Three Years Later, We Finally Flew Again: A Family Trip to Universal Beijing Resort and a Stroll Through the Capital

Meta Description: After three years without travel, one family finally boards a plane again. Read their complete Universal Beijing Resort itinerary, tips for Harry Potter World, Minions Land, and family-friendly attractions in this SEO-optimized travel guide.

Dreams do come true sometimes—like, after three years apart, finally boarding a plane with your child again. For countless families, the pandemic paused travel plans, but in February 2023, the wait ended. This is the story of a family of three—a kindergarten graduate, her parents, and their long-awaited trip to Universal Beijing Resort and the capital city.

If you're planning a family trip to Beijing, especially with young children, this guide offers practical tips, honest reviews, and a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect at Universal Studios Beijing, plus how to enjoy the city without rushing through landmarks.

Why Universal Beijing Resort Was the Perfect Post-Pandemic Destination

Our daughter is about to graduate from kindergarten. Over these three years, she’s countless times pressed her face against the window watching planes streak across the sky, asking, "Dad, when can we fly somewhere for fun again?" Every time, I could only say, "When the pandemic gets better." Finally, in February 2023, that "better" arrived.

The destination was clear: Beijing. Universal Beijing Resort was the main course, and for the remaining two days, we planned to wander aimlessly around the city. After all, my wife and I had each been to Beijing once before, but those were during our student days—rushing through sights with family, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace—memories long blurred. This time was different. This time, it was just the three of us, creating memories as a family.

[Link: Best family-friendly things to do in Beijing beyond Universal]

Day 1: From Hongqiao to Daxing, Then to Universal

The Long-Awaited Airport, the Long-Awaited Excitement

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport had changed. Three years away, and even the Disney store had been renovated. Our daughter immediately spotted a new Stellalou, clutching it in her arms, unwilling to let go. The airport was fairly busy—not yet at pre-pandemic levels, but that sense of "everyone’s on the move" hustle had finally returned.

Our flight was in the evening, a two-hour journey. The sky was impossibly blue. Our daughter pressed against the window, her eyes sparkling, not closing them the whole way.

The original plan was to arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport at 11 PM, stay overnight, then leave the next day. But the flight was rescheduled three times, pushing it forward by several hours—we landed while it was still light. I made a snap decision: cancel the airport hotel and take a taxi straight to the Universal Studios Resort Hotel. At 1,500 RMB a night, it stung a bit, but with early park entry and no need to queue the next morning, it was essentially a paid Express Pass—worth it.

Daxing Airport’s design is undeniably impressive. The pillars and ceiling lines blend seamlessly, giving it a futuristic feel. The taxi to Universal cost just over 100 RMB for the three of us—not bad.

[Link: How to get from Beijing Daxing Airport to Universal Beijing Resort]

Half an Hour on Universal CityWalk

By the time we checked in, it was nearly 9:30 PM. Universal CityWalk closed at 10, leaving us only half an hour. We handed our luggage to the front desk and headed straight out.

From the hotel to the CityWalk entrance, there was another security check, but luckily, it wasn’t crowded. Crossing the bridge, the giant Universal globe came into view. The only advantage of arriving late? No queues for photos.

Outside a coffee shop, two young people in wizard robes were "dueling," waving their wands back and forth. Our daughter was mesmerized. The circular plaza’s lights illuminated the ground brightly, and she broke into a dance, drawing laughter from passersby.

We hadn’t eaten dinner, so we grabbed some oden (Japanese-style stewed snacks) from a street stall to tide us over. Universal CityWalk isn’t large—half an hour was more than enough to explore. We wanted to pop into the Minions store, but they stopped letting people in ten minutes before closing. Oh well, time to rest—tomorrow was the main event.

The hotel corridor had a wonderfully atmospheric lighting setup. The room was worth the 1,500 RMB—the bed was big enough for all three of us comfortably. The window faced the park, offering a view of parade floats and staff meeting below—a unique ritual of staying at a theme hotel.

Day 2: A Full Day of Sprinting Through Universal Beijing Resort

Preparation: Essential Universal Beijing Tips

I did some homework before we left. Here are a few practical tips:

• Follow the "Beijing Universal Studios" mini-program on WeChat in advance—it updates wait times and show schedules in real time. Absolutely essential.
• Buy wands and wizard robes on Taobao ahead of time; renting them in the park costs nearly as much as buying new ones.
• Bring a stroller! You can rent one in the park, but it’s expensive, and your own is more convenient.
• With early park entry, I don’t think you need an Express Pass. But if you’re entering at normal time, a three-ride Express Pass is worth grabbing.

[Link: Universal Beijing Express Pass vs. early entry – which is worth it?]

Early Entry: The Magic Hour in the Wizarding World

The hotel told us to line up at 8 AM downstairs. We went down at 7:30, and the security queue was already long. The process was quick, though—about ten minutes.

We sprinted with the stroller, heading straight for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Every online guide tells you to cut through the Minions hall as a shortcut—so naturally, everyone followed the same route, and the crowd was a steady stream toward Hogwarts.

