Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is currently the cheapest option for staying onsite at Universal Orlando; however, in our family’s experience it is the best and far above Disney World’s comparable value resorts. Here are some reasons we love it. Reason #1: The Retro Vibe If you like Disney’s Pop Century, you need to…
Category: Other Destinations
Food Allergies at Universal Orlando Resort: Citywalk and the Hotels
If you’re traveling to Universal Orlando with food allergies, you may be looking for options beyond the park. As discussed in my prior posts on Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando requires a little more pre-planning for food allergies than Walt Disney World, but it is still more accommodating than the “regular…
Foodie Friday: Warm Butterbeer is Back at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
It’s officially fall. Want to know how I know? It’s not because the traditionally popular Pumpkin Spice Latte is back. It’s because my favorite beverage in the whole world is back….warm butterbeer! Wait…you don’t know what butterbeer is? Well first, head straight to the store or Amazon and pick up Harry Potter and start…
London Calling: A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley
Last week, I wrote about what you could experience while visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, but did you know that Universal Orlando has a unique second experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley located at Universal Studios Florida. Like in the books it is set in London…
Making the Most of the Journey – Top Things That Can Distract Little Ones On the Way to Disney
For most of us any Disney vacation is going to involve some travel. Car, bus, train, plane, no matter what transportation you choose, your children will likely need some distractions to help the journey go a bit faster. This is a list of magic items and tricks that can help avoid the ceaseless cycle of…
Off to Hogwarts: A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando
Many a muggle has dreamed of heading to Hogwarts and Universal Orlando has made that as close to reality as fans could imagine. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most immersive theme park areas ever. Hogsmeade is the older of the two parts and is Universal Islands of Adventure. (For those…
All Aboard! A Review of Disney by Train
If you had the opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World solo, would you take it? Thinking of the chance to sleep in and experience some of the more “grown up” attractions, I jumped at my chance to go! It was going to be a last minute trip. And my first without the family!…
Foodie Friday: Review of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at CityWalk
One of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest restaurants is arguably one of its tastiest. You all know I have a sweet tooth, so the second I heard that CityWalk was going to be adding a table service restaurant called Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Kitchen Feast, it quickly jumped to my must try lists. And try…
Universal Orlando with Food Allergies or Special Diets: Islands of Adventure
While Disney World is known for its food allergy and dietary restriction accommodations, Universal Orlando is also extremely accessible to those with food Allergies or other special diets. In a previous post, I discussed eating at Universal Studios with food allergies. This post will focus on Islands of Adventure. Islands of Adventure Counter/Quick Service…
New Experiences Now Available at Discovery Cove
So many wonderful Discovery Cove experiences await you at this intimate, SeaWorld-owned resort. You probably know that you can swim with dolphins here, but now you can also swim with sharks and feed stingrays! Swim with an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin This is, of course, the main draw at Discovery Cove. The 50-minute experience begins with an orientation led…
Dining at Universal Orlando with Food Allergies: Tips for Universal Studios
While Disney World is known for its ability to accommodate food allergies and other special diets, dining at Universal Orlando with food allergies has come a long way towards catching up. Here are a few tips and favorites to navigate your dietary restrictions at Universal Orlando. Before You Go Just as with Disney World, the…
Flying vs. Driving — Which One is Right for Your Disney Trip?
I live 400 miles from one U.S. Disney resort and more than 2,100 from the other. Which parks I fly and drive to are pretty obvious. But large sections of the country live in a big gray area between the parks — a long drive or a shorter flight. Deciding on flying vs. driving to Disney…