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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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11/9/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios •
For the common Disney fan, Universal Orlando may not appear to have as many great table service options as Walt Disney World, however, I was pleasantly surprised on my recent visit. The Kitchen at Universal’s Hard Rock resort was fantastic! With cool theming, great food, reasonable prices, and a convenient location, The Kitchen is a fabulous option for Universal Orlando-guests. First of all, when you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted with cool, laid-back, rock star décor. Since we had an early lunch reservation, we were just arriving as the restaurant was opening so being able to see the restaurant without anyone it in, makes you really take in the ambience. One of the most unique decorations there are the personalized chef jackets of all of the musician guest chefs who come in to cook in The Kitchen. That’s right! Famous musicians randomly come and cook at the restaurant in the open area […]
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11/6/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios •
So this blog almost didn’t happen…twice. “Why?” you may ask… because the food is so good I destroyed it before I got pictures. True story. If you’ve read my blogs before, you know I like food, and burgers are my thing, so when we discovered Cowfish in Universal’s Citywalk, a mere 90 minutes away from us, I was elated because we literally travel across the country for food. Cowfish is the perfect nightcap after a long day running around Universal’s theme parks and is conveniently located a short walk from each park on your way out of the Citywalk complex. It’s a three-story restaurant with some cool views if you are seated on the patio or third-story deck. It boasts some underwater theming and even a trio of interactive screens on the way in to occupy your time while you wait. Because it’s so popular, there is almost always a […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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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10/4/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Located on the first floor of Disney’s Paradise Pier at Disneyland in California is a hidden gem of a dining experience. The only place on the property where you can meet Mickey Mouse while you eat, the Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at the PCH Grill, is a treat for young and old. The stars of the show are the characters themselves. Ready for a day at the beach, the characters have stopped by for breakfast before grabbing their surfboards and heading off for a day of fun. While they are there, the characters will stop by your table for pictures, autographs, and the occasional dance party. While Mickey is the official host, some of the characters that might visit your table include Minnie Mouse, Stitch, and Daisy. Pictures with Mickey’s official photographer occur near the entry under the PCH Surf Shack sign. If you wish to have […]
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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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