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White and green pizza from Sal's Market Deli at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando Resort

White and green pizza from Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando

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How are you all? What is it, today? Lockdown day 44 or something? It’s not too bad here. We’ve settled into an uneasy truce where we’re mostly civil to each other, which is a lot easier for everyone. Anyhoo, I hope your lockdown home life is going okay. I’m missing travel and my favourite theme parks and hotels and restaurants and delicious food in general, so when the lovely chaps at Universal Orlando Resort mentioned that a few of their recipes have been put online for people to recreate at home, I jumped at the chance. Last night, I made the white and green pizza from Sal’s Market Deli at the beautiful Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and woah, it’s delicious. I know a lot of people are talking comfort in taking time to create new dishes, so I’ve adapted it a bit from the US measurements so you can give it a go too.

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Vegetarian and vegan dining options at Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

Vegan dining options at Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

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Did you know that today is World Vegan Day? In fact, the whole of November has been designated World Vegan Month, and to celebrate, I thought I would do a few vegan things throughout the month. I thought I’d start by creating a bit of a guide to eating vegan at some of my favourite places. I’ve started with a roundup of the vegan dining options at Universal Orlando Resort, Florida. I’ve been lucky enough to have eaten at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida quite a bit recently, what with the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and then Halloween Horror Nights, and then filming the Universal resort hotels with Attraction Tickets Direct (big roundup coming soon). Generally in our group there’s at a vegan or two, plus weird people like me who still occasionally eat meat but like to order the plant based options, and it’s been interesting to experience how brilliant the serving staff and chefs are in all of the restaurants at accommodating different dietary requirements.

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My 10 favourite Universal Orlando experiences

My 10 favourite Universal Orlando experiences that aren’t attractions!

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Of course we all visit Universal Orlando Resort, Florida for the brilliant rides (I think Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has knocked Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts off the top spot in my favourite rides top ten), but there are so many more brilliant things to do and see when you visit the parks. I thought I’d do a quick and very unscientific roundup of my 10 favourite Universal Orlando experiences that aren’t attractions (catchy title, huh?). Admittedly, many of these include eating and drinking (you can’t visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without sampling a Butterbeer) but I’ve included some shopping and some of my favourite relaxing things to do when you’re in the parks too, so there’s something for everyone. Read more

Halloween Horror Nights 2019: 10 houses, 5 scare zones, and 2 original shows in one night

Halloween Horror Nights 2019: 10 houses, 5 scare zones, and 2 original shows in one night!

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So finally after wishing and hoping and thinking and praying and planning and dreaming my whole summer away, last week saw a small but beautiful group of UK media head over to Orlando for the opening night of Halloween Horror Nights 2019. I always feel super lucky to be counted amongst the proper journos and invited on these trips and I feel a deep sense of obligation to take absolutely everything in so that I can report it all back to you. I know from your messages that a lot of you pop here to get updates on Halloween Horror Nights, and to get help planning your trips to Universal Studios (and to Orlando and, indeed, Florida in general) and I also understand that there’s a fine line between giving you information, and telling you too much about the experience and basically spoiling it all for you before you’ve even got there! So here, without further ado, are my thoughts on taking on Halloween Horror Nights 2019: 10 houses, 5 scare zones, and 2 original shows in one night! Read more

Halloween Horror Nights 2019 houses

Halloween Horror Nights 2019 - everything we know so far

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So on Monday, I was very lucky to attend one of my favourite events of the year, the UK celebration of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights event. There are often some surprises, some behind the scenes stuff, some big reveals, occasionally the odd monster, and of course a lot of absolutely iconic horror films and franchises - all coming to Universal Orlando this autumn for the biggest Halloween event in the world. If you’ve been here before, you’ll know I’m a massive fan (read my top tips for planning a trip to Halloween Horror Nights here), and this year, we were joined by the lovely Patrick Braillard, Creative Development Show Director and writer at Universal Orlando who had plenty of news to get our spines tingling ready for the big event. So, let’s chat about those Halloween Horror Nights 2019 houses - everything we know so far is right this way <insert evil laugh here>

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Bigfire at Universal CityWalk

The one where we went to Bigfire at Universal CityWalk

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While we were at Universal Orlando Resort for the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, we were really lucky to also be there for the opening of a brand new restaurant at Universal CityWalk, the brilliant location just outside the entrance to the parks that’s full of gorgeous places to eat and drink, and loads of things to do, from cinema to karaoke and mini golf to the Blue Man Group show. Here’s what we thought of Bigfire at Universal CityWalk.

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Everything you need to know about Universal's Surfside Inn and Suites

Everything you need to know about Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites

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So while I was hanging out with Hagrid, Draco and Luna recently in Orlando, I was also doing some proper work too, I promise. I was really excited to get a sneaky peek inside the first of the two properties that make up Universal’s Endless Summer Resort (I can’t believe I was first talking about it back in May 2018), their first ‘value hotel’ (different to Cabana Bay Beach, which is listed as ‘prime value’). The other property, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites will open in March 2020. Here’s everything you need to know about Universal’s Surfside Inn and Suites.

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Five things I learned when I rode Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Five things I learned when I rode Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

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I know my job’s a bit of an odd one, but last week was the icing on the cake as far as mad adventures go. In the space of a week, all my Harry Potter dreams pretty much came true: I got to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the fabulous new Harry Potter ride at Universal Orlando Resort, chat with Draco Malfoy about which seat on the ride is the best one (it’s the front, apparently), get a selfie with Luna Lovegood and Professor Flitwick, and then watch as Ron Weasley and Draco drove up in the Ford Anglia, closely followed by Fred and George roaring up on Hagrid’s ACTUAL motorbike at the opening ceremony. I mean, what a week. Read on to find out the five things I learned when I rode the brand new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure attraction at Universal Orlando Resort, Florida. Please note that this post contains ride information and spoilers!

