Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary

Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary | Chasing Cinderella Blog

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I made a quick trip to Universal Studios Florida a few weeks ago! I was so excited for this trip because well hello, it's Universal Studios, but also because I hadn't been for many many years and couldn't wait to see all the additions! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary

Where We Stayed:

We had the opportunity to stay at Universal's newest resort, Aventura Hotel! Just walking distance from Universal's Volcano Bay, this hotel has views of all three Universal Orlando theme parks, and is perfectly priced for the budget traveler (y'all know I'm pumped about that)!

Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows (which gives you an amazing view of the parks) and comes with a personal tablet that allows you to control the lights, tv, and air conditioning- all without leaving the bed! Aventura Hotel also has Universal Orlando Resort's first-ever rooftop bar and grill! The views from up there are amazing!! One other thing that y'all will probably love most about this hotel- there's a Starbucks in the lobby!

As if you haven't read enough to make you want to stay here, guests of Aventura Hotel receive some exclusive benefits! These benefits include easy park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal's Volcano Bay, Free shuttles to and from the parks, complimentary merchandise delivery (they will deliver anything you buy from the parks to your room), and complimentary Universal CityWalk access! There are even more benefits, but theres are the ones we took advantage of during our stay!

Universal's Aventura Hotel | Chasing Cinderella Blog
Universal's Aventura Hotel | Chasing Cinderella Blog
Universal's Aventura Hotel | Chasing Cinderella Blog

What We Did:

Universal CityWalk - The CityWalk is one of my favorite things about Universal Studios! It's at the entrance of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, and is hope to the giant "Universal" globe. It's full of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment! It's open until 2:00am everyday, so it's the perfect spot to hang out after the close! 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - To be honest, we didn't really spend any time anywhere besides the Harry Potter parks! If you are a Harry Potter fan, you won't want to leave either! The rides are so much fun, and the decorations are incredible and makes you feel like you are actually there!! 

We started in Diagon Alley, where you will find the fire-breathing dragon, and the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride! We then rode the Hogwarts Express (which is a ride in itself, and is a great way to transport you from park-to-park if you have 'park hopper' passes), and ended up in Hogsmeade, where you will find the Hogwarts castle and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. Everything about each ride (including waiting in line) is absolutely amazing and worth every penny! Both parks are also full of Harry Potter inspired shops and restaurants! Oh, and don't forget to try some Butterbeer! 

Pro Tip: You can buy an interactive wand and cast spells all over the parks!

Pro Tip #2: Spend the extra money on the Express Pass! You will be able to skip all the lines and it is 100% worth it!

Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary | Chasing Cinderella Blog
 Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary | Chasing Cinderella Blog
Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary | Chasing Cinderella Blog
Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary | Chasing Cinderella Blog

Where We Ate:

Voodoo Doughnut - I have always wanted a Voodoo Doughnut, but thought they were only out west. So when I found out there was a store at Universal's CityWalk, I was so happy! And believe me, it did not disappoint! So many fun doughnuts to choose from, and so delicious!

Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches - We were starving one night after visiting the parks so we decided to grab some food at one of CityWalk's many restaurants before heading back to the hotel. We ended up at Break Box and I had a very delicious grilled cheese!

Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley - This was probably my favorite meal we ate because hello, Harry Potter inspired! We grabbed Bruch at the Leaky Cauldron one morning and it was everything I could have asked for, and more! You could tell the cashier absolutely loved his job because he never left character! And the restaurant really felt like we were inside the actual Leaky Cauldron! 10/10!

We didn't have a chance to stop at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, but after seeing pictures of their amazing milkshakes, it is definitely at the top of my list for my next visit!

Universal Studios Orlando Travel Diary | Chasing Cinderella Blog

Have y'all ever been to Universal Studios Florida?! What is your favorite part?!

Thanks so much for reading! xo


SHOP UNIVERSAL OUTFIT:


Thank you Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels for sponsoring our trip!

20 comments:

  1. It has been ages since I've traveled to Orlando! Your trip looked so fun.

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  2. I've been dying to go back to Universal since i moved back from Florida!! It's so magical and VooDoo doughnuts was always a must stop spot for us!

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  3. I love Universal! My husband and I were annual passholders up until last month. We recently stayed at Sapphire Falls but saw the Aventura Hotel across the parking lot. The windows look amazing haha – looks like such a cool view.

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  4. Looks like so much fun. I have never been. Loved all your pictures.

    ❥ tanvii.com

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  5. Looks like you had a great time!! I'm going to Disney this weekend and am now even more excited after reading your post!

    xoxo Sarah

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  6. Love this so much! Butter Beer is amazing and so is Harry Potter World!

    Cheers,
    Steph
    @trendyinindy|trendyinindy@gmail.com

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  7. I've never been but I want to go! I love voodoo donuts though!

    Briana
    https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

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  8. You're making me want to go! So fun!

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  9. omg my dream is to go to the wizarding world of Harry Potter,I hope to go there next year!! Very nice post, loved reading it

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  10. I've always wanted to try butter beer! I think an adult theme park trip to Orlando is in the cards for me :)

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  11. How fun! I want to visit Universal Studios so bad. I will have to use your guide.

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  12. This looks like such a fun trip! I really want to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’m hoping to make it there soon!

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  13. This was soooooo fun!! Can we go back asap??!!

    xo, Hillary | hillheady.com

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  14. That hotel sounds awesome!! I love that the views are of the parks! Makes you want to go back out there and have more fun!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

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  15. Sooo fun! I just came back from a Disney trip where we spent a day in Universal. Totally agree that the Express Pass is 100% worth it!

    xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco

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  16. I think I may actually cry with happiness if I ever get the chance to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It would be a dream come true!

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  17. I haven't been to Universal in years but I need to go ASAP! I'm so glad you ladies had fun!

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  18. This is making me want to visit again!! Sounds like an amazing time. xo

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  19. You were in my hometown :) I'm so glad that you has so much fun and great job capturing it all!

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  20. This is literally one of my most favorite places on earth! I can't wait to go back! Looks like you had a great time. XO

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