After the first amazing day of the Family Forward conference, there was planned time for us to visit both parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Orlando Studios.
Today we focus is on Universal Studios. I hadn’t been to Universal Studios in exactly 9 years, in fact, the last time I was at Universal Studios was the same Florida trip where my boyfriend became my Fiancee. How appropriate that we celebrate our 7th anniversary there too. 🙂
A World Of Change
The park has changed SO much in 9 years! Honestly, when I visited 9 years ago I felt like there was a lot of rides from lots of old movies. All FUN rides but I was missing the modern flair of the theme park. I am so happy to say that Universal Studios has not only gotten an amazing face lift, but they have ALL the coolest rides!!
Classic and New Rides
One of the first rides we got on was the Shrek Ride, and that one is an oldie but a goodie. Next we jetted over to the Minion Mayhem ride because the boys are simply obsessed with the Minions…I mean who isn’t?! The great part was that since we were staying on property at the Lowes Portofino Bay Resort, we got to get on the express line on most of the rides! This was especially handy with a 2 and a 5 year old in the unbearable August Florida heat.
Fun For The Littles
There was also a really great kids area that included rides with Curious George and Woody Woodpecker. The 2 year old just–by a hair–made the 36 in height requirement of the Woody coaster so we rode that one several times, he’s a little daredevil that one is.
The Simpsons!
The husband and I were most excited to visit Springfield aka the area based on “The Simpsons” cartoon. The area opened in 2013 and can I tell you, it was SO COOL to explore! My hubby and I were like little dweebs while the kids had no idea what we were so excited about as they had never seen the cartoon. It was so true to the series, and yes, we had a Krusty Burger. And it was DELICIOUS! By far one of the coolest areas I have ever seen.
[Tweet “See why @UniversalOrl is perfect for big AND small kids–Adults too! Here’s why!”]
Everybody is so gaga over the Harry Potter areas, and we loved it too, because of the artistry and the detail. We did ride the Flight of the Hippogriff several times, because it was a fun quick roller coaster that the boys could not get enough of.
Parades
One thing I appreciated about Universal Studios were the pop up parades that happened what seemed like every hour! We saw 3 parades while we were at the park. I loved the bright colors, the characters, and how open and friendly they were for pictures after they performed.
Final Thoughts
While we were there we got to ride some classic rides like E.T.but we spent the entire day riding rides and enjoying fun characters. The initial worries I had about the park being too “big” for the kids was wiped away. I could see adults to children having more than enough to do at Universal Studios. The park was crazy fun without being overwhelming. You could do multiple rides over and still have time to relax and enjoy the scenery. This park gets an easy thumbs up from me and I can’t wait to go back soon.
Stay tuned for my in depth review of Islands Of Adventure and why it may be my favorite part of Universal Studios Orlando!
12 comments
That is too funny about ‘Springfield’ and the Krusty Burger!!! We didn’t do Universal when we visited Disney two years ago, so clearly we need to make a return trip! Love all the highlights and great pictures.
Omg, you totally didn’t need to twist my arm and have so wanted to go for awhile now, especially now that I saw your pics of the Simpsons there 😉
I ‘ve been wondering what there is for kids Pookah’s age to do at Universal Studios. Thanks! We will add this to our agenda next time!
Your kids are adorable as ever…
Ahhhh how fun! Like you I was last there with my then BF, now hubby back in 2002 right after I graduated from college. We loved Universal so much that we went back for a separate trip. I can’t believe it’s so long and thank you for sharing your experience. You totally put it back on my radar!
I’ve never been to Universal Studios but would love to go someday! I love the minions. They are the best characters ever! Your photos look great!
I hadn’t been in over ten years so I was surprised they got rid of Jaws and King Kong! I sound so old. I LOVE E.T. but Scarlet SCREAMED on there more than any other ride. Ever.
I’m a bit wimpy for most of their great rides, but Cassidy had a blast. Said nothing at Disney compares.
I want to go see the updated Harry Potter stuff!
I love all of the pictures – the boys look like they are having so much fun!!!
I am still trying to get to Disney world lol but this looks like so much fun. I love the Simpsons and can’t believe they have been on for so long.
I haven’t been to Universal in over two decades! Looks like you all had a great time…but the best to me was the picture of you and your littlest one. Too adorable!
I live right next door to Universal Studios Hollywood, but… I have a feeling THIS Universal Studios is like 2394398794827 x better!
So cool! I haven’t been down there since I was 5 and so that was almost 40 years ago! Yikes! Glad you guys had fun!