This long-awaited trip to the United States finally became a reality in May–June 2026. It was a carefully planned 11-days journey across the US East Coast, covering a mix of theme parks, natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and city experiences.
Our itinerary was structured as follows:
- Day 1 (May 31): Departure from Dublin to Orlando
- Day 2: Rest and recovery from Jet lag (limited plans)
- Day 3: Universal Studios
- Day 4: Kennedy Space Center
- Day 5: Flight from Orlando to Buffalo (Niagara Falls)
- Day 6: Niagara Falls exploration and onward flight to Washington, D.C.
- Day 7: Washington, D.C. sightseeing and train journey to New Jersey
- Day 8: Visit to BAPS Temple (New Jersey) and train journey to New York
- Day 9–10: New York City exploration
- Day 11 (June 10): Return flight from New York to Dublin
Planning a trip to Orlando can often feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of attractions and logistical considerations. Through this blog series (2 blogs), I aim to share practical insights, experiences, and tips that can help simplify your planning process.
In this series, I will focus on the two major attractions we explored in Orlando—an action-packed city known for its world-class entertainment. The first blog will cover Universal Studios, followed by a detailed account of our visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
As outlined in the itinerary, our journey began in Dublin, Ireland. We opted for a direct Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Orlando, with a flight duration of approximately 9.5 hours. The onboard experience was comfortable, with meals and snacks served three to four times during the journey, making it a convenient and efficient travel option.
VISA Process:
As Irish passport holders, our entry process into the United States was straightforward and hassle-free. We were required to complete the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) process prior to travel. ESTA is an approved travel authorization that allows eligible travellers to board a carrier to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It is important to note that ESTA is not a visa and does not replace a U.S. visa where one is legally required. The application process was simple—we followed the required steps, uploaded photographs, and paid the fee of USD 40.27 per person. Approval was received within 2–3 days.
ESTA Link: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
ESTA Tips:
- Ensure that you upload a selfie-style photograph that meets the specified requirements. If the photo does not comply, the application may not be accepted.
- It is advisable to complete the ESTA application once your travel plans are confirmed. While approvals are often quick, in the worst-case scenario you should apply at least 72 hours before departure.
- An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
- ESTA applies to both tourism (leisure visits) and business travel purposes.
- If you are traveling as a group, you can opt for a group application. This allows up to 50 applications to be submitted and paid for together. However, individual details and documentation must still be completed for each traveller, and group members are not required to travel together.
- Carrying a printed copy of the ESTA approval is not mandatory. In our experience, it was not requested at any point during the journey.
- There is also an official ESTA mobile app available, which you may use if convenient, though it is not required.
US preclearance at Dublin Airport:
Another significant advantage of departing from Dublin Airport is the availability of U.S. Preclearance. This allows you to complete U.S. immigration and customs formalities before departure, meaning that upon arrival in the United States, you can exit the airport like a domestic passenger without going through additional immigration checks—saving considerable time and effort.
On the day of our travel, approximately 26 flights were operating from Dublin to various U.S. destinations. We flew with Aer Lingus.
Orlando MCO airport:
Orlando, often referred to as “The Sunshine State’s crown jewel,” is widely regarded as the theme park capital of the world.
Located in the heart of Florida, Orlando is a vibrant and welcoming city known for its world-class attractions and consistently pleasant weather. While it is best known for its theme parks, the city offers much more, making it suitable for a wide range of travellers. For many, Orlando is synonymous with theme parks, which often creates the impression that it is primarily a destination for children. However, this perception is far from accurate—Orlando caters equally well to adults, with diverse experiences spanning entertainment, dining, shopping, and nature.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the most well-connected airports in the United States, offering nonstop service to hundreds of destinations, making it a convenient entry point for travellers. The airport consists of three terminals—A, B, and C—across two connected buildings. Aer Lingus operates from Terminal C. Upon arrival, baggage claim took slightly longer than expected, so it is worth factoring in some additional time. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are easily accessible just outside the terminal exits. When booking a ride, you may need to specify the exact pickup location, including the designated exit gate and whether it is on the arrivals (ground) or departures (upper) level.
Based on personal experience, Lyft often offered more competitive pricing compared to Uber within Orlando, making it a preferable option for local travel.
