Universal Orlando Resort Review Part 1 | Virgin Atlantic and Hard Rock Hotel

When we got the e-mail to say that we’d flying out to Universal Orlando Resort with Virgin Holidays we were absolutely ecstatic – this was set to be adventure of a lifetime. Whist we’ve traveled extensively, it would be Boo’s first long haul transatlantic holiday. Fast-forward two weeks from being booked on the trip and it was time to set off for the airport.

We were flying from Gatwick South Terminal with Virgin Atlantic. They have a handy app that allows you to check in 24 hours prior to your flight, and even downloads your boarding passes to your phone. We arrived at the terminal just under three hours before our flight and headed to the bag drop, which was straight forward and allowed us to get through security with plenty of time for a customary Wagamama and a cheeky perch at the Champagne bar for Mama with a juice for Boo.

Wagamamas-at-Gatwick-South-Terminal

Champagne-bar-at-Gatwick-South-Terminal

Next it was time to head to the gate and we were made to feel very welcome as we boarded Ladybird (each Virgin Atlantic plane has a name, which Boo loved!) bottles of water were handed out as we began to board and Boo had a lovely children’s activity pack waiting for her on her seat. As we’d pre-selected our seats the week before we knew where we were sitting and I’d given Boo the task of finding our seats – she absolutely loved this, she felt like such a big girl!

Here’s a wing shot of London above the clouds – you could almost forget it was a grey autumn day!

Virgin-Atlantic-Wing-Shot

The flight was really smooth, cabin crew were really good and soon it was time for lunch – I’d preselected Boo to have a children’s meal (My biggest tip if flying with children on all service flight is to check if you need to select a children’s meal). As you can see Boo’s meal was packed full of great options, handy when they don’t feel like eating a big meal. I opted for the loaded beef chili wedge melt (I have this thing that I will ALWAYS choose the beef dish when on a flight… one of my many oddities). It had a real kick but in a great way and the Gü chocolate pot finished off a ground worthy meal.

Virgin-Atlantic-Kids-Meal

Virgin-Atlantic-Inflight-Adult-Meal

Boo didn’t nap… at all! I on the other hand knew only too well the perils of not sleeping on a long haul so I managed to get a couple of hours spread throughout the flight and watched a great film: The Nice Guys – you’ve got to watch it, I’ve never laughed so much in all my life – apologies to anyone who had to endure my sporadic snorts of laughter! I’m convinced that Boo’s lack of napping was down to Vera, Virgin Atlantic’s onboard entertainment. She was spilt for choice with movies (yes I can confirm that she watched Finding Dory for the sixth time) plus the children’s programs meant she got the chance to binge on Monster High’s latest series: Boo York. And the best bit? The FABs brought round, I had a tough time trying to convince Boo that mummies were allowed children ice lollies!!

FAB-Ice-Lolly-Virgin-Atlantic

Virgin-Atlantic-Vera

Soon it was time for afternoon tea, Virgin Atlantic style which consisted of a sandwich, crisps, an oh so chocolaty bar and the all-important cuppa. There’s no denying that nine hours on a plane is a big ask for a five year old, but I found it’s the little touches by the cabin crew on a Virgin Atlantic flight that makes it a fun part of your holiday rather than a mile high nightmare. Boo loved it when one of the Red Ladies (Boo coined that phrase before we’d even taken off) asked her about her outfit and took two minutes out to get down to her level and talk to her. It’s something that Boo is still talking about; when you’re five, it’s about being a ‘big’ girl and Virgin got it spot on, thank you.

You can’t deny that the wing shot above the Floridian clouds beats the pants of the UK one…

Virgin-Atlantic-Wing-Tip-Ladybird

Our first sight of mainland America was the Kennedy Space Centre, which the captain announced to an excited cabin – it was a great start to our American adventures. After a very smooth landing we were fortunate enough that the queue for immigration was less than ten minutes and really smooth. After baggage reclaim it’s time to get on the shuttle monorail for the terminal – take my advice and allow them take you luggage which meets you at the terminal, there was no way I could have carried it all and kept hold of Boo.

Our driver met us at the prearranged spot and we were soon on our way to the Hard Rock Hotel. It was lovely watching Boo’s awe struck face as she took in the sheer scale of the US. After a short ride we arrived. As we turned onto the hotel’s drive you can’t help but feel like a rock star. Palm tree lined leading up to the majestic in size entrance. We received an unmistakably warm American welcome and our bags were taken while we checked in and showed to our room. We had been given a standard pool view room. Let me just say there is nothing standard about the room, two queen beds, the biggest TV you ever did see, fantastic make up area.

