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12/8/2021 • 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: […]
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12/4/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios •
Want to make your Harry Potter trip a little more magical? If you are a Harry Potter fan, you may already have your favorite Hogwart’s house. To add to the fun of your visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, visit the official site for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before you arrive at the park (or while standing in line to get in). You can learn all about Harry Potter, Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and even get sorted into one of the four Hogwart’s houses! Let’s get started! Start the fun at www.wizardingworld.com. You must create an account before you can begin your journey. Enter your email address, create a password (a combination of numbers and upper and lower case letter), and end your complete birth date.{Important to note: guests must be at least 13 years old to register}. You will need […]
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11/26/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios •
If vacationing like a rockstar piques your interest, then Universal’s Orlando Hard Rock Hotel might be your next vacation destination! The resort offers luxury accommodations with distinct rock and roll theming throughout, from the moment you enter the lobby and smell the “essence” of a rockstar, to your hallway stroll which takes you past some incredible rock n’ roll memorabilia, such as one of John Lennon’s suits or even Elvis’ pajamas. The resort offers several types of rooms and suites, all of which are adorned with musical touches and luxury appointed features that will not disappoint. The mirrors in the rooms even show notches of heights for some of your favorite celebrities like Justin Timberlake or even little Shirley Temple. The resort also offers club level rooms which include continental breakfast, soda and water throughout the day, and then an evening reception featuring appetizers, smaller entrees, like chicken or hot […]
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11/18/2021 • Universal Studios •
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, spanning both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, dazzles guests with the most authentic and immersive movie-set experience. Two stores, in particular, allow you to not only bring home some of the magic of Harry Potter...but to physically experience it as well! Honeydukes can be found in Hogsmeade - located in Islands of Adventure. Honeydukes, as you know, is the candy store of choice for all Hogwarts students on their weekend day trips to Hogsmeade in the winter months from book three on. Buildings covered in snow. Cobblestone streets and magical windows. Blink and you may miss Honeydukes! This lovely candy shop has EVERY candy mentioned in the books, from Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans to the Ton Tongue Taffy that Dudley Dursley could not resist when it fell out of the Weasley Twins’ pockets. Everywhere you turn is more whimsey and lovely […]
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11/13/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios •
Welcome to Universal! Whether you are preparing for you first trip to Universal or have visited several times before, the Universal parks and resorts in Orlando are very impressive. The two theme parks at Universal have so much to offer and in this two-part series includes the breakdown of what you can find in each park. In this first installation is an overview of Islands of Adventure. Port of Entry: At the entrance of Islands of adventure stands the Pharos Lighthouse, which is based off the original in Alexandria. This icon lets you know you are in for adventure and serves as an excellent gateway into all of the islands in IOA. And don’t forget to pick up your Christmas ornament at the Port of Call Christmas shop! Superhero Island: This area is for the more adventurous Universal guests with several thrill ride. Go upside down on the Hulk, drop 200 feet on Dr. Doom’s Fear […]
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11/11/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios •
When visiting Universal Orlando Resort, the most magical time you and your family will have is visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Hogsmeade! Universal has pulled out all the stops to make this the most authentic guest experience possible - you can read about all these worlds have to offer HERE and by searching the Me and the Mouse blog! One experience that is truly unforgettable is a ride on the Hogwarts Express. Only those with a “Park to Park” ticket (meaning you are able to visit multiple parks in one day) at Universal Orlando Resort are allowed to take part in this experience. If you don’t currently hold a Park to Park ticket, ask your travel specialist for an upgrade! Guests can board the Hogwarts Express either at Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios, OR, at the station in Hogsmeade in Islands of […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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9/22/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews, Walt Disney World •
For Star Wars fans, experiencing Star Tours is a highlight of Walt Disney World and Disneyland vacations that has you running back to the ride’s entrance as soon as you get off. As a fan of both Star Wars and Star Tours, the recent movie releases have brought extra excitement, knowing that Disney has added new movie scenes into the Star Tours experience. I will confess that I watched The Last Jedi trying to envision what parts of the movie would be added to the ride. As an extra treat for fans, director Rian Johnson has been reported as saying that as a fan of Star Tours himself, he specifically reflected the ride in the movie. A movie reflecting an attraction that reflects a movie, it’s almost too good to be true! As in the original version of Star Tours, the ride starts with you boarding a Starspeeder. C-3PO is […]
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9/20/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Are you excited to finally plan your FIRST visit to the Disneyland Resort in California?! As a first-timer, even if you know Disney World like the back of your hand, there are certain things at the Disneyland Resort that are unique to this resort and are quintessential Disney magic. Classic attractions: The Disneyland Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean are all amazing, classic rides, and Walt had a hand in designing each of them. Fun fact: Pirates of the Caribbean is twice as long at Disneyland as it is at Walt Disney World! Best Attractions Unique to the Disneyland Resort: At Disneyland, Indiana Jones Adventure tops my list for favorite attractions despite the fact that it is not a newer ride, having opened in the mid- 90’s. For those seeking a calmer experience, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is an original dark ride in Fantasyland. For you […]
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