By Fairy Diva
While most of us here at Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos focus on offering helpful tips and news on all the happenings at Walt Disney World, there is another very magical theme park destination just minutes away from The Most Magical Place on Earth! That destination is Universal Orlando, and I can tell you from personal experience that this destination has SO much to offer! My family absolutely loves both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure tremendously. We have yet to try out the latest addition, Volcano Bay, but it is on our must-do list. And while we consider ourselves Disney experts, planning for Universal Orlando is a bit different and definitely does not mimic the planning style of a Disney vacation. This is where The Unofficial Guide: Universal Orlando 2018 comes in! This book is packed from cover to cover with all of the information you need to have a seamless and exciting visit to Universal Orlando.
Hogwarts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Unofficial Guide: Universal Orlando 2018 contains ten distinct sections offering a wealth of information that will be especially valuable in planning the perfect Universal vacation. Want to know the ins and outs of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Need to know the best plan to get the most out of Seuss Landing with your little ones? What is TapuTapu at Volcano Bay? How do you get to experience a ride on Hogwart’s Express and what is needed to do so? All of this and SO much more is covered in this great guide. This book is divided into ten main parts, focusing on the more important details of a vacation to Universal Orlando.
Part One: Planning Before You Leave Home
This is where the magic begins and is possibly the most important part of a successful vacation- the planning! Knowing what to expect, how to navigate and what is needed to fully experience the parks is so important. Grab your copy of The Unofficial Guide: Universal Orlando 2018 as the first step in planning.
Part Two: Accommodations
There are several benefits to staying in one of Universal’s onsite resorts. These benefits, as well as lots of information on these locations, are all listed in this great guide. Needing to save some money and stay off-site? Suggestions on that are offered as well!
Room at Hard Rock Hotel located at Universal Orlando
Part Three: Arriving and Getting Around and Part Four: Bare Necessities cover basic information needed to begin your Universal Orlando vacation.
Part Five: Universal Orlando with Kids
Universal differs from Walt Disney World in so many ways, and this section is definitely helpful for those taking kids to Universal Orlando. Things to consider, strollers, lost children, and more topics are discussed in this section. Most importantly (to me at least) is the discussion of scary attractions and shows at Universal. There are definitely some rides and shows that are too intense for little ones and these are described and discussed to perfection in this guide to help you determine what your little one may or may not be ready for. Also, Universal, like Disney, offers a rider switch service, which is also covered in this part of the guide.
Parade at Universal Studios Florida
Part Six: Dining and Shopping at Universal Orlando
Between the theme parks and CityWalk, there are tons of dining and shopping options to choose from. Part Six of The Unofficial Guide: Universal Orlando 2018 breaks down each place with tons of information including both full service and quick service dining locations. Don’t forget to try the Butterbeer!
Part Seven: Universal Studios Florida and Part Eight: Universal’s Islands of Adventure focus solely on the attractions and shows located within the two parks. A list of not-to-be-missed attractions, descriptions of each ride (including tip specifically related to each ride) and maps are included. Special events are also detailed.
Universal Studios Florida Entrance
Universal’s latest addition is discussed in Part Nine: Universal’s Volcano Bay. Attractions, dining and how to make the most of this park are all covered.
Part Ten: Universal Orlando CityWalk covers the plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment options offered within this exciting area.
The Unofficial Guide: Universal Orlando 2018 concludes with some handy touring plans based on a variety of time and park preferences. I have come to love all of The Unofficial Guides to many destinations, and was so excited to have the opportunity to review this brand new addition for Universal Orlando 2018. And you have the chance to win a copy of your own!
GIVEAWAY: Would you like to win a copy of this Unofficial Guide for yourself?? Great news, we’ve partnered with the Unofficial Guides to offer one lucky Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos reader a copy of their own Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2018. First, you will need to sign up for the Unofficial Guide newsletter here. Then use the Rafflecopter link below to confirm your entries. You will need to “LIKE” each of the Facebook entries for those to count. All entries will be verified. The winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. GOOD LUCK!
Here are some of the other reviews completed by writers here at Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos.
If you are looking to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World in 2018, check out Devo CabDisney’s review here.
The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2018 has been reviewed by Toy Story Fanatic Devo.
And Pixie Hollow Diva shared her review of The Unofficial Guide: Walt Disney World with Kids 2018 here.
Ready for your next vacation? Contact Patricia with All for Dreams Travel to assist with your trip!
*Disclaimer: Lilliane Opsomer from The Unofficial Guide series provided me a complimentary copy of The Unofficial Guide: Universal Orlando 2018 to review. She has also generously allowed Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos to give away another Unofficial Guide book to our readers. I received no other compensation for my review, and opinions are completely my own.
