Happily Adventures After | Home of HAA Disney

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

It’s London and Welcome back to Happily Adventures After! It is great to have you back here.

As you know, each week, we will bring you a Happily Adventures After “HAA Disney: Top 10”; a podcast style discussion about a specific Top 10 in each area.

This week, we are stepping outside of the Walt Disney World bubble again and going over to Universal Orlando Resorts. We are only going to focus on Happily Adventures After’s Top 10 Tips Universal Orlando Resorts as a whole; including the Parks, City Walt and the Resorts. I’ve been to Universal Orlando only a hand full of times in my life, therefore I cannot get into the nitty gritty of it all. I can however speak on my experiences there and what I have seen from it to provide an overall top 10 to you! I hope we can go over to Universal Studios Orlando some more, to get more of a Top 10 countdown for each of the parks (especially when Epic Universe opens!) as well as the resorts!

So, Without further ado, in no particular order, here are the HAA Disney: Top 10 Universal Orlando Resorts!

1. Universal Studios Orlando – Men In Black Alien Attack

Men in Black Alien Attack is an interactive ride in the World Expo section of Universal Studios Orlando, where guests become trainee agents tasked with protecting Earth from an alien invasion. Boarding sleek six-passenger vehicles, riders use laser blasters to zap animatronic aliens throughout the streets of New York City, competing for points against the vehicle next to them. The ride culminates in an epic showdown at Men in Black Headquarters, complete with impressive animatronics and a humorous storyline. Personally, this ride is one of my favorites and a big reason I want to visit Universal alone. As a huge Men in Black fan, I love the immersive experience and the competitive fun of trying to blast aliens for the highest score, especially when I can ride it multiple times without distractions.

2. VelociCoaster Queue

VelociCoaster is an exhilarating roller coaster in the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort, where you join a high-speed chase alongside fearsome Velociraptors. While I’m terrified of riding the coaster, I absolutely love the queue! It’s one of the best interactive experiences I’ve encountered, immersing guests in the world of Jurassic World with impressive raptor-themed displays and lifelike animatronics, including Blue and Delta. The tension builds as you pass through the raptor paddock, and the storytelling keeps me engaged—even if I don’t ride. For a fan of the movies like me, it’s worth a visit just to soak in the incredible atmosphere and details!

3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort boasts two enchanting lands dedicated to the Harry Potter franchise: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Each area transports guests into J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, with Diagon Alley welcoming you through the Leaky Cauldron and featuring iconic shops like Ollivanders and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Here, you can experience the thrilling Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride, which combines dark ride elements with coaster thrills. In Hogsmeade, set against the majestic Hogwarts Castle, you can explore shops like Honeydukes and enjoy the breathtaking Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. The Hogwarts Express seamlessly connects the two lands, allowing you to travel between them while enjoying scenes from the films.

I absolutely love these areas at Universal Orlando Resort! Even though I’m not a huge Harry Potter fan and haven’t read the books or watched the films, I’ve absorbed the magic through family conversations. My mom, who has visited before, agrees that the theming here surpasses anything Disney has done. The incredible attention to detail creates an authentic atmosphere, making it a phenomenal experience. I can’t wait for the Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe to open! The anticipation for this new addition is exciting, and I’m eager to see how they’ll bring this iconic location to life!

4. The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man at Islands of Adventure

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is a thrilling dark ride located in the Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal Orlando Resort. This multi-sensory attraction combines 3D animation, live-action, and special effects, immersing guests in a high-stakes adventure with Spider-Man as he battles villains like Doctor Octopus and the Green Goblin to save New York City. With dynamic storytelling and cutting-edge technology that includes motion simulation and real-world effects, it feels like you’re swinging through the city alongside Spider-Man.

I absolutely love this ride! Although it makes me a bit nauseous, I enjoy the Marvel universe, and this attraction truly brings that excitement to life. When I start to feel queasy, I simply take off my 3D glasses and focus on enjoying the 4D experience. It’s a unique way to appreciate the ride while still feeling the thrill!

5. Universal Orlando Resort’s Churros

Churros at Universal Studios Orlando are a delicious snack that perfectly embodies the fun of the park. Served warm and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these treats offer an irresistible sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Their crispy exterior and soft, chewy center create a delightful contrast in texture, and you can often find them at various snack stands throughout the park, making them a convenient grab-and-go option.

I absolutely love these churros! I find them much better than those at Walt Disney World, and I can’t wait to try Disneyland’s churros someday. For me, these churros are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a fun snack that brings back the excitement of Universal Orlando. Just thinking about them makes me want to return to the park for that sweet, cinnamon-y goodness!

