Planning a Universal Studios Vacation

This site might be called Disney Planning with Katie, but there’s more to vacations than Disney. That’s why, as a Hi Ho Vacations planner, I also specialize in Universal Studios vacations. While a number of my guests like to visit Disney and Universal in one trip, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t plan your entire vacation around this thrilling, exciting entertainment resort.

Universal and Disney have a lot of similarities when it comes to building a vacation package. You have the option of staying on property or off property. Booking early ensures you’ll have first pick. You can add a dining plan. There are options to bypass long lines. And there are incredible opportunities to build memories to last a lifetime.

But, first things first, you need to know about Universal Studios.

Universal Studios – Orlando is made up of three parks that require tickets for admission.

Universal Studios

This is one of two “land based” parks. Here, you’ll find Racing Through New York Staring Jimmy Fallon, Rip Ride Rockit, Transformers: 3D Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Simpson’s Ride. Think Hollywood-style entertainment in a theme park. You’ll find a number of major metropolitan “lands” including New York, San Francisco, Hollywood, and even Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone.

Of course, one of the main attractions is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In Universal Studios, you’ll have access to Diagon Alley – the one-stop shop for all your wizarding needs. See the bank where wizards stash their gold in Escape from Gringotts, and sip some frozen Butterbeer (non-alcoholic) at the Leaky Cauldron. If you want to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station, you’ll have to invest in a Park-to-Park ticket because Hogsmead is in Islands of Adventure.

Islands of Adventure

This is the other land-based park. Even more fully-immersive, you’ll find Jurassic Park, Marvel Island, and Seuss Landing. It’s also home of fan-favorite The Hulk roller coaster. And, if you’ve ever dreamed of meeting a velociraptor, you’re in the right place.

For Harry Potter fans, the snow-capped roofs in Hogsmead take you into the magic. You’ll get to see Howarts Castle and experience an incredible journey that brings the books and movies to life on the Forbidden Journey ride. If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, consider riding the Hogwarts express back to Diagon Alley because the ride back to London isn’t the same.

Volcano Bay

If water parks are your thing, Volcano Bay is one you don’t want to miss. It’s a jaw-dropping, heart-stopping experience designed to maximize your time. With virtual lines, you’ll get to play while you wait. Enjoy intense stomach-dropping water slides, and lazy river that it’s exactly lazy, and tube slides that don’t require you to wait for a tube and carry it up multiple flights of stairs.

With this Tapu Tapu band, you’ll be able to play while you wait in a virtual line!

If leisure is on your agenda, you can still look forward to a lazy-lazy river, wave pool, sandy beaches, and fabulous cabanas with all the amenities you need for a water park day.

And, the littles are sure to enjoy Volcano Bay just as much as the bigs. With an interactive splash area inside the volcano, Runamukka (run-a-muck-a) Reef complete with geysers and dump buckets, and a few other surprises throughout the parks, everyone is sure to be happy!

Where can you stay?

This vacation planner recommends staying on property so you can take advantage of all your options. After touring the properties in November, I can wholeheartedly say that I would be happy to rest my head at any of the resorts at Universal Studios-Orlando. Clean and state-of-the-art come to mind. With immersive experiences at each location, you’re going to want to keep coming back to experience each resort in it’s own splendor.

Premier Resorts:

At these locations, you’re staying closer to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and City Walk. You have the option of walking, riding the bus, or hoping aboard the water taxi. You’ll get priority seating at restaurants. AND, my favorite part: you get the Express Pass Unlimited for your stay. Did I mention, you’ll also get Early Admission to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios?

Premier Resorts include Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel.

Preferred Resorts:

Here, you get to enjoy the ability to walk, ride a bus, or take a water taxi to the theme parks. And, with your stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you can also take advantage of the Express Pass Unlimited as well. Guests also enjoy Early Admission to parks. If you’re looking for a fun experience, let’s take a look at the Jurassic World Kids’ Suites at Royal Pacific.

With the Loews Royal Pacific package, you get to enjoy a quality resort experience for a moderate price AND get an Express Pass Unlimited for your entire stay!

Enjoy your stay in a Caribbean-inspired island escape at Loews Sapphire Falls. Not eligible for the Express Pass deal, Sapphire Falls is a quick walk to Volcano Bay and offers a wonderful pool sure to make an “off”-day worth your while.

