Head off the winter blues with a sunny visit to Universal Orlando Resort. With warm days and cool nights, it’s the perfect “winter” season — blending the festiveness of the holidays with the unapologetic beauty of the Sunshine State. It is truly my favorite season to visit the theme parks.
- Winter is a great time to visit Universal Orlando theme parks because the temperatures are cool and there are plenty of holiday events (Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, etc.) to experience with your loved ones.
- All 11 Universal Orlando hotels are decorated during the holiday season, creating a festive atmosphere for a weeklong family vacation to Florida in the winter.
Whether you’re coming for a fun twist on holiday traditions during The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort or for the ultimate friend getaway, this guide will help you make the most of this spectacular time of year.
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WHERE TO STAY | WHAT TO DO | WHAT TO EAT
Where to Stay in the Winter at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal has incredible hotel options for every family’s budget and style. In fact, selecting the perfect place to stay on your winter vacation might just be the hardest choice of the trip!
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel
‘Tis the season for treating yourself, and there’s no better place to do that than Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel. I mean, it’s got grand in its name!
Must-Have Experiences:
- With a stay at Helios, you can stroll right from your hotel room to Universal Epic Universe.
- One of life’s great experiences is soaking in a hot tub when it’s chilly outside. Check this off your bucket list at Helios.
- Fill up with a hearty breakfast at Flora Taverna. I’m partial to the Sunrise Buffet (after all, what is winter if not the time to eat enough for hibernation?) but you really can’t go wrong with any of the menu items!
- Sip on your preferred winter-y cocktail at Bar Helios for a nightcap scored by Universal Celestial Goodnight at neighboring Epic Universe.
- Check off some of your holiday shopping list at the Universal Studios Store located in the lobby.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
If you love nothing more than enjoying the winter season with a glass of wine and heaps of pasta, then you must stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. This incredibly appointed hotel is full of Italian charm and was inspired by the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. Plus, all guests of this hotel receive some sweet theme park perks like Early Park Admission, transportation to and from the theme parks via water taxi and Universal Express Unlimited access to enjoy a shorter wait time at participating rides and attractions.
Must-Have Experiences:
- Winter in the Sunshine State is still sunny, so soak in some Vitamin D at one of the three heated pools. The Beach Pool is the best spot for families with a water slide, sandy beach and poolside activities, while the Villa and Hillside Pools offer more privacy and upgraded amenities.
- Grab a drink at The Thirsty Fish, a waterfront bar overlooking the harbor with live music on select nights.
- Sit down to a family dinner at Mama Della’s Ristorante, where everyone is family. Dishes from Tuscany, Naples, and Piemonte regions take you on an epicurean adventure while strolling musicians add to the ambiance.
- Ring in the New Year with the hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve Party on the Piazza! This outdoor family-friendly celebration will rock your bells with gourmet food, desserts, live DJ and plenty of dancing. *Separately ticketed event.
Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
Dockside Inn and Suites is an affordable winter escape with spacious rooms and two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six people, two heated pools, and a food court serving up comfort foods.
Must-Have Experiences:
- Home to five unique food stations, the Pier 8 Market serves up special holiday meals like Thanksgiving Day oven-roasted turkey and Christmas honey-glazed ham, so you can still enjoy holiday comfort food.
- Chill poolside with your favorite book and a warm Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks.
- Take a festive photo by the beautifully-themed Christmas trees.
- Keep the kids (or adults) busy with an on-site arcade, two pools, splash pad and poolside activities.
- Stop by one of the two pool bars or the lobby bar for a cozy cocktail.
What to Do in the Winter at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has plenty to see and do year-round, but some experiences are especially suited for winter. During the holiday season, the theme parks are dressed up in full festive spirit with ornately decorated garland, twinkling lights and of course, lots of trees, trees, trees! I could go on and on about my love of the holidays but this guide is covering more than just the holidays!
Check out The Guide to the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort for more.
Universal Epic Universe
One of my favorite things about Universal Epic Universe is that it really is a perfect theme park to take it easy in, which is pretty much exactly the energy I’m looking for in the winter. The rides may be fast, but the pace can be slow, and I like that!
Must-Have Experiences:
- With the skies getting darker earlier in the day during the winter, it is the perfect season to explore Darkmoor Village. This cozy, creepy village is — in my opinion — best experienced at night. So once the sun sets, head over for an encounter with The Invisible Man and a ride on Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
- Winter is a season of wonder, and there is no experience more awe-inspiring than Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — The Ministry of Magic.
- Head over to North Star Wintry Wonders in Celestial Park. This year-round holiday shop is a perfect spot to stock up on ornaments for the season.
- End the evening with Universal Celestial Goodnight. If the chillier weather doesn’t give you goosebumps, this dazzling spectacular of fireworks and dancing fountains surely will!
Universal Studios Florida
From day to night, Universal Studios Florida has the perfect mix of movie magic and fun for everyone.
Must-Have Experiences
- Enjoy a slice of Christmas in the Big Apple every November and December when the streets in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida are transformed into a holiday wonderland, complete with a stunning Christmas tree, views of 30 Rockefeller Center, and even Macy’s window façades to peruse. And don’t forget to post up for the nightly Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s with larger-than-life balloons.
