Category: Universal Orlando - JMorris Travel, LLC

5 Tips For Universal Orlando!

2/3/2023

A New Theme for February!

Here we are, already in the first week of February and it seems like only yesterday we were enjoying some Christmas cheer at Universal!

I’m always asked to give my top 5 of this or that, so I thought I’d devote my February blogs to some top five lists. Today, we will start with My Top Five Tips for Universal Orlando

My #5 best tip is always get a Park to Park ticket.

Why? Because you can’t ride the Hogwart’s Express without it! Since its a different experience in both directions, you really want to experience it both ways. You say you probably won’t want to ride it? Are you sure? I can’t tell you the number of people that I’ve heard say that and then realize that the part of Harry Potter they really wanted to see was in the ‘other’ park and they didn’t want to wait until the next day. Don’t believe me? There is a ticket office outside both train stations and all they do is add the Park to Park option on tickets for people wanting to ride the train!

Save yourself some time and get it before you leave home. Trust me. This isn’t worth saving the extra few dollars on.

Transportation Options at Universal

1/28/2023

Trains, Plains, and ... Boats?

Getting from your resort to the parks is a breeze at Universal. Their motto has always been you are never more than five minutes away from the fun when you stay on property, However, with the new Endless Summer Resorts --that changed to you are only minutes away from the fun. Because, the ride from Endless summer can be a whopping 7 minutes at times!

Seriously , you are staying IN the fun!

Water taxi at City Walk

How Many Days at Universal?

1/20/2023

My first trip to Universal was only one day! I thought I had seen it all! Boy was I wrong! I have lost count of the number of times I have been since then and each trip is a minimum of four days, usually a full week, and I still haven’t seen it all!

If you are a Harry Potter fan, I say you need at least three days. One day devoted to each Harry Potter world, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and one day devoted to the other areas of the two parks. (With, of course the ride between the parks on the Hogwarts Express in each direction - because the ride is different in each direction!) This is a minimum!

If you are not a big Harry Potter fan, then a minimum of four days. Because even if you are not a fan of Harry Potter, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is so immersive that you could easily spend much more time than you intended or even realize! In reality, it does take at least two days to give each park justice! And we aren’t even talking about the Water Park!

We like to allow five park days. Two days for each park and the last day for all the favorites and to explore some places that we haven't seen before!

And don't forget to add a day for City Walk! Besides yummy places to eat, there are tons of shops to wander around in and get lost!

My new favorite one is the Universal Legacy! It has lots of movie props. I'm not certain, but I believe it is things that used to be in Universal Studios Tribute store to the Classics! I loved that store in June. I mean where else can you see Hagrid's Motorbike fabricated for GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!

Do I Really Need an Express Pass at Universal?

1/13/2023

First of all, remember that Universal is not Disney.

The wait times can easily exceed an hour for the stand by lines without crowds. Add in the weekend crowds, or holiday crowds, or just the summer crowds and you have a recipe for longer waits than you want to deal with.

Also, those headliner rides are going to have long waits as soon as the park opens.

AAP vs Express Pass

1/7/2023

How does the AAP work and how is it different from the Express Pass?

For my Disney Clients, you are all familiar with the DAS or Disability Assistance Pass. Universal has a similar pass and call theirs the AAP or Attraction Assistance Pass.

Let me start out by saying this is NOT in any way shape or form a guide on how to ‘scam the system’ or ‘get over’! This is intended as an overview for those clients who truly need the AAP. If this is you, and you have more questions after reading this, please schedule a call and we can go over how I can help you with planning your trip. As most of you know, my specialty is Special Needs Travel.

A Gift Of Travel

12/24/2022

The stockings were hung...

Today, thoughts turn to last minute gifts.

We are all busy and things fall through the cracks. We know. We all do it. We start off with good intentions, but we end up gong in five million different directions and somehow before we know it - Christmas Eve is here and we have forgotten an important gift!

Who did you forget this year?

So, How Did I Get Here?

11/25/2022

I LOVE Planning Universal and Disney vacations. I can’t believe I get to wake up every morning and help Families (most with special needs) make magical memories like the ones I have.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself!

I believe travel brings the family closer together while broadening their horizon at the same time

I believe vacation is the best way to really let go and let everyone be themselves!

I started this business to help special needs families enjoy those things together as families that most most families take for granted!

I want to do the same for your family.

Taken in April 2005 at Scottish Rite Hospital in CRIB Unit Damien in hospital bed with his oldest sister holding him and his other sister smiling. JMorris Travel

Damien holding his Braves memorabilia shadowbox from his 21st birthday JMorris Travel

So how did I get here?

I grew up in good ole Georgia! (Go DAWGS!)
In my professional background before travel I was a commercial insurance underwriter. Planning and research were my life.

Then my three year old son was in a terrible car accident and everything changed for me. Something as simple as going to the local park became a chance for a major melt down. His 4 year old sister deserved her childhood back.

I learned everything I could about special needs travel through Special Needs Group at Sea, The Travel Institute, as well as the parks themselves. I had long conversations with Disney when they made the change from the GAC to the DAS (on what worked and what wasn't working so well).

I've had long conversations with Guest Services at Universal as they have revamped the AAP just prior to Covid and after they opened back up. Not only about the things that deal directly with my son's disability, but with my grand daughter's amputation as well.

I have made it my mission to make travel for all members of the family important!

My background in underwriting taught me to look at things analytically. I focus on planning for special needs in a way that integrates the rest of the family too.

I LOVE to travel and want YOU to love it too.

I love learning exactly what you envision for your trip and making it happen.

I will share my honest opinions and treat each vacation differently but still as lovingly as if it were my own.

IF I SOUND LIKE SOMEONE, YOU WOULD WANT TO TRAVEL WITH. . . stop letting the hassle of planning a vacation keep you from getting away.

Let me help you take care of everything so you can enjoy your vacation with your family.

I need an accountability Buddy - Is That You?

11/18/2022

Your goals are very personal, especially if we are talking about priorities that give life meaning and a purpose. But, studies found that people who shared their goals with others showed better commitment to fulfilling their objectives.

In my experience, what the research says about sharing your goal with someone is not only accurate, but it also makes you more motivated. In addition, it holds you accountable, and you may even receive unexpected help and support.

Beyond that, the more you share it, the more you will also reaffirm your dedication to yourself.
If you are a little timid to share with your closest friends and family, you can start with me!

I would love to be your accountability buddy, check in on your progress, and help you book those vacations when you are ready.

All you need to do is schedule a call!

Five Ideas your Kids Will Love (and They Will Save Your Money Too!)

11/11/2022

In my last blog, I shared a great way to ensure you are continuously investing in your vacation.
If you missed it, make sure you go back and check it out. There are some great tips and resources there, and I hope they inspired you to sit down, create your budget and designate a special vacation savings account.

Show Me the Money!

11/4/2022

You may be wishing you could start planning your next vacation, but you are worried about how you will afford another trip so soon.