Jessica Pratt

Independent Destination Wedding Travel Agent

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5 Reasons Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is the Perfect Vacation Destination During the Tween Years

Chances are, your tween has just read or is about to start reading the Harry Potter series books! (And if they haven't yet - what are you waiting for? There's so much magic and joy in being a part of the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends. )
If they've started to read the books already, there’s no doubt they are excited to step into Hogsmead or Diagon Alley themselves. Harry Potter is definitely a highlight at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, but there's just so much more to love for all ages.

Here's why I think the tween years, typically around age 8-12, are the perfect years to enjoy Universal Studios!

1. They no longer need a stroller, bottles, and an afternoon nap

Let’s face it, vacationing with kids in those first few years of life isn’t a vacation at all. Lugging around strollers, bottles and planning your day around an afternoon nap is exhausting. The tears and the meltdowns (from mom and dad too) are sometimes not quite worth the trip to a theme park.

2. They love all the characters – Minions, Spiderman and Harry Potter too

Stepping straight into Diagon Alley and Hogsmead and seeing the Harry Potter series books come to life is magical. Visit Olivander’s and watch them perform magic around the park with their own interactive wand. And who doesn’t love Minions, Spiderman and Transformers?

3. They’re big enough to go on all the thrill rides now, yet still small enough to enjoy the little rides too

Not only do you have to have a bit of bravery to go on the thrill rides, you have to meet specific height requirements too. By the time your kiddo is between the ages of 8-12, they’re likely to be tall enough to ride quite a few of the more exciting thrill rides. They're also still young enough to enjoy Suess Landing rides with mom and dad.

4. They still want to enjoy time with mom and dad.

Before we know it, those tweens will turn into teens and spending time with mom and dad during those years will be far from your teenagers mind.

5. It’s just so much fun.

There’s just nothing quite like having family fun together to create special memories to last a lifetime. And Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is perfect for the entire family.

Been thinking of taking your tween to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure? I'd love to send your family!

Jessica Pratt, Edmond Travel Agent
Vincent Vacations

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Jessica Pratt

Destination Wedding Travel Agent

Ever since my husband and I got married in Mexico, we made a promise to ourselves to plan romantic getaways and adults only vacations every year, even after we had kids. Our favorite destinations so far are Italy, the Hawaiian Islands, Sandals Resorts - specifically in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Antigua - and our unforgettable Alaskan Cruise. And my newest obsession - River Cruising - a game change... Read More >>>

An expert luxury advisor with five star luxury travel packages. With a luxury travel company, Island Inclusive Resorts.

5 Reviews & Success stories

Paris Anniversary Perfection

Thank you for your hard work on our anniversary trip to Paris. It was absolutely fabulous in every way. It was a perfect balance of planned activities and free time to roam and explore. The hotel you recommended was so perfect. The location was ideal and I highly recommend it as well. You're right - buying tickets in advance for important activities is the only way to go - but also finding some amazing gems while roaming the streets - true perfection. Picking a favorite is so hard.
--- Heather

Italy was a Dream Trip

It was so wonderful to have an Italian guide who shared so much history throughout! Not only did he talk about the historical sites, but we also learned about the farmland, lifestyles and so much more during our travel from city to city! In one day, we were able to see the Colosseum and the Vatican because of our private bus and the skip-the-line tours that were reserved for us. We could have never done that on our own. Lines were wrapped around every building and most of those sites limit how many people enter each day so tickets are difficult to get. We added days on before and after the tour. Jessica handled EVERY DETAIL (scheduled our hotels, train rides and provided transfers) which would have taken me days to research and plan out. She checked on us throughout our trip to make sure it was everything we had dreamed of. And it was!
-- Emily

Amazing first time at Secrets Maroma Beach

Jessica Pratt planned the best vacation for our family! We went to Secrets Maroma Beach Cancun in July 2024. We had never been out of the country before so we had no idea how to plan a trip. She made it so easy because she did EVERYTHING, from the minute we arrived at the airport to leave until we arrived at the airport to come home and even more. She gave us details for the entire week we would be gone! We all know vacations can have bumps in them that cannot be avoided but they can be especially scary when you're out of the country! We had an emergency situation while we were there and Jessica was just a call away and was texting with me throughout the day and even into the night when we made it back to our resort! She held our hand the entire way. Jessica absolutely made our time away amazing even when there were bumps! We will absolutely be using her again!
-- Shannon T

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