Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

Universal Orlando & Islands of Adventure Giveaway!

Universal Orlando Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been notified. (P. Kennedy and R. Smith). If a response isn’t received within the required time frame, new winners will be selected. Thanks for participating!

I recently returned from the trip of a lifetime…an all expenses paid trip for my family to Universal Studios Resort and the Loews Portifino Bay resort in Orlando, FL. I’m pinching myself that we were even asked to take part in such a great event.

I want to share a few highlights, in the way of a top 10 list, with you but don’t worry. There’s something in all this for you too! We’re giving away EIGHT 2-day passes, which includes tickets to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We are breaking this up into 2 so TWO families have the chance to win 4 2-day passes! Each package of 4 is valued at $539.96. All packages together are valued at $1079.92. The prize is to be used by June 11, 2012, or winner will forfeit prize

Without further ado, here are my top ten highlights (in no particular order) from our trip!

1. Butterbeer

If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you’ve most likely heard of Butterbeer. Let me tell you this… I can’t get this stuff out of my mind. They only sell it in the Harry Potter part of Islands of Adventure and we did have to sneak away quite a few times just so I could get my Butterbeer fix. I may have to go back sooner than later so I can satisfy my craving! I attempted to get the recipe from the chef who created all of the recipes in Harry Potter land, but he wouldn’t budge. Darnit!

2.  The Rides

Oh my… the rides. I’ve been known to take the chicken exit a time or two in my life. You would be happy to know that I conquered the two terrifying roller coasters (The Hulk and Hollywood Ripride Rockit) pictured above as well as several others. What I loved about these two parks is there are rides for every age. From the rides at Seuss Landing to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there is something for every age at Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure! (I don’t know if other parks have this, but these two parks have “child swap” areas for specific rides, where you wait in line and then go into a room with child friendly movies. While one parent rides the other watches the kids and then you “swap” places once the ride is over. So cool!)


3.  New Friends

This was the first blogging trip I’ve been on that included my family and it was such a blast. The kids met new friends, my husband and I met new friends, and it was a fun experience all around! I think one of the best quotes I heard was from one of my sons new buddies when he said “This trip is kind of bad because you make all these great new friends and then we have to leave them.” I totally get that. It was so hard to experience this and then to say goodbye when the week was over.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

4.  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Orlando

The most luxurious, family friendly resort I’ve ever stayed at. Kid friendly, pet friendly, adult friendly… this hotel had it all. Gorgeous pools, incredible plaza area with entertainment, courteous staff and more! If you are planning an Orlando vacation, definitley consider checking out Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel! (The pictures above is the view from our balcony, overlooking other parts of the hotel and the plaza)

5. Blue Man Group

Short and sweet, but if you get the opportunity to see their show, go. Incredible and like nothing else I’ve ever been to!

UOR Food

6.  The Food

The food… oh my, the food. From the dinners created by the chef at Loews to what we ate while at Universal and Islands of Adventure to our date night at Margaritaville, we ate some good grub. There is a cocktail recipe I am hoping to snag for you… see that straberry cocktail in the pics above? Soooooo good!

luau

7.  Luau Fun

I’ve never been to a Luau before, so being treated to a luau as part of one of our evening activities was a definite highlight. I left there completely beaming.  You know when you have those moments, looking around at your family, and things just seem oh so perfect? That was how I felt that night. Things couldn’t be any better. Such a fun experience!

8.  Flash Mobs

We had the chance to be live at the Universal Studios press conference where they shared some exciting news. Universal Studios is creating a ride based on the hit kids movie, Despicable Me (one of my favorite movies!) After the announcement, we were all outside and witnessed a Minion Flashmob. It’s hard not to smile when you witness a flash mob – especially when minion’s are involved.  You can find the Minion Flashmob at this link.

Summer of Loews Event

 

9.  Welcome Summer

Loews Portofino Bay had a wonderful summer kickoff event on our last evening there. Hula hooping, dancing, cup stacking, bean bag tosses, great food and fun. What a wonderful way to end a most amazing week at Universal Orlando and Loews Portofino Bay hotel.

Before I get to #10, I just want to say a huge thank you to the folks at Universal Orlando and Loews Portofino Bay for including us. We are so grateful to have been a part of this amazing group of bloggers. Our family will remember this trip forever…so many great memories were made. If there is such a thing as vacation perfection, this was it. We wouldn’t have changed a thing! Our most sincere thanks!

and now…one of the best parts of our Universal Orlando vacation is…

#10. Sharing it with you!!

As I said before, I am so excited to share this giveaway with you! We’re giving away EIGHT 2-day passes, which includes tickets to both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. We are breaking this up into 2 so TWO families have the chance to win 4 2-day passes! Each package of 4 is valued at $539.96. All packages together are valued at $1079.92. The prize is to be used by June 11, 2012, or winner will forfeit prize.

If you are planning a vacation to Orlando, I want you to know that I never thought of Universal Studios as a destination for our vacation. I always considered it as something to tack on to after planning a vacation to other Orlando destinations. We were so busy and had so much fun during our week at Universal…between the hotel pools and entertainment, the two theme parks and the City Walk, we still didn’t have time to get everything in. Next time we head to Orlando, our family has voted to make Universal Studios our destination!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post telling me about your favorite vacation. Receive an additional entry for each of the following:

  • Tweet the following: I just entered to win a family 4-pack of passes to Universal Studios Orlando from @dineanddish & @uornews http://su.pr/86c9Hh (Leave a comment on this post letting me know you tweeted)
  • Follow @UORNews on Twitter (Leave a comment on this post letting me know you did this)
  • Become a friend of Dine & Dish on Facebook (Leave a comment on this post letting me know you did this)
  • Leave an extra comment on this post letting me know what your favorite color is – just for fun.

Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Entries must be received by midnight CST on Wednesday, June 1st 2011. Winner will be notified via email on June 2nd and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, another winner will be chosen. Thanks and good luck!!

Universal Studios flew my family and I out to Orlando for an all expenses paid vacation and they are providing the prize pack for the giveaway. All opinions expressed within this post are my own.


 


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah L says

    I know this is going to sound interesting, but it’s a tie between my trip to Europe with my Grandma and sister (think sightseeing, visiting with family, and listening to my sister while ALOT while we tried to enjoy ourselves despite it) AND my annual Maine vacations (think quiet cabin, the sound of Loons on the private lake, lobsters boiled in the pot over the fire every night, and hiking and biking to and fro)

  3. candy @ mommypalooza says

    OMG! We have DREAMED of including Universal Studios in our Orlando vacations…we’ve only every done the Disney thing but hubby is a big time fan of Universal Studios! We were just worried that maybe the kids were too little to enjoy any rides/attractions, but SO glad for this post…..makes me feel great about the possibilities of USO!!! My fave vacation is hands-down spending my son’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthdays at DisneyWorld in Florida! There is something truly magical about palm trees about in Orlando!

  5. Stephanie O'Dea says

    Kristin, I’m so thrilled for you that you and your entire family were able to have such a fantastic memory-making vacation!

    our favorite family vacation was last summer. we all went to D’Land in Anaheim and celebrated my mom’s 60th bday and mother’s day.

    thank you for hosting the contest!

  10. CoreyAnn says

    I have two favorite vacations…

    One was when my hubby & I were courting…I said how I missed going to Sundance (used to work in film industry) and he surprised me and took me! We loved the snow, the films, and seeing/meeting all the stars (Morgan Spurlock, Zach Braff, Danny DeVito, Brittany Murphy, and many more)!

    The other was last year my toddler and I were able to spend a few days at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. We got to meet great people, get to experience several cultures (many countries had a “House” one could visit where they highlight their homeland), got to experience the Opening Ceremonies and some wonderful sports, and we got to be a part of the street celebrations when certain games were over (like every time Canada won at hockey)!

  14. AnEmily says

    My favorite vacation was the trip we took to Maui to visit my mom a couple of years ago. We went to a different beach each day we were there. Nothing fancy-just a cooler full of drinks and pbj sandwiches. Played cards till late with my mom and stepdad, then got up early to eat fresh fruit and drink coffee. It was the best. (So far!)

  17. Sandy says

    My favorite vacation was to Colorado Hot Springs. The kids were amazed by the steamy creek and I was the hero!

  25. Joy says

    Favorite vacation was last year’s vacation with my family at — where else — but Orlando! Would love to go there again and get everyone together. 🙂

  27. Apron Appeal says

    I have a lot of vacations to choose from in order to pick my favorite…I used to travel a lot. My most recent fav was a cruise through the caribbean ( no kids). My all time fav is our annual camping trip to Jackson Hole, WY where we run the Snake River and eat the greatest food ever for 1 week every summer.

  29. Apron Appeal says

    my favorite color is blue…and maybe since I want to win this more than anything, I may actually be back after I’ve set up a Twitter account. -Hey don’t judge me, I like the Rock I’ve been under. 🙂

  30. Ginny says

    My favorite vacation has always been traveling to my family’s beach house in North Carolina. It’s in the town where my mother grew up, so there is a lot family history. I love it.

  34. Tiaras & Tantrums says

    we just spent 2 weeks in FL in March – only 1 day at Universal – and wished it had been more – Universal is AWESOME! My kids keep saying that was their favorite day in FL!!

  37. SMITH BITES says

    so far, our favorite vacation was the one we took last summer to Santa Cruz . . . but i have to say, getting to the new Harry Potter exhibit is on our dream list – we are HUGE Harry Potter fans!!

  44. marla {family fresh cooking} says

    Kristin, such an exciting time you spent with your family. Love all of the happy photos. Life is all about the great memories & you have a bunch from this fabulous experience together! Good luck to the winners 🙂

  47. TidyMom says

    This trip looks TOTALLY AMAZING Kristen!!

    Our best vacation was to Branson one year, where we went parasailing, saw great show and just had great family time.

    I would LOVE to enjoy something like this with my family!

  52. Kate says

    It is hard to pick a favorite. My family has started getting together every summer, and so, my favorite of those is one we spent a few years ago in Cape Cod.

  54. Katie from Katie's Cucina says

    My parents took me to Florida when I was 4 years old and we went to the original Universal Studios. I remember seeing woody wood pecker, going on the ET ride, playing in Fival’s play land, and watching the animal show! In the eyes of a 4 year old it was the best days of my life! 🙂

  58. Wendy W. says

    My favorite vacation was, coincidentally, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! Many years ago, though, when my children were still small. I would love to take them back!

  60. Stephanie says

    Just found you through another blog that I follow on Facebook…now I follow you too 🙂 Oddly enough, my favorite color is black and a bright color to go along with it. Looks like the trip was amazing.

  63. Maria says

    What a fun trip! Glad you had so much fun! We used to go to Myrtle Beach every summer, it was always a good time!

  66. Joy says

    We took a Disney World vacation when my son was 2 and it was fantastic! I’d love to do another great trip.

