castle at Universal Orlando

12/26/2021 • Blog, Universal Studios • For every Harry Potter fan, a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is a bucket list item but for true Potterheads. It's the extra Easter Eggs that are hidden that can make the experience truly magical. While magic appears around every corner in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, let’s explore the hidden items in Hogwart’s Castle that you’ll want to take note of on your next vacation. Here are my top 5 hidden items for you to find! 1. Mandrakes- The first hidden item is located outdoors, in the greenhouse. If your visit to Hogsmeade […]

Transportation Options from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

12/21/2021 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • If you are reading this blog post, chances are you have found cheap flights from Allegiant to Orlando and are curious about your best options for transportation to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. Allegiant flies into Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) in Sanford, FL, which is northeast of Orlando, FL, and is considerably farther away from your travel destination than Orlando International Airport (MCO). One way to Universal Studios is about an HOUR away. And for Walt Disney World, about ONE HOUR and TWENTY MINUTES away. Both travel times depend upon construction, and I-4 traffic! Because of this, Having […]

Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts

12/18/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • Surf’s up! Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Dockside Inn, are two incredible new options for lodging during your next Universal stay! Located adjacent to each other, both Dockside and Surfside offer rooms with two queen beds with either a standard or pool view, but they also offer a second option for larger parties – two-bedroom suites! And the price point for these rooms is phenomenal! While the standard two queen rooms will comfortably sleep four, the family suites are larger at 440 square feet and will sleep up to six people! Both room types offer a single bathroom (the suite […]