Travel with Fred Briley · EnchantAway Travel
Universal Orlando Vacations, Planned Around Your Family
From the incredible worlds of Universal Epic Universe to the thrills of Islands of Adventure, planning the right Universal vacation can feel overwhelming. I'll help you compare hotels, tickets, Express Pass options, and vacation packages so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying the adventure.
Explore the Four Parks of Universal Orlando Resort
From movie-inspired adventures and world-class roller coasters to immersive new lands and tropical water attractions, Universal Orlando offers something for every traveler. I'll help you decide which parks belong in your vacation and how much time to spend in each.
Universal Studios Florida
Step into the movies and experience some of your favorite stories at Universal Studios Florida. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, enjoy the fun of Minion Land, and discover attractions and entertainment for the whole family.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Adventure awaits around every corner, from the excitement of Jurassic World VelociCoaster to the magic of Hogsmeade. With thrilling rides, immersive lands, and family-friendly areas such as Seuss Landing, Islands of Adventure has something for a wide range of ages.
Universal Epic Universe
Universal Volcano Bay
Discover Universal Orlando's newest theme park, featuring five incredible worlds: Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. I'll help you determine how to include Epic Universe in your vacation plans
Trade roller coasters for water slides, winding rivers, and tropical relaxation at Universal Volcano Bay. This water theme park can be a great addition to a longer Universal Orlando vacation, especially for families looking to balance thrills with time by the water.
Why Use Fred for Your Universal Orlando Vacation Planning?
Personalized Planning. Real Support. No Added Planning Fee.
Planning a Universal Orlando vacation involves a lot of decisions. Which hotel makes the most sense? How many park days do you need? Is Express Pass worth it? Does Epic Universe change your plans?
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I'm Fred Briley, an independent travel advisor with EnchantAway Travel. As a dad of three and an active-duty Soldier, I know how valuable family vacation time is. My goal is to make planning easier by helping you compare your options, understand the details, and book a vacation that fits your.
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You don't have to figure everything out on your own. I'll be here to help throughout the planning process.
Family-Focused Planning
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Recommendations built around your family's ages, interests, and pace.
Less Research, More Excitement
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Help navigating the hotels, tickets, and planning decisions.
Budget-Conscious Guidance
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Compare complete vacation costs and available offers.
Personal Support
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A real person to contact as you prepare for your vacation.
Your Universal Hotel Matters
Find the Right Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
Choosing the right hotel is about more than finding a comfortable room. Your resort can affect transportation, park access, your daily schedule, and your overall vacation budget. I'll help you compare Universal Orlando hotels based on your family size, preferred amenities, budget, and the parks you plan to visit.
Fred's Planning Tip: Sometimes a higher-priced hotel is worth comparing against a cheaper room plus separately purchased Express Passes. I'll help you evaluate the complete vacation cost, not just the nightly room rate.
Universal Tickets, Vacation Packages & Express Pass
The right ticket and hotel combination can make a big difference. I'll help you understand your options before you spend money on features your family may not need.
Theme Park Tickets
Choosing between single-park and Park-to-Park admission depends on which parks you want to visit and how you plan to spend your days. I'll help you compare ticket options and avoid paying for features that don't fit your itinerary.
Universal Express Pass
Express Pass can reduce time spent in regular queues at participating attractions. I'll help you determine whether purchasing Express is worthwhile for your dates, park selections, and travel style.
Vacation Packages
Combining your resort stay with theme park admission may provide added convenience or promotional savings. I'll compare eligible packages, resort benefits, and available offers to help you find the right fit.
Fred's Planning Tip:
Hogwarts Express: Guests need qualifying Park-to-Park admission to ride between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
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Epic Universe Express: Epic Universe has its own Express options, but Universal Express Unlimited is not currently available there.
Universal Orlando With Kids? I've Got You Covered.
Universal Orlando isn't just for thrill seekers. Families can enjoy immersive lands, playful attractions, character experiences, and adventures designed for different ages. As a parent myself, I understand that a great family vacation is about more than fitting in the most rides. It's about choosing experiences everyone can enjoy.
Age-Appropriate Adventures
Planning Around Your Family
Child Swap and Practical Tips
I'll help you identify attractions that fit your children's ages, interests, and height requirements, so your family can build a vacation around experiences they'll actually enjoy.
From hotel accommodations and transportation to breaks and dining, I'll help you create a vacation plan that works for your family rather than trying to squeeze everyone into an exhausting schedule.
Want to experience the bigger rides while traveling with little ones? I'll help you understand Child Swap and other services that can make your Universal vacation easier.
More Adventure for Military Families
Universal Orlando Planning From Someone Who Understands Military Life
As an active-duty Soldier and a dad, I understand how military schedules can complicate vacation planning. Whether you're planning around approved leave, school breaks, or a much-needed family getaway, I'll help you explore Universal Orlando vacation options that fit your plans.
I'll also help you understand available military hotel offers and ticket options so you can make informed decisions before booking.
Military Ticket Guidance
Understand eligibility, current options, and applicable purchase requirements.
Military Resort Offers
Compare eligible resort discounts and available hotel accommodations.
Planning Around Military Life
PBuild vacation plans around leave windows, school schedules, and changing obligations.
Military offers vary by eligibility, dates, and availability. Some promotional tickets must be purchased through authorized military ticket offices. I'll help you understand which options apply to your trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Park Questions? Answered.
Still have questions? Fred will walk you through every option personally.
How many days should we spend at Universal Orlando?
I generally recommend planning approximately four to five park days if you want to experience Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe at a balanced pace. Shorter visits are certainly possible, and additional time may be helpful for families who want to revisit favorites or include Volcano Bay when it's operating.
Is Universal Express Pass worth it?
It depends on your travel dates, park plans, and budget. Express Pass can shorten waits at participating attractions, but not every ride accepts it. Some Universal hotels include Express Unlimited for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe has separate Express options. I'll help you compare the costs and benefits before you decide.
Which Universal Orlando hotel is best for our family?
That depends on your budget, group size, preferred amenities, and park priorities. Some families benefit from more affordable suites, while others value the convenience or included benefits of select higher-priced hotels. I'll help you compare the options based on your specific vacation.
Are there military discounts at Universal Orlando?
Universal periodically offers eligible military families special ticket and resort opportunities. Availability, eligibility, purchase requirements, and restrictions vary. I'll help you understand the current options and identify which ones may apply to your trip.
​Does it cost more to book with a travel advisor?
I offer personalized vacation-planning assistance without a separate planning fee for eligible vacations booked through me. I'll help you compare applicable options and explain any costs before you make a booking decision. Supplier prices and promotions can vary.
Is Universal Orlando good for families with younger children?
Absolutely! Universal offers experiences for many ages, including playful themed lands, character encounters, and family-friendly attractions. I'll help you identify activities that suit your children's ages and height requirements, along with ways to make the day easier for everyone.
Do I need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express?
Yes. Riding the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley requires qualifying Park-to-Park admission. I'll help you choose the appropriate ticket type based on your plans.
Ready to Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation?
Tell me a little about your dream vacation, including your preferred dates, travelers, budget, and what you're hoping to experience. I'll review your request and help you explore Universal Orlando vacation options tailored to your family.
No obligation to book. Personalized guidance from your EnchantAway Travel advisor.