insideKENT Magazine Issue 143 - March 2024 | Page 122

TRAVEL
theme parks , Volcano Bay offers the ultimate refreshing and tropical escape - just perfect for some family fun with a more relaxed edge ( giant water coaster and flume thrills aside !). This family-funinducing tropical paradise is filled with thrilling water attractions and serene relaxation spots . The towering Krakatau serves as the volcanic centrepiece , overseeing a diverse range of water experiences for all ages . From the daring Ko ’ okiri Body Plunge to the serene winding lazy bobalong of the Kopiko Wai Winding River and the gentle waters of the Tot Tiki Reef with designated child splash zones and waterslides , Volcano Bay caters to every water enthusiast ’ s need . The innovative TapuTapu wearable technology ( think waterproof watch , locker key and fast pass all in one place ) enhances the experience , allowing guests to virtually wait in line while enjoying other areas of the park , order and pay for food and drinks , and keep belongings safe in lockers , while Cabana rentals provide a comfortable base for you to relax and unwind between aquatic adventures .
Unwind in Comfort at Endless Summer Resort
As well as offering standout parks , Universal Orlando Resort also boasts a myriad of exclusive accommodation options , too . Dockside Inn & Suites , one half of Universal ’ s Endless Summer Resort , stands as an inviting haven for families seeking comfort and convenience during their Florida adventure . Inspired by sand , sea and breathtaking sunsets , this laidback , carefree coastal-vibe retreat is great for the budget conscious , is perfectly situated , and offers a heap of exclusive extras too . The spacious suites are thoughtfully designed to accommodate various group sizes ensuring a comfortable stay for families . Our own suite boasted a double bedroom , two queen beds in a separate bedroom area , kitchenette with microwave , fridge and dining table , and bathroom with bathtub and shower . Onsite there are inviting pool areas , games rooms and a Universal store for last-minute souvenir purchases , as well as diverse dining options from grab-and-go snacks to casual dining experiences and a much-loved Starbucks which provided our daily early-morning , jet-lag-busting caffeine hit to prepare us for a full day ’ s adventure ahead . With complimentary transportation to and from the parks , all on delightful Universal favourite branded buses - it became a game with our smalls as to whether it would be a Minion or Harry Potter themed bus ride - and the added bonus of early park admission , Endless Summer Resort serves as not just accommodation but as an integral part of the overall Universal Orlando Resort experience , enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of any family getaway .
insideKENT ’ s Top Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit :
Universal Express Pass : Our number one tip to really make the most of your time at the parks , is to utilise the unrivalled Universal Express Pass . Granting you access to shorter lines for many popular
attractions , not only does it cut down wait times ( and any dreaded queue boredom whinges ) it can be used multiple times on applicable rides with no need to prebook return times , which allows repeat visits to your favourite rides and attractions throughout the day .
Early Park Admission : Take advantage of early park admission , a perk for guests staying at Universal Orlando Resort hotels . This allows you to enter the parks an hour before the general public , providing exclusive access to popular attractions and a head start on your day . This is especially useful for joining pre-park opening queues for attractions that are not part of Express Pass such as Hagrid ’ s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure .
Plan Your Day Strategically : Familiarise yourself with the park layout and the show schedules before you arrive . This will allow you to optimise your itinerary to minimise walking distances and maximise ride enjoyment . Prioritise must-see attractions and plan breaks to avoid fatigue .
Pre-Book Restaurants : There are a whole host of grab-and-go restaurants and themed food stands throughout the parks , but for an elevated dining experience and a much-needed pitstop either for lunch or post-park dinner then pre-booking restaurants ( both in the parks and in Universal CityWalk ) is a must . We highly recommend the awardwinning , full-service Myros Restaurant in Islands of Adventure which offers a Mediterranean , Asian and American menu in a mythical setting .
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