Behind The Scenes of My Universal Adventure: The Good, The Bad, and The Magical

Hey Everyone!

Recently, I had the chance to dive into the whirlwind of Universal Studios Resort Orlando, and boy do I have some stories to share!  From the magical moments that had me pinching myself, to unexpected hiccups along the way, this trip was a ride in itself. So, grab a cup of Butter Beer (I wish!) and settle in for the tale of my Universal Adventure!

Falling Head Over Heels for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Walking into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was like stepping into my childhood dream (or any Potterhead's dream, for that matter.) Every nook and cranny, from cobblestone paths to the towering castle, felt like it was pulled right out of the books and movies.  And Butterbeer?  Absolute heaven! I could easily spend all day just soaking in the vibes and sounds of this magical place!

Though I was a tad bummed out about not finding much merchandise on Luna Lovegood (she deserves more love, Universal!), the overall charm of the place more than made up for it.  Just a little note to the park wizards out there - a few more shops in Hogsmeade wouldn't hurt! 



The Not-So-Magical Bits

Not everything at Universal had me under its spell, though. Places like Toon Lagoon felt like we were stuck in a time capsule - in need of a bit of Universal magic or a full-on makeover to bring back the fun!

Marvel Super Hero Island, while cool for the comic buffs, seemed like it could use a fresh coat of adventure as well. 

Staying at Dockside Inn was convenient and comfy enough, but with all the Universal excitement, it felt a bit plain.  Plus, navigating the packed shuttle busses with all the school groups was less Hogwarts Express and more like a muggle jam-packed train ride during rush hour.  Not the magical journey I had in mind. 



Ride Rundown: The Good, The Screen-Filled, and The Slightly Queasy

Universals love for screen-based rides, folks. While they're pretty cool, my hubby's motion sickness meant we had to sit quite a few out, turning our adventure dial down a few. It's a bummer when you have to miss out on some of the action because your stomach's not on board with the plan! 

Food-wise, we found ourselves escaping to Universal's CityWalk for some fast-food options that were a lot more budget-friendly.  It didn't knock our socks off, but it did save us a couple of bucks along the way. 



The Highlight Reel: Mardi Gras Madness and My Favorite Rides

The Mardi Gras parade was an unexpected hit! It was all jazz hands, bright floats, and flying beads. Count me in for this festival any day - Universal knows how to throw a party!

As for rides? Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventures and The Escape from Gringotts stole my heart! They nailed the combination of storytelling, excitement, and just the right sprinkle of magic.



What's Next? Looking Forward to Universal's New Worlds

All the buzz about Universal's new worlds coming in 2025 has me all kinds of excited. Fingers crossed for fewer screen-based rides and more of that hands-on magic! 

Wrapping Up: My Take on Universal Studios

All in all, our Universal Trip was a bundle of joy, surprises, and a few "meh" moments rolled into one. It's a place of wonder, where every land has a story, and even the not-so-glitzy places have their charm in the grand scheme of things. Would I go back? Absolutely - especially with those new worlds on the horizon. 

Thanks for sticking with me through this recount of Universal Studios Orlando Adventure.  It's been a ride, and I am glad I got to share it with you all.  In the meantime, keep finding magic in the everyday! 




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