Did you hear a lot of screaming this past Friday night?  If so, it was just me at Universal Orlando Resort.  My husband and I had an overnight date night (no kids!) to  go to Halloween Horror Nights 23.

The event, held select nights in September and October,  is suggested for those ages 13 and up and I can definitely understand why –  it is SCARY and incredibly real!  The themed haunted houses will leave you terrified – zombies roam throughout the park too. In fact, I even saw some with chainsaws!

I’ve never screamed so much and I held on to my husband for dear life the entire night.  At one point, as we made our way through the park – a zombie was literally breathing down my neck!  It was a pretty surreal experience.  If you go, spend a little extra for the Express pass to cut down on your wait times.  Also, check out An American Werewolf in London haunted house – it is incredible and most say it’s the best one at the park – I agree!   (Stay tuned for an upcoming post with my tips on navigating Halloween Horror Nights!)

Our Visit to Springfield, U.S.A.

My husband is a huge fan of The Simpsons, so I knew we’d have to stop in and see the new Simpsons area of Universal Studios Orlando.  And wow, it didn’t disappoint.  We had a blast checking it all out.  From the Duff Beer Gardens, to the Kwik-E-Mart and Moe’s Tavern – it was so life-like, everything was just as you’d see it on television. The area featured tons of spots for great pictures too, here’s me with Milhouse hanging out at the Kwik-E-Mart.

If you are hungry, check out Fast Food Blvd in Springfield.  You can order a Krusty burger, a Flaming Moe drink (non-alcoholic!) and even get dinner from The Frying Dutchman. We shared a Chicken and Waffles sandwich from Cletus’ Chicken Shack and sat in Moe’s Tavern.  I loved watching people’s faces as they entered the building for the first time.  It was television come to life!

Loews Royal Pacific Resort 

During our visit to the Universal Orlando Resort, we stayed on-site at the beautiful Loews Royal Pacific Resort.  This was our second stay at the property and I just love it.  The tropical theme throughout the resort is relaxing and the staff is fantastic.  And the pool – ah, just look at that picture.  It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon.  (Thanks for providing complimentary sunscreen too!)

After our night out at Halloween Horror Nights, we rode the ferry boat back to the resort and grabbed some late night snacks at Jake’s American Bar where we caught up on all the sports of the day.  The next morning – the breakfast buffet at the Islands Dining Room was calling my name!

I love traveling with my girls, but every now and then it’s nice to get away for some adult time.  I can’t tell you how strange it felt to do things on my own schedule and even better, stay out after dark!  Ha!  Sometimes it’s the little things in life!

Have you visited Universal Orlando Resort? 

** My husband and I were guests of Universal Orlando Resort.  Tickets and accommodations were provided.  Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. **