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The Best Things in Universal Studios Florida

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Today, I want to highlight the best things in Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort!

Best Things In Universal Studios Florida

The Best Things in Universal Studios Florida

In 2025, I posted my favorite things in each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. So, in 2026, I thought I would do the same thing with a look at each of the three theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort. I figured I’d start with the OG theme park at UO – Universal Studios Florida! Opened in 1990, it’s the park that started the resort! The park’s premise is bringing your favorite TV shows and movies to life! There’s currently 8 themed lands in the park with something for everyone!

Best Quick Service Restaurants

The place I find myself returning to the most in this park for a bite to eat is Today Cafe! The I Heart Vegan sandwich is a good way to get some more vegetables in my diet when I’m visiting. I also love that they have a rotation of seasonal desserts here. I sometimes think about the butternut squash tart and peanut caramel bar I got during the Halloween Horror Nights Daytime Tour back in 2023. It was a tasty meal that allowed me to eat in a hurry! Yummy!

I have also enjoyed the addition of the Illumination’s Minion Cafe to this park. Otto’s Pet Rock is tasty for peanut butter and jelly fans!

Best Full Service Restaurant

I’ve previously reviewed two of the full service restaurants in this park: Lombard’s Seafood Grille Review and Finnegan’s Bar and Grill at Universal Orlando Review. My mom and I weren’t overly impressed with Finnegan’s. However, it’s currently closed for refurbishment. So, I’m interested to see what it’s like afterwards. We enjoyed Lombard’s though. It had relaxing vibes and tasty key lime pie.

Best Ride

I think the title of best ride in any theme park can be controversial. Also, I’m not super into roller coasters, believe it or not. However, I grew up with Harry Potter and enjoy the highly themed area. So, I’m going to say the best ride in this park is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts!

Seasonal Events

My absolute favorite thing about Universal Studios Florida is the seasonal events! It’s the location for Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and the Holiday Parade! It’s hard to decide if HHN or Mardi Gras is my favorite though. Mardi Gras is included with park ticket, not scary just fun, and is carefree. HHN is separately ticketed, crowded, and high energy. Either way, these are fun events that no other theme park can rival yet.

The Best Things In Universal Studios Florida

Well, those are my favorite things in the original UO park. What are some of yours?

Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants Guide

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I’ve been meaning to write a Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants guide for sometime now. So, here it finally is!

Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants

Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants

Magic Kingdom is one of my favorite theme parks. As such, I’ve spent the most time in this park and have eaten here lots of times. However, I will admit that this park is somewhat lacking in the food department. I’ve often left this park and gone to a nearby resort to enjoy a meal rather than eat in the park. The low number of sit down or table service restaurants makes it easy to visit each location and review. So, here’s a look at what your choices are at MK!

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

I’m going to start with the first sit down restaurant you encounter when you enter the Magic Kingdom – Tony’s Town Square! It’s a Lady and the Tramp themed Italian restaurant! It’s a cute theme for any fan of the movies or dogs in general. I did a Tony’s Town Square Review back in 2023 and I think it’s fair to say that not much has changed since then. It’s very basic Italian food that sometimes lacks seasoning. It’s not as bad as much of the Internet would have you believe, but I can get better quality Italian food at home. You can use 1 dining plan credit here for 1 drink, 1 entree, and a dessert. However, I’d probably use it somewhere else.

The Plaza Restaurant

The next table service restaurant you come to in this park is The Plaza Restaurant. It’s on the right towards the end of Main Street. I’ve eaten here twice, but never done a full review of it. It has a great view of the castle. Although, it’s a small space and can feel cramped. Also, the menu rotates some items pretty regularly. However, it tends to be pretty basic stuff. The food is good, but I’ve just never felt like I had something here that warranted its own review. I mean there’s only so much you can say about a Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich. It’s fresh. It tastes good. It’s filling. Ha! Anyways, the food is good but I typically wouldn’t use my table service credit here just because I can’t imagine using 1 for a sandwich or salad.

