The Wandering Paw’s Quick Stats:
Location: Orlando, Florida
Duration of Stay: Weekend
Travel Style: Theme park sprint and Content creation mission!
Best Time to Visit: March and October (before the peak summer heat during Halloween horror Nights!)
The Arrival & First Impressions
Orlando has a very important place in my heart. Being there means that I will be creating the greatest memories alongside the people I love, and it has never let me down, not even during the rainiest of seasons. There is just something in the air, knowing that not far, one will be able to transport themselves to a different universe.
The vibe is beautifully chaotic, with a deep immersion into the most beautiful places written by humans. No matter how many times I visit, the sheer scale of details throughout the parks leaves me speechless.
Top Highlights - Where the Paw Wandered
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogwarts Castle - Island Of Adventure
It would be nearly impossible to pick a favorite between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Each Harry Potter area has a charm to it. I enjoy walking around Hogsmeade Village and finding myself in a never ending winter town. The magical spots in which you can use your wand are incredible. I personally love the one with the Cornish Pixies. It's by the lockers of the Hagrid’s Ride. It's very interactive, and it's a short game in which you have to take down the mischievous little fairies. I haven’t played that one until this trip, and I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining it was.
yummy porridge with fruits and croissant!
When it comes to eateries, I have had the opportunity to eat at the Leaky Cauldron and also at the Three Broomsticks. I feel like the Leaky Cauldron is more a breakfast place and Three Broomsticks has better lunch options. At least in my case, I loved having the rotisserie chicken salad during my October trip. This time around, I had porridge with fruits and a yummy English tea. I know it sounds very boring, but it is a very filling, healthy breakfast. This will settle any stomach when going through the motions of roller coasters. So yeah, I like to play it safe.
Butterbeer Waffle!
Temprie, on the other hand, ordered the sweetest and newest thing on the menu! Butterbeer waffles … and may I say, they were absolutely delicious!! They had the perfect amount of sweetness to them, and with a bit of butter, added a dash of saltiness that made it extra yummy! I only had a few bites because, as I said, I like to play it safe when it comes to my very delicate stomach. But I do wish to learn how to make them at home so I can enjoy them whenever I want!
Epic Universe
The Burning Blade
The newest Universal Theme Park is a beast on its own … Epic Universe is truly something unlike I have ever seen before. It absolutely lives up to the hype. This place is fully interactive, and no matter which land you are going into, you will feel fully immersed in its wonder. Out of all the areas, even though I am a huge Harry Potter fan (not a fan of the author), my favorite is Darkmoor! I feel like everything about it is truly a work of art. I wish there was a whole park dedicated to monsters because they are so incredible. The possibilities will be endless.
The invisible man
As if this place wasn’t incredible enough… we get to see the characters walking around and interacting with the crowd. They are an incredible addition to the area. Even though the others also have this, there is nothing like meeting the monsters that have haunted generations.
Fun fact: I am actually terrified to interact with the actors, but I love watching videos of others interacting with them, haha. Maybe one day I will get the guts to speak to Igor!
The Monsters Unchained ride is my favorite ride of all. It's a fast line. Rarely you got to wait for more than 15 minutes; usually, it's a walk on. It's such a fun ride. It has all the iconic monsters, and it follows a very interesting take of the story, giving it also a nice modern update, in which it would explain why all the monsters are in there together. Also, it's very motion sickness friendly. It has two moments in which it spins, but they only last a few seconds, and from then, it's fully enjoyable.
Tip: Make sure to keep your head in place and not wear anything that can hurt when it bumps into the chair, like hair clips.
Orlando Informer
I had no idea this event existed. Temprie was lucky enough to find tickets just in time for our visit. It all lined up perfectly, and we got to enjoy a long park day, starting at 8 am all the way until 11 pm!
This event pretty much felt like a VIP experience in which you get to check out Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios after hours. There are barely any people to make the park feel remotely busy, so you get to experience the parks in a different way. It's nice and empty, and you can experience it all so much better. Wait times are basically nonexistent, and as if that wasn’t amazing enough, you also get free food... yes, I said... FREE FOOD. It was amazing to try a little bit of everything the parks have to share with the public!!
Popcorn cupcakes I didn’t get to try because my tummy hurt, they look yummy though
Through the Lens
During this trip I was able to capture wonderful spots. I was also able to see things through my lens I had never spotted before. It was truly a new experience that I highly recommend for your visit. Stop, look around and zoom in! You never know what little detail might take your breath away!
Most Photogenic Spot: Hogsmeade Village and Epic Universe 1920s wizarding Paris
Photo Tip: Early Access is the best time to take pictures at Hogsmeade Village, and for 1920s Wizarding Paris, it is best to go at night, at almost closing time. The area is almost empty, and it looks absolutely wonderful at night.
This was a little later than early access! pic taken by Temprie
The Practicalities
Getting Around: We were able to move around in the Universal shuttles. They are clean, quick, and have their own route, so you are met with no traffic.
Where to Stay: We love the Stella Nova because of how close it is to Epic Universe. We get to walk right into it and come back to the hotel quickly when needed.
Bites & Brews: I loved the Butterbeer waffle and a Peach Fizz drink!
What to Pack: Always pack UV protection (hats, sunscreen, shirts), keep a small first aid kit in your bag for emergencies, and most importantly, stomach meds. You never know when everything is going to find its way out of your tummy.
The Final Verdict
The Reality Check: The only thing that didn’t live up to its hype, which I decided to skip this time around… was the Battle of the Ministry ride. The line is way too long for what it is. In my head, it's not worth it. I'd rather let Temprie go single rider. Got to wait less time, and I get to walk around in the meantime and take pics from the area.
Overall Rating: 4/5 Paws! Wish it was a longer trip. Wish I had more prep to be able to walk without any leg pain, haha.
Would I return? A million times YES. I love being in the parks. There’s nothing like it!
Have you ever been to Universal Studios parks in Orlando? Drop your favorite spots in the comments, and don't forget to check out more of my photography on Instagram @pawxpi.nekolife !
