Summer is just around the corner, a time for barbecues, baseball & family vacations. If you’re not planning an elaborate trip this year, consider a last minute getaway to Universal Studios Orlando.

You may be thinking there isn’t enough time to plan a theme park vacation? Or what about the sweltering Florida heat? Good news! There is still plenty of time; Universal Orlando vacations aren’t nearly as complex as Walt Disney World. And Two Sisters Travel has lots of ideas to help you keep cool during the hot Florida summers.

Just recently, on a last minute whim, Two Sisters Travel’s Tara McCoy’s family visited Universal for a long weekend and LOVED it. She booked their hotel 3 weeks before arrival and surprised the kiddos, so this can absolutely be done and they made some priceless memories, too!

Here’s why we think Universal Studios Orlando makes the perfect last-minute summer vacation.

Advance dining planning is NOT necessary. Unlike Walt Disney World vacations, a successful Universal Orlando trip doesn’t require planning 6 months (or more) in advance to grab dining reservations. At Universal,  you can easily score top table service restaurant reservations only a few weeks before travel & most same day!

Flexible itineraries. If you don’t particularly enjoy scheduling your rides & attractions, then you’ll love the flexibility of the Universal Express Pass. This is allows you to bypass the standby line and go straight to the front of line. This feature is NOT included with general park admission and can be a costly upgrade but, when you stay at Deluxe Universal Orlando resorts it’s COMPLIMENTARY!

Smaller scale = less intimidating & confusing. Universal Orlando Resort includes two theme parks, Universal Studios & Universal Islands of Adventure, that are joined together by City Walk. And with only 4 onsite resorts, compared to 25 at Walt Disney World, pre-vacation planning & navigating at Universal Orlando Resort isn’t nearly as complicated or intimidating as their Orlando neighbor.

Availability of last minute deals. Universal Orlando discounts & promotions are ongoing. This means that you can often still score deals right up until travel. Of course, these offers are based on availability.

Pool hopping IS allowed. Florida summers are HOT, that’s no lie. But one very cool feature about staying onsite at Universal Orlando is pool hopping! It’s not only allowed but, encouraged. Cool off mid-day or make an entire day of it, there are great poolside restaurants (& bars) to keep you fed and hydrated. The kids will LOVE the pool slide & lazy river at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and everyone will enjoy the underwater audio at Hard Rock Resort.

Fun for everyone. Universal Orlando IS a destination that everyone in the family can enjoy! The parks aren’t just for Harry Potter fans! Little ones will love character greetings with the Minions, Seuss Landing, and the interactive playgrounds. Your elementary-age kids will have plenty to enjoy with attractions themed from Shrek, Transformers, & other movies. Adrenaline-seeking fans will love all of the thrill rides.

When staying at an onsite hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll enjoy early park admission and complimentary transportation, Deluxe Resorts even include complimentary Express Pass tickets.

New this summer: you can be among the first to experience Universal Orlando’s newest resort, Sapphire Falls, and receive up to a $150 hotel dining credit when you book a package by May 30.

So, who’s ready to experience Universal Orlando Resort this summer? Get a no-obligation vacation quote online & let’s make the most of the summer!

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

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