6. Commitment to Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando is a premier annual event that transforms the park into a thrilling nightmare every fall. Known for its immersive haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, and live entertainment, it features collaborations with iconic horror franchises, creating themed experiences that attract fans worldwide. Each haunted house boasts stunning designs, special effects, and talented actors, while scare zones add to the adrenaline rush with unexpected scares.

Personally, I don’t want to attend Halloween Horror Nights. I’d only consider it if my cousin, who loves Halloween and scary things, wanted to join me, and even that feels like a stretch! While I’m not a fan of spooky experiences, I can’t help but admire the incredible attention to detail Universal puts into this event. Although I may never experience it in person, I love watching walkthroughs and videos from AllEars and Mammoth on YouTube each year, enjoying the creativity without facing my fears!

7. Universal Studios Resort Refillable Mugs

Universal Studios Resort Refillable Mugs are a convenient and cost-effective way to stay refreshed during your park visit. Priced around $15.99 plus tax, these durable mugs offer unlimited fountain drinks, iced tea, and even ICEEs throughout the parks for the length of your ticket. I love the sleek design featuring iconic Universal branding and the option to refill them at designated locations, making it easy to quench my thirst as I explore.

What really excites me is the reactivation option, allowing guests to bring their mugs back for a nominal fee on future visits. This eco-friendly approach not only saves money but reduces waste, too! Personally, I think Universal’s refillable mugs are much better than Walt Disney World’s, especially since they include ICEEs—one of my all-time favorite treats. I genuinely believe this idea should be brought over to Disney; it would be a game-changer for guests looking to stay cool and hydrated during their magical adventures!

8. Universal Orlando Resort Express Pass

The Universal Studios Resort Express Pass is a fantastic option for guests wanting to maximize their time in the parks by skipping regular lines at most attractions. There are two types: the Single Use Pass, allowing one-time use at each attraction, and the Multi-Use Pass, which lets you skip the line multiple times throughout the day. It’s a game-changer during peak times, helping you enjoy more attractions with shorter wait times. Personally, I think the Express Pass is the only way I would visit Universal Orlando. It’s such a great benefit, especially compared to Walt Disney World, as you don’t have to reserve times in advance or deal with app notifications. I love that some annual passes include it, and getting it free with premium hotel stays is an awesome perk. I believe Walt Disney World could improve their Lightning Lane system by adopting a more flexible approach like Universal’s!

9. Customer Service after Experiences

I wanted to highlight the impressive corporate customer service I experienced with Universal Orlando Resort. After sharing a negative experience during my April 2024 visit in my “Week in the World” blog, I was pleasantly surprised by their prompt and apologetic response. They generously provided me with complimentary Express Passes and tickets, allowing me to return and retry the Universal experience. This level of commitment to guest satisfaction reflects their dedication to improving customer experiences and encouraging repeat visits, which I believe fosters loyalty among guests. I truly appreciate their proactive approach to creating positive experiences for all visitors!

10.  Universal Orlando Resort Layout

I really appreciate the layout of Universal Orlando Resort. The central parking area makes it easy to access everything, and the single security checkpoint streamlines entry into the parks, enhancing the guest experience. Once inside, the pathways branch off nicely, allowing for simple navigation between the parks and CityWalk. Speaking of CityWalk, it’s a fantastic spot for dining and entertainment before or after your park visits. The variety of options and lively atmosphere add to the excitement of the Universal experience, making it the perfect complement to a day at the parks!

As we wrap up our HAA Disney: Top 10 Tips – Universal Orlando Resort, it’s evident that knowing what to expect can significantly enhance your experience. From immersing yourself in the thrill of attractions like Velocicoaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man to savoring delicious snacks like churros and refreshing ICEEs, each tip we’ve shared is tailored to help you make the most of your time at Universal. Whether you’re exploring the richly themed areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or indulging in the lively atmosphere of CityWalk, these insights are designed to ensure your adventure at Universal Orlando is unforgettable!

At Happily Adventures After, we’re excited to help you make the most of your trip to Universal Orlando Resort and your overall favourites. We’d love to hear from you—what are your top tips for enjoying Universal? Have you encountered any surprises that these insights might help with? What’s your favourite snack or attraction?

Join the conversation on our blog and podcast as we continue to explore and share the magic of Disney. Your stories and insights enrich our community, and we can’t wait to hear about your adventures. Stay tuned for more tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at all things Disney right here on Happily Adventures After!

Have a blessed and amazing day,
London