Universal Orlando - 10 Tips
Travelers going to Orlando, Florida often visit Disney World and overlook Universal Orlando. Similar to Walt Disney World, Universal offers incredible and immersive experiences! Adventure through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Marvel Superhero Island, Suess Landing, and many other magical lands. For first-time visitors, and experienced theme park hustlers, here are ten tips to help you make the most of your first Universal Orlando vacation.
1. Three theme parks - all kinds of amazing
Yep, Universal Orlando has three amazing theme parks! They are Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.
Universal Studios is home to the classic movie sets, Diagon Alley, The Mummy Returns, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Fast & Furious – Supercharged, Hogwarts Express and many other thrilling attractions.
Islands of Adventure is where you will find Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, The Hulk and much more to keep the entertainment going all day long.
Looking for a day of fun in the water? Head on over to Volcano Bay for some of the most exhilarating water slides around. If you plan to go to a water park in Orlando, this one is the BEST!
2. Park Tickets – which ticket is Right for me?
Universal Orlando has several options when it comes to park tickets. If you want to ride Hogwarts Express, the answer is simple. You will need 2-Park, park-to-park tickets to ride this train between Hogsmeade Station and Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station. Hogwarts Express carries passengers between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure so you must have entry to each park. Your park ticket will be checked upon entering the queue at King’s Cross Station (Universal Studios) or Hogsmeade Station (Islands of Adventure).
3. Universal Express Pass vs. Universal Express pass Unlimited
Universal Express Pass is a ticket add-on that allows visitors to bypass the standby lines at participating rides and attractions throughout Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Universal Express is good once per ride, per day. Universal Express Pass Unlimited allows you access the express lane multiple times on the same attraction each day. You may purchase this ticket add-on directly through your travel advisor. Guests staying at one of the Universal premier hotels will receive this complimentary add-on (approximately $129 per person value) as part of their room package.
4. Where To Stay
Universal has a resort hotel for every style and budget. The resorts are broken down into 4 categories:
Value: These are budget-friendly properties a bit further away from Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and City Walk. However, they still have some great perks! The resorts in this category are Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites, and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites. The two bedroom suites here are our absolute favorite. They are very spacious and include a kitchenette.
Prime Value: Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort are the two Prime Value resorts offered at Universal Orlando. Cabana Bay is our most booked prime value resort and is steps away from Volcano Bay. It also has themed pool areas, a lazy river, and a bowling alley. Aventura Hotel boasts a modern esthetic and breathtaking views atop the rooftop bar.
Preferred: This level of property is a step-up from the value and prime value properties. It is a bit closer to the parks compared to the previously mentioned resorts. One of the upgraded perks is the addition of water taxi service to and from the City Walk, for preferred hotel guests. The only property in this category is the Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort.
Premier: As the top hotel category, premier resort guests will enjoy larger rooms, more luxurious amenities, closer proximity to the parks, water taxi service from your hotel to City Walk, and complimentary Universal Express Pass Unlimited. The three properties in this category are Hard Rock Hotel (which is the closest to the parks), Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel, and Lowes Royal Pacific Resort.
In addition, guests staying at any of the Universal hotel properties will receive early entrance one hour before general park opening at Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, complimentary package delivery to your room when you purchase from the souvenir shops throughout the parks, and complimentary transportation to and from the parks (via bus or water taxi).
5. Ticket Add-Ons
There are several of add-ons available to enhance your Universal Orlando vacation. Take the awesome to the next level with a Marvel Character Dinner, capture memories with a photo package, and ask your travel advisor about exclusive VIP experiences!.
Not sure which is best for your family? We’re here to explore the options with you and tailor your Universal Orlando vacation to your needs.
6. Dining Plans
Universal Orlando offers dining plans however, you are a bit more limited to where the plan can be used. And you cannot make advanced dining reservations like you can at Disney. Third-party services can be leveraged for making reservations up to a month in advance. Also available for purchase are Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cups with unlimited refills throughout Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. You pay a set fee for the first day which gets you the souvenir mug with unlimited refills for 24 hours. Then each day thereafter it is a lesser fee (every 24 hours) for unlimited refills. This mug can be used for soft drinks, Icees and water. Volcano Bay has its own refillable mug. Feel free to bring your own snacks into the park to keep you energized all day long. If you would rather, there are plenty of snack carts located throughout each park.
7. Explore City Walk’s Vibrant Atmosphere
From dining to shopping to nightlife, City Walk is the epicenter of awesome! Here you will find the likes of Hard Rock Café, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Be sure to stop by VooDoo’s Donuts and grab some late-night snacks or breakfast for the next morning. We Mobile Order our Donuts on the way out of the park!
8. Family Fun for All
Universal Orlando boasts some of the biggest and badest thrill rides of all time, however it’s not just for older kids and adults. Pteranodan Flyers in Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, Woody Woodpecker’s Kids Zone, character meet and greets, and parades are absolutely tailored towards the littles. There is even child swap service at many of the rides. This allows younger guests to skip a ride (either because they are not tall enough or they do not want to go) and gives everyone else in the party an opportunity to hop on the attraction without having to go through the queue all over again.
9. What About a Park Bag?
Try to pack smart, and travel light. Don’t get bogged down by taking too much into the parks. Remember, all items are subject to security screening upon entry. And you won’t be allowed to take bags on most rides; they must be put in a locker. The smaller lockers are complimentary, but if you have a larger backpack you’ll need to pay for locker rental (or leave your bag with a family member/friend). If you need to bring in personal items and a few snacks, I recommend trying to get by with a fanny pack or belt bag.
10. I only need tickets and not accommodations. should I use a travel advisor?
Absolutely! Tickets purchased through a travel agent guarantee the one-hour early access to the parks, just like on-site hotel guests get. Visitors cannot get this by purchasing through the Universal consumer site themselves. Additionally, we will make sure you have the correct ticket type for the Hogwarts Express, and help you determine which Express Pass is right for your group. Lastly, most travel advisors have super helpful tips and tricks they will share with you if you purchase your park tickets through them.
Ready to create some core memories with your family at Universal Orlando? Contact our travel advisors today and let us curate the perfect Universal experience for you. Don’t miss out, start your adventure now!
