Blog Posts Tagged Universal

Splitting Your Stay with Disney & Universal

1/3/2023 • 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?” […]

Enjoying Butterbeer at Universal Studios Orlando – The Ultimate Guide

11/8/2022 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort wouldn't be complete without enjoying a  Butterbeer. A perfect day at Universal Studios Florida starts with a visit to Diagon Alley and a Butterbeer.  We like to start our day with a ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts when wait times are low due to our early access to the parks as a resort guest. Enjoying a Butterbeer at Universal is just one of the many ways to feel immersed in this magical world. Butterbeer comes in six delicious forms of tasty treats! Which version should you try? Each treat offers something unique, so the Me and The Mouse Team is here to give you a full breakdown of Butterbeer at Universal Studios and where to find it in the Wizarding World. COLD BUTTERBEER The traditional cold drink (secret recipe) is often described as a cream soda with butterscotch and shortbread flavors. It’s a sweet […]

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 creamy rosemary and lemon ricotta was breaded and fried and served on a bed of homemade tomato sauce. It was so delicious we used the rest of the bread to mop up the tomato sauce. Entrees were an even more difficult decision. I was stuck between the lasagna made with […]

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 a train, but in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, it’s so much more! The train will take you between Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. This 10-minute trip is not only a mode of transportation, but also an attraction in itself! […]

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’s drive. And for Walt Disney World, about an hour and twenty minutes. Both travel times depend upon construction, and I-4 traffic! Because of this, Having safe, reliable transportation to/from SFB is very important! So what are your options? There are no complimentary transportation services available at SFB to either theme park destination, but there are paid services available. Me and The Mouse Travel recommends the following, and can assist you with these booking options. Please note […]

Lockers 101 – Universal Studios Orlando

12/6/2021 • 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 based […]

Get “Sorted” Before Your Next Visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios!

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 […]

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

12/2/2021 • 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 […]

Vacationing at Universal’s Orlando Hard Rock Hotel

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 […]

Jurassic World Kid’s Suite

11/23/2021 • 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 an entertainment center with a large TV are also included in each of the kid's rooms. […]