Day 1:
We flew with Aer Lingus, and the overall experience was very pleasant. The staff were courteous and contributed to a comfortable journey. Passengers were provided with blankets, pillows, and headphones at no additional cost. Meals and snacks were served throughout the flight. While the food was fairly average, it was satisfactory compared to typical airline standards. In-flight entertainment was also available, which helped make the 9.5-hour journey more manageable.
Our flight departed Dublin Airport at 13:50 (local time) and arrived at Orlando International Airport (MCO) at approximately 18:00 (local time). After completing arrival formalities and transit, we reached our hotel ‘Aloft by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista’ at around 19:45.
Day 2:
As we anticipated the effects of jet lag, we intentionally kept our first day light with no intensive plans.
To make productive use of the day, we explored the Disney area—specifically viewing parts of the parks from the outside—and visited Disney Springs. Since we had already planned a visit to Universal Studios during this trip, we chose to skip entering the Disney theme parks themselves. Our hotel offered a shuttle service to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is important to note that these shuttles are typically third-party services shared across multiple hotels rather than being operated exclusively by your hotel. As a result, they make several stops along the way, which can significantly increase travel time. It is advisable to factor in additional buffer time if you plan to rely on this option.
As we did not intend to enter any of the Disney parks, we opted to experience the Disney Skyliner (cable car system), which provides complimentary transportation between select Disney resorts and parks. This is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the Disney park without requiring park entry tickets.
After completing the Skyliner experience, we proceeded to Disney Springs. Complimentary bus services operate from various Disney resorts to Disney Springs exits, and we used one of these to reach our destination efficiently.
Visit their official website for more details: https://www.disneysprings.com/
Disney Springs is an expansive outdoor complex at the Walt Disney World Resort, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors are required to undergo airport-style security screening before entering the premise. During our visit, we spent some time exploring the area, did a bit of shopping at the Under Armour store, and enjoyed a meal before heading back to the hotel by taxi.
Later, we also visited the Mall at Millenia, one of Orlando’s famous shopping destinations. En route, we made a stop at a Target store in the city center. Our primary objective was to purchase and stock up on bottled water for the duration of our stay. As the hotel did not provide complimentary water bottles, this small step helped us save a noticeable amount on daily expenses.
Day 3 (Universal Studios):
One of the biggest decisions when planning a trip to Orlando is whether to visit Universal, Disney, or attempt to cover both. This choice is highly subjective and depends on individual preferences, so rather than comparing the two, I will focus on sharing my experience with Universal.
After evaluating various factors, we decided to dedicate one full day to Universal and skip the Disney park attractions for this trip. Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most popular theme park destinations in Florida. We booked our tickets a few days in advance directly through the official website:
https://www.universalorlando.com/web-store/en/us/park-tickets?flr=0&days=1
The resort consists of four main parks:
- Epic Universe
- Universal Studios Florida
- Islands of Adventure
- Volcano Bay
For our visit, we chose a one-day, two-park ticket covering Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This ticket also includes access to the Hogwarts Express, a short train ride (approximately five minutes) that conveniently connects the two parks and enhances the overall experience. There are multiple ticket options available on the official website, allowing visitors to customize their visit based on time, budget, and interests. It is also worth noting that Epic Universe is the newest addition to the resort, having opened in May 2025. Volcano Bay, on the other hand, is Universal’s water park, themed around the South Seas and centered around a large volcano structure featuring a variety of water slides and attractions.
Islands of Adventure (IOA):
We chose to begin our Universal experience with Islands of Adventure (IOA). For those who enjoy high-thrill roller coasters and adventure rides, this park is an excellent choice. We travelled from our hotel to IOA by taxi. One point to note is that there is a considerable walking distance from the rideshare drop-off area to the main ticket entry gates, so it is advisable to plan accordingly.
Before entering the park, tickets are checked and visitors are required to pass through airport-style security screening. Once cleared, entry into the park is granted.
Given the large number of rides and attractions across the Universal parks, it is highly recommended to do some prior research. Exploring YouTube videos and official resources can help you identify the attractions that best match your interests and plan your day more efficiently.
Islands of Adventure is divided into eight themed “islands”:
- Port of Entry
- Marvel Superhero Island
- Toon Lagoon
- Skull Island
- Jurassic Park
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- The Lost Continent
- Seuss Landing
You can refer to the official park map for a detailed overview of attractions and layout:
As we were traveling with a mixed-age group—including a teenager and a three-year-old—we planned our day to balance high-adrenaline rides with lighter entertainment options suitable for all.
