Family Fun at Universal Orlando: Our January Adventure

Sunshine, spell-casting, and screaming, our January family trip to Universal Orlando had it all! Here’s how we spent three days exploring both parks, relaxing poolside, and discovering that Universal might just beat Disney (according to our kids).

Why We Chose Portofino Bay

Staying at the Portofino Bay Hotel gave us some serious perks, most importantly, Express Passes included with our room (a total game-changer!). The hotel itself feels like a slice of Italy, with colorful buildings around a peaceful harbor. Even better, you can take a scenic boat ride straight to the parks, the kids loved that almost as much as the rides.

Our room was spacious and comfortable, the perfect retreat after busy park days. The only catch? Dining options are mostly Italian, but honestly, no complaints here, the meatball sub was so good I ordered it three times!

Day 1: Universal Studios

We kicked things off at Universal Studios, starting with Illumination’s Minion Land. Between Minion Mayhem and Villain-Con Minion Blast, the kids were in giggle heaven. Then we explored the new DreamWorks Land, full of bright colors, playful rides like Trollercoaster, and even a Kung Fu Panda area.

Minion land right after Universal Studios entrance

Throughout the day, we met so many characters, from Shrek and Poppy to the Transformers. One of our kids was thrilled to meet Optimus Prime… while the other decided Transformers are “too scary.” (Fair)

That afternoon, the sun peeked out, so we headed back to Portofino for pool time. The pool area is amazing, complete with a waterslide, poolside bar, and relaxing vibe for parents. The drinks were perfect, and the kids could’ve spent all day on that slide.

Day 2: Islands of Adventure

The next morning brought cooler temps and a little rain, but we weren’t letting that stop us. We took the boat to Islands of Adventure and started in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure didn’t have an Express Pass option back then (and the two-hour wait wasn’t happening with kids), we loved exploring Hogsmeade, sipping Butterbeer, and riding Flight of the Hippogriff and Forbidden Journey.

Next up was Jurassic Park, River Adventure was down, but the kids still loved the Discovery Center and the Camp Jurassic play area. Then came Seuss Landing, which was pure joy. If you think your kids are too old for Dr. Seuss, think again! Every rhyme, every color, every silly ride brought big smiles.

When the downpour hit, we ducked into CityWalk, grabbed lunch, and caught a movie, a perfect rainy-day reset, before a spin on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

Day 3: Park-Hopping Favorites

On our last park day, we used our Park-to-Park tickets to hop between both parks and revisit favorites, more Minions, ET Adventure (a surprise family favorite!), Men in Black Alien Attack, and Seuss Landing.

Then we saved the best for last: Diagon Alley! In my opinion, it’s the most immersive and impressively themed area in all of Universal. From the moment you step through the brick wall, it truly feels like you’ve entered the Wizarding World. The fire-breathing dragon perched on Gringotts Bank roars to life, and the details are pure magic, from the quirky shop windows to the live street performers. My daughter even got into a heated debate with Dre Head, the Knight Bus driver, over whether her stuffed dinosaur was… a wingless dragon. I’m pretty sure he’s never met a negotiator like her! The Escape from Gringotts ride was a standout, with one of the most incredible ride queues we’ve ever seen.

The kids also learned a new theme park trick: if a 3D ride feels too scary, just take your 3D glasses off, instant confidence boost!

By the end of the trip, the vote was unanimous: Universal Orlando > Disney World (at least according to our 7- and 8-year-olds!).

Dining Highlights

While Portofino Bay’s Italian food was delicious, we mixed it up at CityWalk with dinner at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (great tacos and margaritas) and Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (fun and flavorful).

And honestly? The park food at Universal is great, lots of variety in the parks and CityWalk dining steps outside the parks is an amazing perk.

Final Thoughts

Universal Orlando was the perfect family getaway: thrilling rides, great hotel perks, and enough variety to keep both kids and adults happy. Going in January was a bonus, fewer crowds, shorter waits, and mild weather made it all so much easier to enjoy.

View from boat heading from parks to hotel

Thinking About a Universal Trip?

If you’re dreaming of your own Universal Orlando adventure, I can help make it easy. I can handle all the details, from choosing the right hotel (with perks like Express Passes!) to helping you plan park days, dining, and activities that fit your family’s style. While our family trip didn’t include the brand-new EPIC Universe (it wasn’t open yet), I’ve personally visited and can help you incorporate it into your vacation as well.

Why Our Family Loved Universal Orlando (and Why Yours Will Too!)