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Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy experience

The Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy experience: what to expect from your flight

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You know I’m a big Virgin Atlantic fan and have written about their brilliant service before. After flying to Orlando this week, I thought it might be really interesting to tell you about my Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy experience, so if you’re considering upgrading to Premium on your next trip, you’ll know what to expect and be able to make a decision about whether it’s worth it (spoiler: it SO is!), especially as this time I got to fly in ‘the bubble’ on the upper deck! So on my flight, I took a few pictures and jotted down a few notes for you. Here goes, then, with my Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy experience!

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Everything you need to know about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

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There’s so much going on at Universal Orlando Resort at the moment, and last night I was lucky enough to be invited to the suitably Hogwarts-esque St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London to hear more about all the exciting new experiences, including the brand new coaster attraction featuring everyone’s favourite Professor. Here’s everything you need to know about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!

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Making the most of a day at Universals Volcano Bay

Making the most of a day at Universal’s Volcano Bay

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And so, sadly, we’ve reached the final part of our Universal Orlando Resort Adventure. I’ve told you all about what it’s like to spend Christmas at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, talked you through our top ten attractions and everything to do with Christmas at Universal Studios, and last week was all about Grinchmas and Christmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The last park on our list was Universal’s Volcano Bay, the beautiful tiki-themed water theme park centred around a huge volcano, which had been calling out to us every day from our hotel room window. We were originally booked to go on the Monday of our trip, but the weather wasn’t looking great and, as it turned out, the park wasn’t even open, so we swapped our days around and - happily - the Tuesday morning turned out crisp and a little chilly, but with perfectly bright blue skies and the promise of decent temperatures to come as the day warmed up. I really loved our evening conversations when we all did a bit of brainstorming after a day out and came up with our best bits from the day: things we’d loved, things we thought you would like to know… So without further ado, here are our top tips for making the most of a day at Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park.

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Christmas at Universals Islands of Adventure

Grinchmas and Hogwart’s Castle: Christmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

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On the last part of our Christmas adventure in Orlando, we covered Christmas at Universal Studios, including Diagon Alley, beautifully decorated for Christmas. When we’d done just about everything we could fit in at Universal Studios, we headed to Kings Cross Station to board the Hogwart’s Express to Hogsmeade Village over at Universal Studios’ sister park, Universal’s Islands of Adventure. I thought I would turn this into part three, as there was so much stuff to cover, and I didn’t want to make the blog posts too long and boring, while still wanting to fit in loads of information and photos. So here goes with Christmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!

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Christmas at Universal Studios

Christmas at Universal Studios

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So in my last post all about our family Christmas in Orlando, I told you about our journey in Virgin Atlantic’s new Economy Delight class, and what it’s like to stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort. The next morning we hit Starbucks early ready for a full day at Universal Studios. The weather forecast was sun and showers, but still, it was so much better than the weather in the UK - shorts and t-shirts in December? Bring on Christmas at Universal Studios! Read more

Our Florida Family Christmas - Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Christmas at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

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I’ve been promising that I’ll update you all on our Florida family Christmas, and as I’ve got so much to tell you and I don’t want to miss anything out (I’ve had so many messages from people considering Christmas holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World) I thought I’d split it into a few different parts, with this first bit covering the journey and Christmas at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This was a big ask as a holiday: we had a pretty varied age range, from young adults to my 78 year old Mum, and a lot of different bucket list items to tick off too. I got myself into a bit of a flap planning it all and in the end Jim had to sit me down and tell me to chill out a bit, as it was starting to look like a bit of a military operation getting everyone to see and experience everything I wanted. As it turned out, we had a lovely mix of relaxing and exploring, and there were loads of wonderful memories made. I’m not going to lie to you: six adults being together 24/7 for 10 days was never going to be 100% without stress, but although it was pretty tiring (and the weather wasn’t great), it was definitely one of the best holidays we’ve ever had.

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10 brilliant things to see and do at Universal Orlando Resort this Christmas

10 brilliant things to see and do at Universal Orlando Resort this Christmas

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If, like us, you’re planning a Christmas trip to Orlando, excitement levels must be pretty close to fever pitch by now (I know they are in this house!). As with planning a Christmas trip to Walt Disney World, a little preparation will go a long way to make your festive visit an extra special one. I’ve got some insider tips and some great recommendations for things to see and do at Universal Orlando Resort this Christmas. And if you’re not lucky enough to be visiting Universal this Christmas, then here’s some festive inspiration for your next visit. Ready? Then let’s begin!

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10 reasons why Universal's Aventura Hotel could be my new favourite

10 reasons why Universal’s Aventura Hotel could be my new favourite

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I’ll admit it - I’m biased. I love Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando with all my heart. I adore the colourful lobby; the gorgeous pool area; the bright, tropical rooms and the fabulous food at the Strong Water Tavern, plus the fact you can hop on a river taxi and be right at the park gates in no time make it a no brainer for me. However, while we were at Halloween Horror Nights, we were lucky enough to stay at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, their beautiful, modern new hotel right next to Sapphire Falls, and I have to say, I was mightily impressed. It could even be my new favourite. Here’s why:

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