'I watched Universal Orlando Resort transform into the most magical place on earth'

Something special happens during Christmas time at Universal Orlando Resort, taking the UK’s best loved experiences from scary to merry in a blink of an eye - and full disclosure, you'll cry happy tears no matter what your age. Not long after they close the final haunted house doors from their Halloween Horror Night event, the tinsel, oversized baubles and a certain festive squirrel mascot come out to play, yet the creative team are far from messing around. This spectacular transformation is breathtaking for the tens of thousands of visitors that enter through the infamous park arches during the holidays.

If you’re looking to find the true meaning of Christmas, you’ll find it here. From a 80ft tree and the jolliest of parades I’ve ever seen, the park brings to light beauty, love and a cosy community feel. First time families of all ages, couples in love and seasoned fans flock inside the magical lands to feel encompassed in all the festive feels - and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

When chatting with Assistant Director for The Creative Development Group at Universal Orlando Resort, Lara Sauls, it became apparent quickly how passionate staff are here as she revealed that the "addition of holiday season magic means it has become her favourite park celebration."

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She said: "I've been here for 23 years of the 24 years we have celebrated the holiday season and Grinchmas so it's very close to my heart. It's a wonderful time to come to the park with your loved ones and celebrate with all our beautiful decorations, unique, fun food offerings and our special Holiday parade."

To ensure you don’t miss out on some of the must-see and dos over at Universal Orlando Resort during the holiday months, here's a breakdown on the best bits - with most incredible experiences already included within the price of your admission ticket.

The mean, green one

Universal Holidays 2024 run from November 22 to December 31, and there’s plenty to pack in. If you’re looking to laugh your socks off - with a silly slice of sarcasm - then any Grinch-related experience is a must. You have a few options - you can choose to queue to meet him at Honk Honkers but be prepared for an early rise to get in that queue quickly, or face the potential of a long wait. Of course, worth every minute you'll stand there, but just make sure to grab a festive drink while you stand.

Or, why not book The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast? This magical experience, located in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing (an area of the park known specially as Who-ville for the holidays), gives you time to relax while enjoying a fun-themed breakfast including choices such as The Grinch Pancake's, Green Eggs and Ham and Martha May's Chicken & Waffles. Kids will also love the Grinch Sour Apples - a green slushy topped with sweet whipped cream. Find yourself surrounded by Who's, interacting with you while you eat, and then head over for your special meet and greet with the mean, green one himself. Laughs absolutely guaranteed and worth every dollar.

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular show

If you're looking for all the festive feels then this show is for you. Sit back and enjoy watching a stellar, Broadway-talented show as Cindy-Lou Who helps The Grinch's heart grow three times larger - and watch out for Max - yes, Max is a real, very well-trained dog who features in this show and it's your only opportunity to see him.

Kids will love the funny bum-shaking from The Grinch and the colours galore on stage, whereas adults - bring tissues - as you realise this isn't just for children. The emotion and strong vocals are breathtaking with music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. Cindy-Lou Who's solo piece pulled at all the heart strings.

Holiday Tribute Store

Another special addition to Universal Orlando Resort has been the dedication behind their Tribute Store. Located in the New York area of Universal Studios, this store changes themes depending on the celebration and for Christmas we had a festive pop-up book store theme. Enter, and meander the decorated themed rooms, from The Grinch and Harry Potter to Hello Kitty and the park's very own Christmas mascot Earl the Squirrel.

Merch and snacks galore, plus plenty of fun photo opportunities - what's not to love? Also, if you can't make it in before the holidays or manage to leave without that special treat, then you can still buy here.

The most perfect parade

Grab yourself a refreshment - festive cider or perhaps a cheeky eggnog - and bag a spot for Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. Watch as larger-than-life balloons and floats, and exquisite dancers, deck the streets with festive cheer and music, with Santa's Christmas tree switch on bringing a tear to anyone's eye - especially as faux snow starts to fall. Quality quintessential festive moments for the whole family.