  68. Christa S says

    My favorite vacation is my trip to St. Lucia to see my sister get married. 🙂

  76. Jessica Castles says

    Now….as for my favorite vacation…..don’t really have one. The last one I went on we came across a fatality accident….which slowed us down tremendously. Then it rained the entire time we were camping that trip…blah!

  79. Catherine says

    My favorite vacation would have to be my honeymoon to NYC… We slept in, ate great food, & did what we wanted for a week to unwind from all the stress of finals & wedding planning! We loved the city so much we moved back & were able to celebrate our 5th anniversary at one of the restaurants we ate at on our honeymoon!

  82. Jennifer Marzano says

    It might be ironic but it’s a toss up between San Francisco, our first non amusement park themed vacation and Universal Studios! This was back before Harry Potter made an appearance at the park. My daughter loved the roller coasters.

  84. Marcie says

    My favorite vacation was our recent trip to Disney. Couldn’t swing Universal as well (too much$$ for both!) Would love to give Universal a try…Thanks!!

  87. Becki D. says

    My favorite vacation…..will be the one I take when I win this giveaway!

    Just kidding. At least for now.

    My honeymoon was probably the best RELAXING vacation I’ve had. Mountains, picnics, horse back riding, ahhhh.

  88. Jami says

    Sounds like you had an amazing vacation! My favorite vacation was definitely my honeymoon to Mexico. We stayed at an amazing resort and it was so relaxing and fun…did I mention the food? Who knew there was such delicious Mexican food in Mexico? 😉

  95. bridget {bake at 350} says

    Oh, my fingers are crossed BIG TIME!!! Our favorite family trip was actually to Orlando. We went to the Universal Studios without the big rides…we never made it to the roller coaster part (I was chicken), but I am just chomping at the bit to get to that Harry Potter World!

    Thanks for the chance!

  102. Becky U says

    My favorite vacation is going to the mountains of VA and NC every 4th of July. We go with our American Legion Riders group and ride in the parade at Hillsville, VA and spend several days riding the mountains and enjoying the company of our friends.

  105. Ryan says

    My favorite vacation would have to be Jamaica. The island is just the most laid back and relaxed place to go if you need to get it away from it all. Jamaica mon! 😉

  107. Dianna P. says

    My favorite color is an orangy peach! So pretty! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!!!

  108. Christy Rose says

    My favorite vacation ever was last Christmas. My entire family rented a large cabin in the North Carolina mountains. We had a white Christmas! It was also the first time my children had ever seen snow!

  111. April says

    I have never been able to afford a vacation, so this trip would be a wonderful treat for me and my family. Thanks for the chance to win my dream vacation.

  112. Jessica Basham says

    WOW!!! How fantastic!! I absolutely love Universal Studios!!! I now “like” your page on Facebook!!

  113. Jessica Basham says

    My favorite color is…hmmm… that’s tough. I really like pink, but I also love teal.

  116. teresa says

    we don’t get to take a lot of vacations, my favorite is from when I was a kid & we went to stay with my grandparents for awhile on summer break!

  118. Devona says

    My favorite vacation is always when we go to Alabama for our family reunion. It’s the only chance we as a family have to see each other in one spot at the same time.

  119. Rachel says

    My favorite vacation so far was a road trip through new england with my parents when i was a kid…i’ve always been a nerd though 😉

  123. Shauna says

    My favorite vacation was on my 8th bday my family went to Knoxville, TN and we stayed with family for a week. We got to go to Dollywood and Rock City.

  129. Devona says

    My favorite color depends on the time of year…Spring/summer bright colors like pink, yellow, and purple Fall/winter Maroon and brown

  130. Jennifer G says

    My favorite vacations were always going to spends weeks and weeks at my grandparents’ house for the summer! I miss them so much!

  133. Grace Inman says

    My favorite vacation was a girls trip to New York City. It was my mom and sister and some of my moms closest friends and their daughters. We went for a week and had SUCH a good time! It was my first time visiting New York City and I have so many memories I will never forget!

  135. karen groner says

    My favorite color is pink it always has been , but even more since I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months ago. I have endured two surgeries and just started my chemo. I have three more to go then 6 weeks of radiation.

    Our daughter wanted to go to walt disney and universal this summer but we are not able to because of my illness and don’t have the funds because of all doctor bills. I will be finished in august with everything. My daughter will be 6 in october and would love to take her for her birthday. We have all been through so much and this would be a good time for us to celebrate and. Start a new path in our life. I would love to win these passes for my daughter

  138. Sandie {A Bloggable Life} says

    Someone has been asking (begging!) to visit the new Harry Potter attraction, and it isn’t me! …lol

    My favorite vacation? It is the one that went the worst—literally, everything went wrong. It was a 3-week long fishing trip through the south (back in the 70’s): snakes were dropping in our boat, car brakes were burning up going down the mountains, the trolling motor was accidentally left down in the water during take-off (soaking every thing & every one)—you could not ASK for a more disastrous trip. But I have to say…more memories were created then than ever. Sometimes you don’t get what you want, but you get what you need, even if you don’t realize it at the time 🙂

  141. Linda says

    My favorite vacay was with my two boys years ago… Spring break was coming up in ’92 (they were 8 and 11). At the last minute, I decided to drive from NYC down to Orlando (manual transmission, mind you) to visit Universal and Islands of Adventure. People thought I was crazy to drive with two boys…. best vacation ever!! They never fought in the car driving down nor the entire time there. The weather was perfect and we had a blast!

  143. GBrits says

    My favorite vacation was our trip to South Africa, it was gorgeous!
    I’ve “liked” you on FB too!

