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Theme Park Blitz: Itinerary & Cost Breakdown

Get ready for the ultimate Orlando adventure! This itinerary covers the highlights of Universal and Disney in a whirlwind four days, perfect for those who want to experience the magic without spending a fortune. Here's a detailed recap of my trip, including all the essential tips and a full cost analysis. Day 1: Arrival & Hotel Check-in​ ✈️ 🏨 Accommodation:​ We chose the SpringHill Suites​ based on a recommendation from Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). The main draw was the complimentary airport shuttle service, which was super convenient after a late flight. 💰 Cost:​ ¥1,200 RMB per person​ for 4 nights. The hotel also included breakfast, which was a great money-saver. Day 2: Universal Studios - The Perfect Day​ 🎡 🎫 Tickets:​ 1-Day, 2-Park Ticket for $212. 🍽️ Lunch:​ Three Broomsticks​ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We spent about $40​ on the feast shown in the picture. The food was hearty and delicious, perfectly fitting the theme. 🎢 Experience:​ This was a dream day! There were virtually no lines, so we could just walk onto any ride we saw. We managed to experience almost everything. 🌟 Top Recommendation:​ The Bourne Stuntacular​ show is absolutely fantastic and a must-see! The special effects are incredible. 🚂 Hogwarts Express:​ Taking the train between the two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) was a highlight. For those of us who studied in the UK, it felt like being transported back to London's King's Cross Station. 🇬🇧 Day 3: Epcot & Hollywood Studios - Rainy Day Challenges​ 🌧️ ⏱️ Crowds:​ The day started with long lines from the moment we entered. The popularity of the new rides made wait times soar. 🎢 Rides: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind:​ A thrilling, backwards-launching indoor roller coaster. The virtual queue system is essential. Test Track:​ A high-speed ride where you design your own car and then "test" it. This was perfect for me as it's more about speed than intense drops. 📘 Epcot Passport:​ We bought the World Showcase Passport for $21. It's a fun, interactive way to explore the different country pavilions and get stamps. 🍵 Snack:​ Bought a bubble tea from a food truck outside the China pavilion for $8. A nice, familiar taste while touring the world! 🚡 Transportation:​ Took the Disney Skyliner​ gondola between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It's a relaxing way to travel with great views. 🌧️ Weather Woes:​ A massive thunderstorm hit in the afternoon, causing many outdoor rides and shows at Hollywood Studios to be canceled. Unfortunately, the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride was down for most of the day and never reopened. 🎆 Evening Shows: Hollywood Studios:​ Watched the water projection show, which was definitely worth seeing. Epcot:​ Has its own nighttime fireworks show (Harmonious), which is a different style from Magic Kingdom's. We didn't get to see it due to timing. Day 4: Animal Kingdom & Magic Kingdom - A Grand Finale​ 🦁✨ 🐘 Animal Kingdom (AK): Strategy:​ We headed straight to the back of the park first thing to see the animals on the safari ride before it got too hot. Avatar Flight of Passage:​ This is a must-do 3D flying simulator. The experience is so immersive you can actually feel the "breath" of the banshee you're riding. The other Avatar ride, Na'vi River Journey, is a beautiful, gentle boat ride through the bioluminescent forest. 🍽️ Lunch:​ Satu'li Canteen​ in Pandora. Cost about $30. This is arguably one of the best and most unique dining options​ in all of Animal Kingdom. Pro-Tip:​ You need to make a reservation in advance via the My Disney Experience app. 🏰 Magic Kingdom (MK): Focus:​ We spent the evening here primarily for the nighttime parade​ and fireworks. Verdict:​ The parade was spectacular and full of Disney magic. The fireworks show, however, felt a bit underwhelming compared to previous versions (like "Happily Ever After"), or maybe I was just suffering from theme park fatigue. Day 5: Departure to Washington D.C.​ 🛫 Note:​ We skipped Universal's Epic Universe​ (the new park under construction). Friends who went said the previews were plagued by ride delays and massive crowds, so we decided to save it for a future trip. 🚗 Transportation & 🍜 Food Lyft/Uber:​ We used ride-sharing for the entire trip. Airport to Hotel: $37 Daily Park Trips: Generally under $25**, mostly around **$15. Food:​ Most of our dinners were ordered via Uber Eats​ back at the hotel. It was affordable, costing around ¥150 RMB per meal. #US #Florida #Orlando