The Crystal Palace

The next table service restaurant is on the left (and up from Main Street). I’m talking about The Crystal Palace! This is a Winnie the Pooh and Friends character buffet dining! I posted a review of the breakfast my husband and I ate here a few years ago. Back in December, my mom and I ate here for dinner. This is a fun one for any fans of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, or Eeyore! Plus, the buffet features a variety of foods to please many palates. It’s a good use of a dining credit, especially if you pick out a special beverage.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Technically, Cinderella’s Royal Table is considered a signature dining experience. As such, it costs 2 dining credits to eat here. So, I’ve never used the dining plan to eat here. In fact, I’ve eaten here only once! It was back in 2021 when there was a modified experience following Covid. My husband and I enjoyed breakfast here just so that we could say that we’d done it. Plus, it was a slightly lower price back then since it was a modified experience (the princesses didn’t do any meet and greets.). I know lots of people enjoy eating in the castle and meeting the princesses. It’s perfect for little princesses or anyone wanting a nicer meal in this park. My blog image above was taken from inside CRT and is looking out at the park.

Be Our Guest Restaurant

The other signature dining restaurant in Magic Kingdom is Be Our Guest. I haven’t eaten here since before the pandemic, when it offered a terrific quick service value for breakfast! There’s three separate highly themed Beauty and the Beast rooms here. However, it now offers a prix fixe menu with a hefty $72/adult or 2 dining credits price tag! While the food is certainly elevated over the other table service options in this park, I don’t think it’s worth 2 dining credits. It would be good for Beauty and the Beast fans to do once or maybe for a date night.

Liberty Tree Tavern

Over in Liberty Square, there’s the consistently good Liberty Tree Tavern. I wrote a Liberty Tree Tavern review the other year and assume it’s mostly the same as it was then. It’s a colonial themed restaurant with different rooms being themed after founding fathers. What people really like though is the food. If you are craving some Thanksgiving food, then this is the place for you. Just save room for the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake that’s served for dessert! This makes for an ok use of a dining credit if you pick an expensive drink.

The Diamond Horseshoe

Are you craving the tasty menu from Liberty Tree Tavern but can’t grab a reservation? Well, I’ve got good news for you! The Diamond Horseshoe located nearby is serving the exact same menu as Liberty Tree! I’ve actually never eaten here. However, I assume the food is just as good as it is at Liberty Tree. Although, I imagine it feels different to eat it in an Old West themed music hall.

Skipper Canteen

Last but not least is Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. I’ve eaten here exactly once. It was with my husband and we actually enjoyed what we had. We enjoyed how different the menu was with its unique flavor pairings. Unfortunately, my husband ended up not feeling well later on. It probably wasn’t related to eating here, but we just haven’t felt like going back here. So, if you have some adventurous eaters, this is probably a good option for you. It would also be a pretty good use of a 1 table service credit, depending on the exact options you chose.

Magic Kingdom Table Service

There you have it! That’s all of the restaurants in the Magic Kingdom that accepts table service credits! Which one is your go-to?

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg Guide

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Last year, I was able to experience Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg! So, I thought I would help anyone else planning a trip with a guide!

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg actually begins around Thanksgiving and goes until the first Saturday of January. The special fireworks, Grand Illumination, takes place on the first three Saturdays of December. With lots of add-on experiences taking place during this time of the year, I highly recommend looking at the holiday planner to see what events are taking place when you visit.

Holiday Decor

While the holiday decor is more muted/basic than contemporary times, it is still beautiful. I loved spotting the various themed wreaths on the different buildings. There’s a holiday decor tour that I wish we had taken that goes into more detail about the decor. There’s also classes to make your own wreaths and centerpieces. So, I think that makes it a unique holiday travel destination. Plus, it’s neat to learn about the early traditions.

I also would encourage everyone to walk over to the resort’s hotels to see their holiday decor. It’s more modern and looks pretty!

Grand Illuminations

I think the peak holiday entertainment at CW is Grand Illuminations. That’s the special fireworks they do on the first three Saturdays in December. Since they do the fireworks so infrequently, it gets really crowded. I highly recommend staying on property if you are visiting on a day with fireworks just to avoid the mess of parking and driving.

