So… My family and I are heading out to Universal Studios Orlando Resort and since we’ve never been I really need your help in planning the trip. I know this is a little different than what you’re used to here on Tip Junkie – but I SCORED an insanely cool giveaway from Universal Orlando Resort that I’ll be givingaway next week! {squeal}
Um yes, IÂ’m totally bribing you to help me plan my trip. I really need your advice because we havenÂ’t been to a major theme park like this before and since thereÂ’s so much to do and see IÂ’m completely overwhelmed. Plus thanks to Universal Orlando Resort – two lucky winners are going to win a FABULOUS prize next week – so I promise itÂ’s worth helping a girl out. {knuckle bumps}
P.S. After you “submit” your info – the page will look gray. Just scroll up and you’ll be able to see the link to view the results if you’d like.
Thank you SO SO much!! Thanks to your help my boys are going to think IÂ’m the coolest mom, Evah! Stay tunedÂ… next week there 2 winners thanks to Universal Orlando Resort! {high fives}
P.S. If you want a tutorial on how to make a Universal Studios count down calendar, it’s over on the Tip Junkie Printables Site.
I think the Spiderman ride is the neatest experience (we always try to do it first because the wait time gets so long) and the Hulk is definitely the coolest roller coaster! I haven’t been back since Harry Potter opened but I’m sure that is awesome too. MIB Alien Attack is the best part of Universal Studios. We always eat at Margaritaville- the atmosphere is so fun! Have a great time!!
are you staying at one of the universal resort hotels? we stayed at the royal pacific and it was amazing! nice boat ride over to the park… and we got into harr potter an hour early (which was why we stayed there!) we got one of each butter beer, but the cold was the favorite… also got the souvenir mugs and toted them around all day for refills (79 cents?)- i had a caribiner and was able to clip them both together and to my purse! i would skip the pumpkin juice… still have the bottle in my fridge with barely a sip taken! ick!
If I can recommend anything that I LOVED when I was a child, it was the ET ride because I was AMAZED at how he knew my name, and it was just a fun experience. I also highly recommend Margaritaville. My parents are Parrot Heads and we’ve been a couple of times. It is so fun! It is a wonderful atmosphere and so funny to hear everyone singing along with the songs! 🙂
Hope you have a FANTABULOUS trip!
We live in Orlando and have annual passes to Universal. Unfortunately none of my kids hit the 54″ height requirement for many of the coasters, but my kids love these rides: Men In Black, The Simpsons, The Mummy and E.T. at Universal Studios and at IOA we always make sure to do Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Spiderman. I personally LOVE the Hulk and Rip Ride Rockit, so if your kids meet the height requirement don’t miss those!
I have never purchased the Universal “meal deal” since we live here and don’t spend ALL DAY at the parks, but there are days that Universal offers it for half-price- for kids that is especially a good deal at only $5.99!! I think it depends on the expected traffic flow through the park. Same goes for the VIP front of the line tickets. The price fluctuates depending on expected number of guests.
We have eaten at NBA City in the CityWalk and while the decora/atmosphere was great, I thought the food was overpriced. They do give big portions though.
I hope you have a great trip!
p.s. I liked the cold butterbeer better. With the heat the frozen melts pretty quickly….and just FYI they only accept cash at the main butterbeer kiosk in the middle of Hogsmeade.
I live here and have had annual passes continuously the last 8-10 years up until about a year ago (we went for Disney passes this year instead.) Spiderman is a must do…and if you’re a coaster junkie, Hulk is one of the best you will ever ride (my husband says…I like my feet on the ground thank you!) Look for restaurants with interesting food…too many have the same fare in just a different environment and you’ll leave thinking you way over paid for a mediocre burger or plate of spaghetti. The restaurant at the new Harry Potter area used to be a phenomenal place so if the chefs haven’t changed and they’ve just adjusted the restaurant to match the new ride, that would be a fabulous place to plan a meal.
Margaritaville or Emeril’s are definitely the best options out at CityWalk.
Hubby and I are using a pair of free tickets out there next week one day…so if we can scope anything else out for you before you get here, send me a note and I’d be happy to help. 🙂