Last month I was invited to an influencer media trip to the Universal Orlando Resort and even though I was in the middle of my cross country move back to LA, I knew I couldn’t miss it! We had an amazing time which is why I want to share the experience with you even though if you follow me on social media, then you followed along live as well. Here’s a recap of our trip and you’ll see why YOU need to visit the parks this Summer!
On Friday we left from the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami in a shuttle and headed up north to Orlando. Once we arrived at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort within the Universal Orlando Resort Area, we checked in and were told to change because we would be headed to Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park for that afternoon. With no time to waste, because we wanted to enjoy the experience as much as possible, we headed to our rooms to change.
The rooms were absolutely beautiful and were very new as well, plus we had some pretty amazing views! Some of us had a view of the lake where the ferry can transport us to different areas within the Resorts, and others had a view of the pool area.
Once back in the lobby, we took the resort’s shuttle to Volcano Bay. Once we arrived, we were given a TapuTapu. A tapu tapu is a sort of watch looking bracelet that you wear during your stay at the water park and you use it to ride most of the attractions, open rental lockers, make cash-free payments and more. You mostly use it for the attractions and how it works is that you reserve a space on an attraction if it has a long wait while you discover other areas of the water park. Once your time is up, it vibrates letting you know it’s time to head to the attraction. It really is pretty cool!
After getting our TapuTapu, we were then escorted to our own private cabana where we were greeted with a beautiful and yummy welcome basket! After ordering some food and eating it as well, we then split up (because we all wanted to explore different areas) and headed to explore the park.
After spending the afternoon there, we headed back to the resort to get ready for dinner. After dinner at the Strong Water Tavern inside the resort, which was delicious by the way, we called it a night since we had to be up bright and early the next day because we’d be heading to explore both parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure!
What awaited us the next day was simply amazing and so much fun! After having breakfast at the Amatista Cookhouse which is also within the resort, we made our way to the parks. One of the cool things is that our resort had a dock at the lake where a ferry would take us to the entrance of the parks. No need to deal with parking or even shuttles. I mean, the shuttles can also take you but I find the ferry is much more fun and faster. We made our way downstairs and waited for the ferry. After a few minutes, we made it to Universal Studios Florida for a fun-filled day. Once we arrived, we were given a lanyard with our VIP Experience pass (which by the way, is something that you can add to your pass; no need to be a celebrity to be treated like one!) and off we went escorted by two VIP tour guides. You guys, all I can say is that I don’t know if I can ever go back to experiencing a theme park like a normal person ever again! LOL! For some attractions we were even taken backstage through the park in order to access it faster. Not only were we escorted throughout both parks, but we made no lines! NO LINES! That was because we were also given the Universal Express™ Unlimited Pass which automatically lets you cut in line. This can also be added to your theme park pass! I told you you don’t need to be a celebrity to be treated like one!
As if that wasn’t enough, we also had lunch in a special VIP designated area where there was sooooo much food that you don’t even know where to start first! So cool! Besides that and as part of our influencer trip, we got to try out the new Fast & Furious – Supercharged™ ride before it opened to the general public a week later! I absolutely loved it! You have to check it out next time you’re there! Besides checking out the ride before the general public, we also got a tour of the facility and some insider scoop by one of the creators of the ride! You can see more about that in the video at the bottom of this post.
After enjoying the park for a few more hours, we made our way to Islands of Adventure. We were all super excited about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade Village, and Diagon Alley! We took the Hogwarts Express in Universal Studios Florida which is a train that transports you to Hogsmeade Village in Islands of Adventure where you can explore the Hogwarts Castle! It really is super cool. I have to admit that is one of my favorite parts of both parks.
After enjoying the rest of the day at Islands of Adventure, we made it back to our hotel to get ready for dinner which this night would be at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen located in Universal CityWalk. The food was amazing as well as the atmosphere, and the desserts and milkshakes are a MUST! After dinner and before calling it a night, we headed back to Islands of Adventure to watch The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle!
The next day we’d all be heading back to our final destinations; some back to LA and others back to Miami, but not before enjoying our time there a little bit more. That morning before we all had some free time for the rest of the day before heading home, we all headed to the famous Voodoo Doghnut in Universal Citywalk where our VIP treatment continued since we didn’t need to get in line (because lines are huge there even at 8am!) We learned a little about the place from the manager himself and were then treated to pretty much all the doughnuts they offer! We even got to take some back home! My favorite was the one with Oreo cookie crumbles! Sooooo good!
It was an awesome and fun experience and I can’t thank Universal Orlando Resort enough for the invite as well as Hispanicize who made it happen. Definitely check out the Resorts and live your own VIP experience at the Parks this Summer because I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Check out the VLOG below of our fun-filled VIP weekend!
