Are you thinking about planning a family vacation to Florida? Are you considering Universal Orlando?
As you already know, this is an exciting but intimidating task! Even for the most experienced travelers, this can feel a bit daunting since there’s so much to do and see for your whole family.
Keep reading this guide below to learn 8 reasons why you should visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation and what you should do while you’re there!
1. Visit Three Different Theme Parks at Universal Orlando
One of the most exciting reasons to visit Universal Orlando is the opportunity to visit the three different theme parks and try out the rides at Universal.
These parks are Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park. Each offers different experiences, food, and fun adventures for everyone in your family. Below we’ll continue to break down why each park is special and well worth visiting!
2. Universal Studios Florida
This theme park brings your favorite characters to life, and makes you feel like you’re on an incredible film set!
You’ll have the chance to tour Seuss Landing where you’re surrounded by Dr. Seuss’s famous books and characters. You can eat themed foods like Green Eggs & Ham tots or Whoville’s Who Hash.
From there, you can venture to a crowd favorite spot at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This incredible theme park offers the chance to tour Diagon Alley, eat at the Leaky Cauldron, and choose a wand from Ollivander.
3. Visit the Islands of Adventure
The Islands of Adventure is a class theme park with superheroes and characters that are fun for children and adults.
One of the most popular attractions is the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man where visitors can experience 3-D and 4-D movie features. This theme park makes you feel truly immersed in Marvel’s comic book world.
There’s also more Harry Potter experiences you can have at Islands of Adventure, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. This ride brings you on a magical and thrilling course.
4. Venture to Volcano Bay Water Park
Universal Orlando is an especially unique family vacation destination in that you can also take your family over to Volcano Bay and enjoy tons of water park rides and adventures!
This part of the park opened in 2016 and has been popular ever since. Volcano Bay includes the Krakatau Water Coaster, which allows families to slide down into the park’s “volcano” in a thrilling ride.
For anyone old enough and brave enough to enjoy it, you can also experience the Ko’okiri Body Plunge and fall through a drop door. This will take you 125 feet down a slide and end in a fun pool!
If you’re arriving with your family or just want a chance to relax, be sure to venture to the Kopiko Wai Winding River. This lazy river will take you through the “volcano’s” hidden caves. You’ll see special water effects and you can even enjoy nighttime lighting.
5. Benefit from the Off-Site Accommodations
Other than the three incredible theme parks that Universal Orlando has to offer, the off-site accommodations offer even more reasons to visit.
There are several hotels in Orlando that are Universal Partner Hotels and are just a mile from the parks. Many of these hotels also offer shuttle service to the parks for free. You can also book a stay directly through Universal which can include a package with park tickets.
6. Early Park Admissions
Another perk for guests who purchase a Universal vacation package is the Early Park Admission. This means that guests who stay at an onsite or offsite hotel near the park are able to have access an hour before the posted opening.
Guests will be able to visit their favorite attractions with little or no wait time, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is typically limited to one park per day, but Universal does extend this during busier times of the year.
7. Try All the Best Foods
One of the best reasons to visit Universal Orlando is the delicious food you can try at each of the Orlando theme parks. If you want to start with breakfast, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has many British-inspired options.
If you opt for the Traditional Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, you’ll be served a large plate of sausage links, English bacon, baked beans, a grilled tomato, mushrooms, breakfast potatoes, and black pudding sausage. This classic meal will make you think you’ve entered England!
For lunch or dinner, you can try many restaurants in each park, including Mythos in the Islands of Adventure. This is an award-winning restaurant that offers a mythic setting with waterfalls and a large Mediterranean menu.
Take a tour of snacks in each park, like the Waturi Fusion Ice Cream at Volcano Bay. This ice cream has swirls of orange, blue raspberry, strawberry, and banana!
Whatever food choices you select, you’ll have an incredible time touring the parks and snacking on some of the best foods in Orlando!
8. Enjoy the Nightlife
The nightlife in Universal Orlando offers fun for the whole family, especially at Universal CityWalk. This is where you can experience shopping and entertainment within the resort. There are also more restaurants to explore, including Emeril’s Orlando with Creole-based cuisine.
You can also venture to CityWalk’s Rising Star and have fun with some karaoke. Lastly, head over to the Hollywood Drive-In Golf for a fun miniature golf course with horror and sci-fi themes.
Universal Orlando Has Everything for a Great Family Vacation
Universal Orlando has so much to offer you for a wonderful vacation, including three different theme parks and an endless amount of food choices. If you opt for a package deal, you’ll benefit from early admission and a whole lot more.
Click here to learn more about different all-inclusive trips and how we can help you get started planning your vacation today!
