Universal Orlando

Do you love roller coasters, I do. That’s why I was so excited to visit Universal Parks Orlando in May with Aer Lingus and DSD. I stayed in Universal’s Cabana Bay a Universal Hotel inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950’s with retro inspired rooms, 2 massive pools, a lazy river and bowling alley. Cabana Bay is connected to Universal City Walk by shuttle buses that run all day and evening and as it is right next door to Volcano Bay you can walk through the grounds to the waterpark in 5 minutes. One main advantage of staying in Cabana Bay or any of the onsite Universal Hotel’s is the early admission to the Universal theme parks one hour before opening.

But what if you don’t like thrill rides, should you go to Universal? The answer is yes, because there is so much to do, experience, see and even eat. I think everyone is going to find lots that they and their family will love in Universal Parks. Both parks, Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure are a feast for the eyes, just strolling around them and appreciating the fabulous theming in each area is a great day out. The detail and beauty of the parks is enough to justify going there but there is so much more to appreciate.

The little kids will love Seuss Landing with all the colour and fabulous characters that you know from the books. Simpsons world is where you can grab a Krusty burger and wash it down with a beer or even a Flaming Moe at Moes Tavern. Journey to the moon with Jimmy Fallon or get soaked on Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls. If you need more excitement, you can brave dinosaurs in Jurassic World or come face to face with King Kong on Skull Island.

Fans of Harry Potter will have the time of their lives in the fully immersive areas of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The brave among you can venture into Knockturn alley and peruse all the dark magic items there. Pick up a treat in Honeydukes Sweet Shop, have a wand choose you in Olivanders or find a treasure at Weezleys Wizarding Wheezes. You can dine in the Leaky Cauldron or The Three Broomsticks. Refresh yourself with an ice cream from Madame Fortesques or down a cold glass of Butterbeer, and all this is before you try the thrilling rides. Escape from Gringotts will take you into the vast caverns beneath the bank where you will escape chasing Goblins along precarious tracks. Journey into Hogwarts where Harry, Ron and Hermione will lead you on a thrilling ride in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Travelling between these two lands is done on the Hogwarts Express taking you from Kings Cross to Hogsmeade Station, keep your eyes peeled for the wall to platform 9 and ¾.

With an imposing volcano at its centre, Volcano Bay is Universals water park. Here you can have a relaxing day lounging by the lagoon or a more exciting one taking in the attractions which include, a kid’s area, a lazy river, water coasters and slides which range from easy fun to death defying. The bracelet you are issued with, the Tapu Tapu allows you to pay for everything and to schedule your rides so you can avoid queueing. Don’t leave without treating yourself to a multi coloured soft serve ice cream.

Don’t worry about finding something to eat the selection is dizzying. City Walk is loaded with fabulous restaurants, I can recommend the NBC Sports Grill and Brew. There is no shortage of shops in the parks and on City Walk, there is even a Christmas one, if like me you are open to buying Christmas decorations at any time of the year.

My time there was fun, memorable and action packed and after it I was more than ready to allow the wonderful staff at Aer Lingus take care of me in comfort on the direct flight from Orlando on my way home.