  148. Tonya says

    My favorite vacation was a trip our family took to Estes Park, Colorado two years ago. We stopped for a night in Denver and went to a Rockies game. Then spent a week at a condo in Estes Park, just down the street from Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked, biked, swam, grilled out, and drove through the park at sunset every night to watch animals. We also hung out with childhood friends at their family cabin one night… It was a magical trip!

  150. kerri says

    I just tweeted the above and join dine and dish on facebook. i would love to visit Universal in Orlando! oh and my favorite color is purple!

  152. Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says

    My favorite vacation is probably when we went to Orlando with my parents the January before we got married. It was just my future husband, my mom and dad. We did both the Universal parks as well as several WDW parks. It was January, it was cold, and we TOTALLY did Dudley Doright’s Ripsaw Falls. We have photographs we took from just after where we’re all soaked and teeth chattering, but with HUGE smiles. They’re framed and in my family room, and I smile every time I look at them. James was also SO excited, almost little kid excited, to meet Popeye 🙂

    We haven’t yet been to the parks since they added all the Suess and Harry Potter stuff. I would love to go again!

  159. Tiffany says

    I seriously love every color!! If have to only pick one color I would have to pick red!!!

  163. Christine Donaldson says

    Can’t beat the Jersey shore….well…I am sure you can…but seeing the joy on my toddler’s faces just being at the beach and boardwalk….makes me forget the amazing trips my husband and I took pre-kids!

  164. Samantha Long says

    my favorite vacation was a family vacation to Sannibel/ Captiva Island before the hurricane that destroyed it.

  166. Emily says

    My favorite vacation memory would have to be when I went to Disney when younger and it poured the whole time… but my cousins and I had the best time laughing about all our misfortunes.

  170. Jan Carroll says

    My favorite vacation was Oct. 20, 1999, We decided to take off and see the pretty fall colors in the Smoky Mountains, and married while we were there.

  171. Rebecca says

    My favorite vacation was right after graduating college when I spent a month exploring Europe! I got to see lots of different places for just a short amount of time each, but it was great and I can’t wait to go back!

  174. Shannon Sheehy says

    Our greatest vacation was really a day trip. It was a gorgeous day in the mountains of VA, everything just fell into place. We came across a farmers market (which we love), a Vegetarian Food Festival (yep, we’re a family of vegetarians), our very favorite pizza joint for lunch, and then had a really fun afternoon picking apples. It was one of those spontanious days where we had nowhere to be at any particular time. We really enjoyed ourselves!

  175. Amy @ A Little Nosh says

    My favorite vacation was a trip to San Diego before my husband and I were married. We flew there for a wedding, spent a few days, and then drove to Tucson to see my brother and his family. It was awesome.

  179. Lissa says

    My favorite vacation so far was a trip my husband and I took to Palm Springs. I’m hoping to add to that a first family trip with my 2 and 4 yr olds!

  182. ErinsFoodFiles says

    My sister-in-law is a single mom to our adorable 8 year old nephew in Orlando, FL. We go down and visit once a year. I would love it if my husband and I could take them to Universal, as my nephew has NEVER been!

    • ErinsFoodFiles says

      Oops! Just realized I was supposed to tell you about my favorite vacation. My favorite vacation happens to be my most recent one, which was also my honeymoon! We went to New Orleans. 😀

  183. Sarah Beth Smith says

    What a fantastic giveaway! My favorite family vacation was going to Oahu with my husband, two little girls, sister, and my mom and dad. It was so great to share the experience with everyone! We snorkled, we hiked, we almost surfed (but decided on Mai Tai’s instead!) and loved every minute of it! The Hawaiian Islands are pure magic.

  184. Ashley H says

    We are actually planning a trip to universal this year so this would be amazing to win! My favorite vacation was last year’s. We went to all four disney parks and stayed at the Carribean beach resort. It was amazing!

  187. Aggie says

    My favorite vacations have happened the last couple of summers…staying on the beach in Sanibel or Marco Island with my husband and kids just totally relaxing and enjoying life. It honestly does not get better than that.

  190. Wendy says

    My favorite vacation was in Feb of this year. We spent several days at Disney but snuck over to Universal and Harry Potter for a day and it was not enough!
    Frankly I’d visit the florida parks every year if I could get my husband on board!

  195. Valerie C says

    My favorite vacation memory I think is yet to come. In August we are planning a vacation to Florida. We have 2 foster children that have had a very rough life and are in need of good memories. They are 6 and 9 years old girls. We are taking them to Disney and Universal and these tickets would help so much. They have never been on a vacation before and they are so excited. Financially this is a push for us but the joy it will bring them will be priceless and I know so worth it.

  196. Heather says

    A cruise a few years ago with my hubby. It was just us, and it was his first real vacation, and it was amazing! I really really want to go to Harry Potter world though, so that will probably take its place if I win this!

  198. Pat Wogan says

    May I add #11. You were all so relaxed and happy with good memories of fun times with the family! It was evident that you were having a good time in the pics you posted. EVERYONE was smiling!

  199. Steve @ HPD says

    I used to look down my nose at the restaurants at these huge tourist attractions, but then I had maybe the 7th best piece of fish I’ve ever had at the Wolfgang Puck at the off-Disney thingy in Orlanda (Disney on Broadway? can’t remember what it’s called … the strip with the House of Blues and permanent Cirque de Soleil show).

  200. Erin Dedrickson says

    Our favorite vacations are always our family’s annual trips to Colorado each summer, but we are planning a trip to Orlando this fall & can’t wait for that. It might be a new fav!!

