Universal Studios Florida Trip

Sharing today all the details on a fun Universal Studios Florida trip! I get asked a lot about tips on Instagram, so I am breaking it all down here today! We have been to Universal many, many times but I have only written about it once on the blog. First, we need to clear the air on WHY to choose Universal. A lot of you are out of state and are planning a once in a lifetime trip and don’t have the ease of visiting both spots multiple times a year.

Read more about what I wore to Universal here and Disney here.

Sizing reference: I am 5’4″ and typically XS in tops and 25 in bottoms.

Why Universal is Better Than Disney

YUP, I SAID IT! Come at me Disney fans lol! Now, I am sure plenty of people would love to debate me on this but I think Universal is 100000x better than Disney! And no, I am not being paid to say any of this. I just feel passionately about my opinion. I would pick a day at Universal any day over Disney! The reasons being: Harry Potter World, park atmosphere, alcohol, transportation and hotels. Read below for my breakdown of each reason!

First of all, Universal is much more modern and you can tell they have put a ton of $$ into their park, where as Disney seems like they haven’t updated anything since the 70s. There’s also much more alcohol accessibility at Universal, which makes the atmosphere more fun and laid back. You can walk around with alcohol, where as I found it difficult to find at Disney (besides Epcot).

Universal’s property is also designed WAY BETTER. The ease of getting to and from the park when staying at the hotels is impressive. You can walk to and from easily on their gorgeous path or take the water taxi that comes every 10-15 minutes. We waited 1-1.5 hours at Disney for the buses to go to and from the parks. Lastly, the hotel choices for the same price, are BEYOND better at Universal. It’s back to my first point, Disney’s hotels look like they haven’t been updated since the 70s. Bottom line, for the same price you can stay in a luxury hotel versus a Disney dump.

Harry Potter World

The number one reason why Universal is the best is because Harry Potter World is SO magical! Being there literally takes me back to my childhood, where I would read the books in bed with my mom and brother before bed every night. There is nothing quite like Harry Potter World if you grew up with Harry Potter! From the music, to the elaborate details (like moving paintings!), to moaning Myrtle in the bathroom, it’s just the best experience.

Outfit Details:

Tee (c/o), Shorts, Sandals, Bracelets, Necklace, Sunglasses, Louis Vuitton Bag

City Walk Versus Disney Springs

Disney Springs and City Walk are like the “downtown” of Disney and Universal. Both Disney Springs and City Walk are free to enter and super fun in their own ways. I am going to give Disney this though, the food at Disney Springs is way better than City Walk. Disney Springs has the best food and City Walk has the best nightlife. There really is no nightlife at Disney Springs. City Walk is accessible and next door to Universal and a quick walk from any of the Universal hotels. Disney Springs is a drive away unless you stay at the Wyndham or the Hilton. Again, I despise the hour+ wait for the Disney buses so getting to Disney Springs a pain unless you are driving yourself.

All of that said, me and my hubby prefer Disney Springs because we enjoy great food. We go to bed at 9pm so the whole needing to go out late is not an issue!

Where To Stay

My number one tip for a successful Universal Studios Florida trip is to stay at one of the Universal properties! That way you can easily walk to and from the park and City Walk (or take the water taxi). If you stay at Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, or Portofino Bay Hotel you get free express passes. I HIGHLY recommend them if you love rides!

We have stayed at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and loved them all!

Outfit Details:

Tee (c/o), Shorts, Sneakers, Bracelets, Necklace, Sunglasses, Louis Vuitton Bag

How To Get Around

If you stay at one of the hotels, you can walk or take a water taxi to and from City Walk, which is next door to the park. Through City Walk you can either enter on the main Universal side of the park or the Islands of Adventures side of the park. When you are in Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, you can go to the other side of the park using the Hogwarts Express or by exiting and walking through City Walk and re-entering.

Where To Eat

Besides Harry Potter, the best thing about a Universal Studios Florida trip is all the food! Inside the parks, we love eating in Harry Potter World. The fish & chips is our favorite meal and they brew their own craft beer! I love the lager! In City Walk we love Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and Chocolate Emporium for their dessert cocktails. At the hotels, Loews Sapphire has a great restaurant Amatista Cookhouse and Loews Portofino Bay has a great Italian spot that I am obsessed with call Mama Della’s. You definitely need reservations to eat there though! The walk to Portofino Bay from the other hotels is really pretty. Of course, you can always take a water taxi too.

Below is my favorite chicken parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs from Mama Della’s. I wore this cute dress to dinner there and the walk was so pretty to the Portofino Bay hotel.

Outfit Details:

Dress (c/o), Sandals, Bracelets, Necklace, Sunglasses, Louis Vuitton Bag