Location: Orlando
Day 1 - 4 Jan 2022
Beachline West Barrier Toll Plaza
Content: As winter started to dominate in Chicago , we decided to fly to Orlando with kids to explore theme parks of Universal Studio. Here we landed and no regrets .. what a sunny day ride. Can’t wait to check in.
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
Content: We chose Hard rock resort at Universal. Very good resort. We chose it because it’s within theme park so no transportation issue and one of the biggest benefit is it includes free unlimited express pass for all guests. If you of a group if 4 people spend 3 days in parks then it’s 1200 usd value… so technically your stay is free. We highly recommend this property.You can’t finish all the attractions if you don’t have express pass. COVID : Masks are required within closed areas. Cleanliness is maintained Room cleaning is awesome All guests follow mask rules in
Beachclub
Content: This is poolside bar at Hard rock. The drinks and food are amazing. It’s pricey though. The servers were very friendly. We had spent rest of the evening at the pool. There’s was a ping pong table set up .. we enjoyed playing if for some time.
Tabla Restaurant
Content: For dinner we researched and found this Indian restaurant . It was very close by and spent 10 dollar for Uber one way. You can walk there, 20 mins walk may be.The place is serving indian Chinese and North Indian food. We were so happy that we ate here. The food was amazing, service was amazing, bit pricey but absolutely worth it.
Velvet Bar
Content: Live music at velvet bar. This is open till 2 am.
Location: Orlando
Day 2 - 5 Jan 2022
Universal Studios Florida
Content: The real fun begins. We entered in theme park after brunch at hotel. Took pics at iconic globe of Universal Studio. We bought our entry tickets and roll in. COVID: Masks are mandatory inside closed areas and during all rides. People wear masks most of the time Staff follows procedures Sanitizers are everywhere Overall felt good about safety
Knight Bus
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Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Content: This is the first attraction we did. I would recommend this if you have kids 10 n under. Finish the simulation in 10 mins due to express pass . The regular wait was 40 mins. Kids took pics with minions. It is Very happy start of the day.I
MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack
Content: This ride is total fun for all of us. You will have fun and each person has to shoot aliens during your adventure through .. can have small family competition .. The secret is keep holding the trigger and shoot in the eyes to get maximum points.
Mel's Drive-In
Content: We walked to hunt for our next attraction. Found this restaurant themed as classic American style place. Took some pics there.
The Simpsons Ride
Content: It was fun .. we enjoyed it.
Fast & Furious: Supercharged
Content: This was super fun ride. Thus simulation is themed on fast and furious characters rescue your vehicle. Totally must do attraction.
Duff Brewery
Content: Picture time..
Moe's Tavern
Content: Took pics with some of the characters on the way.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley
Content: Enter in Harry Potter area. This is most popular area in the park. Harry Potter ride here is the best in this park in my opinion. This are will take couple of hours to fully explore.
The Hopping Pot
Content: We were looking for very famous butter beer. We had an option of hot regular and frozen butter beer. We chose regular and loved it. Lot of people has question about whether it has alcohol or not. We inquired and confirmed there is no alcohol and it can be offered to children.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Content: This is must do attraction. This is or most favorite attraction. Kids loved it. Took 15 mins to finish the ride.
Revenge Of The Mummy
Content: This is the scariest simulation among all. We did it loved it. There is rise and backward fall. Took pics with some characters after finishing the ride.
Universal's Horror Make-Up Show
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Transformers: The Ride - 3D
Content: My son is a huge fan of transformers. We enjoyed this simulation. It is one of the best and among the popular ones.
Transformer Meet And Greet
Content: There is a line to take picture with bumble bee after the ride. It took 15 mins to finish it. You can take pic on your phone and there is park photographer also taking picture. You have an option to purchase the pic. The price ranges from 35 to 100 depends on your selection. We were happy with our phone pic so didn’t buy any.
E.T. Adventure
Content: This was our last ride. Worth to visit one time.
Spongebob Storepants
Content: The pic outside SpongeBob store.
Fireworks @ Universal
Content: The parade starts at 5. We stand at the place which was the end point. It was worth watching the parade. It demonstrates all the characters with music and dancing.
Agave Azul
Content: We found this restaurant near by. The reviews were great. We reached there and hog the table without reservation. We thought food was ok compared to price. Not impressed.
