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Home » Travel » Travel Guides » Magic and Thrills at Universal Orlando Resort

Magic and Thrills at Universal Orlando Resort

By Sheri

When you have a family with vastly different interests, it can be a little challenging to find things to do that everyone enjoys. Universal Orlando is one of the places that works for my whole family. There are thrill rides and rides for the less adventurous. There are shows and characters and fun areas to visit, so we never run out of things to do.

Even though I love to visit Universal Studios with my children, I also like to visit without the kids. My husband and I have escaped for a weekend of fun at Universal and recently I was able to attend a press trip with several other bloggers while we faced our fears at Universal!

the hulk

Since I love rides, I can’t say I was actually facing any fears by going on them, but I faced many fears in the haunted houses! The roller coasters like The Hulk shown above were a lot of fun and a great way to let loose after all of that scariness in the haunted houses! For me, the parks are the place to just have a great time.

Seuss Landing is a favourite spot for my kids. It’s perfect for my son who prefers rides that are a little more relaxed and they can all relate to the rides and the characters since we read the stories as a family. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride is one we never miss because the queue line is as much fun as the ride!

seuss landing

Another family favourite that we never skip is Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Who could pass up the chance to become a minion? I know I can’t! At the exit you can meet a minion and join in a dance party!

despicable me

The highlight for me has always been the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Islands of Adventure park. It is the home to my favourite ride of all time, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which is found inside of Hogwart’s Castle. You can tour the castle without going on the ride too, if that is your preference. As a family we also take advantage of Child Swap when we go on this ride, so that my husband, daughter and I can ride even though my youngest is not tall enough and my other son finds it a little scary. We also pick up our own wizard wands in Hogsmeade and get a cup of Butterbeer when we’re there.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting my chance to visit the new section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that is located in Universal Studios Florida. This is Diagon Alley, and it was worth the wait!

12 grimmauld place
12 Grimmauld Place

The first thing I noticed when we stepped into Diagon Alley was the dragon on top of Gringott’s Bank. It is a huge fire breathing dragon that you can not miss. There were so many fantastic things to see, like the Knight Bus and Knockturn Alley. You can exchange your money at Gringott’s Money Exchange, and grab some Butterbeer Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour. One of the greatest things about the new park is the Hogwart’s Express. You can ride the train between the two parks and have a unique Harry Potter experience on your ride.

harry potter

There is so much to see in the new Diagon Alley that I need to go back and explore again. It’s great to have an excuse to visit again! What would you most like to see at Universal Orlando?

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Filed Under: Travel, Travel Guides Tagged With: Theme Parks

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Comments

  1. Jeannie says

    October 29, 2014 at 2:36 am

    I think universal Orlando is a must stop if you have older kids. We took my 3 year old there because we wanted to check it out and he clearly didn’t enjoy it as much as we did. I can’t wait to take him back there when he’s older.

  2. loriag says

    October 29, 2014 at 8:05 am

    I think this would be a great trip for just me and the husband. Our children are older now so it is fun to just do things just for us. I would love to visit Diagon Alley as well.

  3. Chandra Christine O'Connor says

    October 29, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Oh my oldest and I would be in heaven at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter so cool!

  4. Anne Taylor says

    October 29, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    I’d love to take my grandkids here one day! Thanks for all of the info!

  5. loucheryl says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    I would love to check out the Minion ride!

  6. DARLENE W says

    January 19, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    hope to take the grandkids here next summer

  7. Tiffany Rotulo says

    February 26, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    Thinking of taking the kid this year but wondering if they might be to young. 3y, 4y
    and 3 months

  8. Nate says

    April 17, 2015 at 7:54 am

    looks like a fun place

  9. Jamie hall says

    March 26, 2016 at 11:34 am

    Oh I really want to check these out, they look fantastic

  10. christine w says

    April 29, 2016 at 10:09 am

    This would be awesome. However, I’m not a huge fan of long lines so this will take some planning!

  11. kathy downey says

    June 26, 2016 at 11:00 am

    What a wonderful post ,love the photos.My grandkids would love to check out the Minion ride!

  12. Glogirl says

    July 29, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    Looks like a fun place to visit with lots of different activities to enjoy!

  13. Amie says

    August 1, 2016 at 6:16 pm

    This is probably my fave place to go ! The rides are just amazing ! Great pics ! Makes me want to go back

  14. LAMusing says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    So fun! Wish I could visit!

  15. Darlene W says

    August 2, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    I am a ferris wheel kind of person, roller coasters are not for me

  16. jamie hall says

    November 11, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    I’m hoping to go within the next couple years thanks for the post

  17. KATHY DOWNEY says

    November 24, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    We really enjoyed the movie Despicable Me .Sure sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

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Sheri

Sheri

Sheri McDonald is an adventurous lifestyle blogger who has been partnering with brands and sharing her stories since 2010. A mother to four children who are growing far too quickly, Sheri shares her travels, recipes and lifestyle advice on Kidsumers.ca and Familyenroute.com.

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