Hidden Gems at Universal Orlando for Families

I know, I know!  Every blogger always seems to have a list of Hidden Gems at Universal Orlando.  I decided it was time for me to add my two cents on this subject.  Some might not be so hidden, and some might not be so obvious, but all are our family's favorites.  Are you ready?  In no particular order, here we go!

I'll start with the first one I realized.  Stan Lee!  You know how he was always in his movies (until his death in 2018) - well, he appears in The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman no less than 4 times!  This one took me a while to count how many times I saw him, well, because my vertigo makes it hard for me to concentrate on this one!  But I verified it by the old trusty Google that it is indeed 4 times!  

Now this next one, I'll take the Internet's (and my son's) word for it because I thought the person looked familiar but did not actually know who it was.  In The Men in Black, after the training session, a man in a baseball cap reading a newspaper.  After you zap him, he lowers his newspaper and reveals himself to be Steven Spielberg.  

This next one, I heard for myself.  But I admit it puzzled me.  In Hogsmeade, the women's restroom has a guest who haunts it.  Moaning Myrtle.  Why she chose to haunt Hogsmeade instead of Hogwarts is beyond me, but there she is!  I have it on good authority that she is also sometime's heard in the men's room as well.  

While we are on the subject of Hogwarts, while in the line for Forbidden Journey, keep your eyes and ears open.  Outside the Potions classroom, if you listen closely, you can hear a professor giving a lecture!  Be sure to give a short listen.  You never know when you might be tested!

While strolling through Seuss Landing, take notice of the unusual Palm Trees! Did you ever wonder how they managed to find such unusual shapes?  Well, they didn't.  Hurricane Andrew made them, and Universal dug them up and added them to Seuss Landing.  Looks like they fit pretty well, right?

Diagon Alley has more hidden gems than almost any other area in the parks (except maybe Hogsmeade).  One of its more popular ones is Gringott's Bank and its fire-breathing dragon!  If you want to catch a great picture, note that it goes off about every 10 minutes, and you will hear a tell tale hiss a few seconds before.  So get set!

While we are in the area, let's talk about #12 Grimmauld Place and Kreacher.  Contrary to popular myth, you do not have to knock on the door to get him to peek out the second floor window.  He peeks out every few minutes, no matter if anyone knocks or not.  But seeing the little kids try to coax him out is cute!

Hey, right across the tree is the Knight Bus!  Everyone knows you can talk to old Stan, but did you know you can also talk to Dre Head?  (That would be the shrunken head for those not in the know).  He has been known to carry on actual conversations with those so inclined!

For a moment, let's go back to The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman.   At the start, there is a hidden poster of Iron Man.  Have you seen that one?  (I admit I have not, but my son swears it is there, and the internet agrees!)

And, now for number 10 - Everyone has seen the DeLorean and the Train from Back to the Future 3 in Universal Studios.  But did you know they were actual props from the movie?

And just for good measure, I will throw in another really great one- As you are walking around, Look Down!  The manholes are themed to match the land you are currently in!  

So, which one was your favorite?  I know, you probably already knew them all.  But it was  fun to  check them out and see if Google agreed with me.  

Ready to uncover the magic of Universal Orlando's Hidden Gems? Don't miss out on an unforgettable adventure! Contact JMorris Travel today, and let's start planning your extraordinary vacation! 🌟🎢"