We covered the following rides: (Courtesy : The descriptions accompanying each attraction below has been taken directly from the official Universal website)
1. Incredible Hulk Coaster (in Marvel Superhero island)
Feel the gamma-charged rush of The Incredible Hulk Coaster. You’ll race up to 67 miles per hour, as your world turns upside down in zero gravity and this high-speed rollercoaster empowers you with the strength of a superhero. NOTE: This is a must visit.
2. The Cat in the Hat (in Suess Landing)
Ride your couch through the pages of Dr. Seuss’s best-loved children’s book. This delightful ride re-creates the story scene for scene. NOTE: Young kids would love this.
3. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride (in Suess Landing)
Sit back and relax as you wind your way above the imaginative buildings and rides of Seuss Landing on one of two tracks featuring the Sneetches or the ABCs of your other favourite Seuss stories. NOTE: We did not particularly enjoy this experience, as we had to wait for approximately an hour for the train ride, and the overall experience did not meet expectations. This attraction can be skipped if it is not a priority for you.
4. Doctor Dooms Fear Fall
Doctor Doom has strapped you in. Now he’s going to rocket you skyward 185 feet into the air, then hurl you back down faster than the force of gravity itself! NOTE: They only take you up once. Wish they would have done it 2 or 3 times.
5. Skull island: Reign of Kong
Another one hour long wait but this time we had dozens of skulls accompanying us. Finally we arrived at the vehicle. This 5 minutes ride is amazing and based on a expedition in the jungle. We were given 3D glasses to experience some epic fight scenes as Kong battles dinosaurs and other creatures.. NOTE: This was really a nice once.
We chose to skip the Toon Lagoon attractions, as this area primarily functions as the water ride zone within Islands of Adventure. Since we were not prepared for water-based rides, it did not align with our plan for the day. However, if you enjoy water rides, it is worth including one or two attractions from this area in your itinerary. Ideally, these should be planned for the afternoon. It is also advisable to store valuables and footwear in nearby lockers and carry flip-flops for convenience.
We also had to skip several rides in the Jurassic Park area due to longer wait times, which were averaging around one hour for the popular rides. If you are a fan of the Jurassic Park theme, it would be worthwhile to prioritize one or two rides in this section. This area also features a notable roller coaster (VelociCoaster) that may appeal to thrill-seekers.
We had lunch at Burger Digs, located in the Jurassic Park area, which offered a convenient break before continuing with the rest of the day.
We were unable to cover the Harry Potter attractions due to extended waiting times. For fans of the Wizarding World, it is highly recommended to include at least one or two rides in your plan, as this area is one of the highlights of the park experience.
After lunch, we proceeded to board the Hogwarts Express, which connects Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios Florida. While the train journey itself is short—lasting approximately two to three minutes—the waiting time was significantly longer, at around 45 minutes.
It is important to note that a valid two-park ticket is required to use the Hogwarts Express and move between the two parks, so this should be planned in advance.
Passengers are seated in compartment-style cabins accommodating up to six people, where an animated experience plays through the window panels, adding a themed storytelling element to the journey. You can also carry your stroller (if any) in the train. The train arrived at King’s Cross Station within Universal Studios Florida, marking your transition into the second park.
Time check:
We arrived at the rideshare drop-off point at approximately 09:15 AM. Due to security checks and entry procedures, we were able to complete ticket verification and officially enter Islands of Adventure (IOA) by around 10:15 AM. We explored the key attractions within IOA between 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM, followed by a lunch break from 2:00 to 2:30 PM. Post lunch, we proceeded to the Hogwarts Express. Including waiting time, boarding, and the journey itself, this took us from approximately 2:30 to 3:15 PM. Our next plan was to explore Universal Studios Florida from 3:15 PM onwards. On that particular day, the park was scheduled to close early at 8:00 PM due to a private event, whereas the usual closing time is 9:00 PM.
Universal Studios Florida:
Universal Studios is divided into:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
- Illumination’s Minion Land
- DreamWorks Land
- Springfield, U.S.A. : Home of The Simpsons
- Hollywood
- San Francisco
- New York
- World Expo
Universal Studios Florida is all about experiencing your favourite movies and TV shows in real life.
Checkout this map when you plan your trip.
