Returning Home From a Magical Long Weekend at Universal Studios

There is something special about coming home after a trip that was equal parts joyful, chaotic, and full of memories you know will stay with you for years. Our long weekend at Universal Studios over Presidents Weekend was exactly that kind of adventure. We traveled with another family, which added an extra layer of fun, laughter, and shared moments that made the experience even more meaningful.

The parks were very crowded, as expected for a holiday weekend, but the energy was contagious in the best way. Even with the crowds, we were able to do almost everything on our list, including two early mornings at Epic Universe. Watching the parks wake up while the sun rose behind the attractions felt like a little slice of magic before the day fully began.

We stayed at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, which was the perfect home base for a busy weekend. The tropical atmosphere, the easy walk to the parks, and the early entry benefits made everything feel smooth and relaxed. The express passes that came with the stay were a complete game changer. They allowed us to move through Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure with ease, even on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

And yes, we rode Velocicoaster five times. Five. There is something about that ride that pulls you back in again and again. The speed, the drops, the views, the pure thrill of it all. It became our unofficial tradition of the trip.

We also made time for the Wicked experience, which was a beautiful break from the rush of the parks. It was creative, immersive, and a reminder of how much storytelling lives within Universal beyond the rides.

Food was its own adventure. We mixed fine dining with casual favorites and found something to love at every stop. Orchid Lounge for a relaxed bite, Jakes American for comfort food, the Red Oven Pizza Bakery at City Walk for a quick refuel, NBC Grill for a lively meal, and Bigfire for something a little more elevated. And of course, we ended the trip the sweetest way possible with milkshakes from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. It felt like the perfect finale to a weekend filled with joy.

Coming home, we are tired in the best way. The kind of tired that comes from full days, shared laughter, and memories made with people we love. It was a reminder of why we travel in the first place. Not just to see new places, but to experience them together.