Also, don’t miss all of the free entertainment happening prior to the fireworks. It was really cold, but we enjoyed gathering around the fire and listening to the various groups caroling.

Add-on Experiences

While the fireworks and the like are included with regular admission, there are lots of add-on experiences available during the holidays. From decor tours to wreath making classes. There’s probably something for everyone. The only add-on my mom and I did was Christmastide at the Courthouse. Held on Friday nights and costing $19/adult, it was a lovely way to begin our Christmas trip to CW. The musicians played some historical tunes and told us about Colonial holidays. It was a really interesting program that I enjoyed lots. I think it was well worth the price paid and would do it again if I go back.

Markets

If you are visiting on a Saturday, then there are lots of markets you can check out. Williamsburg has one in walking distance. My mom purchased some Christmas gifts at that one. We also watched some folks ice skate. Yorktown also hosts a holiday market. Basically, you can find lots of local vendors with very little work.

Bonus: Celebration in Lights

If you are hankering for some modern Christmas lights, then head up the road to Newport News. We enjoyed the drive thru Celebration in Lights show. It features two miles of holiday scenes and over one million lights! If you are in the area and like Christmas lights, I think it’s worth checking out!

Tips

  • Book accommodations early – We booked our Colonial House lodging in February for December as things were already booking up! So, book your accommodations as soon as you know you are going!
  • Book dining early – Staying on property allowed us to book things early. We booked our Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea in early/mid September and it was booked up pretty quickly. We also booked a dinner at one of the Taverns in advance. Basically, keep an eye out for reservations to open up in the Fall and book them as soon as you can.
  • Check out the events calendar – CW puts out an updated holiday planner around early September. I highly recommend consulting it to see what special events are taking place during your trip.
  • Do some add-on experiences – My mom didn’t feel like doing much on this trip. However, I hope I get to go back someday and do some of the add-on tours/classes.
  • Be prepared for crowds – Saturday (the day of the fireworks) was the most crowded I’ve ever seen Williamsburg. Visiting the shops reminded me of visiting a theme park. There were people everywhere I turned. Also, I suspect 2026 will be even more crowded since the US is celebrating its 250th Anniversary.
  • Lodging is expensive – The holidays are definitely the busiest time of the year for CW. As such, they charge a premium for lodging. Just know that you are going to pay more to stay there during this time of the year.
  • Pack warm clothes – It was really cold when we visited. I wore multiple layers and my heaviest coat. You will want a scarf, hat, and gloves too! Bundle up!

Should you visit Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas?

While Williamsburg is more subdued at the holidays than some other locations, it’s still a gorgeous location to visit. It’s perfect for history buffs to learn about the history of the country/state and its early holiday celebrations. It’s also a good location for a more leisurely trip than somewhere like Orlando.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town Guide

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Last year, my mom and I got to experience Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town for the first time. I didn’t find too many reviews or guides about it prior to visiting, so I thought I would create one.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town

Christmas Town is what Busch Gardens theme parks call their annual Christmas event. With special shows, lights, and entertainment, it’s one of the more affordable yet enjoyable Christmas theme park events, in my opinion. My mom and I visited using my Annual Pass and a free bring-a-friend pass. So, it was almost like it was free. Haha!

Attractions

My mom and I don’t really visit theme parks to ride the rides. We are more show/food/ambiance people. However, I wanted to point out that technically some of the rides are open during this event, in case that interests some folks. Although, not everything is open, especially when the temperature drops.

Shows

I think the shows are some of the most enjoyable aspects of this event. Last year, we enjoyed the show at Das Festhaus and Scrooge No More! It looks like Das Festhaus is getting a new show for 2025: Christmas Town Live! I’m sure it will be just as good as the old show. I highly recommend Scrooge No More! I was impressed with the ghosts.

I also highly recommend checking out some of the light shows. The Polar Pathway: Spectacle of Lights is worth catching at least once. The Celebration of Lights at O’Tannenbaum was also nice.

