universal studios orlando video tour

Universal Orlando Resort

How to experience universal orlando resort today.

Are you wondering what it's like to visit Universal Orlando Resort these days? Take a tour of our destination starting at Hard Rock Hotel, Today Cafe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers, Jurassic Park, CityWalk and more. We’ve added new guidelines like social distancing, health screenings, and sanitizing throughout Universal Orlando Resort. http://bit.ly/SubscribeUOR Connect with Universal Orlando: LIKE - Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1g0nBcx FOLLOW - Twitter: http://bit.ly/1q6f38t FOLLOW - Instagram: http://bit.ly/1nct8ij

Related Videos

A First-Timer’s Guide to Universal Studios Florida

in Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Florida was where it all started for what is now Universal Orlando Resort. It is the first theme park and the heart of Universal in Orlando. Here is our guide to Universal Studios Florida.

How do you plan a visit to Universal Studios Florida?

The best place to start planning your Universal Studios Florida vacation is on the Universal Orlando Resort official website .

You can also utilize our friends at Academy Travel to help you plan the perfect vacation to the Universal Orlando Resort, and a fantastic visit to Universal Studios Florida.

How do you maximize your time at Universal Studios Florida?

Here are some Universal Orlando tips!

A great way to maximize your time at Universal Studios Florida is to stay at a Universal hotel or resort. Universal hotels and resorts offer close proximity to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park.

In order to enter Universal Studios Florida, you must first walk through Universal CityWalk. CityWalk is a dining and shopping center that connects Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida as the central hub. When you stay at a Universal hotel or resort you receive free transportation to CityWalk by bus or ferry, as well as convenient walking paths directly to CityWalk.

The free transportation is not only convenient and cuts down on the time it takes to enter Universal Studios Florida, but it also saves money as parking at Universal starts at $26.

Related: Universal Raises Prime Parking to $50, But Is It Worth It?

You can also decide if purchasing Universal Express Pass, a skip-the-line option that you can add to your admission ticket. We have a full guide on how and when it is best to purchase an Express Pass which you can read more about here .

Downloading the Universal Orlando app is a MUST for your visit to Universal Studios Florida! This app allows you to check wait times for attractions while you are inside the park, mobile-order food, and even make restaurant reservations. It will also give you vital minute-by-minute updates to any changes happening inside the park, such as down-times for attractions.

Which rides should you go on first at Universal Studios Florida?

There is so much to do at Universal Studios Florida, from rides to meeting charters, and watching a show or parade you will want to plan out your day.

Universal Studios Florida is home to Diagon Alley, which is a part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is arguably the most popular section of Universal Studios Florida so be sure and check it out during your visit — you won’t want to miss it!

Ride strategy for Universal Studios Florida

If you are really passionate about riding some of the major attractions at Universal Studios Florida, you may want to hit those first and then enjoy the rest of your day more spontaneously. Some of the must-do thrill rides at Universal Studios Florida are:

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Transformers: The Ride 3-D
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Revenge of the Mummy

What are the best rides for small children at Universal Studios Florida?

If thrill rides are not your style, there are plenty of other incredible attractions! The following are the best attractions for families:

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• E.T Adventure
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

If riding attraction is not your child’s thing, Fievel’s Playland and Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone are the places to be inside of Universal Studios Florida. These immersive areas offer loads of entertainment for small children who may not yet be tall enough to ride attractions. 

Best rides at Universal Studios Florida

Everyone has different wants and needs when they visit Universal Studios Florida, so there is no way for us to say what the “best” rides at Universal Studios Florida are since it will be different for everyone.

You can read more about all of the attractions and find their height restrictions before your vacation here .

What are the best roller coasters at Universal Studios Florida?

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts, and Revenge of the Mummy are the roller coaster attractions at Universal Studios Florida are each one is a uniquely thrilling experience.

My personal favorite is Revenge of the Mummy! But if you are a coaster enthusiast, be sure to ride all of them.

What are the newest rides at Universal Studios Florida?

Fast and Furious Supercharged is the latest attraction at Universal Studios Florida. Universal describes the attraction as:

Join the crew for an immersive Fast & Furious experience. Step into an amazing re-creation of the crew’s headquarters filled with actual movie props and supercharged vehicles you’ve only seen on the big screen. Ride along with Dom, Letty, Hobbs and Roman on a street chase in the middle of the high-octane world of the Fast & Furious blockbuster films.

Coming soon to Universal Studios Florida sister park, Island’s of Adventure, is the highly anticipated VelociCoaster, which grand opens on June 10 .

How can you determine the best Universal Studios Florida ticket package for your family?

Universal offers many different vacation packages, these special packages often change and Universal offers many different saving options depending on the time of year. Additionally, Universal gives discounts on packages for Florida residents. Right now there are even vacation packages for Canadian residents, so it is best to keep an eye on the Universal official website while you are planning your vacation.

As far as Universal Orlando Resort vacation packages go, we have seen that they mostly operate on a per-day rate based on the number of days you stay at the resort. For example, they will offer vacation packages based on a 4-night minimum stay at select resorts, or a 7-night stay at other resorts. There are a lot of options for savings!

You can also use our friends at Academy Travel for no extra cost — they will help you plan the perfect Universal Orlando Resort vacation!

How do you book a Universal Orlando vacation package?

