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It had been way too long since I’d visited the Universal Orlando resort. I finally rectified that situation with a weekend trip to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure last week. My daughter and I experienced basically every major attraction in those parks and had a great time. I cover everything we did and my thoughts on the resort in this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast.
I begin with a clip that I recorded before we left for Orlando about my expectations. Then I dive into specific topics like the dining, our unfortunate stay at the Hyatt Place, and Universal Express. Purchasing the line-skipping service for one day allowed us to enjoy so many attractions with almost no wait. I describe whether I think that service was worth the cost and how it compares to similar offerings from Disney. There’s a lot to cover before even getting into the rides and shows.
A majority of this episode is just my reactions to all the attractions at the parks. It was my first time experiencing both the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Without giving away too much, I’ll just say there’s a reason both are so popular. I also saw the Bourne Stuntacular and rode Skull Island: Reign of Kong and the “interesting” Fast & Furious: Supercharged. It was a packed weekend that had so many cool moments. I can’t wait to get back to Universal Orlando especially to see the new Epic Universe park this year.
Show Notes: Universal Orlando
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Listen to my interview with Seth Kubersky in Episode 248 of the Tomorrow Society Podcast about the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2025 and Epic Universe.
I am bummed you didn’t just stay at Surfside or Dockside for the same price. Great bargains. Early entry, and the bus.
Yeah, in hindsight I think that would have been a better choice. Probably wouldn’t have made early entry just given how quickly we got moving, but it would have likely been easier for sure. I think that in the future I would do that if it’s a similar situation where Royal Pacific is that pricey.
I’m an LGBTQ+ pastor and advocate. And I think you expressed well your view on Potter a lifelong theme park fanatic, Diagon Alley is unlike anything else I’ve ever seen, even at Disney. I do not forgive “she who shall not be named” at all, ever. So I didn’t spend money on anything that might get royalties for her. But it was incredible to experience the lands .
Thanks Brian! I’m with you on disagreeing strongly with her views, and I understand if anyone wants to skip the lands entirely. But I try to strike a similar middle ground and still appreciate what’s been created at the parks.