  201. Karen P says

    My favorite trip was to Hawaii two years ago. We also had a blast in Orlando at Universal Studios about 8 years ago with my friend and her nephew. I’d love to go back and see all the new rides and attractions!!

  202. Kaili says

    We took a family vacation to Alaska. It was everything we could have asked for – relaxing, fun, and beautiful. It was great spending that time with my family.

  204. Kaili says

    My favorite color is blue. I mean purple…oops it’s red!! Ahhhh, the choices!!

  205. Sharmin Meadows says

    Wow the timing of this contest is perfect! I hope our favorite vacation will be the one we have coming up to Orlando! We have plans to visit Universal and Island of Adventure. My kids are super excited! These passes would come in very handy!!!

  207. bonnie flynn says

    We had a wonderful family vacation on the cruise ship Freedom of the Seas last year. We would love to vacation again this year!

  209. bonnie flynn says

    My favorite color is burgundy…..Ps I already follow you on facebook…

  211. Sharmin Meadows says

    My favorite color is pink!!! I think I have complete all the steps. This is perfect timing. Thanks for the opportunity to enter. Have a great day!

  214. Meghan D says

    Favorite vacation is definitely Florida. With two young girls…having them at the beach is great! They loved every minute of it and can’t wait to head back!

  215. Jamie | My Baking Addiction says

    Such a great recap and fun giveaway…I’m drooling over the ButterBeer! My favorite vacation would have to be when I went to Mexico for a friend’s wedding. Perfect weather, friends and food!

  219. Karly says

    Wow, Kristen! What an awesome opportunity for you and your family! It sounds like you had an amazing time!

    My fav vacation was our cruise to the Bahamas that we just took this year. It was fab. 🙂

  221. Christie says

    my mom and i went on a week long mother/daughter trip to the Bahamas to celebrate mother’s day. it was such a great time and loved spending some qt with her in the sun. she is a gem!

  225. Lethea B says

    My favorite vacation was Disney in Orlando & was several years ago! You couldn’t have asked for better accommodations(we stayed on property), better food or a better atmosphere for fun and memory making=)
    I have wanted the opportunity to go back to Orlando & stay at Universal~we’re HUGE fans of Harry Potter=)

  229. Barb Mc says

    My favorite vaca was last year to Punta Cana with my hubby and boys. Paradise!

  235. Dianna P. says

    My favorite vacation so far was our honeymoon to Cancun. We really got the royal treatment and we needed that after all the planning and preparation we put into the wedding. That was our first vacation as husband and wife and now that we have two-year-old little boy, I have been wanting to take our first family vacation. Universal Orlando & Islands of Adventure sounds like the PERFECT place!

  236. leslie says

    My favorite color…hmmm, purple. Thanks for the opportunity for this giveaway. I love on Tampa, so we are just a hop, skip and a jump away from Orlando. We have not been to either of those parks. Shame on us, but the economy has killed our “fun budget” 🙁

    • Laurel says

      Wow! I can’t believe you haven’t been! I hope for you you get this opportunity! I suppose your have been to Busch Garden though right? We live in Jax and spent a few days in Tampa last summer. Love the Busch Gardens waterpark!

  243. Andrea says

    I really enjoy visiting my grandparents. It’s relaxing, I get them all to myself, and I hear some great stories.

  245. Laurie says

    My favorite vacation was Hawaii… biking through the clouds from a volcano, whale watching, snorkeling, Road to Hana, and ahhh, the beach! Wish I could go there right now instead of hunkering down in my basement with tornado sirens sounding!

  246. Laurel says

    My favorite color is brown. Weird maybe, but I love chocolate and in most cases, chocolate is brown. 🙂

    We love Univeral Orlando. We live only 2 hours from there. Wish it wasnt so darn expensive though! A family of five sets you back, even with the Florida resident discount! My son just went last Friday too! Thanks for the opportunity!

  249. Marda says

    My favorite vacation was our honeymoon (nearly 20 years ago)! We have traveled much of the world since then and seen and experienced many things. But, there will never be anything like our honeymoon to Guatemala and Belize!

  257. Melissa @ Baking For The Boys says

    What a giveaway! My favorite vacation was when I was around 12. We camped in the back country of Colorado for a week. Seriously roughed it. My grandpa, aunt, uncle, and two cousins joined us. It was great.

  261. Fat Englishman says

    Sounds like a marvelous time was had by all – and by the way, if you’re hankering after a recipe for Butterbeer, take a look at the Advent Calendar that I put together through December of last year and which is summarized on my blog. December 6th featured Butterbeer and links to two recipes – one the authentic alcoholic version and the other the child-friendly version using Ginger Beer. It’s great for making with the small ones! http://fatenglishman.com/?p=63
    Have fun.
    Fatty

  262. Bebe says

    My favorite vacation is to rent a house on a lake in the Adirondacks with my family, and my siblings families….swimming and boating…pure joy!

  263. barb giglio says

    My favorite vacation is Munich, Germany! I have the fondest memories of visiting my Aunts and Uncles and Cousins there! Haven’t been in a while but it’s tops on my favorite vacations. 🙂

  265. Jennifer says

    My favorite family vacation was 5 years ago when we went to Virginia Beach with our 3(at the time) kids and my grandma. It was so fun to watch the kids enjoy the ocean and do all the fun stuff there, but the best part was getting to build lasting memories with my kids and my grandma…great vacation!!