Prime Value Resorts:

Looking for a budget-friendly resort? Universal’s Prime Value Resorts will make you feel like you’re splurging without breaking the bank. Discover modern design with a twist at Aventura or throw it back to the 50’s and 60’s with Cabana Bay. Cabana Bay is the perfect option for larger families with family suites that sleep up to 6. Prime Value resorts offer bus transportation to the parks and are within walking distance to Volcano Bay. If you’re comfortable walking a little more distance, you can also walk to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Enjoy Early Admission when staying on all resort property, including Prime Value Resorts.

Value Resorts:

Universal has recently rolled out the red carpet for the ultimate budge-conscious traveler. Introducing Endless Summer Resorts, guests can enjoy Surfside Inn and Suites beginning July 2019 and Dockside Inn and Suites beginning May 2020. Transportation and Early Admission is also available to these guests.

You’ll see that every resorts is conveniently located near all Universal parks. With the first of the Endless Summer resorts debuting in the summer of 2019, you have even more options!

What are you going to eat?

Universal Studios resorts offer plenty of dining options, including quick meals or sit-down affairs. Citywalk is also a great place to find delicious, unique meals for every taste. In fact, Margaritaville, Cowfish, VooDoo Donuts, and the Chocolate Factory all come to mind. When you’re making reservations, you’ll be able to call up to 30 days before your planned visit. Don’t forget to consider character meals as well

Dining Plans

Universal Studios offers dining plans, and while it isn’t available to use on every Universal property, you do have the option of adding a day here and a day there. It makes your parks days a little more convenient and gives you the option of traveling off property without letting a dining credit go to waste.

For all of the participating locations, take a look here.

Universal Dining Plan

You may add on the Universal Dining Plan to any vacation package. This includes 1 full-service meal (entree, non-alcoholic beverage, and dessert), 1 quick-service meal (entree and non-alcoholic beverage), 1 snack, and 1 non-alcoholic beverage.

Universal Dining Plan – Quick Service

This is available to any Universal guest – including those without a vacation package. For $24, you’ll get 1 quick service meal, 1 snack, and 1 non-alcoholic beverage.

A quick service option at the Leaky Cauldron with a frozen butterbeer as a snack credit!

Universal Dining Plan – Quick Service + Coca-Cola refillable souvenir cup

This is available to any Universal guest – including those without a vacation package. For $30, you’ll get 1 quick service meal, 1 snack, 1 non-alcoholic beverage, and unlimited refills for a day with your Coca-Cola souvenir cup. *You may purchase the refillable cup only for $16.

Booking your stay

A deposit of $50 per person is required to hold your reservation. Transportation is available to purchase if your need accommodations to get to and from the Orlando airport. Be sure to give your travel agent your flight information and arrival/departure time so she can set it up ahead of time for you.

Your full payment is due 45 days prior to your stay. Universal Studios offers travel protection, so it’s a good idea to talk about your options if you are concerned about flexibility.

Once my guests are a month away from their trip, I like to send a packet filled with tips and suggestions for making the most of their stay. Knowing that some trips only happen once-in-a-lifetime is something I never take for granted. If you only try Butter Beer once, I guaranteed you’ll feel you’ve lived a full life!

Cheers!

That one time when I didn’t let my conscience be my guide.

My family just got back from a magical winter vacation to Walt Disney World. Having just visited for a work trip a month prior, I had a clear head and some really awesome expectations.

But, like every Disney vacation, there are moments that send you rocketing off into the planning Tomorrowland where itineraries go to die. In this case, it all began on Main Street USA with a Christmas cookie.

We planned this trip to take our boys to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Taking in all the sights and joys of Christmastime at the Magic Kingdom was our top priority, and all I wanted was a picture in front of the castle at nighttime, a spectacular view of the show and parade, AND front row seating for the moment it snowed on Main Street. Was that really too much to ask?

Every planner in her right mind knows that there are some sacrifices that have to be made to make something like this happen. Usually, it’s a good two hours of time sitting on the curb to guard your parade spot like a starving mamma bear trying to keep her cubs alive.

My camera view of Cinderella’s castle. I may or may not have my arms extended over my head.

And, we were essentially one hour too late.