Pool-View-Standard-Room-Hard-Rock-Orlando

Hard-Rock-Hotel-Universal-Orlando

Hard-Rock-Hotel-Oralndo-Dressing-Area

And the most spectacular view of the pool and the theme parks. The perfect teaser for what adventures awaited us the next day…

Pool-View-Room-at-Hard-Rock-Hotel-Universal-Orlando

We didn’t get long in our room before it was time to bead down to The Kitchen for our dinner reservation. The Kitchen is the place to be food wise at The Hard Rock Hotel’ serving breakfast (more of that in part two, but you know it’s going to be good!) we grabbed a quick dinner as by now Boo was exhausted and eventually feel asleep half way through our meal! I went for a classic Hard Rock burger and even though I’m no stranger to American portions it always catches me by surprise – Boo chose a cheeseburger from the kids menu which comes printed on an oven glove, a little fun touch. I enjoyed a mojito which gave me the strength to carry a snoring Boo back to our room and it was lights out by 10pm as I knew the morning brought the beginning of even more adventures.

The-kitchen-Restaurant-at-The-Hard-Rock-Hotel-Universal-Orlando

The-Hard-Rock-Burger-at-Universal-Orlando

Hard-Rock-Cocktails-Orlando

Stay tuned for part two of our Universal Orlando Resort adventure with Virgin Holidays…

Disclosure: I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have
volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for
the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity.

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20 Comments

  1. November 4, 2016 / 17:57

    Oh wow what an amazing sounding experience, your hotel looks beautiful as well! Can’t wait to read the next part.
    Sarah Bailey recently posted..Christmas 2016 Gift Guide #1My Profile

  2. November 4, 2016 / 18:21

    You have the most amazing way of describing things! It is such a long flight to America it’s so nice to see how well they treat little ones, travelling with them can be a nightmare but your little girl seemed to be so well behaved! Going to America on Virgin is a bit of a bucket list thing for my Mum and you’ve really made me want to take a Mum-Daughter trip soon, great post! xx

  3. November 4, 2016 / 18:50

    Sounds like an amazing trip so far – can’t wait to read the next instalment! Love the ‘wing tip’ plane shots, they’re a classic!

  4. November 4, 2016 / 20:25

    I fly out to Orlando on the 14th and so this has just made me even more excited! I haven’t stayed at this hotel before but it looks stunning xx

  5. November 4, 2016 / 21:26

    I was so pleased when you were chosen for this and it’s so great to read about it. You and Boo and the perfect pair of travelling companions and the adventures you two are going on through life are so inspiring. Can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks x
    Donna recently posted..Having More Fun With the Children – Thanks to SlumberdownMy Profile

  6. November 5, 2016 / 13:35

    This place looks cool and it’s awsome that you had a good flight on Ladybird!

  7. November 5, 2016 / 15:09

    What an amazing experience! I can’t wait to read your next post about your Florida adventure! x

  8. November 5, 2016 / 15:15

    Such an amazing experience so far and even the plane food looks pretty tasty to me. I have flown with Virgin once to the States and absolutely love it x

  9. nicol
    November 5, 2016 / 22:18

    i flew with virgin atlantic back in march and i was so happy when they gave out fab lollies! i had the biggest grin ever

  10. Hannah
    November 6, 2016 / 15:21

    I am so jealous, I would love to be able to go myself! X

  11. November 6, 2016 / 20:51

    Oh wow, I’m looking forward to hearing more in Part 2. I’ve never been to the States or flown with Virgin – Really hoping that we get the chance in the next few years. Your little lady looks like the perfect company to experience such a trip.
    Helen at Casa Costello recently posted..Mushroom & Walnut Palmiers #GBBOBloggers2016My Profile

  12. November 6, 2016 / 21:47

    What an amazing experience, I am loving the hotel and I always love flying around the world.
    Anosa recently posted..{November} Sunday CurrentlyMy Profile

  13. Jemma
    November 7, 2016 / 07:14

    I love Orlando and had a great time when I went a few years ago.

  14. November 7, 2016 / 12:01

    I love that the in-flight entertainment system is called Vera! Your hotel room looks amazing. I remember eating at the Hard Rock YEARS ago when I went to Universal.

  15. November 8, 2016 / 09:06

    Such fun! We are huge Virgin Atlantic fans around here!

  16. November 8, 2016 / 21:10

    OMG I love that they name their plane, I did not know this. Love how they made her feel grown up on the flight. What a gorgeous hotel, look forward to part two