I had wanted to see ‘Twas that Night. Unfortunately, it wasn’t on the schedule for the day we visited. So, I would encourage everyone to consult the schedule to plan out your day.

The Ambiance

I would also like to point out how nicely the park is decorated for the holidays. It was nice to just walk around and take it all in. It was a cold night, but the lights and decor are top notch.

The Food

If there’s one part that’s lacking, it’s the food. Beyond a few drinks and desserts, the park doesn’t really do a holiday dining menu. Most of the restaurants have their regular menus. That’s one of the reasons why we did Santa’s Fireside Feast. It allowed us to enjoy some nice seasonal food while indoors.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Tips

  • Keep an eye out for details – Busch Gardens doesn’t get in much of a hurry to release info. Last year, the details were released in late October. However, most people have their trips planned by then.
  • Look at the schedule – Not every show is performed everyday. Also, they have limited hours during the Christmas event.
  • Rope drop – With the park being open so few hours, it’s important to maximize each one. Arrive early to get a jumpstart.
  • Take time for shows and decor – Even though you may feel rushed, it’s worth it to pause and see a show.

Should you go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town?

I believe this was my mom’s favorite day of the entire trip. She really enjoyed the shows and seeing the lights. I think if you are visiting the area around the holidays, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party Guide

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Last year, I was able to do a Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom! So, just in case anyone else is considering doing the same thing, I thought I’d make a little post to help.

Solo Mickey's Christmas Party

Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party

For those who don’t know, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event held at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on select nights in November and December. I’ve been lucky enough to attend this party several times with my mom. In fact, you can read my general Very Merry party advice in an old post. Last year, I decided to attend it by myself for the first time!

Mickey’s Very Merry By Myself

As per usual, I entered the park prior to the 7 o’clock party start time. This year, I had an early dinner at The Plaza Restaurant. I got the Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich with fries. It’s basic, but good. Having traveled all day, I was really hungry and this hit the spot.

After dinner, I enjoyed the ambiance of the holidays in Magic Kingdom by sitting at a table in front of the restaurant. Right before the party began, I decided to get in line to see Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Scrooge McDuck. Unfortunately, Scrooge ended up missing the picture since he was counting his money. That’s ok, I got a picture with him the next night at Jollywood Nights.

After the meet and greet, I grabbed a few cookies to take with me before wandering over to the dessert party. After standing in line (and traveling all day), it felt nice to sit down with some treats. During the party, another family started talking to me and we had a nice chat about Disney and other travel destinations. Then, we headed over to the Garden Plaza for fireworks viewing.

Following the fireworks, I got a spot on Main Street for the parade. I love the Christmas parade! It’s a must-see every time, for me. After the parade, I hit up the remaining cookie spots and met Mickey before exiting the park.

Tips

  • Do what you want – Do you want to stand in a long line to meet characters? Do it. Want to sit down and just enjoy being in the park? Do it. It’s your trip.
  • Have a list – I didn’t have a concrete plan for this trip considering it was last minute. However, I knew I wanted to see the parade, meet Donald, see the fireworks, and get some cookies. The party goes fast, so having an idea of what you want to accomplish helps.
  • Go fast or go slow – I tend to walk pretty quickly in a theme park, particularly when I’m alone. So, it’s nice to walk at my own speed. However, I also made time to sit down and chill during this party.
  • Consider a dessert party – The fireworks viewing included with the dessert party was nice to get away from some of the crowds. However, it can also be easier to snag a spot when you are alone. It depends what you value.
  • Don’t be afraid – It’s not awkward to meet the characters by yourself. Also, I often have conversations with other families when I’m in the parks. You might be attending alone, but that doesn’t mean you will be lonely.

Should you attend a Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party?

I love traveling by myself. However, it’s not for everyone. I enjoy going at my own speed and doing what I want to, when I want to. I also understand wanting to share the experience with someone else. I think it comes down to individual circumstances, but I think most people can enjoy a party by themselves.