I love that Tampa is only and hour from some of the best theme parks in the country! And during the holidays Universal Orlando Resort has so much going on that you’ll definitely want to pack up the family and stay for awhile! And don’t forget that being a Florida Resident can save you up to $200 on a vacation package too! Having just been, I have a list of what you won’t want to miss when you head to Universal Orlando’s 2016 Holiday Celebration! Check out all there is to do at Universal Studios and Island’s of Adventure!
Universal Studios
December in Florida is the most wonderful time of the year! Blue skies and sunshine and the best temperatures will make Universal Studios that much better!
Macy’s Holiday Parade
Holidays are in full force immediately when you arrive! The big balloons let you know that the Macy’s Holiday Parade is a must on your agenda at some point during the day!
This parade is straight from New York! Flown down immediately after the parade, they have really been able to make this experience as authentic and real just like being in NYC on Thanksgiving Day! The parade will be daily from December 3rd through January 1st.
My friend Christie at RaisingWhasians.com has the best tips for viewing the parade! Check out her site!
Mannheim Steamroller
Photo By: Flickr.com/Ricky Brigate
Listen to the sounds of the season preformed by the famous Mennheim Steamroller making the holidays sound so beautiful. As a part of their Christmas tour, they will only be at Universal Studios for select nights at 7pm. Make sure to grab a cup of hot coco and you’ll be glad you stayed to listen.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Make sure you have your Express Passes so that you can experience all the holiday fun at both theme parks! Only a train ride away, you’ll definitely want to see all that Univeral Orlando has to offer! The Express Passes are an amazing way to experience the parks by making more time to see more attractions and ride more rides!
Insider Tip: Stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort or Loews Portifino Bay Hotel and recieve a FREE Universal Express™. Unlimited ride access to SKIP THE REGULAR LINES in Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ all day, a benefit worth up to $89** per person, per day (valid theme park admission required).
Grinchmas
You will love the whimsical wintery wonderland of Dr. Seuss as Seuss Landing is decked to the nines and becomes even more alive during Christmas as the story of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ theme is everywhere!
Make sure to see the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular as the Whoos down in Who-ville can’t wait to spread good cheer. Meet the Grinch during The Grinch & Friends Characher Breakfast! Of course they will have green eggs and ham on the menu, but you’ll enjoy the rest of the food too, along with getting to meet other Dr. Seuss characters too.
More Fun at Universal Orlando Resort
Of course, you’ll want to pop over to CityWalk on your way in out out of the theme parks! One of the newest additions to the long list of fabulous restaurants already there is The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen™, “an enchanting 19th century themed, Steampunk inspired dining establishment.”
Such a cool place to visit! Shower your sweet tooth with some amazing sweet treats. The kids menu is very reasonable and they also serve brunch!
Universal’s CityWalk is THE place to be for New Years Eve as the entire CityWalk turns into an outdoor dance party, with an unlimited gourmet buffet and champagne toast and more for one night every year. (This is a special ticket event and you must be 21+. Annual pass holders do receive a discount on tickets.)
With Tampa only 45 minutes from all this fun, make sure to put Universal Orlando Resort on your list for this year’s MUST SEE holiday fun! We can’t wait to come back next year!
And if you are in Orlando this holiday, check out my list of best holiday events in Orlando, Florida on Trekaroo.com!
*I was provided tickets and an invitation to the media preview at Universal Orlando for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.