Diane Buck, branch manager of Premier Travel in Sudbury, Suffolk was a first-time visitor to Universal Orlando Resort. “I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect,” she says. “But what I experienced exceeded anything I could have imagined. From the moment I stepped through the gates, the energy, the creativity, and sheer scale of the resort was absolutely captivating.”
“The highlight for me was undoubtedly Epic Universe. The portal entrance alone sets the tone – it is dramatic, futuristic, and makes you feel like you're stepping into another world. I can already see how this will be a game-changer for selling Universal to clients, especially those who’ve ‘done Disney’ and are looking for something fresh, bold, and thrilling. I loved the Stardust Racer Ride, personally this was my favourite, riding this in the evening with the lights on totally was awesome.”
“I explored the parks in depth, and I was blown away by the attention to detail in every corner. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was magical walking through Diagon Alley, it felt like being inside the films. I experienced all rides and they were exhilarating, especially Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which was a standout for me. It’s the kind of experience that leaves you breathless and grinning from ear to ear.”
“The hotels were equally impressive, and cater for different needs and budgets. I stayed at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, which offered sleek, modern comfort and stunning views. It’s ideal for couples and solo travellers, while families might prefer the vibrant atmosphere of Cabana Bay Beach Resort.”
Dining was another surprise, continues Diane. “It was far from standard theme park fare. We enjoyed everything from gourmet burgers to themed cocktails, and the service was consistently excellent. I particularly loved the vibe at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, which combines whimsical décor with amazing indulgent treats.”
The Norse Atlantic Airways fam trip group at Universal Orlando in October 2025
“What struck me most was how Universal caters to a wide range of travellers. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a movie buff, or a family with young children, there’s something for everyone, and with Epic Universe newly open, there’s a fresh reason to return – or visit for the first time.”
“From a sales perspective, I feel equipped with first-hand insights to help clients choose the right park tickets, hotel packages, and experiences. I’ll be emphasizing the immersive nature of the parks, the convenience of staying on-site, and the value of early park admission and express passes.”
“This trip was unforgettable,” she concludes. “Not just for the fun and laughter, but for the professional value it’s added. I’m excited to share these insights with my team and clients, and I’m confident Universal Orlando Resort will be one of my top recommendations when I’m with clients now.”
Kayleigh-Anne Elliott, trade partnership manager at Gold Medal was also a first-time visitor: “Having never been to Universal before, it was always harder to bring the parks and hotels to life when promoting to our agent partners and their customers. However, now I’ve returned from the trip I feel so much more confident in promoting the destination and their products, even down to the helpful little tips we gathered along the way like the absolute need for Express Passes to avoid queuing. It really highlights the importance of these trips and how beneficial they are for us to improve our knowledge.”
USAirtours' Scott Read
Scott Read, national account manager with USAirtours, says that Universal’s Epic Universe truly lives up to its name: “From the moment you step through the portals, you're transported into incredibly immersive worlds. The attention to detail is phenomenal, from the rides and attractions to the music playing throughout the park.”
“With four theme parks and 11 resort hotels, I recommend staying onsite for five to seven nights. This gives your guests time to enjoy everything on offer and benefit from complimentary transportation between the parks and hotels.”
Scott’s top tip? “Guests at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel receive free Universal Express Unlimited Passes, an amazing perk that lets your guests skip the regular queues at most attractions.”
Lyndsay Haddock, senior marketing executive at Advantage Travel Partnership, says the trip was a brilliant reminder of why Universal wows guests of all ages: “The resort makes it easy to immerse in every part of the experience, transforming a theme park holiday into something relaxed, exciting, and completely taken care of.”
She adds: “Universal’s onsite hotels each have a unique character and offer effortless access to the parks, with Early Park Admission and Express Passes adding that extra touch of VIP movie magic.”
Advantage Travel Partnership's Lyndsay Haddock
Lyndsay also praises Epic Universe for bringing fresh energy to the resort with “cutting-edge attractions, lifelike animatronics, and beloved worlds like Super Mario and Harry Potter”, while she says that flying with Norse Atlantic Airways set the tone perfectly: “The airline offers excellent value, friendly service, and clever in-flight tech that made our journey smooth and enjoyable.”
For Andrew Fish, head of UK & South Africa sales, Norse Atlantic Airways, the trip was an opportunity to showcase the airline’s offering on a very competitive route. Norse Atlantic Airways operates London Gatwick to Orlando year-round, daily during the summer season and up to five times weekly in the winter season.
As is the case for all the Norse network, the route is operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners with a two-cabin configuration of Economy and Premium. The Economy cabin offers seat back entertainment and a 32-inch seat pitch.
“Our affordable fares allow families the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando Resort for less,” he says. “The Premium cabin has the largest seat pitch in its class of 43-inches, offering wider seats with an excellent recline, and also included is an amenity kit and complimentary bar.”
He points out that all fares bookable in the GDS include a first meal service as well as a 10kg bag onboard and a 23kg bag in the hold.
“Norse is becoming recognised for offering passengers the opportunity to travel long haul for less – we are also flying from Gatwick to Cape Town, Bangkok and New York this winter season,” he says.