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Alison Swift
Alison Swift
3 days ago
Alison Swift
Alison Swift
3 days ago
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Theme Park Blitz: Itinerary & Cost Breakdown

Get ready for the ultimate Orlando adventure! This itinerary covers the highlights of Universal and Disney in a whirlwind four days, perfect for those who want to experience the magic without spending a fortune. Here's a detailed recap of my trip, including all the essential tips and a full cost analysis. Day 1: Arrival & Hotel Check-in​ ✈️ 🏨 Accommodation:​ We chose the SpringHill Suites​ based on a recommendation from Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). The main draw was the complimentary airport shuttle service, which was super convenient after a late flight. 💰 Cost:​ ¥1,200 RMB per person​ for 4 nights. The hotel also included breakfast, which was a great money-saver. Day 2: Universal Studios - The Perfect Day​ 🎡 🎫 Tickets:​ 1-Day, 2-Park Ticket for $212. 🍽️ Lunch:​ Three Broomsticks​ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We spent about $40​ on the feast shown in the picture. The food was hearty and delicious, perfectly fitting the theme. 🎢 Experience:​ This was a dream day! There were virtually no lines, so we could just walk onto any ride we saw. We managed to experience almost everything. 🌟 Top Recommendation:​ The Bourne Stuntacular​ show is absolutely fantastic and a must-see! The special effects are incredible. 🚂 Hogwarts Express:​ Taking the train between the two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) was a highlight. For those of us who studied in the UK, it felt like being transported back to London's King's Cross Station. 🇬🇧 Day 3: Epcot & Hollywood Studios - Rainy Day Challenges​ 🌧️ ⏱️ Crowds:​ The day started with long lines from the moment we entered. The popularity of the new rides made wait times soar. 🎢 Rides: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind:​ A thrilling, backwards-launching indoor roller coaster. The virtual queue system is essential. Test Track:​ A high-speed ride where you design your own car and then "test" it. This was perfect for me as it's more about speed than intense drops. 📘 Epcot Passport:​ We bought the World Showcase Passport for $21. It's a fun, interactive way to explore the different country pavilions and get stamps. 🍵 Snack:​ Bought a bubble tea from a food truck outside the China pavilion for $8. A nice, familiar taste while touring the world! 🚡 Transportation:​ Took the Disney Skyliner​ gondola between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It's a relaxing way to travel with great views. 🌧️ Weather Woes:​ A massive thunderstorm hit in the afternoon, causing many outdoor rides and shows at Hollywood Studios to be canceled. Unfortunately, the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride was down for most of the day and never reopened. 🎆 Evening Shows: Hollywood Studios:​ Watched the water projection show, which was definitely worth seeing. Epcot:​ Has its own nighttime fireworks show (Harmonious), which is a different style from Magic Kingdom's. We didn't get to see it due to timing. Day 4: Animal Kingdom & Magic Kingdom - A Grand Finale​ 🦁✨ 🐘 Animal Kingdom (AK): Strategy:​ We headed straight to the back of the park first thing to see the animals on the safari ride before it got too hot. Avatar Flight of Passage:​ This is a must-do 3D flying simulator. The experience is so immersive you can actually feel the "breath" of the banshee you're riding. The other Avatar ride, Na'vi River Journey, is a beautiful, gentle boat ride through the bioluminescent forest. 🍽️ Lunch:​ Satu'li Canteen​ in Pandora. Cost about $30. This is arguably one of the best and most unique dining options​ in all of Animal Kingdom. Pro-Tip:​ You need to make a reservation in advance via the My Disney Experience app. 🏰 Magic Kingdom (MK): Focus:​ We spent the evening here primarily for the nighttime parade​ and fireworks. Verdict:​ The parade was spectacular and full of Disney magic. The fireworks show, however, felt a bit underwhelming compared to previous versions (like "Happily Ever After"), or maybe I was just suffering from theme park fatigue. Day 5: Departure to Washington D.C.​ 🛫 Note:​ We skipped Universal's Epic Universe​ (the new park under construction). Friends who went said the previews were plagued by ride delays and massive crowds, so we decided to save it for a future trip. 🚗 Transportation & 🍜 Food Lyft/Uber:​ We used ride-sharing for the entire trip. Airport to Hotel: $37 Daily Park Trips: Generally under $25, mostly around $15. Food:​ Most of our dinners were ordered via Uber Eats​ back at the hotel. It was affordable, costing around ¥150 RMB per meal. #US #Florida #Orlando

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