WILDLY POPULAR THEME PARK + WINTER BREAK x (2 KIDS + 1 MOTHER-IN-LAW) = NIGHTMARE

That’s the equation that pops into most parents’ minds if they dare contemplate trying to conquer Universal Studios, Orlando in 48 hours over Christmas break. I’m not only here to tell you that it can be done…I’m going to tell you exactly how I did it.

The attractions are in fact divided into two distinct parks — Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You’ll need a two-park pass in order to jump between them in a single day which also gives you access to the stunningly detailed Hogwarts Express that connects the winter-time village of Hogsmeade with the zig-zagging cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley. Together, these parks-within-a-park form the jewel in Universal’s crown: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If Harry Potter isn’t your mug of Butter Beer, Universal has plenty of other pop-culture giants to choose from including Jurassic Park, Minions, Transformers, and a life-sized recreation of The Simpsons Springfield, USA.

Listen here for my tips and tricks during another episode of The Crime Traveller on NewsTalk1010 with Barb DiGulio and The NightSide.