IS THE UNIVERSAL EXPRESS PASS WORTH IT?

If you're planning a trip to Universal Studios, you’ve probably wondered if the Universal Express Pass is worth the extra cost. After spending a full week at all three Universal Orlando parks and using the Premier Annual Pass (which includes Express access after 4 p.m.), we’ve had plenty of time to see how it works—and if it’s really worth it.

JAWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY NEW PHOTO OPS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO

As a huge fan of jaws, I was excited about Universal Studios Florida rolling out a wave of epic photo‑ops and immersive props across the San Francisco (Amity Island) area this summer celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws.

A temporary "Little Amity" area has been installed in the San Francisco zone (near Chez Alcatraz), complete with vintage signs, lanterns and nautical décor recalling the former Amity Island ride zone

Must‑Capture Photo‑Ops

10 Things you may not Know You Could Do at Universal Studios Orlando

I have been to Universal Studios 7 times and thought I had a pretty good idea of everything it offered.  I was surprised to find out that there were hidden areas and little details I had not noticed in the past.  

Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, here are 10 things you may not  know you could do at Universal Studios Orlando.

Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

 

On this visit to Orlando, we decided to stay at Cabana Bay again because of it's proximality to Volcano Bay.  The last two visits to Orlando we spent most of our time at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  This time, we wanted to spend more time at Volcano Bay.

 They added the same level of detail for Volcano Bay that they did for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Universal wants the visitor to feel as though they have stepped onto this island paradise. 

The first thing you will see once you  have made your way through the entrance is the view of the volcano which stands 200 feet above the park. 

REVIEW OF UNIVERSAL'S CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT

We had a great experience during our 5 night stay at Cabana Bay. The hotel was great!  There is a free shuttle to and from the park with a short wait time

I have stayed at three Universal resorts and this one hands down has the best shuttle service.  The busses were continually running which was not my experience at the two other resorts.  The view of the Volcano at Volcano Bay was amazing.

Parked outside the lobby near the entrance are cars from the 1950s.  The lobby is huge and the walls are covered with bright murals carrying the 1950's theme throughout the resort.

PHOTOGRAPHING BABIES @UNIVERSAL STUDIOS.

When visiting Universal Studio (or any travel destination) with a baby, it can be a challenge getting good photos of them.  Especially when they are just babies and can't walk or even sit up unassisted.

My grandson was 6 months old when we visited Orlando, Florida.  Here are some of the trip and tricks I used to get some great photos of him.  

GET A VARIETY OF PHOTOS

TIP #1 - Get photos of them interacting with the characters

Capture them making eye contact with the characters.  This is one of my favorite photos.

Little Man loved touching the fur on the characters.  You will see him reach over and touch their furry hands.  

Some children may be fearful of the characters.  Don't stop taking photos if they cry or make funny faces.  Of course, I'm not suggesting that the kids be forced to interact with the characters, I'm saying if they hide behind your legs because they are shy ( like I was) , get that photo.  It will be fun for them to look back on when they are older and their girlfriends or boyfriends visit.

With interaction photos, the point is the capture their true reactions, not just the ones that look "good."

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - BUILDINGS

Who doesn't love Universal Studios?  It's an amazing, magical place and I could have spent days there just take photographs.  One of my favorite places to photograph was the "New York" area.

Sometimes we get so engrossed in taking photos of the kids, that we forget to stop and just enjoy the scenery.  I had my grandson with me when I spotted this area.  He and I strolled up and down the streets enjoying the buildings.  

Here is a map giving you an idea of where this section is located.

When you get to this area of the park, take time to look around at all of the work that went into this buildings. 

WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER WORLD @ UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

I'm not a  huge Harry Potter fan.  I have never read a Harry Potter book or watched the movies so I wasn't really expecting to be that impressed with Harry Potter World in Orlanda.  

I knew it would be awesome because it's Universal Studios  but I was absoutley blown away. 

Hi, my name is Shelia,  I'm a 52 year old grandmother, and I am addicted to Harry Potter World and frozen Butterbeer.

We were there one evening and one day.  I highly recommend being there in the evenings when it starts getting dark ouside and they turn the lights on inside of the buildings. 

 You will notice the difference when you look throught the pictures below.  It turns a wonderful magical place into a mystical place.

BUDGET LODGING IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA

How do you find budget lodging in Orlando?  That's one of the most asked questions when planning your Orlando vacation.  

There are several budget hotels near the attractions and you will need to consider if you plan to visit several attractions or if you plan to stay in one area.  We planned our trip around visiting Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  The hotels around this area can be expensive, especially if your have specific needs.  For example, we needed a hotel with a kitchenette since we had a baby and needed to be able to keep and heat formula.  We were also planning to be there 5 days and wanted to be able to prepare food in the room.