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Universal Orlando: 5 reasons 2023 is the year to visit!

Spring has almost sprung and that means it's time to get your 2023 vacation plans on the books. If you're still thinking about the perfect destination to visit this year. Here's 5 reasons you should consider the Universal Orlando Resort for your family's adventure.


 


#1 - You'll feel like a Rockstar when you stay at one of Universal Orlando's 8 Resort Hotels.

If you know anything about Universal Orlando's onsite resort hotels, you know there is no place to stay like there. From Universal's Endless Summer - Dockside and Surfside Inn and Suites all the way to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, there's a place that's perfect for every family. Here's a few examples on what these resorts have to offer:

If you're looking for a way to treat your little ones to a stay that will have them chillin' like a villain (a cute little yellow villain that is) ... A Despicable Me Minion themed family suite at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is here to "save the day." Sleeping up to 5, the adults can wind down in their space that features a King bed and lounge area, while the kids hang out in their very own Despicable Me connecting room.



If technology is your thing, Univeral's Aventura Hotel has all the bells and whistles.
At this modern marvel, a special tablet located inside the room controls just about everything. Plus, you'll feel like the king of the world when you book a Skyline View Room, and use that tablet we mentioned, to open your blinds each morning to survey "your kingdom" ...your Universal Orlando kingdom.


Looking for a place that offers space for the whole family and then some? The two-bedroom suites at one of the two Universal's Endless Summer Resorts have you covered! Sleeping up to 6, these suites feel like a beach retreat. Featuring two bedrooms (one room with two queen beds and the other with one single queen bed), a kitchenette area, a picnic table to snack at, and a bathroom with separate bath and vanity areas.

One VERY important thing to remember is when you stay at a Deluxe hotel onsite (Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel) you'll get to enjoy complimentary Universal Express Pass Unlimited for your time in the parks. Not only is this great savings, but it's also the perfect way to maximize your day by saving time in lines!

#2 - Your taste buds will thank you.

At Universal Orlando tasty treats are around every corner. From food trucks inside the parks to quick service eateries, all the way to award winning restaurants, finding the meal that's right for you is never hard.

At breakfast time, you can grab a quick bite at your Universal Orlando Resort hotel or take a trip to Universal's CityWalk to enjoy a doughnut like no other from VooDoo Doughnut Orlando. Here you can try more than 50 types of doughnuts daily. Try one of their signature originals and one-of-a-kind delectables like the original Bacon Maple Bar®, the Dirt Doughnut and the Memphis Mafia.


At lunch, why not venture to Universal's Islands of Adventure and step into your own mythological quest... the quest to fill your stomach... at Mythos. "This award-winning, full-service restaurant offers exceptional modern cuisine in a mythical setting that sparks the imagination. Featuring a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American fare, Mythos' casually elegant menu includes options like Greek salad, pad Thai, sandwiches, burgers, and more. There's also a separate children's menu for little ones."

Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando

At dinnertime, the Universal Orlando CityWalk is one of the places to be and we know the perfect place to end the day and satisfy your sweet tooth. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen offers both savory and sweet at this full-service restaurant, bar and confectionary. "Indulge in classic dishes like steak and seafood ...but make sure to save room for the grand finale. Its chefs create culinary alchemy with gourmet chocolates, artisanal milkshakes and sumptuous sundaes. It's a 19th century themed dream, and a truly fantastical feast."

This is just a few things you can treat yourself to, so make sure to talk to your MMV agent about other dining options that will delight your palette.



#3 - Fun in the sun has never been this cool.

When you're planning your Universal Orlando getaway it's easy to focus on the two main theme parks, Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure. But if the temperature is up (and it's Florida so it mostly is) you'll be shortchanging yourself if you skip over Universal's Volcano Bay.


If you're thinking to yourself, "It's just a water park."... you're wrong! This is a water THEME park. It has everything from thrills to chills, so that everyone big or small has a splish-splash blast!

For the thrill seekers, Ko’okiri Body Plunge will test your limits. "Featuring a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet of white-knuckle fun, this dizzying descent ends with a watery tribute from Vol (the volcano god) himself." But, make sure you save a little bit of bravery for TeAwa, The Fearless River! This is not your average "lazy river." In fact, we would call this a not so lazy river. TeAwa is so fast you'll be required to put on a lifejacket before entering the river. So, hold on tight and have some fun!


For those that like to keep it chill and soak up some sun, time at Waturi Beach is calling your name! It's a great place to relax the day away, while you watch the shimmering water of the lagoon.

Another great option for those that want to enjoy some shade is a cabana rental. At Volcano Bay you can rent a "Single Cabana Unit" that holds up to 6 guests or a "Family Suite Cabana" that holds up to 16 guests! "Each retreat offers padded lounge chairs, a small refrigerator stocked with bottled water, complimentary fruit and snack basket, towel and locker service, plus concierge service with an exclusive menu of food and drink delivered directly to the cabana. One-story and two-story retreats are located throughout the park."


If renting a cabana on your next stay seems like the right thing for you and your party, get with you MMV agent for more details on how to secure one for your next Volcano Bay visit.

#4- One-of-a-kind events and entertainment are always taking place!

No matter what season you choose to plan your Universal Orlando vacation, you're in for a good time! In Spring, let the good times roll and enjoy some time at Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. On select nights in February through April, catch some beads during the parade and take in live music preformances by some of the hottest names around. You can also sample flavors of everything from the Bayou to Brazil.

Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando

In Fall, take someone's hand and get ready to scream... because Halloween Horror Nights will bring the fright and delight. Experience some of your favorite horror films by stepping inside the terror. Please note: This is a separate event ticket and can be scary. Universal warns that this is not for the littlest adventurers. While there is no age limit for this event, if you plan to have a hauntingly good time at HHN, you may want to plan ahead for members of your travel party that are under the age of 13.


In winter, the Holidays return (or should we say WHO-lidays). Your family and friends can enjoy the "biggest, loudest, awesomest" holiday of the season. From the Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular you'll be fa-la-la full of holiday cheer. Plus, you don't want to miss Universal's holiday mascot Earl the Squirrel.



On top of all this fun, you can experience special separate ticketed events like the Rock the Universe concert series and the Grad Bash! Get with your MMV agent for a list of things that will be taking place during your stay.

#5- There is something for everyone!

From Spongebob Squarepants and The Simpsons, to Dreamworks characters like Trolls and Shrek, Universal Orlando has you covered. Seriously... where else can you step into the world of Jurassic Park or into places like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

No matter how big or small, this amazing destination has something for everyone!