  270. Kristen@PrettySweet says

    How much fun would this be??! My husband and I loved our trips to Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC, but lately I’ve been thinking that a trip to Disney might be in order! It’s probably because of the Harry Potter world…I totally want to try that butterbeer! =)

  278. Jessica Nelson says

    My favorite family vacation was when we went to northern Idaho, on a cabin by a lake, no cell service, tv, internet. Just great family time!

  281. Lynn says

    Our favorite vacation was to North Carolina. We rented a house on the beach and spent a week having fun with our kids!

  284. Christina says

    I am a Mom to two girly girls. My absolute favorite color is Pink. I love all shades pink.

  285. Rose Atwater says

    My favorite vacation to date was a long 4 day weekend in the mountains of Tennessee. We rented a log cabin, hiked in the mountains, relaxed in a hot tub, and just “played” with our kids! It was a wonderful escape!!

  292. michele parker says

    My favorite vacation is a tie between our first trip to Las Vegas to watch the Pride FC MMA fight live (which turned out to be the last US show ever before Pride FC was sold) 🙁

    AND

    Our trip to Amsterdam – it was a blast!!!!!

    We are planning a trip to Harry Potter’s Wizarding World this Christmas, so it would be AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME to win this! Here’s hoping!!!

  301. Katie says

    my favorite vacation was actually a trip to Florida where my Dad and I traveled around watching different baseball team’s spring training. Of course we stopped in Orlando, but never made it to either of these places!

  303. JulieD says

    My favorite vacation was when we went to St. Augustine. We just relaxed and had fun! And the food was amazing!

  310. Stacy says

    I am going to Orlando in August with the Family!
    However, my favorite vacation (s) was on a big boat where I met some truly wonderful friends I miss dearly and dream more often then they know for us to be reunited again soon 🙁

  311. Christi P. says

    A few years ago we began going to Michigan and renting a very large home to house all of our grown children and their spouse/girlfried – boyfriends. This is a wonderful time for us to all be together. We just relax, play at the beach and eat. It is so fun to enjoy your kids when they get older!

  316. Whitney Schmale says

    Favorite family vacay-Probably my family’s trip to Italy when we were stationed in Germany. We went with 4 other families and we camped out while seeing all the sights of Italy. I very much hope one day that I get to expose my kids to half of what my parents exposed my brother and I to!!

  318. Whitney Schmale says

    And by the way, butterbeer….I have dreamed often of what it actually tastes like. I’m almost afraid to try their version as I’m afraid it won’t live up to my mind’s creation!

  329. Melissa says

    I have 2 favorite trips- New Orleans and New York.

    We are planning a trip to Orlando in Feb. That may become my next new favorite 😉

  332. Liz Tesar says

    My favorite vacation spot is Hawaii! I went 5 years ago with my husband and parents and it was an amazing experience. We LOVE to travel!

  336. AliceHH says

    My favorite vacation was when I took my daughter to disney for the first time. I need a butterbeer so I hope I win!! Oh, my favorite color is blue.

  337. Liz E says

    My favorite family vacation was to Oahu, Hawaii when I was in 6th grade. It was a long time ago but I remember it clearly. We shopped for Hawaiian print shirts, seashell necklaces, and chocolate covered maca. nuts. We visited the Dole plantation and ate freshly picked pineapple. We visited the U.S.S. Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor and threw flowers into the water to honor the fallen soldiers. And of course no trip to Hawaii is complete with out fun-filled days on the beach. It was amazing and memorable because it was a time for my whole family to be together.

  340. Liz E says

    I tweeted the following on Twitter! (Jennylizzy16 account)

    Tweet the following: I just entered to win a family 4-pack of passes to Universal Studios Orlando from @dineanddish & @uornews http://su.pr/86c9Hh

  349. Sarah Caron says

    It’s so hard to pick a favorite vacation. I loved our family trip to Cape May last year, which was so relaxing and fun. But when the kids and I went to Florida last year with my parents and younger siblings that was a blast too. I would love for my kids to experience Universal Studios though — my husband and I went there several times when we were dating and loved it so.

  352. Valerie says

    My favorite vacation was to Gulf Shores… House right on the beach… lounging and doing nothing for a week.

  354. Julie says

    My favorite vacation was my honeymoon to Orlando in 2008. We chose Universal and Sea World as our big excursions. It was, without a doubt, the most fun I’ve ever had, and now that Harry Potter is there, my husband is anxious to return.

  357. Wenderly says

    Does this look like a *dream come true* My girlies have never been to Disney. how cool it would be to experience all of these sights & sounds & savory delights! My fav vacation would have to be any of the trips we’ve taken to the sunny white beaches of Hilton Head! I grew up enjoying these magical vacations and I now share them with my kiddos.

  364. kate says

    my favorite color is yellow! i painted my room bright yellow and it made it way easier to wake up in the morning to a shining bright room!

  369. Dawn Hewlett says

    My favorite vacation has to be when we took the kids to magic kingdom at disneyworld in orlando. You are making me feel like we missed out because we didnt make it to universal studios! The harry potter ride looks phenomenal!

  378. erin says

    my most memorable vacation was my destination wedding in puerto morelos, mexico.

  381. Kathleen says

    My favorite vacation was a trip we took to San Francisco and then we drove down the coast to Huntington Beach. It was truly the best trip with my hubby and kids 🙂

  383. Lacey b says

    My favorite vacation would have to be my trip to new mexico. I know its not the vacation capital of the world, but my husband was leaving on tour overseas so it was the place we got to hang out together before he left!

