Ask many of your fellow servicemen and women what they enjoy most about their life in the military and they’ll tell you it’s the anticipation of new challenges. New excitement. New adventures. Well, this year in Orlando you and your whole family can enjoy new excitement and adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando is the home of three spectacular theme parks: the movie and TV based action of Universal Studios Florida, the tropical splendor of Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, and the epic worlds of heroes and legends that comprise Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It’s at Islands of Adventure where you’ll find one of the world’s most highly anticipated new theme park rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, opening this summer. For the first time ever, join Hagrid as you fly deep into the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts™ castle, on a thrilling roller coaster ride to discover the rarest magical creatures. In addition to the rides and shops of Hogsmeade™ that completely immerse you in the world of Harry Potter™, Islands of Adventure features pulse-pounding attractions that let you battle villains alongside Spider-Man, feel the rage of the Incredible Hulk as you hurtle through the sky, and come face to face with dinosaurs in the jungles of Jurassic Park.
Right next door at Universal Studios Florida your family will enjoy cutting-edge attractions that put you in the middle of some of the biggest television shows and movie franchises. You’ll meet the mischievous Minions, save the earth alongside the TRANSFORMERS, and experience the full-throttle excitement of Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Plus, Universal Studios Florida is the home of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™, with even more amazing attractions based on the adventures of everyone’s favorite boy wizard for your family to enjoy.
But those aren’t the only theme park thrills you’ll find at Universal Orlando Resort. There’s no better way to enjoy the Florida sunshine than to spend a day in an exotic tropical paradise – Universal’s Volcano Bay. This is a water theme park only Universal could create. It’s an island getaway perfect for parents and kids alike, where thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony. Here you’ll find over 30 unique experiences and 19 different attractions, including Florida’s only water coaster, the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
Looking for a different kind of adrenaline rush? Make plans to visit this fall as Universal Orlando is once again the setting for the world’s premier annual Halloween event: Halloween Horror Nights. When the sun goes down Universal Studios transforms into a nightmarish world of terrifying haunted houses themed to some of the most popular characters, films and television shows in horror history. Victims – er, visitors – also experience outrageous live entertainment and an array of bloodcurdling scare zones populated by an assortment of mutants and monsters affectionately referred to by Universal as “scareactors.” Fright aficionados from all over the world trek to Universal Orlando annually for Halloween Horror Nights, which has won countless industry awards. From the costumes to the atmospheric setting to the meticulously crafted, impressively detailed haunted houses, it’s a Halloween experience you won’t find anywhere else. This year’s separately ticketed event takes place on select nights from September 6th through November 2nd. Be warned, Halloween Horror Nights may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. No costumes or masks are allowed.
Universal Orlando Resort is a complete vacation destination. Which means you’ll not only find three amazing theme parks, but also a selection of spectacular hotels for every style and budget that put you right in the middle of it all. With this year’s opening of the new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites you can choose from four different categories – Premier, Preferred, Prime Value and the new Value category – each with its own level of price, accommodations, amenities and special theme park benefits.
In addition to standard rooms, the new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites features a fun beach theme along with spacious, two-bedroom suites that sleep six, making it the perfect spot for families of any size to experience Universal Orlando. These 2-bedroom suites include a kitchenette, a cool picnic table for meals and a bathroom with separate sink/vanity to make getting ready in the morning convenient for everyone. The hotel offers a surfboard shaped pool with poolside activities, a splash pad for kids, fitness center and game room, and free scheduled shuttles that will whisk you to Universal Orlando’s theme parks and the Universal CityWalk dining and entertainment complex.
Another great option is Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a fun 50s/60s beach hotel-themed resort which also offers family suites along with two huge pools, a lazy river, bowling alley and more. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is so close to Volcano Bay that its dedicated walking path takes you from your room to the park in just a few minutes.
Universal knows how important it is for you to make the most of your family vacation time. That’s why you’ll want to take advantage of Universal Orlando’s military offer which gives you four days of fun at Universal’s parks for less than the price of a 1-day ticket (offer compared to after-tax purchase price of a 2-Park, 1-Day Anytime Season Park-to-Park Ticket purchased at front gate or universalorlando.com). It’s Universal’s way of saying ‘thank you for your service’ and enabling you to treat your family to a theme park vacation you’ll never forget.
There’s plenty of new vacation fun and excitement waiting for you in Orlando. So pack your bags and get ready to create thrilling new memories with your family this summer at Universal Orlando Resort.