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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. […]
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11/20/2021 • 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 […]
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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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11/16/2021 • 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 […]
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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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10/27/2021 • 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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