We couldn’t visit Orlando without hitting the parks.  Turns out, we really should have gone to the Keys instead.

Had a great time at Universal Studios but feel unable to join the crowds and award the proverbial 5 stars due to the value for money factor. I might be in the minority on this, but it is REALLY expensive when you consider without the express pass, you’ll be spending most of your day in a queue, especially at peak times.

With the Express Pass (when we visited in Feb), you can have done everything comfortably by 2pm.

The quality of the food available was average at very high prices but it is very good that they allow you to take in your own snacks. I’d also advise taking refillable water bottles.  Water stations are plentiful which is important in the Florida heat.  I’d avoid the $10 cup of orange cordial…sorry, the Flaming Moe!

The Horror Show was well worth watching, very entertaining.  The actors seemed to be genuinely having fun and that was contagious.

All the staff were all super helpful and upbeat.

Rather than take one big back pack, if you’re a family, take a few smaller packs so that you can fit them in the free lockers for the rides (rather than the paid large lockers).

Queues were managed well throughout, from the entrance, to the food courts to the rides.

I much preferred Universal Studios to Island of Adventure as I felt there were more ‘big’ rides (Island of Adventure should be your preferred option if you have to choose between the two and you prefer roller coasters to the 4D rides; although saying that, that should mean your go to park is Seaworld!)

Glad to have ticked them off the bucket list but would happily take Alton Towers  on a sunny day anytime over revisiting either of these Orlando staples.