Being among the first to enter, the square was empty—remember this moment, because by the time the light show starts at night, there won’t be standing room.

As an old Harry Potter fan, stepping into Hogsmeade Village made my eyes well up. The shop windows, the architecture, the atmosphere—it instantly pulled me back to high school, when I’d eagerly wait for J.K. Rowling’s updates, order English editions from Amazon, and stay up all night reading them. In college, my wife (then my girlfriend) and I watched Deathly Hallows in theaters, lingering afterward to relive the story. And now, here we were, the two of us with our child—from one person to two to three—sprinting headlong into this magical world.

Hogwarts Castle stood before us.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has a height requirement of 1.2 meters. Our daughter didn’t make it, and my wife wasn’t that interested, so I went in alone. Being among the first in meant zero wait time. The moving portraits, the Sorting Hat, the Great Hall—all faithfully recreated. If you want, you can film the whole ride with a handheld camera—just make sure you hold on tight. The story involves a Quidditch match interrupted by Dementors, lasting about five or six minutes—thrilling. Highly recommended, a must-ride.

When I came out, my wife and daughter had already taken a ton of photos. A "Hogwarts new student" shot in Gryffindor colors—our daughter grinning like a real little witch.

With the village still relatively empty, we quickly snapped pictures of Hogsmeade Station and Platform 9 ¾. It reminded me of taking photos of other people’s kids at London’s King’s Cross years ago—back then, our daughter was still in her mother’s belly.

[Link: Complete guide to Harry Potter World at Universal Beijing]

Minions Land: Our Daughter’s Paradise

Heading back, we reached Minions Land. Honestly, the only area I was truly excited about was Harry Potter—everything else was purely for the kid.

But our daughter and wife loved it. The Minion Roller Coaster and the Super Swirly Whirl had virtually no wait. The 40 RMB Minions popsicle was a must for photos—it’s a theme park, so the price is… reasonable, I guess.

The restrooms in the park are also a highlight, each themed area having its own design. The Harry Potter restroom even plays Moaning Myrtle’s voice—if you’ve got time to kill, you could check them all out.

Minions Mayhem is a 4D theater experience where you bounce around in your seat in front of a giant screen. The visuals are stunning—highly recommended.

[Link: Best rides for kids at Universal Beijing Resort]

Jurassic World: Our Daughter’s "Trauma"

After finishing two areas, an hour had passed, and the main crowd was pouring in. We rushed to Jurassic World Adventure, waiting only about ten minutes.

This ride is suitable for kids, but honestly, it’s a bit intense. You’re in a vehicle, with a full-screen Jurassic World display, then things go wrong and you get tossed around by dinosaurs… Our daughter had imagined a The Good Dinosaur–style world, all warm and fuzzy. After this, she might be scarred for life. I couldn’t stop laughing. The visuals were incredible—the dinosaurs looked terrifyingly real.

Lunch: The Three Broomsticks

The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade is a must-visit for lunch. Expect hearty British fare—fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and of course, butterbeer. The atmosphere is immersive, with long wooden tables and a roaring fireplace. Prices are typical for theme parks, but the experience is worth it.

Pro tip: Order via the Universal Beijing app to skip the line.

[Link: Where to eat at Universal Beijing Resort – best restaurants]

FAQ: Universal Beijing Resort Family Trip

1. Is Universal Beijing Resort suitable for young children?

Yes, but with caveats. While areas like Minions Land and the Kung Fu Panda zone are very kid-friendly, some rides (like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Jurassic World Adventure) have height restrictions or intense moments. Bring a stroller, and check height requirements online before you go.

2. How much does a Universal Beijing trip cost for a family of three?

Expect to spend around 1,500–2,000 RMB per night for a hotel near the park, plus 500–800 RMB per person for park tickets. Add food, souvenirs, and transportation—a 3-day trip can easily cost 8,000–12,000 RMB.

3. What’s the best time to visit Universal Beijing?

Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are least crowded. Avoid Chinese public holidays and summer vacation. February and November are good off-peak months.

4. Do I need an Express Pass?

If you have early park entry (staying at a Universal hotel), you likely don’t need one. Otherwise, a 3-ride Express Pass is recommended for busy days.

5. Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the park. However, you can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at water stations.

Final Thoughts: A Family Trip Worth the Wait

Three years of waiting, and this trip was everything we hoped for—and more. From the magic of Hogwarts to the laughter in Minions Land, from the thrill of Jurassic World to the simple joy of watching our daughter dance under the CityWalk lights, every moment felt like a gift.

If you’re planning a family trip to Beijing or a Universal Beijing Resort vacation, take our advice: book your hotel early, prepare your stroller, and don’t forget to buy those wizard robes on Taobao. Most importantly, savor every second. Because after three years apart, flying together again is a dream come true.

Ready to plan your own family adventure? Start by checking flight deals to Beijing and booking your Universal tickets online. Your next magical memory is just a click away.

Have you visited Universal Beijing Resort? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!