TRAVEL
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT :
A MAGICAL FAMILY VACATION
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT CONTINUES ITS METEORIC RISE AS A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION FOR MOVIE BUFFS , THRILLSEEKERS AND FAMILIES ALIKE , WHO ARE ALL SEEKING AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE . WITH ITS CUTTING-EDGE ROLLER COASTERS , CHILD- FRIENDLY RIDES , IMMERSIVE SETS , STUNNING ARRAY OF SHOWS AND ATTRACTIONS , INCLUDING THE NEWLY OPENED MINION LAND , CITYWALK ENTERTAINMENT AREA AND PLETHORA OF HOTELS , THE ENTIRE OFFERING CONTINUES TO SET THE BAR HIGH FOR ENTERTAINMENT- BURSTING HOLIDAY FUN .
BY SAMANTHA READY
DELVE INTO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Universal Studios Florida : A Cinematic Wonderland Universal Studios Florida is the cornerstone of the Universal Orlando Resort , offering a cinematic wonderland that immerses visitors in the magic of movie-making . With its iconic archway and bustling streets reminiscent of classic films , this theme park invites guests to step into the action . The park ’ s commitment to entertainment extends beyond the rides though , with live shows , street performances and character meetand-greets ensuring that every corner is bursting with the spirit of Hollywood . Must-see attractions include the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster , providing a thrilling soundtrack to your adventure , Transformers : The Ride 3D , which seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with captivating storytelling , and , new for 2024 , Illuminations ’ s Minion Land .
From the Insta-worthy ‘ Minion Land ’ marquee featuring 22 Minions , guests will find themselves in Illumination Ave ., home of groundbreaking new attraction – Illumination ’ s Villain-Con Minion Blast – where we happily blasted our way to supervillain stardom . For unique Minioninspired food there is a new Minion Cafe , as well as banana-flavoured popcorn at Pop-a-Nana , the chance to cool off with sweet treats at Freeze Ray Pops
( great for those Florida heatwaves !), shop exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise and goodies at Bake My Day and the Evil Stuff retail store , laugh alongside the Minions while experiencing absolute mayhem at the beloved Despicable Me Minion Mayhem , and meet lots of fan-favourite characters along the way at Illumination Theater ( sic ). This one is a must-visit for families with younger children proving a surefire hit with our littlest Minion-loving Ready who loved becoming a villain as much as he loved devouring his Minion cupcake !
And of course there is the first of two Wizarding World™ stand out attractions ( watch this space for the brand new park coming in 2025 ): The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Diagon Alley™ , home not only to the iconic Diagon Alley itself , complete with magic wand enchantments , shops and food spots , but also incredible rides including Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ and the simply awe-inspiring opportunity to ride the Hogwarts Express™ from Kings Cross to Hogsmeade Station - located in the adjacent Islands of Adventure park and home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Hogsmeade™ . Make sure you look out for the incredible photo opportunities including the disappearing picture spot that captures you running through the entrance to Platform 9 & ¾™ !
Universal ’ s Islands of Adventure : A Journey into Imagination
Adjacent to Universal Studios Florida , Universal ’ s Islands of Adventure takes families on an extraordinary journey into the realms of imagination . The park is divided into distinct islands , each dedicated to a different theme from the mystical Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™ - Hogsmeade™ to the prehistoric landscapes of Jurassic Park . Thrilling rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man cater to adrenaline junkies , while Seuss Landing provides a whimsical experience for smaller visitors . The crown jewel of the park is Hagrid ’ s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - our Ready family top ride pick ! Seamlessly blending storytelling , innovative ride technology and the enchanting world of Harry Potter™ - helpful with a family of Potterheads - it ’ s honestly worth the visit alone and no amount of descriptive writing would do it justice !
Universal ’ s Volcano Bay : A Tropical Oasis of Adventure
Not content with offering two immersive ( and dry !) theme park experiences , Universal Orlando Resort goes one step further with its own water theme park complete with water coasters - yes , you read that right - Universal ’ s Volcano Bay . Completing the trifecta of Universal ’ s
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