We covered the following rides: (Courtesy : The descriptions accompanying each attraction below has been taken directly from the official Universal website)
1. TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D (New York)
Board your N*E*S*T* vehicle and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to help save mankind. You’ll fight to keep the AllSpark out of Megatron’s hands in an explosive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. NOTE: This was a great ride.
2. The Simpsons Ride (SPRINGFIELD, U.S.A)
It was a virtual reality roller coaster ride. You’ll smash and blast through Krustyland with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie in an over-the-top adventure. NOTE: This was a great ride.
En route to Harry Potter area, we also took a photo with the conductor of the Knight Bus.
3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Harry Potter)
Enter Gringotts bank and take a journey deep underground aboard this mind-blowing, multi-dimensional thrill ride. You’ll encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione as you try to evade the wrath of Voldemort and Bellatrix to make it back to Diagon Alley. NOTE: This was a great ride.
4. Revenge of the Mummy (New York)
You’ll plunge in total darkness, plagued by huge fireballs, swarms of scarab beetles and an army of warrior mummies on this one-of-a-kind roller coaster. NOTE: This was a great ride and is must visit.
5. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (Minnions Land)
Get ready to encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed, Svengeance, and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you attempt to blast your way to supervillain stardom. See if you’re villainous enough in this fully interactive gaming experience. NOTE: This was a great ride , Young kids would love this.
5. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (Minnions Land)
Join Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on an unpredictable ride. In Gru’s latest scheme, you’ll become an actual Minion. It’s heartwarming and humorous family fun for everyone. NOTE: This was a great ride , Young kids would love this.
We also took some time to visit the Universal Studios Store to pick up a few souvenirs.
On that particular day, the park was scheduled to close early at 8:00 PM due to a private event. Before leaving, we made sure to capture photos at two of the most iconic locations within the park. These are must-visit spots and should not be missed.
After exiting the park, we spent some time at Universal CityWalk. Although it is not a theme park, CityWalk is a vibrant dining and entertainment district located adjacent to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
CityWalk offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and retail outlets, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. One of its key advantages is convenience—you pass through CityWalk when entering or exiting the parks, making it very easy to step out for a meal or explore additional entertainment options during your visit.
Quick Tips and Practical Insights:
- Covering two parks in a single day is generally not recommended. While it is possible if you are short on time, it often means missing out on several key attractions and rushing through the experience.
- For “The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride” (Seuss Landing, IOA), consider skipping the ride if the wait time exceeds 15 minutes, as the experience may not justify a longer queue.
- Keep your lunch break short and efficient to maximize time for attractions.
- If the wait time for the Hogwarts Express exceeds 15 minutes, it may be more practical to skip it. Instead, you can walk between the parks via Universal CityWalk, which takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
- Roller coaster enthusiasts should prioritize both major coasters in Islands of Adventure:
- Incredible Hulk Coaster (Marvel Super Hero Island)
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Jurassic Park), the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the park and the fastest launched coaster in Florida
- If you are not a dedicated Harry Potter fan, consider limiting your visit to one Wizarding World area—either in Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida—to save time.
- If starting your day at Islands of Adventure, aim to arrive at the parking area by around 8:30 AM to enter the park as early as possible.
- For a one-day visit (approximately 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM), a practical split would be around 6 hours at Islands of Adventure, 1 hour for meals or breaks (ideally at CityWalk), 30 minutes for transfer between the parks and 4.5 hours at Universal Studios Florida.
- While we personally had to skip the Jurassic Park rides due to time constraints, it is recommended to include at least one attraction from this area.
- Even if water rides are not a priority, consider trying at least one attraction in Toon Lagoon for a varied experience.
- If you are staying at a Universal Signature Collection hotel, take advantage of the Express Pass benefit, which can significantly reduce waiting times for popular rides.
- Carry reusable water bottles and refill them at designated stations to save costs, as bottled water inside the park can be expensive. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Coca-Cola Freestyle refillable mug (approximately USD 21). It allows refills (over 100 different options to choose from) every 10 minutes from machines across the park (including water), offering good value over the course of the day and for future visits.
We were staying at Aloft Lake Buena Vista, which is located outside the Universal Orlando. After completing our visit, we returned to the designated rideshare pickup area and booked a Lyft ride back to the hotel.