By the time we rolled up to Main Street, we had to settle for second row (third if you count the giant, empty City Mini stroller in front of us) and a big, old blind spot of the castle. Still, we settled in, ordered our dinner via the mobile app from Casey’s Corner, and tried to control our rowdy boys while they blew bubbles with their Mickey wands in the faces of innocent (ok maybe not-so-innocent) bystanders.

After a good hour, we watched others squeeze through rope lines and make way into standing-room-only spaces minutes before the parade. Not only were a number of guests not-so-jolly, they could possibly have been mistaken for Scrooge (before his ghostly revelations).

And so, I ask you, who do you think enjoyed the Christmas celebration more? My family after standing on a curb for an hour instead of rocking the Magic Kingdom sights, or the people who casually walked up and caught a glimpse of Santa and his eight dancing reindeer?

And, as a mom with young kids, I KNEW this. I knew that the key to our magic moments aren’t in fretting over what we saw and how we saw it. It was more about capturing magic in our moments. I don’t have any plans to skip parades anytime soon; however, this trip made me realize that the best parades are caught on side streets with my kiddos atop my husband’s shoulders. My boys don’t know what they are missing or that the best views of the castle comes from the front row. Because my favorite view is the look on their faces.

There’s that smile…

And so, for Christmas this year, I didn’t get my picture in front of the castle. I didn’t get my front row spot for the parade. And standing at 5’3″, I didn’t have a chance in Fantasyland to see more than the spirals of Cinderella’s castle.

How about Tomorrowland with a sleeping child for my Christmas cards?

I simply woke up the next day and tried again. We managed to get a few wonderful photos with Santa at Hollywood Studios. We watched a street show from behind the performers. And, we dodged Green Army Men as they marched through the crowds of guest in Toy Story Land. Disney gives you showtimes and parade routes, but it has a way of making sure that you don’t miss out if your timing is off. So go ahead and let you conscience be your guide. Don’t fret when you aren’t front row. That just means that you got to ride Space Mountain one more time than the other guests.

From Black Friday to Cyber Monday and beyond!

I take gift buying very seriously. So, if you’re like me and try to find the perfect gift for everyone, I’m here to help! Not only will you win the title of best gift-giver for the next decade, I’ll also wrap a nice little bow around your gift to fit it perfectly under the tree.

This year, GIVE THE GIFT OF CHEER WITH MICKEY EARS!

Now, more than ever, is the time to plan your next Disney Vacation. With some amazing additions to the Disney Parks attractions, you’ll also find unique, one-of-a-kind cruise offerings for 2019. Whether you’re looking to relax on the tropical sands in Aulani or venture to foreign lands with Adventures by Disney, I’m here to guide you from HAPPY HOLIDAYS to WELCOME HOME!

This Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Beyond, book any Disney Vacation* and recieve:

• FREE vacation planning,
• Customized itinerary,
• Professional advice along with the industry’s best tips and tricks,
• Personalized Mickey ears (Please book before December 12 – with some exceptions-to arrive in time for Christmas) to put under the Christmas tree,
• And, a personal post card from Mickey inviting your guests to vacation with him!

Book between now and Christmas to take advantage of this offer. KatieB@hihovacations.com

*Disney Vacations include a minimum of three nights with ticket package at any Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, any Disney Cruise Line package, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa, Adventure’s By Disney.

Ask about this offer for Universal Studios too!

Let me plan your vacation – for FREE

Fail to plan, plan to spend time on hold.

One of the biggest misconceptions about working with a vacation planner to book your Disney vacations is that you have to pay additional fees. That’s simply not the case. I’m always telling potential clients that Disney pays me so you don’t have to. It’s not that you can’t do it yourself, it’s a matter of whether or not you want to study up and comb the web for deals and discounts, spend – potentially – hours on the phone and internet booking reservations, and making changes to your trip. Disney wants to you enjoy every moment of your vacation from the beginning stages to the very end when you’re downloading your photo pass photos for your memory book. As a travel agent, I’m there to help even after your return flight brings you home.

