Expert Reviews of Universal Studios

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood

9/11/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • With fall finally upon us, my thoughts start going to Halloween. As a huge fan of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I decided to give some love to Universal’s festivities and attend Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood last year. While all parties are canceled for 2020, this is a great time to start thinking about next year! First of all, if you think you are going to a light event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, this is not the atmosphere at all! Once you walk through the gates, prepare to be chased with chainsaws and basically scared out of your mind. You think you can go into a souvenir shop for a break, but no! They chase you in there too! The scare actors do a wonderful job of startling you all the way through the park. The only good news for me, and what I […]

Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts

8/14/2020 • 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 with double sinks), queen beds, ample storage, as well as a small kitchenette. Each kitchenette includes a microwave, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a picnic table – perfect for families! Downstairs you will find a full quick-service restaurant with grab and go options as well as made to order […]

Why Universal Orlando is Heaven for The Roller Coaster Lover in Your Family

7/3/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • You’ve been to Disney many times. The food, the characters, the music, and the shows are all reasons for you to keep coming back. The roller coasters are themed well and so fun, but maybe a 5/10 on the thrill factor and you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Look no further than Universal Orlando! There are so many high-intensity roller coasters at Universal Orlando that you will finish your day not knowing if you’re standing right side up! Here are a few of my “can’t miss” coasters at Universal Orlando: 1) Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure – Other than the fact that it being Harry Potter-themed automatically makes it awesome, this is the longest roller coaster ride in Florida. With speeds up to 50mph, this one isn’t slow either, and incorporating the story of being a student in a Magical Creatures Class, truly makes this coaster have it all. Location: […]

Themed Drinks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter {Review}

5/3/2019 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Traveling between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade takes you on a journey through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can see, feel, and even taste, yes taste what it’s like to live a day in the life of Harry Potter. Many great food and snack options are available, but the specialty drinks are something that’s not to be missed. It gets HOT in the Florida sun so cooling down with a refreshing drink will make your time much more enjoyable. I’m sure all the loyal Harry Potter fans are aware you can get Butterbeer, the staple drink in the Wizarding World. It can be found in several locations in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I love Butterbeer in all it’s forms, cold, hot, frozen, and even ice cream! The creamy butterscotch flavor can’t be beat and contrary to its name it is completely family-friendly. During my last trip to Diagon […]

Shutterbutton’s – Bring Home a Magical Memory of Your Time in Diagon Alley

3/8/2019 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • They say a picture is worth 1000 words but a moving photo from your time spent at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? There aren’t enough words to express the fun and magic that you experience at Shutterbutton’s. Located in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, Shutterbutton’s is a wizard photography store that captures both moving and still photographs for wizards to share with their friends, even muggles. Sessions are available for up to 4 people at a time and are recorded in one of two simple photography rooms, each with a green screen and an old-fashioned camera. Props such as robes and wands can be borrowed but if you plan on purchasing either of these as souvenirs, I recommend you purchase them before your appointment so you can have them at your disposal. Ollivander's Wand Shop happens to be located across the road from Shutterbutton’s so you can first […]

Experience the Blue Man Group-Review

11/27/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • When traveling to Universal Orlando Resort, families and groups can experience world-class entertainment, one-of-a-kind thrills, and some of the most unique ‘eats’ available. Universal Orlando Resort offers so much for everyone, it is often easy to overlook those gems that not only are appealing to all ages but seem to never grow old themselves. One such gem is the Blue Man Group. Back in 2007, the Blue Man Group was added to Universal Studios’ line-up of entertainment choices on soundstage 18. After a successful run, it became a staple to Universal Orlando Resort - tweaking ever so slightly over the years to remain relevant, fun, and appealing to all! In May, I had the pleasure of experiencing a Blue Man Group performance. For anyone, young or old, who have never experienced live theater before, this is a GREAT introduction to it. You will have fun learning how live theater works, […]

Jurassic World Kid’s Suite

11/2/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Some 65 million years ago dinosaurs ruled the earth. Today an encounter with one of these massive creatures is impossible unless you visit Universal Orlando, then it’s totally possible! If you have a Dino loving kid in your family then a stay in a Jurassic World Kid’s Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a must. These 670 square feet 2-bedroom suites take you on an adventure to the Isla of Nublar. 2 twin-size gyrospheres in the kid’s room offer not only an awesome place sleep but a bit of separation from the adult’s room. The Jurassic World theming is all over the kid’s room from the valley mapping carpet to the massive landscaped scenery on the walls. A lighted desk which has a large map of Nublar above it, a full-size closet, and entertainment center with a large TV are also included in each of the kid's rooms. If […]

Antojitos at Universal

10/19/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Who doesn’t love a good margarita and some guacamole?!  I’ve got just the place to celebrate Taco Tuesday and maybe even Taco Thursday, Friday and Saturday! On your next trip to Universal you’ll have to stop by Antojitos! Located just outside the theme parks and a short water taxi ride away from the on-property hotels, Antojitos is located conveniently at Universal’s CityWalk, which is perfect after a long day at the parks. Antojitos has a great vibe and you are enticed into the restaurant with bright waves of color, along with the vibrant sounds of an authentic Mariachi band which sets the tone for a fun experience. We were guided to our table and along the way we saw several patrons enjoying guacamole that is made-to-order tableside. As soon as we sat down they brought us a big bowl of chips and salsa and we immediately ordered the guacamole to […]

Halloween Horror Nights

8/10/2018 • Holidays & Events, Reviews, Universal Studios • It’s that time of year again…. yes fall, but more specifically it’s time for HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS (“HHN”)! HHN is one of my favorite events of the year and I usually ring in my birthday with a trip. If you are not familiar with HHN, it’s a separately ticketed event at Universal Studios which runs from mid-September until right after Halloween, and it features all things scary after dark. They have Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, special Halloween-themed shows and you still get access to the best rides. I have been going since I was in eighth grade, but I was also the 9-year-old who begged to watch Poltergeist and Silence of The Lambs, so I was already used to the adrenaline-induced scare. Overall, I would highly recommend heeding their caution that it is only for those that are 13 years and up, as it is quite intense. Think guys in […]

The Flaming Moe!

6/4/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Every Simpsons fan remembers that episode...waaaaay back from 1991...where the impossible-to-love bartender, Moe Szyslak, stole Homer’s idea for a fun beverage, got super famous, and Aerosmith came to town?!  Right? No?! Well, maybe I’ve been watching “The Simpsons” too long, but the drink - The Flaming Moe - is something every fan probably remembers! While at Universal Studios Orlando, you can wander over to Springfield U.S.A. and join fellow Simpson-ites in the delicacies of Fast Food Boulevard...Krusty Burger, Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Brewery, Cletus’ Chicken Shack...and the famous, MOE’s Tavern. The Flaming Moe can be found by bellying up to the bar in MOE’s Tavern, or by going to The Flaming Moe window inside of Fast Food Boulevard. Both locations are connected, so you won’t have to go far! The Flaming Moe is… Non-alcoholic Like Orange Crush In a sweet souvenir cup Super fizzy and ‘flaming’ Just enough for 1 […]