The Harry Potter Hogwarts show at Universal Orlando (Image: Universal Studios)
When you step inside the doors of Universal Studios in Florida, something magical happens.
Whether it’s Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona or the cast of Trolls strolling around the new DreamWorks Land greeting children; the white-knuckle roller coasters enjoyed by adults and older kids, or the jaw-dropping live shows that mesmerise everyone, all the family will come home with a lifetime of memories.
Universal Studios stands apart as more than just your everyday theme park, operating beyond the standard nine-to-five. Offering a wildly varied array of dining spots and entertainment options, there’s abundant excitement to keep guests of all stripes engaged from dawn till dusk.
An evening stint at the park comes highly recommended for the recently unveiled Cinesational: Symphonic Spectacular or the enthralling Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Projection show. The Symphonic Spectacular, which took four years of meticulous planning, is an experience not to be missed, featuring an elaborate mix of fireworks, drones, breathtaking lighting, music, film, and water fountains serving as a canvas for projectionsits a nostalgic journey through Universal’s storied film history, touching on classics like Jaws, ET, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Shrek, among a litany of others.
The brand new Dreamworks Land at Universal Studios (Image: Universal Studios)
As someone who thrives on thrills, the rollercoasters at Universal are second to none. The Jurassic World-themed VelociCoaster hits speeds of 70mph and takes in four inversions and one terrifying “top hat” – a 90-degree ascent followed by a 90-degree drop. However, it was Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure that was the real scream for me.
But, it was the sheer exhilaration of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure that clinched the title of the ultimate scream inducer for me.
Costing a whopping $20million, the “story coaster” may only reach speeds of 50mph, but as you sit astride Hagrid’s motorcycle or in the sidecar, you’re whisked away on an exhilarating escapade through the Forbidden Forest, with speakers on each bike enhancing the experience with immersive sounds.
The attraction is located in the Hogsmead area of Universal, an absolute must for Potterheads. Yet, it was the spanking new DreamWorks Land that was our main attraction.
Aimed squarely at the youngsters, this part of the park boasts a kid-friendly roller coaster, hands-on play zones and a multi-sensory live performance starring favourites from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.
Universal Orlando DreamWorks land 2024PR HADNOUT (Image: Universal Studios)
The food outlets are quirky with Shrekzels and Poppylicious Pink and BroZone berry ice creams that the kids – and adults – will love.
Universal is so much more than cinematic magic, though – look no further than water park, Volcano Bay, where we spent a day. The water slides cater for all ages, too, from death-defying Kala & Tai Nui body slides, where the ground gives way and you plummet 200ft down the volcano, to the more serene lazy river.
You’ll have a day of fun, thrills or relaxation either in, on or beside the water. My favourite was the TeAwa Fearless River, where the current is so strong and you are pulled along at such a pace that life jackets are mandatory. The Krakatau Aqua coaster is a ride of engineering brilliance, combining water and magnetic forces that pull you up and along the track.
Universal offers a plethora of restaurants, shows, shops and entertainment, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
However, if relaxation is more your style, the various hotels cater to families with different budgets. We lodged at the mid-range, four-star Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls.
The resort also provides a water taxi service for easy access to the park.
The resort features a massive lagoon-style pool complete with a water slide, two sandy beach areas and a Caribbean-themed dining venue offering an extensive rum and cocktail menu along with South American inspired cuisine.
The Harry Potter Hogwarts show at Universal Studios (Image: Universal Studios)
A complimentary shuttle bus service to Volcano Bay is available, although it’s just half a mile from the resort and easily reachable on foot.
Orlando continues to be a top travel destination for families, ranking second on British Airways Holidays’ list of most searched package holidays in 2024. With so much to do, explore and experience, it’s not hard to see why.
For a holiday that promises a wealth of unforgettable memories, you simply can’t go wrong.
Book the holiday
- British Airways Holidays offers seven nights on room-only at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, from £1,249pp, travelling from Gatwick on selected dates in January. Book by November 27. Perks include Early Park Admission (with paid admission) and free park/Universal CityWalk bus transfers. britishairways.com/orlando
- More info at visitorlando.com universalorlando.com
