Trip to Orlando: A 4-Day, 3-Night in Universal Studios and Disney World(Part 1)

4 min readFeb 25, 2024

In April 2023, seizing the opportunity during Spring break, my friend and I embarked on an exhilarating adventure from the chilly realms of Boston to the vibrant heart of Orlando!

Day 1: Boston to Orlando

Our journey began with a flight aboard a Frontier Airbus A321 Jet, departing Boston at 9:24 AM and arriving in Orlando by 12:54 PM. We booked our tickets through Expedia on February 15, opting not to pay extra for seat selection or carry-on luggage, eventually finding ourselves in seats 2B and 2D. Despite the lack of in-flight entertainment screens and a slight delay pushing our departure to around 11–12 PM, we were too tired to notice, jokingly considering ourselves kidnapped to an unknown destination.

Upon arrival, our first stop was the Comfort Inn, where we checked in for a two-night stay in a room with two queen beds, breakfast included. The hotel offered a complimentary shuttle bus to Universal Studios, a service many hotels in the area provide, which is worth inquiring about at the front desk. After starving for over 10 hours, we headed to Chili’s for what felt like a much-needed afternoon tea.

Our shopping spree began at a nearby outlet, though we quickly decided to move on to another, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, larger outlet where we shopped until closing. While discounts varied by brand and promotion, we found that some brands were significantly cheaper than buying in Taiwan, advising future travelers to check online for hidden coupons to maximize savings.

For transportation, we relied mainly on Uber & Lyft, finding an Uber One membership particularly useful for easier ride bookings. The total cost of our trips will be shared in the final part.

Day 2: Universal Studios Florida + Adventure Park

A visit to Orlando wouldn’t be complete without exploring Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Opting for a one-day two-park pass with Express access, we found the investment well worth it, marking it as our trip’s highlight.

Ticket prices vary by date, and it’s important to note that the one-day two-park pass and Express Pass are purchased separately. The convenience of having electronic tickets with QR codes for both park admissions and Express lane access made navigating the parks and storing belongings in lockers a breeze.

During our visit over Spring break, the parks were bustling with families, but our Express passes allowed us to enjoy a majority of the attractions with minimal wait times. Every ride was an unexpected delight, with the detailed theming of the parks, especially the Harry Potter areas, leaving us in awe.

From the authentic recreation of Diagon Alley to the fire-breathing dragon and the magical Hogwarts Express ride, each experience felt like stepping right out of the movies. Also, must try to mix the Tap Beer and Butter Beer together when visiting the park, highly recommended!

After exploring the parks, indulging in butterbeer, and enjoying the iconic turkey leg, we wrapped up our day with memories of charming park sceneries and anticipation for the adventures awaiting us at Disney World in the next part of our journey.