Souvenirs You Will Actually Use

Theme parks have so much merchandise to offer, it usually is not difficult to pick out something to buy. The only question is, will it become covered in dust weeks after the trip?
I've put together a list of souvenirs you will use and will remind you of the fun time you have on vacation.

Disney's collection of Alex and Ani bracelets

Although these are a little pricey for some folks ($39.95 for one bracelet) they are fashionable, and wearable on a daily basis.


Themed Mugs

This souvenir is also usable everyday. Prices range depending on where you buy one.


MagicBand

Just from this photo you can see all the great things a MagicBand can do. If you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel the Band is included. If not, you can buy one for $13.95. You won't have to pull out money, cards or tickets and you can connect it to the MyDisneyExperience app to reserve FastPass+.
:)

Must-Do Rides at Magic Kingdom

This classic Walt Disney World park has lots of great rides to offer. It definitely takes a full day to get through all of them. Touring plans change based on rider's ages and interests but these are the rides that I personally think are a necessary addition to any day spent at Magic Kingdom.

4. Splash Mountain

This is a classic ride that is calm except for two small drops before the big (52.5 ft) drop at the end. You probably will get wet, but this classic ride is a fun one for some children, and teens and adults.

3. Space Mountain
You won't be able to see much during this indoor coaster, but it is a great experience. You feel as though you are zooming through space in a high speed shuttle. The drops are not very big and it has zero inversions.

2. Haunted Mansion
Do not be afraid when you see the word "haunted"; this ride is not very spooky. I quote "999 happy haunts" live in the mansion and cause more laughs than screams. It is a slow journey through many exciting rooms.

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This is my number one because it is fast enough for a teen to like it, but slow enough for children also. Disney coaster's usually consist of fast winding tracks and this one does not disappoint. It is also a nice and long ride (3 min). A fun suggestion is riding this in the evening. The dark adds a little more thrill!
:)

Why Harry Potter Fans Love Universal

Universal Orlando Resort is home to two Harry Potter themed lands-- Hogsmeade, in Islands of Adventure, and Diagon Alley, in Universal Studios Florida. Both lands are heaven for anyone who is a Potter fan!

One of the best things about these lands is the amount of detail. Everywhere you look there is something interesting like a wizarding advertisement or a particular aspect of the book that has come to life. For example, Gringotts Wizarding Bank. From it's elaborate chandelier to it's lifelike animatronic goblins, this is a near perfect replica of the bank depicted in the movies and books.

The workers have great themed costumes and the shops sell merchandise right of the pages of Harry Potter books, including Chocolate Frogs, Butterbeer, school robes, wands and much more.

Also, one of my favorite parts of the lands are the rides. Forbidden Journey, in Hogwarts castle is a half simulated half real journey through Harry's experiences at school. The ride vehicle is situated like a flying chair with your legs hanging. This ride is a must do for any vacationer. 
Dragon Challenge is a wild roller coaster experience. See the post before the last post for more details. 
Flight of the Hippogriff is a short children's coaster. 
Escape from Gringotts is the new ride inside the bank. It is also part simulator and part real but a little most calm than Forbidden Journey but still a great ride. 
The Hogwarts Express travels between both lands and is also a great experience.

Hopefully you enjoy your time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as much as I do!
:)

The Best Thrill Rides at Universal Orlando

5. Revenge of the Mummy

This indoor coaster is tame for thrill ride enthusiasts but not recommended for those with a dislike for rides. The ride starts off slow to set up the Ancient Egyptian story but picks up speed (literally) with an accelerated lift hill and a drop into a dark coaster ride. This ride is fun for kids, teens, and adults if you are not afraid of speed and the dark. Also, pre-lift hill you travel backwards for a few feet.

4. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall

This classic drop ride lifts people into the air above Universal at a top speed. You soon drop with the force of gravity back down. After the initial lift and drop, the ride is not crazy but the entire tower measures 150 feet. Compared to Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, this ride lacks a complete attraction experience.

3. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

This tall roller coaster is 167 feet and includes a completely vertical lift hill to go up to it. Technically this ride does not go upside down although it feels like you are right after the big drop. A nice feature is the ability to choose a song while riding and the ride films you and you can watch your reactions after you get off. Check out this funny video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPdbdjctx2I

2. Dragon Challenge

Both coasters offer a different ride and it is commonly agreed upon that the Chinese Fireball is a better ride. Although, each coaster includes five inversions and a drop at the beginning. I always have lots of fun on Dragon Challenge, and of course the queue is a great representation of the TriWizard Tournament.

1. The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Hulk is my personal favorite because of the great take-off. Riders experiences 4 Gs uphill as they accelerate to 40 mph in seconds, then proceed down a 110 foot drop. This crazy coaster reaches 67 mph and has a whopping seven inversions. Only for coaster fanatics!
:)

The Best Purchase from Universal Orlando Resort

Every time I visit Universal, I am always wearing my lanyard with plenty of pins!

The lanyard is a great way to hold your park admission ticket as well as your Universal Express pass. If you are like me, I go on tons of rides so it is especially helpful to have my Express pass ready to scan at all times. Lanyards come in all kinds of styles, like a basic Universal logo, or a specific brand like Harry Potter.

 

Not only is this useful, it is fun too. Pins are available for purchase all around both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Pins are a great way to remember all of your favorite, rides, characters, or attractions. Prices for one pin range from $8 to $12.

I personally like to display my pins on a cork board to hold papers or for decoration once I return home from the parks.

Lastly, pin trading is a fun way to interact with workers at Universal. Usually you can make any offer with any worker wearing pins and they most often agree to it. Of course this is optionally and you can always buy whatever pins you like and keep them for yourself!   :)

First post! / About Me

I am a 15 year old girl with a love for theme parks! On this blog I will post advice, opinions, DIY projects, and more! Plenty of research goes into each post so I can be a reliable source. Most of my posts will be related to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World.

I am the girl in the second row from the bottom with the red sweatshirt.

:)