KidZ Guides Rating: 3/4 Z’s

Wands, Coasters & Mac ‘n Cheez: Our Epic Universal Orlando Adventure! 🎢🧙‍♂️🧀

By: Two KidZ (and One Excited Dad) on a Magical Theme Park Mission

From the moment we saw the giant spinning globe, it was game on at Universal Orlando. Lights, camera, action — and a lot of popcorn. While Dad was still dreaming about Star Wars from our Disney days, he quickly switched gears once we hopped on The Hogwarts Express… and so did we!

Welcome to Diagon Alley — Fire-Breathing Dragon Included! 🐉🔥

Our first stop: getting our wands! While we picked our magical match, Mom and Dad grabbed Butterbeer (they said it tasted like a fizzy butterscotch milkshake). Then we stepped into Diagon Alley, and it was like entering a whole new world — complete with a dragon that breathes real fire!

We practiced our wand spells at special brass stone markers all around the alley. It takes a few tries (tip: small wrist flicks!), but once you get it, it’s pure magic.

The Wizarding World Rides: Epic Doesn’t Even Cover It 🧙‍♂️🎢

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Dark, twisty, and full of surprises.
• Escape from Gringotts: Roller coaster meets 3D wizard battle. We loved the goblins!
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: Our FAVORITE. Carter took the motorbike, Charlie rode the sidecar — it was fast, smooth, and full of surprises!

After conquering the wizarding world, we rode the Hogwarts Express to the other side of the park to keep the fun going.

Big Coasters = Big Screams (For Mom and Dad) 🌀🦖

Next up: the serious thrill rides. Mom and Dad took turns riding:

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster — full loops, fast drops, and tons of screams.
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster — one of the longest and wildest coasters we’ve ever seen. Carter braved it once. That was enough!

While they screamed, we chilled and saved our energy for… the Minions!

Minions, Mayhem & Mac ‘n Cheez 🍟🟡

We swung by the Minion section and saw a sneak peek of Villain-Con (coming soon!). But since it wasn’t open yet, we went on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem — a silly, bouncy ride that’s perfect for the whole family.

Then it was lunchtime at Cowfish (Mom and Dad said it was AMAZING). We crushed our Kid’s Mac and Cheez with fries and edamame. Who knew sushi and burgers could go together?

Seuss Land = Twisty, Trolley, Splashy Fun 🚂🐟

Last stop: Seuss Landing! We quickly figured out that there are no straight lines here — everything is twisty, colorful, and awesome. Our must-rides:

• The Cat in the Hat: A wacky indoor ride through the story.
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride: Great views and silly rhymes!
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: Water included — perfect on a hot day!

Final Thoughts: A Day of Magic, Mayhem & Memories

Universal Orlando is packed with thrill rides, magical moments, and tons of fun for every age. Whether you’re practicing spells in Diagon Alley, riding sidecars with Hagrid, or dodging water in Seuss Landing — there’s something here for everyone.

Bring your wand, wear comfy shoes, and definitely don’t miss the dragon!

Planning a Florida adventure? Check out our hotel review of Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek or our magical day at EPCOT with kids!