Every year families churn out in their thousands on bucketlist holidays to the sunshine state of Florida, looking to enjoy all the fun offerings Orlando has to give.
But if you think you've seen it all, think again, because I've just been inside a sparkly, vibrant and enchanting new land to review for OK! and jam packed with ogres, trolls and one very happy, dumpling-eating panda, it's not to be missed.
The newest offering to arrive at Universal Orlando Resort's Universal Studios is as joyful as it gets. Leave your age at the gates as you transport yourself into DreamWorks Land - situated by classic favourite ride ET (and the last original attraction still standing since the park opened in 1990)
Firstly, we met up with Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona at Shrek's Swamp. This authentic 'mud hut' is home to everyone's favourite Donkey - who will interact with the kids in real time. Have tissues at the ready because he's funny - tear-inducing funny!
Kids will also love the 'fart' slide - yes, we said it, in Shrek's Swamp - a fun area for kids to let loose and burn off some of that holiday energy, complete with climbing nets, soft and bouncy flooring and Pinocchio - Shrek's friend and the ultimate white lie teller. Have a chat with him and watch what happens!
Next up, I found Princess Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond from the popular Trolls movies hanging out by the newest kid-friendly ride - the Trollercoaster. Thrill-seeking for the little ones and parents alike, it's perfect before Hug Time with the gang over by the stunning Trolls fountain - have cameras at the ready. Then cool off at the super sweet Imagination Celebration show - it's indoors and perfect for escaping that hot Florida sun, and has plenty of seating, too.
Don't miss Kung Fu Panda's Training Camp, inspired by the Panda Village, where little ones can interact with Po, hang out at the Pond of Perpetual Wetness (expect a soaking parents!) and hit that Gong of Resounding Resonance.
Truly, the best part of this new land? The ability for parents to find a moment of peace - even amongst the colourful chaos of a theme park. Universal Studios and it's neighbouring parks, Islands of Adventure, and waterpark Volcano Bay, are packed with some of the best rides in the world and as a fan, but also a mum of three, it's vital to find an area just for the little ones where they can run freely in a land made especially for them.
It's special, it's sweet and it's safe - character meet and greets are aplenty and easy to find, the snacks are incredibly well-themed and there are lots of opportunities to cool down in splash zones throughout. Well worth that ticket entry price - we enjoyed a Universal Orlando 3 park explorer ticket via ba.com and every memory made is worth every penny spent.
Universal Orlando Resort really is setting the bar high for theme park fun this summer with lots of new adventures for guests looking to make the trip across the pond.
Don't miss a step back in time for a nostalgic daytime Mega Movie Parade, starting July 3, complete with classics like Jurassic World dinosaurs, an 80ft Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters and Back to the Future to name but a few. 13 new floats, almost 100 performers and special effects - yes please! Head into the summer Tribute Store for an 90s vibe with neon carpets, a retro arcade and some of your childhood favourites like Jaws and ET to pick up some exclusive gifts for back home.
Is it just me who has all the feels the moment they hear that incredible ET soundtrack?
Night time just became hot stuff at the Studios and was a much-needed addition to extend the fun throughout the evening. The brand new riveting lagoon show - CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular - is a 22 minute musical cinematic journey with sentimental soundtracks from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions.
I was particularly wowed by the impressive collection of technologies and special effects, including 228 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones. Universal Studios just stepped into the future and they do it well - very well.
Hop over to Islands of Adventure for the new show Hogwarts Always. Projected onto the castle in Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World Harry Potter this magical show will wow fans, and with four different endings there's all the more reason to attend on plenty of nights during your holiday.
Getting yourself there these days is easier and more affordable than you think. I made the trip with British Airways and the staff's attention to care and detail from start to finish was exceptional, levels of comfort top notch (hello mum of a trio with lots of 'stuff') and the food was restaurant quality. Opt for the beef stroganoff - a true delight washed down with BA's special Gin Fizz cocktail.
Cheers to that!
Book now
- Orlando - British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 4* Loews Sapphire Falls Resort , from £999pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 September - 30 September 2024 inclusive. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 1 checked bag at 23kg per person and accommodation. Book by 4 July 2024. For reservations visit https://www.britishairways.com/orlando or call 0344 493 0787. British Airways Holidays customers can also purchase their Universal Orlando Resort park tickets via ba.com
- Also visit Booking.com for incredible family deals to suit all budgets
- For more information about the new experiences opening at Universal Orlando Resort this summer, visit universalorlando.com/newfor2024