  384. Lacey b says

    This would be awesome for our honeymoon! We were married 9.18.2010 and still havent gone!
    Butttt my favorite color is black!!

  387. Aimee says

    My favorite vacation is the first time we took our daughters to Disney World. They were 3 & 5 at the time and it was one of the best trips we ever took. They are now 12 & 10 and they still love Disney.

  388. LaTisha Bennett says

    My favorite vacation, was my first real vacation and that is when my husband I went on our honeymoon to the Keys 2 years ago. It was an amazing trip fir many reasons but mainly because I new at the end of the honemoon he was returning to Iraq

  389. LaTisha Bennett says

    I just tweeted ravennymph latisha bennett
    I just entered to win a family 4-pack of passes to Universal Studios Orlando from @dineanddish & @uornews http://su.pr/86c9Hh
    and I liked the facebook page

  391. Peggy says

    My favorite vacation is when we went back home to Michigan to where I grew up and spent a week revisiting friends and family. We don’t get to vacation as a family often as my husbands job keeps him away alot. thanks for the chance to win an AWESOME vacation!

  392. Jennifer says

    My favorite family vacation so far was this past Easter. My little guys, 2 and 1 got to meet their 97 year old Great-Great Grandfather for the first time. Seeing them all together and having 5 generations in the same room was amazing!

  401. Melissa says

    Favourite vacation was Prince Edward Island with my family. Is there anything better than fresh lobster on the beach, cooked with water straight from the ocean? Sun and family – perfect.

  407. Jennifer Beeken says

    One of my favorite vacation memories— is when my family went to Gatlinburg with my Father and my second mom. My father had brain cancer and was very ill. He enjoyed this vacation with myself, his only daughter and his grandkids. My children both have memories of him smiling and laughing. This is one of my favorite memories. although it is very hard to just pick one.

  413. Jennifer Beeken says

    Tweeting the following—–I just entered to win a family 4-pack of passes to Universal Studios Orlando from @dineanddish & @uornews http://su.pr/86c9Hh (my twitter @TWIRLMOMJENNY)

  415. Michele Strack says

    My favorite vacation was going to the beach for the week, staying with family. Just relaxing and enjoying ourselves! FUN in the sun!

  416. Nici Hinkel says

    My favorite vacation is to Disney World…we take our family almost every year!

  419. Jennifer Green says

    My favorite vacation was in Michigan on the lake, just hanging out with the family.

  420. Adena says

    My favorite vacation was actually coming to Florida (before we moved here) about 7 years ago. It was the last one we took too. We had a carefree week and saw as much stuff as we could. For once, we had a decent vacation budget and made some great family memories.

  425. Jennifer says

    My 4 yo son and 10 yo daughter ask me with maddening frequency what my favorite color is. I don’t have one, but I lie and tell them green 😉

  428. kimmers says

    Favorite color……. really do I have to pick? Just one? Guess I’d say green …… like a sage green. Thanks for a chance to take the kids to Orlando. They have never been and we are in Ga. so it really isn’t that far. Have a great day!
    kimmers_zoo@hotmail.com

  429. Jeanne in Toledo says

    My favorite vacation will always be any of the 3 times I spent in Puerto Vallarta – the most perfect place on earth!!

  439. Aimee says

    What an awesome giveaway! Our favorite vacation of yet is our trip out to the Outer Banks. Two weeks on the beach!

  442. Lois says

    My favorite vacation as a kid was the to Ocala National Forest, Silver Glen. As an adult, I loved visiting Mexico where my husband united with some long-lost family members.

  445. elissa russell says

    My favorite vacation is going to the beach…anywhere! Going to the beach makes me a better person, especially Cannon Beach!

  446. Jenny says

    I think my favorite vacation was the year my family went to California. Years of me pleading to go to Hollywood and Rodeo Drive finally paid off and it was a great vacation. I just wish I could go back as an adult…one day.

  450. Lisa says

    Can’t pick just one favorite color…..but today it’s lapis blue. Will be different tomorrow 🙂

  451. melissa says

    My favorite vacation was to the beach. My family had not been together in 10-12 years. My sisters, my mom, and our families rented a beach house. Great memories!

  454. Kristin says

    My favorite vacation was one I took as a kid to Oahu, HI. We went for a whole week, and I spent every single day in the ocean and at the beach! I couldn’t believe the water was so warm – it truly was one of the happiest times in my life.

  455. Michelle says

    My favorite vacation is a toss up between my kids’s first trip (2 years ago), when they were 6 and 4, to DisneyWorld. We stayed at the Boardwalk- and spent 4 days going to MagicKingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. We also got the extra tickets to do Mickey’s Christmas! It was right before Thanksgiving- and it was amazing! We had the most “magical” time- eveything was perfect- the character breakfast, lunches & dinners- I can’t explain- it was was just truly magical!
    The other vacation was when we went on the Disney Dream this spring break. It was awesome as well! We also ended the trip going to Universal Studios- which was fun- However, it was the start of spring break for most of the world and the lines & EVERYTHING was soooo busy. I saw the CRAZY lines just to get “butterbeer”- but didn’t partake myself- and now after reading- wondering why I didnt!

  456. Michelle says

    My favorite color is Blue- reminds me of vacation- sitting and drinking Corona in the tropical weather- looking at the beautiful ocean!

  458. Lindsay Weiss says

    Our favorite family vacation was the beach at Seabrook, SC. Blue skies, uncrowded beaches and FAMILY!

  460. Pam says

    My favorite vacation was a couple of years ago when we went to San Diego to welcome back from Iraq my nephew, Tyler. We were able to visit with lots of family and then go to Lego Land and Disneyland. What a fun time.