Here’s why you should let a vacation planner handle your Disney vacations for FREE…

• It’s FREE, FREE, FREE. I can’t say that enough. Many moons ago, I too, was skeptical. But, when my family first began traveling to Disney, I never once regretted booking with a planner AND I actually paid less because she knew the in’s and out’s of discounts and when to travel.
• You’ll get the best tips and tricks. Not only does your agent travel to Disney on a regular basis, she attends training and webinars with the most up-to-date information. Disney is constantly changing and it is not an easy thing for your average traveler to keep up. Don’t waste fast passes on rides that don’t have lines. Get insider information on the best table service spots and most delicious snack options.
• Customized itineraries are going to save your trip! Every family is different. If your family loves Star Wars and can pass on princesses, you’ll want to know which parks and attractions to add to your list.
• Feeling the pressure to get dining reservations and fast passes? Let me get up bright and early to snag those. At Hi Ho Vacations, we pride ourselves in making customer service our best quality and this is just one of the perks.
• Your planner is just a phone call away – even during your trip. I can fix things for you while you’re at the parks. Don’t wait to get home to share a snafu – let me know right away so Disney can fix it!
• I’ll price monitor details for your vacation up until the day you leave. While booking early ensures you get the best deal, discounts and add-ons often pop-up after you’ve booked your vacation. Don’t worry about keeping an eye out for those yourself. I’m constantly checking Disney for these things and I know who qualifies and if it’s going to give you the biggest bang for your buck.
• Decided to bring the grandparents along after all? Want to dine with some friends who happen to be in the area the same time you are? We can make changes to your reservation if you just ask! It isn’t always easy, so let me handle to tough stuff and link your parties without the hassle!

If you’re still not convinced, let’s chat! You honestly have nothing to lose! You can be in charge of as little or as much of you planning as you’d like. I’m here to guide to along the way. Consider me your personal concierge.

Contact me at Katieb@hihovacations.com.

RUN, don’t walk, to runDisney events.

Getting your steps in at Disney is pretty much guaranteed. But, when you’re ready to take it to the next level, a runDisney event may be in order.

Where do you begin? I’d say there are two routes to go: 1) Pick and race that tickles your fancy, or 2) decide what time of year you want to travel.

Disney World Marathon
January 9-13, 2019
Registration opens July 10, 2018 at noon ET/ 9 am PT

First up, and probably the most recognizable event is the Disney World Marathon Weekend. Don’t let the word Marathon intimidate you if 26.2 is outside of your endurance zone. This is, however, the only Walt Disney World marathon available. You also have the option of completing a half-marathon, 10k, 5k, and even entering the kids in their own race. Each event takes place on a different day so that just in case you have it in you, you can complete the Goofy Challenge (complete the full and half marathon) or the Dopey Challenge (complete the full marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 5k events). This weekend-long event takes place the beginning of January (right after the kiddos return to school from winter break). In 2019, the dates are January 9-13. Be sure to stay on top of when registration opens (July 10 at noon ET/9 am PT) to secure your spot!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
February 21-24, 2019
Registration opens August 7, 2018 at noon ET/ 9 am PT

You’re cordially invited to the royal running event of the year! The Disney Princess Half Marathon is a race fit for princesses and princes. The course includes guest appearances from princesses and your traditionally fabulous Disney entertainment. In addition to a 13.1 mile course, you’ll have the option of completing a 10k, 5k, or the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge – (half marathon and 10k in one weekend!). A Kids Run will also take place of all of the little prince and princesses.

Star Wars Rival Run Weekend
April 4-7, 2019
Registration opens August 28, 2018 at noon ET/ 9 am PT

Let the power of the force send you to a galaxy far, far away – or maybe just 13.1 miles through the Magic Kingdom to Epcot. The Star Wars Rival Run Weekend is a springtime event that will feature all of your favorite Star Wars characters along the course. If a half marathon doesn’t tickle your circuit board, choose to run the 10k or 5k. Show your true light or dark side with the Star Wars Rival Run Challenge – complete the 10k and half marathon!

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 1-4, 2018
Registration is open!

If you can’t wait for 2019 races,  I have good news for you. The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend still has spots available for 2018. Making it easy to burn off those exclusive Food and Wine Festival dinner calories, the half marthon, 10k, 5k, or half/5k combo is available to full-fill all your foodie dreams! November is also a great time to visit the parks because you’ll get to take advantage of cooler temps.

*If swag is what you’re looking for, you’ll get medals; you’ll get t-shirts; you’ll get after parties; and you’ll get exclusive access to your favorite characters and photos! Read the links to find out more.

Before you go…

Training for the race is all you need to do when you have a Disney Vacation planner on your side. Let me help you choose your resort, and when you schedule your rest days for FREE. After all, this is still your dream vacation! Race you to the finish…

Ch-EARS!
Katie