Kingdom Konsultant Travel Blog

In 1999, Universal Islands of Adventure opened as part of an expansion that, with Universal Studios Florida, established the Universal Orlando Resort. It should be no surprise that this theme park is full of adventures around every corner! From superheroes to dinosaurs, witchcraft and wizardry, every island at Universal Islands of Adventure is sure to wow.  There are 8 themed areas or islands to explore at Universal Islands of Adventure: Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing. With over 19 rides and attractions, 3 shows, plus several character encounters, entertainment, kids' play areas, dining and shopping options, there's a ton to see and do at Universal Islands of Adventure.  Here's my list of the top ten Must Do's at Universal Islands of Adventure: 10. Dine at Mythos Restaurant If you're looking for a great table servi...

Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure are much more than just theme parks. The Universal Orlando Resort has some amazing attractions, gorgeous hotel properties and superb restaurants! With the new   Jurassic World's VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure, Universal Orlando is the hottest vacation destination for families this summer. I have compiled a list of 10 must-do tips on how to maximize your Universal Orlando vacation. Be sure to ask us for the current Universal discounts available! Top 10 Tips 10. Express Pass - Universal's Express Pass let's you skip the regular line for many attractions. It comes in two forms, Unlimited, or once per ride. You can add the Express Pass right to your ticket purchase. If you stay on-site at one of Universal's 3 Premier Hotels, you get the Universal Express Unlimited Pass free with your stay! These hotels include Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Un...

It’s no secret that one of the most sought after treats from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is none other than the famous Butterbeer. I mean, how many pictures have you seen of guests proudly showing off their butterbeer in front of Gringott’s Bank or Hogwarts? Here, I’ll show you: No one knows for sure what is in Butterbeer, but most people agree that it has a sweet, butterscotch flavor.   I’ve heard speculation that it also tastes like it might have cream soda, vanilla, or shortbread flavoring.   Whatever those witches and wizards put in their magical concoction, we can all agree it is delicious!   But did you know there are multiple ways to experience butterbeer at Universal Orlando Resort?!   In fact, some of my favorite butterbeer treats aren’t even drinks at all!   If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a love for Harry Potter, you’ll want to experience as many butterbeer treats as you can! Sip that Butterbeer Let’s start off with the gold standard. ...

The Three Broomsticks is an iconic location for any Harry Potter fan, but is also a delicious lunch spot for anyone visiting Universal Orlando Resort!  The food is familiar yet unique, and served hot and fresh to your table. This location is located in the Hogsmeade location of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure. What sets this apart from other quick service locations for me is that you order your food and then taken to a table and the food is brought to you, which is becoming more and more popular these days, but definitely wasn't the norm when the Three Broomsticks first opened.  We placed our order and then were led to a table in the dining area which looks like a scene right out of a Harry Potter movie of course.  For lunch today we ordered a Spareribs Platter, normally served with corn on the cob and roasted potatoes but we subbed veggies for the potatoes, and Fish and Chips along with some Pumpkin Juice as a beverage.  First...

Universal Orlando Resort offers numerous dining plan options to help make planning your vacation seamless!  With so much to choose from, that can end up being a little overwhelming!  Here are the basics you need to know about Universal Dining Plans and the details of each different plan to determine which is right for you on your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation. Lasagna from Vivo Italian Kitchen (Full Service) Overview Universal Orlando Resort has 3 dining plan options, plus a beverage only plan option.  These are the Universal Dining Plan and the Universal Quick Service Dining Plan to which you can add the Coca-Cola freestyle® Souvenir Cup for a third option.   The great thing about the Universal Dining Plans is the amount of flexibility they offer.  You choose the amount of days and the amount of guests you want to purchase.  Want to get it for your teens so they can have a little freedom? Go for it! Planning on spending two days in the p...

5. Volcano Bay Universal's Volcano Bay is a "wet" theme park.  Forget everything you know about a traditional water park, they have thought of ways to improve that!  No carrying tubes around, no waiting in long lines in the sun, and no burning feet on hot concrete!  Oh, and you can't forget the incredible Tapu Tapu wearable - no more needing to carry methods of payments around, or even a camera!  You can use your wearable to pay (link your payment method via the Universal Orlando App) and to activate selfie spots throughout the park. There are a variety of rides and experiences for thrill seekers to relaxation finders so there's something for everyone.  And, the food at Volcano Bay is even a notch above what many would expect.  You can add this third park to your Universal tickets for a small upcharge, and it's totally worth it! For more on Volcano Bay, click here .  4. Rides for Thrill-Seekers (but also lots for families) Both ...

Now that we have toured Diagon Alley over at Universal Studios Florida (in Part 1 of this series here ) let's hop on the Hogwarts Express and head over to Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Welcome to Hogsmeade! This snow-capped village is on the outskirts of the wonderful wizarding school of Hogwarts. The Hogs Head is a favorite to stop for a beverage and a break in the AC in the hot summer months.  You can get the favorite, Butterbeer here or opt for a Hogs Head Brew. There are also many options to stop for a Pumpkin Juice, which can also make a great souvenir! As you make your way down the bustling streets, you will come upon the magnificent Hogwarts!  For thrill seekers, this is where you can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, but if you wish, you can still walk through the queue to see Hogwarts and all the amazing details that have gone into this.  Just ask a Hogwarts student at the end of the queue to show you t...