  464. Pam says

    I am an official follower of UORnews on Twitter – thanks for sharing this site on twitter!

  467. Rena says

    My favorite vacations as a kid were our summer camping trips to Yosemite. Waterfalls, pine trees, campfires and smores..YUM

  474. Erin Bennett says

    My best vacation was with my two children
    One summer we went to a beach and stayed at a hotel on the water for a few nights. They were 6 and 8! I was a single mom at the time~ we had fun riding the waves, going to outdoor concerts, especially dancing to California Raisins! Just alone time brought us great memories!

    I follow Dineanddish on twitter and Facebook!

  478. Jerry Blackman says

    I am a friend on Facebook, and Twitter. I also tweeted the link and information, and added Dine and Dash as a friend. My favorite vacation was my first trip to Universal Orlando. I would love to see how it has changed!

  489. Chris M. says

    My favorite family vacation was actually to Disney World was I was 13 at the polynesian resort. Thanks!

  493. Vanessa says

    My favorite vacation is probably the cruise my family and I took for my 15th birthday. Unforgettable.

  498. cara says

    my favorite vacation was a week long drive across the northeast we did with our boys 3 years ago! went to philly, boston and the cape– it was great!

  502. Amy says

    What a great giveaway! We were just talking about a family trip next summer and Orlando was on the short list!

    Our favorite family vacation has to be going to St Louis every summer to be with my husband’s family. It is HOT and sticky, but so much fun just being together.

  505. Jennifer Green says

    My favorite color is turquoise. Just bought a turqouise knife today, very excited.

  506. Rachel engler says

    My favorite vacation was a 15 day road trip starting in LA and driving up through Oregon, Washington, and finally into vancouver, BC. It was spectacular! Entry 1

  514. Kate says

    My favorite vacation is to upstate Michigan every summer with my family. We canoe, bonfire, and enjoy each other’s company in the peaceful tranquility of the backwoods of the mitten, relaxing on the sands of the great Lake Huron.

  516. Ashley K says

    My favorite vacation thus far was to Atlanta, GA. They have the worlds largest aquarium, it was amazing!

  519. Melissa J says

    Trip from Seattle, San Juan Islands and Victoria BC, Canada with best friend.. Good times.

  525. Matthew M says

    My favorite trip, Was when I drove out to California to see my best friend. The drive was breathtaking and California is such an amazing place to visit! Wish I could do it again 🙂

  536. Eileen says

    Our favorite fam vaca is going to South Padre Island every summer. It’s one week of doing absolutely nothing, but hanging out on the beach and enjoying each other! 🙂

  537. Annie Enloe says

    Our favorite family vacation was to Cape Cod in October! Beautiful scenery, food, and shopping! We enjoyed every minute especially we were there on the last weekend of the summer for them and we did not have a huge crowd and everything was on sale!

  540. Delta Whiskey says

    Wow. What an amazing giveaway Kristen! My favorite trip was the one we took to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN right after my honey came home from Afghanistan 4 years ago. Consequently, it was the last vacation we took as well. Boo.

  549. Dana says

    My favorite vacation was to Key West with my husband and our close friends–it was so much fun and so relaxing. But I love Orlando and would be so excited to go again and to see Universal Studios. I hear the Butterbeer is quite good!

  552. brittany says

    my favorite vacation was to new york city to see my family for a wedding. i like it there but it is so busy!

  556. jessie says

    Our favorite vacations usually involve the beach – we love our annual trip to Hilton Head!

  558. Jen W. says

    The first time I went to Disneyland as a kid was amazing! I’d never seen anything like it. I wanted to ride EVERYTHING and most things I rode over and over again. I can’t tell you how many times I went on Space Mountain or Pirates, long before the movies were dreamt up. I could have lived there as a child and been happy every day!

  563. Meg B says

    My favorite vacation was a trip to NYC with my husband. I adore the theater and I’m married to the sweetest guy who took me on my ‘dream getaway’ this past January filled with daily tickets to Broadway shows, shopping, and the best dining a girl could ask for!

  564. Dana Ramsey says

    I am trying to get this in before Midnight!!! ahhh! I will go next to twitter and facebook and follow/friend!
    thanks so much for this!!

    • Dana Ramsey says

      oh, just realized you’re on CST, so I’m ok on time…….

      My favorite vacation: Wild Dunes resort at Isle of Palms, SC
      just the name alone tells you it was pretty amazing:)

  569. Lisa Marshall says

    my favorite color is red…or purple…or black. Anything jewel toned I guess

  570. Lisa Marshall says

    Silver Dollar city with my 3 sons. Always wanted to take them to Disney World. Always. Never could. Is it too late?

  571. Dana Ross says

    My favorite vacation was 7 years ago when my husband & I took our 3 kids to Universal & Islands of Adventure for 2 days, then met my sister & her family at Disney World for 3 more days there. It was so awesome!! The kids had such a blast with their cousins & we all had a fabulous time. We have been wanting to go this year to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure & also to Epcot to ride “Soarin” my family that have been lately & rode it said it is their favorite ride! I can’t wait to go back!

  572. Pam says

    Yippeee Kristen!!!!! I’m so excited to have been selected! Now I’m busy planning a trip to Universal in late July and early August. We can’t wait to go to the parks! Thank you Kristen and Universal for this amazing gift.

  576. Kimberly says

    We have two young boys, last time we went to Islands, they were able to go to Harry Potter and they almost lost their minds.

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