Everything I Did at the Universal Orlando Resort
My recent trip to the Universal Orlando Resort was pure magic from start to finish — especially since I got to stay at the brand new Terra Luna Resort, just steps away from the new Epic Universe park! I packed so much into four days between park hopping, Butterbeer sipping, spell casting, and (slightly terrifying) coaster riding — so here’s a full recap of everything I did during my stay.
Where I Stayed 🌙
I stayed at the Universal Terra Luna Resort, one of Universal Orlando’s newest hotels near Epic Universe!
I stayed at Terra Luna Resort, one of Universal’s newest hotels near the upcoming Epic Universe. I arrived early in the morning after a red-eye flight and was able to change clothes and drop off my luggage before my room was ready. I was able to use their fitness center locker rooms to change, which were spotless and honestly felt like a hidden gem for freshening up after travel (shower & towels included)!
Since I was staying on property, I took advantage of Early Park Admission and headed straight for the new Epic Universe park — and it was totally worth staying up for. (Keep your eyes out for a full review of the Terra Luna resort!)
The rooms at Terra Luna were very modern, and the rooms felt luxurious even with their value price!
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Day One: Epic Universe Adventures 🌌
My first stop was Epic Universe, and I got there early enough to ride Harry Potter: Battle at the Ministry in just 13 minutes (which later had over a two-hour wait — worth it)!
Afterwards, I treated myself to something I’ve wanted to do for years: I bought my very first wand at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique™. I officially became a spell-caster while enjoying Butterbeer Crepes at Café L’air De La Sirène™, then wandered through the Ministry of Magic casting spells and feeling fully immersed in the wizarding world.
I loved the Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe!
Next, I headed to How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, where I watched The Untrainable Dragon show (a must-do for any dragon fans — Toothless was adorable). I also caught Le Cirque Arcanus™, which was so well done and beautifully themed.
After checking into my room and getting a quick rest, I went back to the park for dinner at Pizza Moon, then explored Dark Universe — where I rode both attractions and soaked in the moody, golden-hour vibes. Before ending the night, I popped over to Super Nintendo World, which was energetic and colorful (though definitely sensory overload toward the end of the day). I wrapped up the evening with a few final spells back in the Ministry of Magic before heading to bed.
The entrance of How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
Day Two: Wizarding World + Adrenaline Rushes ⚡️
Day two started at Universal Studios Florida, where I spent the morning exploring Diagon Alley before hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.
I finally rode Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and it instantly became my new favorite ride ever. Afterwards, I had classic Fish and Chips at The Three Broomsticks, then (after some convincing) braved The Velocicoaster — which completely terrified me, but I’m glad I did it!
This witch finally got to ride the Hogwarts Express and tried Butterbeer for the first time (and liked it!)
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Day Three: A Perfect Park Day 🪄
Shopping and casting spells at Diagon Alley!
I started my third day at Universal Studios, where I rode the nostalgic E.T. Adventure, explored DreamWorks Land (which was totally empty — the dream!), and then hopped on The Mummy — one of my favorites for its perfect mix of thrill and theming.
Then it was back to Diagon Alley for some Gringotts Bank wizard money, a ride on Escape from Gringotts, and a magical trip back to Hogsmeade via the Hogwarts Express.
Thanks to my Unlimited Express Pass, I was able to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure twice in a row (the best feeling ever), followed by Flight of the Hippogriff and then — yes — The VelociCoaster again. This time, I actually enjoyed it!
A Park-To-Park ticket is a MUST if you want to see everything there is to do at the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando!
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Day Four: Slower Magic & Sweet Goodbyes🍦
Early morning at Hogsmead!
For my last day, I used Early Park Admission at Islands of Adventure, grabbed breakfast at The Three Broomsticks, and did some shopping at Honeydukes (because you can never leave without some chocolate frogs).
I took the Hogwarts Express one last time back to Diagon Alley, did a little more shopping, cast a few final spells, and treated myself to Earl Grey & Lavender ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour — the perfect end to the trip.
Back at Terra Luna Resort, I checked out of my room but left my luggage with Luggage Services, grabbed lunch at Omega Café, and spent my last couple of hours relaxing by the pool before heading to the airport. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation to end an incredible four-day trip.
Enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban while eating a traditional English Breakfast at The Three Broomsticks
Things I Learned 💡
Every trip teaches you something new — here are a few takeaways from my time at Universal Orlando Resort:
🚌 The resort transportation is fantastic, but avoid the Superstar Shuttle to and from the airport if possible. It took over an hour for pickup when I arrived, and even though I’d purchased a round-trip shuttle, I ended up using Lyft for convenience on my way back.
🎒 Lockers are required for many Universal rides. It’s a smooth process, but it does add time before and after each ride to store and retrieve your things.
🎢 The rides are more intense than Disney’s — I found several to be a bit more nausea-inducing. Plan accordingly (motion-sickness bands and Dramamine can help!).
🍔 The food is hit or miss — but at Epic Universe, it’s next-level. Truly some of the best theme park food I’ve ever had.
🎟️ You can do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day with a Park-to-Park ticket, but plan at least one full day for Epic Universe — there’s so much to explore.
🏨 Stay at a Universal Resort. With price options for every budget and perks like transportation and Early Park Admission, it’s 100% worth it.
Final Thoughts 🌟
This trip was truly unforgettable — from the new Epic Universe park and Terra Luna Resort to revisiting my favorite parts of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando keeps outdoing itself, and I can’t wait to go back!
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