The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal Orlando, Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Dec 13, 2017
2 min read

Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure

We recently spent five days in Orlando at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. We had two day park passes for Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. We also spent one day at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom enjoying classic rides like It's a Small, Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, the Jungle Cruise, and the Flying Carpets.

We had a fantastic time at all three parks! We will definitely go back to experience the many things we could not fit in, like Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Universal's Volcano Bay water park.

My daughter has been reading and watching all of the Harry Potter books and movies. So that was the main reason we wanted to visit Hogwarts and all things Harry Potter.

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes in Dragon Alley at Universal Studios

We absolutely loved Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Daytime or nighttime, it is magical.

Hogsmeade at night

In case you are still dry after riding the Jurassic Park River Adventure, you can stand at the bottom of the falls to get a great spray!

We went the week after Thanksgiving. The hotel and the parks were not very busy. We hardly waited more than 10 minutes for any ride at Universal.

We stayed at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort which is 100% family friendly. Two pools, a small water slide, lazy river, beach chairs in the sand or near the pool, outdoor ping pong tables, giant Connect Four game, two different movies by the pools each night, bowling, and lots of food choices. There are continuous shuttles running from the hotel to the theme parks and City Walk.