Location: Orlando
Day 3 - 6 Jan 2022
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Content: This is the day we reserved for island of adventure. While walking from our resort we came across Hard Rock Cafe and few other restaurants. If you are guest at Universal resort you can also take water taxi from resort to come to the park.
Islands Of Adventure Trading Company
Content: Took some pics at the entrance. Park is pretty clean. All inside adventure required masks. People follow mask rules.
Port Of Entry Christmas Shoppe
Content: While going to main attraction area you will pass through the small themed shops and you can’t take pics.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Content: One of our favorite is Spider man ride. My son is huge fan of spider man and this ride was all over his expectations . We loved it.
Marvel Superhero Island
Content: Right outside of spider man ride we got opportunity to take pics with Spider man and Captain America. Kids are really excited.
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
Content: The next area is toon town. This is water ride. If you dont want to get wet please bring ponchos with you. If you buy there they are 12 usd for adults and 10 for kids. There are dryers you can’t use paying 5 usd. Unfortunately this ride was under maintenance while we were there and we couldn’t enjoy this one.
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
Content: This is also water ride. This has steep fall.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Content: This is good ride. At the end you will get little wet with one fall but overall we enjoyed it.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry
Content: This is the premium area of the park. If you don’t have express pass I recommend you to come here first and finish attractions.This ride is our no 1 favorite. You have to put your bag and belongings in the locker. The lockers are free and can be accessed using park tickets. There is a size restriction for the ride. You should make sure you fit in the ride seat before you waste time in the long line. This was up and down quick turn and motion ride but not scary roller coaster. No one should miss this.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Content: This main town. You can enjoy butter beer here. This is scary roller coaster with back fall. Very popular attraction of this area. Be ready for at least 90 minutes wait if you don’t have express pass. Only my wife did it in our family 😄.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Content: It is worth only if you have very young kids and interested in Dr Seuss.. we passed this area and spend very little time here.
Doctor Doom's Fear Fall
Content: This is in Marvel area. 5 mins wait. My son enjoyed this. We skipped Hulk ride as it was too scary for us. This was our last ride for the day and we returned to the Hotel.
Hard Rock Hotel Beach Pool
Content: We relaxed at the pool area. As we stayed at Universal property we enjoyed the fire works from the pool area. Isn’t it amazing 😍?
Coco Thai
Content: We were very tired and decided not to go out for dinner. We ordered Uber eats from Coco Thai. Food was amazing . Their green curry and khaosay noodles were mind blowing.
Location: Orlando
Day 4 - 7 Jan 2022
Voodoo Doughnut
Content: We found out about this amazing doughnut plaice. We decided to go in the morning before we go to Magic kingdom. The doughnuts were amazing. It’s in Universal down town area. After this place we go to Uber pick up drop of spot which is at Jurassic park parking lot level 5. Our ride came in 5 mins and we left for Disney.
Location: Bay Lake
Day 4 - 7 Jan 2022
Transportation & Ticket Center Security Check
Content: We reached at Disney. Unfortunately we found out Disney Magic kingdom is no more giving entry in Magic kingdom as it was at capacity. This sound Ike new rule after COVID. We advise to book your tickets in advance for the day. All other parks were open .. they try to sell us other parks but we were not interested. Our kids were very disappointed and we decided to go to Disney spring.. If you ask attendant they are kind enough to show you free bus which will take you to Disney Springs.
Location: Lake Buena Vista
Day 4 - 7 Jan 2022
Disney Springs
Content: This is Disney down town. Lot of stores and restaurants and bar. We spent the afternoon here.
The LEGO Store
Content: We visited Lego store and spend some time here taking pics.
The BOATHOUSE
Content: This place is fun. They have different vintage cars which will convert into boats. You get into the car take pics and the captain will drive the car right into lake which will become boat and they will give you ride of the lake. Very interesting,
Pizza Ponte
Content: Balloon ride at Disney spring area.
DisneyStyle
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Food Truck Park
Content: This are is for street food trucks. There is Me Ivan food, Mac n cheese and hot dog trucks. Food was average.
Location: Orlando
Day 4 - 7 Jan 2022
Tabla Restaurant
Content: We liked this place so much that we came again here on our last day. Food was extra ordinary. We get back to the hotel after dinner. This is our last night in Orlando and catching flight to Chicago tomorrow. Morning. It was truly fun experience we had in COVID time. We loved it ❤️❤️.