By Carrie McLaren

One of the best ways to feel like a kid again is to travel with children, and many extended families are doing just that these days. Multigenerational travel, involving parents, the kids, the grandparents and even other family members, lets several generations experience new places and create great memories — together. Here are some tips on how to have a great time with the whole family at Universal Orlando.

Stay Here

With a retro theme from the 50s and 60s, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort features family suites with two queen beds, a living room with a full-size pull-out sofa bed, an oversized bathroom and a kitchenette. With enough room to sleep six people, these suites also feature walk-in closets, and two televisions so the grownups can continue to enjoy vacation once the little ones are asleep.

Grandparents will love the retro look, and there’s nothing better than challenging the kids at the on-site, 10-lane Galaxy Bowling alley. After a day at the parks, all of you can take a dip at one of the resort’s two pools. The Cabana Courtyard features a zero-entry pool with a water slide and splash area for tykes; the Lazy River Courtyard pool has that lazy river and waterfalls, alongside the Hideaway Bar & Grill, for those who stand taller.

The resort is a vacation destination within itself and offers fun for all generations. Climb aboard complimentary transportation to Universal CityWalk and the adjacent theme parks for more fun within your family.
 

One of the pools at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

One of the pools at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

- Universal Orlando Resort

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

- Carrie McLaren


Eat Here

Located at the entrance to the Universal Orlando theme parks, Universal CityWalk features nightlife, family-friendly entertainment, mini-golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, movies and fantastic dining experiences.

For dinner, don’t miss the new Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. The littles will love the creative dishes and presentation with Bento boxes, while adults can experience burgushi – a fusion of burgers and sushi. Order a few trays of burgushi for the family to share – the Highclass Hillbilly features southern style Bar-B-Q-Shi with pulled pork, caramelized onions and topped with coleslaw and bacon. It’s an innovative dish that won’t leave you hungry.

For authentic Italian cuisine, dine at VIVO Italian Kitchen where the children can see the chefs making homemade pasta, and you of age can enjoy a glass of wine in one of the restaurant’s round tables.

Other venues at Universal CityWalk include Emeril’sRed Oven Pizza BakeryAntojitos Authentic Mexican Food and Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
 

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Don’t miss the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

- Carrie McLaren for VISIT FLORIDA

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Dinner options are endless at Universal CityWalk

- Carrie McLaren for VISIT FLORIDA


Play Here

Start the day at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s numerous character dining experiences – and watch the grandparents’ faces light up as they watch the grandchildren watching the Minions enter the room. Be sure to grab a picture of the kids and grandma with Gru – you’ll have a tough time deciding who was having the most fun.

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, take a stroll through Toon Lagoon, with areas dedicated to Betty Boop, Popeye, Blondie and even Beetle Bailey. The area makes for great photos with the entire family and it’s a fun way to introduce the little ones to classic cartoons and comic strips from days past.

For more laughs, stop in at Seuss Landing to relive classic childhood tales aboard the High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, and go for a spin on the Caro-Seuss-El where instead of horses, you’ll ride atop one of the many colorful Seuss characters. It’s fun for kids, and the grandparents, too – everyone will feel childish aboard this festive merry-go-round.

With a park-to-park pass, Harry Potter fans can step inside the Hogwarts Express and travel by train to Kings Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida park. Order a round of butterbeers at The Leaky Cauldron and vote for your favorite — hot, frozen or regular butterbeer. Kids and grandparents can create magic together with a wand from Ollivander’s and cast spells through the streets of Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley.

With an oversized stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, unique dining, interacting with characters and creating magic together, the fun at Universal Orlando Resort spans the generations.

 

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Take a stroll through Toon Lagoon, with areas dedicated to Betty Boop, Popeye, Blondie and even Beetle Bailey

- Carrie McLaren for VISIT FLORIDA

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Order a round of butterbeers at The Leaky Cauldron and vote for your favorite – hot, frozen or regular butterbeer

- Carrie McLaren for VISIT FLORIDA

PLACES TO REMEMBER

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