It is important to pay close attention to the assigned pickup zones when selecting your boarding point, as choosing the wrong zone can lead to delays or confusion.
Universal Orlando Resort also offers a wide range of on-site hotels catering to different budgets and preferences. Staying within the resort comes with several added benefits that can significantly enhance your overall experience. One of the most valuable advantages is early park admission, which allows guests to access select attractions before general opening hours—helping you make the most of your day and avoid long queues.
You can find hotels details here:
Top Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando:
- Always check height restrictions listed at each attraction before planning your rides, especially if traveling with children.
- Decide in advance how many days you want to dedicate to Universal Orlando to avoid overpacking your itinerary.
- Download the official Universal Orlando app. It is extremely useful during your visit for checking wait times, pre-ordering food, booking restaurants, tracking events, and monitoring queue fluctuations. The app might not be very helpful for planning your trips (before visiting the park).
- If your budget allows, consider purchasing an Express Pass to skip queues. This is especially valuable during peak times. Guests staying at select Universal hotels may receive this benefit as part of their stay.
- Be mindful that ride-share pricing may increase after park closing times, so plan your return travel accordingly.
- The Lake Buena Vista area is a convenient location to stay, especially if you plan to visit multiple theme parks.
- Carry a power bank to keep your devices charged throughout the day.
- Be prepared for occasional ride closures due to maintenance. The official app usually provides real-time updates.
- Some attractions are water-based, so plan accordingly if you wish to avoid getting wet.
- Strollers, wheelchairs, and electric convenience vehicles are available for rent at the park entrance. Dedicated parking areas are provided near attractions for convenience.
- Expect long periods of walking and standing, so wear comfortable footwear. We walked 16682 steps in that single day.
- Planning your day in advance is critical. Reviewing park maps, ride lists, and video guides can help you prioritize attractions effectively.
- Try to avoid peak crowd times where possible and make use of early park admission if available (especially when staying at Universal hotels).
- Do not forget essentials such as sunscreen, as Florida weather can be intense.
- Portable fans can be helpful in the heat, although their effectiveness may vary. You have options to buy such fans within the campus.
- Souvenirs inside the park can be expensive. Consider purchasing similar items from nearby stores in city centre (like Walmart or Target) at lower prices.
- Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, including the possibility of hurricanes, so stay informed during your trip.
- Florida residents may be eligible for special ticket discounts, which is useful to know if applicable.
- Epic Universe is located on a separate campus approximately 15 minutes away. Shuttle services are available, or you can drive to the dedicated parking area.
- If traveling with young children, take advantage of the Child Swap system. This allows one adult to wait with the child while others ride and then switch without rejoining the queue.
- Some rides may trigger motion sickness, so plan accordingly if you are sensitive to such experiences.
- To save time on food queues, use the mobile ordering feature in the Universal app where available. You can pre-order meals and collect them from designated counters.
- Parking is centralized at Universal Orlando Resort (6000 Universal Boulevard). Standard parking costs approximately USD 35 per day (or slightly less if pre-booked). Parking is often free after 6:00 PM. It is helpful to take a photo of your parking location to easily find your vehicle later.
- If you plan to visit only one Universal park, Islands of Adventure is a strong choice, as it offers a balanced mix of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions.
Best Time to Visit:
There is no strict peak or off-season at Universal Orlando, as Florida enjoys year-round sunshine and the parks operate 365 days a year. However, if you are traveling with young children and are not restricted by school holiday schedules, it is advisable to plan your visit outside the busiest periods such as July and August, as well as major holiday seasons including Christmas, Easter, and midterm breaks.
Visiting during these off-peak periods can offer multiple advantages, including lower overall costs, shorter wait times for attractions, and more comfortable weather compared to the intense heat of the summer months.
Summary:
This experience at Universal Orlando was both exciting and insightful, and I hope this blog provides you with practical guidance to plan your own itinerary more effectively. From understanding park layouts and managing wait times to making informed choices about rides and logistics, a bit of preparation can significantly enhance your overall experience.
While it may not be possible to cover everything in a single day, prioritizing attractions based on your interests and planning your time wisely can help you make the most of your visit. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a Harry Potter fan, or traveling with family, Universal Orlando offers something for everyone.
If you have already visited—or are planning your trip—I would be interested to hear about your experience. Which rides did you prioritize, and what would you recommend including or skipping?