- Watch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees perform their holiday hits like “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas” in Diagon Alley.
- Blast your way through Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and celebrate the highest score with Fluffy’s Unicorn Cupcake at Illumination’s Minion Café.
- Dance to the beat of all the street performances around the theme park. The Beat Builders and ¡Vamos! – Báilalo are two of my favorites.
- Shop for everyone on your holiday gift list at the Universal Tribute Store.
- Stop in the Leaky Cauldron and try the Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew served in a warm, crusty bread bowl.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Chestnuts roasting in the air, Blue the Raptor nipping at your nose, Yuletide carols being sung by a Frog Choir, and folks dressed up like Whos… Universal Islands of Adventure has all the makings of a holiday song remix!
Must-Have Experiences:
- Soaring above Seuss Landing on The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride is even more whimsical in the winter with the time change and seeing the land sparkle at night.
- Meet the maven of mischief, The Grinch, during Grinchmas.
- Don your Hogwarts house robe and soar through the grounds of Hogwarts castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
- Holiday shopping in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade can’t be beat. I personally love to stuff stockings with treats from Honeydukes or a festive Potter-themed ornament.
- Sip on a hot Butterbeer as The Frog Choir sings seasonal melodies.
- Brighten your night at Hogwarts castle with the different seasonal shows that showcase a stunning light and sound experience. Be sure to catch The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts when you visit for the holidays!
- In Marvel Super Hero Island, brave a different kind of storm with a spin on Storm Force Accelatron. I hear at night the lightning can be especially vivid.
Universal Volcano Bay
Relaxing volcano-side is a view that beats any snow pile. With less crowds, heated pools, sandy beach and a mix of thrills and relaxing, Universal Volcano Bay is a must-do.
Must-Have Experiences:
- Find the perfect spot to post up for the day. My favorite is underneath an umbrella on Waturi Beach where I can listen to the waves, gaze at the stunning and surreal volcano and fully unwind.
- Taste the tropics at Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club. The sandwiches and longboard pizzas are always a hit.
- Two rivers equals twice the fun. The TeAwa Fearless River is a thrilling whitewater journey that takes you through the heart of the volcano. The Kopiko Wai Winding River is slow and mellow passing by Stargazer’s Cavern.
Universal CityWalk
Fun winter activities continue beyond the theme parks with these Universal CityWalk ideas!
Must-Have Experiences:
- Check out Universal’s Great Movie Escape to put your quick-thinking and problem-solving skills to the test.
- Putt-putt your way through two interactive 18-hole mini-golf courses at Hollywood Drive-In Golf.
- Grab your friends to laugh, cry and snack your way through the latest holiday movie lineup at Universal Cinemark.
- With 100 high-def screens, there’s no bad seat to catch a game at NBC Sports Grill & Brew. This is one of my family’s go-to spots for watching sports and grubbing on some great food, especially for some of the SUPER games that happen this time of year. My boys can’t get enough of the giant soft-pretzel and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Bites. I hardly deviate from the pulled pork sandwich (and tots!) because it’s just that good.
What to Eat in the Winter at Universal Orlando Resort
The talented culinary team at Universal Orlando are always cooking up new and classic dishes you’ve got to try.
- Warm your belly and soul with the Bourbon Cheese Fondue or one of the many delicious steak options at Bigfire Restaurant in Universal CityWalk. End on a sweet note by roasting s’mores tableside.
- There are always delicious offerings around the holidays throughout the theme parks and resorts. Nab a hot chocolate and a sweet treat while checking out the holiday decor.
- Feast like a Viking in How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Mead Hall. The Thawfest Platter, wild berry BBQ glazed chicken drumsticks, grilled salmon, sausage links, roasted carrots, Cipollini onions, Nordic fries, side sauces, is sure to satisfy any appetite.
- A glass of red vino with a steaming bowl of fettuccine is a great way to warm up at VIVO Italian Kitchen in Universal CityWalk. For even more pasta plates, check out Where to Find the Best Spaghetti.
- Celebrate National Chocolate Lovers Month in February with a tour de chocolate at all the best spots featured in A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Chocolate Desserts. Or stock up on chocolate treats on your Epic Universe day at Moonship Chocolates and Celestial Sweets.
- Sample the flavors of Darkmoor at The Burning Blade Tavern. I usually opt for the Burning Cheddar Bites and a glass of the Darkthorne Mead.
- National Potato Month, also held annually in February, is the perfect time to try the stuffed jacket potatoes and British crisps at the London Taxi Hut in Universal Studios Florida.
- February also kicks off the annual Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios Florida and food is definitely at the heart of the experience. Check out all the eats.
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner for two at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. The Quiche Lorraine is a personal fave with a side of French Onion Soup. And you must save room for the Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding!
I’ve got my scarf, shorts and sunglasses ready to seize the winter season. See you there!
What are your favorite things to see, do, or eat during winter at Universal Orlando Resort? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!