We loved this year's new addition too - a Penguins of Madagascar float - and from the happy squealing from children all around - so did they!

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Potter fans will delight in the twinkling lights of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and don't miss the castle projection show. This seven minute show, called The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, is spectacular (even better with a hot Butterbeer in hand too, just saying!) as the castle bounces with wildly realistic images from all four houses, favourite characters and against a backdrop of breathtaking scores of music.

Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Hogsmeade area, in Islands of Adventure, this is not to be missed - and completely free to enjoy. Tip, I watched from the small stage where you'll often spot the Frog Choir or the Triwizard Spirit Rally perform - best views ever!

Cinematic Celebration

This central lagoon show in Universal Studios, launched back in June as part of the summer's new park celebrations, but temporarily stopped to allow for the park's Halloween Horror Nights event. It's back now, with a bang, for delighted fans to enjoy as you watch water dance and rocket sky high against beautiful nostalgic movie music, and stunning projected imagery. And don't miss the drones - they're incredible and cue gasps from watchers every time they appear. A welcomed evening experience as the darker nights draw in.

That's not all....

The festivities are full-on outside of the two main parks, too. Head to Citywalk's Red Coconut Club, which this season has been rebranded as the Green and Red Coconut Club, where you can enjoy festive tunes, holiday cocktails and even a fun Ugly Sweater event. You can also enjoy a meet and greet with Earl the Squirrel on Citywalk Plaza and extend the festive fun to any of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

I stayed at Loews' Sapphire Falls and to say it's a magical stay is an understatement. This Caribbean-inspired hotel comes complete with it's own lagoon and water taxi dock, waterfalls, a rum-dedicated bar and spacious, comfortable bedrooms and if that's not enough, at this time of the year, the biggest Christmas tree takes centre place in the lobby.

If ever there was a place to park your Grinch cookie-filled, Butterbeer-guzzling, peppermint candy cane-demolishing self then this is it.

Christmas shopping? Yes please!

No Christmas visit to Orlando would be complete without a spectacular shopping trip and thanks to Visit Orlando's Amy Rodenbrock, that's exactly what I did.

If you're after luxury then head to The Mall at Millenia, just a short 10 minute car ride from Universal Orlando Resort. Here you'll find Bloomingdales, Macy's, Chanel and YSL to name but a few stores, but you'll also find opportunities to shop 'til you drop at more affordable stores such as Sephora, Urban Outfitters and Pandora. With more than 150 stores, 7 restaurants; including The Cheesecake Factory and impeccable services and amenities such as complimentary hotel delivery and currency exchange - there’s something for every visitor. Don't miss the chance to have your own stylist here too. This complimentary Personal Styling service allows you to find a brand new you within a stunning, private room - and yes, there was bubbly on tap to help get your creative fashion juices flowing.

Next up, set aside some hours (at least!) for shopping at the International Premium Outlets. You'll find so many bargains here at the best of times, especially if you time your visit with Thanksgiving or Black Friday - sales on top of sales - yes please!

Although there are others, this one is the largest outlet family shopping destination in Florida. The centrally located, open-air premise is home to more than 180 brand-name outlet stores.

Looking to 2025

Don’t worry if you feel it’s too soon to book for this year's festivities - use the inspiration here to book next year’s dream trip, after all, there’s plenty to plan for. Universal Orlando Resort will be opening Epic Universe on 22, May, changing the face of theme parks around the world forever.

For this trip, I flew premium economy with Norse Airlines for the first time and would I again? Absolutely! The extra leg room was bigger than any I've experienced on other flights, the in-flight entertainment was fantastic and the food delicious.

I also stayed at the Holiday Inn ahead of flying. This airport hotel, located at Glasgow airport, is a stone's throw away from check in, taking two minutes 41 second to walk (yes, I timed it). The rooms are spacious and the bar serves wonderful food, catering perfectly for a food allergy in our party, too.

Booking

Fancy all of the above? Of course you do! For more information and to book a festive getaway, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays