Universal Orlando Summer 2024 Vacation Deal

 

It's not too late to plan a great summer vacation. Look what I found:

4 nights at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort + 4 day park to park tickets. Under $2000 for a family of 4 this June!

A $50 per person deposit secures your Universal Orlando vacation package.

Universal Orlando Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts

 

I am so excited that new resorts are coming to Universal Orlando in 2025!

Stella Nova Resort will begin welcoming guests on January 21, 2025

Inspired by distant galaxies, new stars and mysterious black holes

Terra Luna Resort will begin welcoming guests on February 25, 2025

inspired by the massive and diverse planetary elements of the universe

These two new resorts will be adjacent to the new Universal Epic Universe theme park, that will open later in 2025. Of course these resorts will offer convenient and complimentary shuttles to Universal CityWalk and Volcano Bay. You'll also get all the other benefits of on-site guests like Early Park Admission, resort-wide charging privileges, and more!

These resorts will be in the Prime Value category so they will not include complimentary Express Unlimited Passes like the Premier Resorts.

Click here and let me know what you think about the newest resorts coming to Universal Orlando!

How Does the Deposit Work for a Universal Orlando Vacation?

 

If you've booked a Disney Vacation, you're probably aware that the deposit is always $200. Whether you have 1 person in the room or 6 people in the room, it's always that.

Universal Orlando does things a little differently. The deposit is $50 per person. So if it's a party of two, it only takes $100 to lock in your Universal Orlando Vacation Package!

Another difference is that final payment is due 45 days prior to travel (Disney is 30 days.)

If you want to get a reservation off the market, but aren't ready to commit to the deposit, just like with Disney I can put a Universal Orlando Vacation package on a complimentary hold for you for 3 days.

If you've been dreaming about visiting Universal Orlando, I'd love to help! Fill out the following form and I'll be in touch soon with some no obligation vacation quotes: https://forms.gle/QQQE77LhiTt7dQDWA

Perks of Using a Travel Agent

 

Did you know as your Travel Agent, I can not only recommend great dining for you but I'll also book it?

Just like all the goodies at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in CityWalk, you're just too sweet to have to worry about booking your own reservations

Click here and let me know if you've been to Toothsome or if it's on your bucket list!

Christmas Time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 

What is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter like for the holidays? It's so magical and a must for any Harry Potter fan!

Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley are festivally decorated.

There's a dazzling projection of holiday spirit at Hogwarts Castle.

The Frog Choir sings seasonal song.

There's special drinks and treats.

Plus the temps are so much more enjoyable in Orlando this time of year!

Click here if you are ready to look at options for a holiday Universal Orlando vacation!

Great Quick Service Meal in Universal Islands of Adventure

 

There are so many great quick service options at Universal Orlando but my go-to is always the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure!

The beef pasties with the garden salad are sooo good!

I get an order of their seasoned wedge fries too, very good.

A butterbeer potted cream is a MUST!

And are you really in the Wizarding World if you didn't get a Butterbeer to drink?

Click here if you're ready to start planning a Universal Orlando Vacation!

Universal Orlando Premier Resort Perks

 

You know when we talk about the perks of staying at a Premier Resort at Universal Orlando we typically focus on the Express Pass Unlimited being included. Which don't get me wrong, that's probably the biggest perk for me, but the proximity of these resorts is also unbeatable.

This photo was taken right off the walking trail from the Premier Resorts to the front entrance of Universal Studios. Yep, you literally turn off the path and it's right there! And do you notice anything about this photo? Like the lack of people. The walking trail + Early Park Admission puts you getting there to be one of the first families into the park. Not only do you get first access to attractions, but you get some great shots of your family without hundreds of people in the background too.

Don't want to walk? That's okay too! Water taxis will drop you off in the heart of City Walk, putting you a short distance from the park entrances!

Can You Do the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in One Day?

One of the top questions I get asked about Universal Orlando is, “Can I see all of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day?”

While I can’t always say you’re going to get to see and do everything in one day, because there’s just so many amazing things to see and do, but I do have an itinerary that will help you set a game plan for your must-do’s to so you can maximize your time!

Just another one of those reasons to have a Travel Agent in your corner

 

King Standard Room at Universal's Aventura Hotel

 

While Aventura falls into the "Prime Value Resort" category at Universal Orlando, it definitely does not feel like a value resort. The tower is very luxe and even the standard rooms are very comfortable. The beds are incredible!

Standard 2 Queen Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

I am a huge fan of Universal Orlando's Premier Resorts. Loews Royal Pacific Resort is absolutely beautiful and if you peep the background, you can see just how close it is to all the actions! Other on-site perks at Premier Resorts include: Free Universal Express Unlimited, Early Park Admission, Complimentary Water Taxis to CityWalk that drop you off steps from Universal Studios, and more!

Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade

I love the Three Broomsticks. It's my favorite spot to grab a quick bite in Islands of Adventure! 

Breakfast at Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley

 

If you are a fan of Harry Potter visiting the Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks are a must! The details are so much fun, but the food isn't too bad either!

The Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley

 

The Hopping Pot is a great spot to stop and grab a Butterbeer ($7.99) or other fun drinks and snacks!

Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley

 

There is nothing better than grabbing an ice cream from Florean's and waiting for the dragon atop Gringotts to go off (which happens every 15 minutes.) This Chocolate Strawberry Peanut-Butter Sundae ($7.49) has strawberry peanut-butter ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream and shortbread crumbles. It was DELICIOUS!

Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios Florida

 

Mel's is so much fun! We love to look at the vintage cars and who doesn't like somewhere that offers a rootbeer float?

Finnegan's Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida

 

Finnegan's does not disappoint! The food, the entertainment, it was all terrific.

Pat O' Brien's at Universal CityWalk

 

Honestly, my expectations for Pat O' Briens was not very high. We were just looking for somewhere with some fun nightlife, and that part did not disappoint. The atmosphere was a lot of fun and pianists were all terrific the night we dined in!

Eternelle's Elixir of Refreshment in Diagon Alley

 

Honestly, I've always felt like this was a little too gimmicky for me, but my husband loves a gimmick...which is how we ended up with a $10 water...

Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk

 

It's not a trip to Universal Orlando if you didn't get a donut from Voodoo Doughnut and take a picture in the donut chair! I grabbed a Dirt Donut ($2.95) to take back to my room one evening. It's a raised yeast doughnut with vanilla frosting and Oreo cookies. SOOOO decadent and delicious.

Pro Tip: If the line to get in is really long, you can place a mobile order from the app and grab your donut order at the pickup kiosk in CityWalk!

Bay View King Room at Universal's Loews Portofino Bay

 

We just got back from a very cold, but terrific Universal Orlando Vacation! We stayed at Loews Portofino Bay in a Bay View King Room. I'm excited to share that with you here!