My family has always had a “happy place.” A place full of magic and castles and giant mice. A place where dreams come true.
This year, we decided that we needed to check out the theme park across town, just for the sake of research. I’ve always considered a Universal Studios vacation to be a good spot for teenagers and 20-somethings, not quite as magical, not quite as innovative…in my mind, it was just a plain old theme park.
I was wrong.
Not only did we have an amazing time, but all 3 of my children (ages 10, 7, and 4) are begging to go back. There was something for everyone in our family! We spent 3 days at Universal’s 3 theme parks and they were jam-packed with fun.
In fact, I took away some great tips that I’d love to share with you!
Get the park-to-park ticket. This ticket allows you the flexibility to visit both Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, AND Volcano Bay. It is the only way you can ride Hogwarts Express (a MUST for the Harry Potter fan), and being able to go to Volcano Bay in the afternoons is the perfect way to cool off!
Stay at a Universal onsite hotel. With currently 7 onsite hotel options, there is something for every family and budget. Universal provides complimentary bus and boat transportation between the hotels and parks, but you can actually walk between almost all of the hotels and theme parks. Your Kingdom Concierge agent can help you find the one that is perfect for you!
Try all the butterbeer at Wizarding World of Harry Potter—hot, cold, frozen, and soft serve. It’s all good! You do not have to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy everything Wizarding World has to offer.
Take advantage of rider switch. If you have a younger child who doesn’t want to ride (or can’t because of height), never fear! One of the adults and the younger child can wait in an air conditioned room while the rest of the party rides. Afterwards, the adult who waited can take the older children back onto the ride without having to wait in line a second time. Ah-mazing.
Arrive early to the parks. When you book your Universal vacation with a Kingdom Concierge agent, you have access to early hours in one of the theme parks each morning. This is a great time to knock out some of the most popular rides in the park before the bigger crowds come in.
That pixie-dusted place across town is still just as special to our family, but we’ve found yet another spot for making unforgettable memories together! Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, superhero junkie, or just like to have fun, Universal might be the perfect spot for your crew!
Are you ready to find out?
Happy Travels!
My name is Leah Bowman and I am a wife and mother to 3 precious kiddos. We started traveling to Disney World as a family when my oldest son was only 1 and I was immediately taken by the joy I felt and saw in the eyes of my husband and son as we spent time together as a family in the most magical place on earth. We've since traveled many more times, first with our second son, and then with our daughter. We've made many priceless, precious memories together on our Disney vacations!
