After nearly nine years in the capital, I’m firmly a Londoner. The city has its highs – plenty, actually – but the lows, like endless delays and relentless winters, have turned me into a bit of a Grinch.
So, when the chance arose to meet the big green guy himself at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, I thought: let’s see if it’s like looking in a mirror.
I hadn’t been to the theme park since I was a kid – over 20 years ago – so I was expecting to see some minor changes. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The resort has expanded into an adult playground oasis, full of mega rides, incredible bars and enough delicious treats to make your tastebuds sing.
A warm Who-ville welcome!
Kickstarting my intrepid adventure to meet the Grinch, it only felt right to begin with The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
Immersed in the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (obviously), you can enjoy a delicious brunch item with a drink while the characters of Whoville wander around for a natter and some selfies.
I tucked into some Martha May’s Chicken and Waffles – hand-breaded southern chicken thighs on top of two crispy Belgian waffles, topped off with a fried egg, hot honey and parsley. I then washed it down with the Grinch’s very own Sour Apple drink – a sour apple ICEE (a frozen fizzy drink) with whipped sweet cream topping and red sugar crystals.
As part of this special event, you also get the chance to meet the big green man himself.
Top tip: if you want to meet the big fella in green...
You can expect queues of up to four hours to shake hands with the Grinch, so the brunch is a great way to bypass that and spend your time seeing what else this great park has to offer.
How the Grinch stole my heart
After my delicious breakfast from the chefs of Whoville had settled, it was officially time to meet the Grinch. I felt equal parts excited and nervous awaiting his arrival… How mean would he be to me? Will my theory really be true? Have I become the Grinch?!
We hear a yell and in storms a 6-foot-something furry green character, complete with a fur-trimmed Christmas jumper and matching hat. By his side patiently stood Max, the goodest boy you’ll ever meet.
It’s time. I’m called up. He looks me up and down and tears me apart for my outfit (he wasn’t totally wrong to be fair, I was in a rush that morning after all).
After making jibes at my red neckerchief and short shorts, I can see his cold exterior begin to thaw. It was just like the movies. After a good natter, a few selfies and being pushed to the ground for playing with Max (for the record, I’m not planning to sue), it was time for the Grinch’s curtain call…
A Grinchmas spectacular
We headed on over to watch The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular – a live all-singing all-dancing show starring the Grinch in the telling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
It features a colourful cast of Who-ville residents and music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.
The show is seen as the centrepiece of Grinchmas at Universal Orlando, so it’s one not to miss during the festive season. And what’s better, it’s included in the price of your park admission.
With a full belly and ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch’ stuck in my head, it was time to check into our hotel.
I stayed at one of Universal’s own hotels, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, which is just moments away from the action and you can get from your room to the park in a jiffy via frequent (and free!) boats.
After some rest, we sailed back into City Walk and headed down to Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a daily festive parade where characters come to life as larger-than-life balloons. And yes, this is included in your park ticket too.
It was pure joy – full of nostalgia with characters like Shrek and Madagascar on giant floats, waving to the crowds. The iconic Macy’s balloons were a brilliant touch too, with the giant Gingerbread Man taking the cake for me.
Following the festivities, we continued to explore the rest of the park. Everywhere you looked you saw Christmas, and it was pure magic.
Stepping into Hogsmead with the snow-topped buildings, holding a warm cup of Butterbeer will make you feel all the feels (hot tip: head to The Hog’s Head to get your hands on one, you won’t regret it).
Then at around 7.15pm, head to the Hogwarts castle to see it light up with a festive display that’ll make your jaw drop and cover you in goosebumps.
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is shown exclusively between mid-November and early January, and it’s one not to miss.
Lora Sauls, Universal Orlando’s Assistant Director of Creative Development and Show Direction for Art, Design and Entertainment, gave me insight into the meticulous attention to detail they pay to the parks during this time of year.
Before Halloween has even wrapped, her teams are already building for Christmas, starting from one side of the park to the other in an operation that is so seamless that guests don’t even realise it’s happening.
For those that need a breather from mega rides like Jurassic World’s Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, there are so many areas to kick back and relax.
A highlight for me was Mythos Restaurant, nestled beautifully at The Lost Continent in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This award-winning full-service restaurant offers modern cuisine in a mythical setting that will leave you in awe as soon as you step inside.
To kick things off, I opted for the Spanakopita Dip (£9.57) and for main, I tucked into Beef Loin Medallions (£23.91). They were cooked to perfection, set upon a bed of Yukon potato puree, sautéed haricot verts, radish, watercress and red wine reduction.
For the location, quality of food and the incredible setting, I think the price point was decent. Make sure you book ahead of time though, this spot is in demand all year round!
If you want to venture a bit further from the parks, particularly in the realm of some retail therapy, Orlando will scratch that itch too.
I visited two shopping districts – Mall of Millenia, a stunning (and absolutely massive) premier shopping mall just moments from the parks that has all of the stores you could ever need. If you’re wanting to splash the cash, Gucci and Prada await your credit cards.
Otherwise, if you’re like me, the high street stores like American Eagle, alo and Bath & Body Works had me spending like my life depended on it.
A short drive up the road will then lead you to Orlando International Premium Outlets, a colossal maze of outlet stores. This was another highlight for me, every store had prices that I couldn’t say no to – even ones that I thought I couldn’t afford.
I treated myself to two pairs of New Balance trainers for a solid $80 and grabbed myself some accessories from Coach that started at just $16. You could easily spend an entire day here – just be mindful of the $9 price tag on your Starbucks to fuel your spree…
If you head here in late November, you’ll also get access to Black Friday deals which will knock even more off the price tag at checkout – it’s a double win!
It’s safe to say that my return to Universal Orlando after more than 20 years exceeded all expectations. The sun was shining, the parks were mindblowing and the people were so friendly and warm.
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I returned to a dreary Gatwick Airport with a smile on my face, and my heart three times bigger.
Seven nights at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, including Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Tickets, costs from £736 per adult and £726 per child (3-9) based on two adults and two children sharing a standard room, based on February 2025 arrivals, not including flights.
The ticket includes unlimited park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park for up to 14 consecutive days.
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To book visit www.attractiontickets.com or call free on 0800 223 0324.
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