We recently had the opportunity to head to Universal Orlando Resort to experience their festive Holiday spirit, in conjunction with Norwegian airlines. We had such a wonderful time and it felt great to feel like you're experiencing your childhood again. We loved kicking off our Christmas this way and have listed 5 reasons why you should do the same!
1. FESTIVE DECOR
Universal comes alive with Christmas cheer, everywhere you look. We particularly loved the wizarding wonderland with it's themed decorations, garlands and lights throughout the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Cat in the Hat land also turns into who-ville! We didn't get time to witness sadly.
2. UNIVERSAL's & MACY'S HOLIDAY PARADE
We were invited to a Holiday Media Preview, starting with a Christmas dinner and even grinch donuts. Which were oh-so-tasty! Then we watched a fun and festive parade, in conjunction with Macy's, which involves over 30 larger than life balloons and floats, as well as 100's of dancers. Complete with fake snow falling! We can't wait to take our future children here one day and to see their reactions.
4. GRINCHMAS
How can it be Christmas without a bit of Grinchmas? We got to see a sneak peek of the new gorgeous set to Universal's Grinchmas Musical, "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”, as well as some singing from the Who's! You can find this at at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
We also got to have our own meet and greet with the mean, green one himself... Mr. Grinch! Highlight was Whitney getting to twerk with the Grinch. Pictures just do not do it justice, make sure you watch our vlog, ha! You can also have breakfast with the Grinch, how fun!
5. CHRISTMAS AT HOGWARTS CASTLE
Last, but not least, is witnessing pure magic at Harry Potter's Hogwarts castle. As night falls, you're in for a treat with a beautiful light projection display, with music, that dances across the castle. Truly mesmerising! Don't forget to grab a hot butter beer before going to watch. A perfect way to end your festive trip to Universal!
HOW TO GET THERE:
We flew with our favs Norwegian and greatly enjoyed Premium class again; how can we ever go back?! We learnt this time that each Norwegian plane comes with a historic figure on it's tails and aircraft, from countries that they fly to. Any guesses who is behind us? That's right, Jane Austen! (Megan loves her). On the way back we had Oscar Wilde, how fitting! Find out more about Norwegian in our LA blog post.
TICKETS:
Access to all Holidays festivities is included with admission to the parks or with an Annual Pass, which are now available with up to six months free. Visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/AnnualPass for details about special savings and block-out dates.
If you're wanting a last minute visit, then you can also take advantage of the Holiday Stay and Play Package, which gives guests $100 in savings on travel until 6th January 2019. The package not only includes five-night hotel accommodations, but also base admission to all three theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort – including Universal’s Volcano Bay.
GETTING TO THE RESORT:
If you're staying at one of Universal's hotels, and in particular Aventura or Sapphire Falls, then just jump on one of their boats that run frequently and take just a few minutes to get there. It's definitely a fun way to get there and they run late into the night.
WHERE TO STAY:
We got to stay at Universal's super modern and chic hotel, Aventura, that's in walking distance to Volcano Bay. It also has a pool and a great roof top bar. Everything operates from a tablet in the room!
Also, if you stay on-site at any of Universal Orlando’s hotels and receive Early Park Admission (with valid ticket to the parks) and complimentary transportation around the resort. Book here.
NEW YEARS EVE:
Psst. We hear that families can ring in 2019 at a rockin’ New Year’s Eve celebration at Universal Studios Florida, while adults (21 and up) can enjoy the upscale EVE celebration at Universal CityWalk.
We'll have a blog post soon all about the rides and what else Universal has to offer. We hope this blog has inspired you a trip to Universal for some festive cheer to kick off your Christmas celebrations!
MERRY GRINCHMAS!
Watch our vlogs from our super fun trip:
Part 1
Part 2:
*This blog post was in collaboration with Universal Orlando and Norwegian Airlines. All views and opinions are our own.