You can book a vacation package by visiting the official Universal Orlando Resort website here .

What are the cheapest times to visit Universal Studios Florida?

There is always an affordable time to visit Universal Studios Florida, but here are some things to keep in mind when you are planning your visit.

Universal Studios Florida is the home of many special events that take place at the Universal Orlando Resort. For example, Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights happen annually at Universal Studios Florida.

Mardi Gras is an event that is included with an admission ticket to Universal Studios Florida, however, Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that sees the entire park close in the evenings for those who have not purchased a ticket. If you are interested in going to Halloween Horror Nights, September-October are great times to visit, but you may need to purchase multiple admission tickets to enjoy Universal Studios Florida during the day and the event at night.

If Halloween is not your thing, September-October is not the best time financially to head to Universal Studios Florida as you will not be getting a full day inside the park for the price of your admission ticket.

Which hotels near Universal Studios Florida are best for families?

Universal has plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from for your vacation. Some even offer family suites that are perfect for large traveling parties or those who just want a little more elbow room during their stay.

Additionally, certain accommodations such as the Hard Rock Hotel offer free Express Pass during your stay. This can add a lot of value to your family’s vacation by helping you maximize your time while you are at the theme park.

The best part about staying at a Universal resort or hotel is that Universal offers early park admission for hotel Guests! That means your family has the opportunity to enter the park before other Guests and ride some of the most sought-after attractions with little to no wait! Read more about Early Park Admission here .

Where to stay for a Universal Studios Florida vacation

Here are the accommodations at Universal Orlando Resort:

• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel

Personally, for a large family, I recommend the suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay . Cabana Bay is within walking distance from the theme parks and steps away from Universal’s Volcano Bay, the immersive water park at Universal Orlando Resort. Cabana Bay is themed to the 1950s and ’60s and offers two playfully themed pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, and more.

A family suite at Cabana Bay at the time of publication of this article is $143 a night if you stay for at least four nights.

If you are searching for something more affordable, try out Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, which is the newest and most economical Universal Resort option.

What hotels are within walking distance to Universal Studios Florida?

Hard Rock is right on the doorstep of Universal Studios Florida as Islands of Adventure. But other Universal resorts and hotels are also within walking distance of the theme parks.

Other than Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, each Universal hotel is within walking distance of Universal Studios Florida.

How much does it typically cost per person to go to Universal Studios Florida?

Food is always pricey inside of a theme park, but I tend to enjoy options at Universal over the options at Disney. I highly recommended eating at the Leaky Cauldron, which is a themed restaurant inside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida. The food is decently priced, tastes delicious, and the theming is perfect.

Speaking of the Wizarding World, if you are a Harry Potter fan you will want to set some money aside for souvenirs! The wands inside of the Wizarding World are great keepsakes for those who love the Harry Potter franchise. You can read all about the different interactive wands here .

Including hotel, tickets, food, and souvenirs you are looking at over $150+ per person. Don’t worry though, our friends over at Academy Travel can help keep costs low while making your trip magical — using a travel agent is completely FREE!

Will you be making a visit to Universal Studios Florida? Let us know in the comments!

21 Top Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Orlando [2024]

Sharing is caring!

After a week in Orlando, Florida and three days spent at Universal Studios Orlando I am already planning a return trip. This was an absolutely magical place and perfect for all ages.

Universal seems to be a mixture of Walt Disney World which is perfect for children and Busch Gardens which is great for thrill-seekers. It’s for sure one of the best theme parks in the US !

I didn’t do quite enough research before my trip so I feel like my time wasn’t used as efficiently as it could have been. And I don’t want that happening to you!

So here are my top Universal Studios tips for 2023.

13. Buy Tickets in Advance

21. how much money do you need in universal studios.

Disclaimer: This post ma y contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going!

What to Know Before Going to Universal Orlando in 2023

There’s no way you’ll have it all figured out before your trip, but it’s great to have a head start! These Universal Orlando tips and tricks will hopefully help you create a plan and know what to expect on your trip.

1. Get to the Parking Garage by 8:30

We got there at multiple times during our stay and by far the easiest time to get in the park was at 8:30.

Since the park opens at 9 it seems like everyone wants to get there right then and there is a bottleneck effect.

When we arrived just after 9, it took us 40 minutes from the time we drove into the park to when we scanned our ticket since the morning rush hadn’t cleared out.

When we got there at 8:30 we were scanning our tickets into the park at 8:50. We were some of the first people in the park and first in line at the rides.

2. Make a Game Plan

Look at the park maps before you get there and figure out which rides you want to get on. Once you figure out your top rides, figure out which ones are close together.

You can group the rides together that you’d like to visit and then make a plan of which you’ll visit first.

You can also make a plan based on the region of the park you want to visit. Maybe you want to visit Harry Potter World first (like we did). I highly recommend this if you’re a big Harry Potter fan.

If you are spending one day in each park then this won’t be as big of an issue. A day gives you plenty of time to see everything in one park depending on how long the lines are and what all you want to ride.

3. Buy the Express Pass

Okay the Universal Express Passes are EXPENSIVE. In the app it kept saying starting at $99 for the Express Unlimited Pass well that’s on a weekday in the off-season.

On Friday April 23, 2021 they were $262 including tax. (That’s for only one.)

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Well, the Express Pass was, but maybe not the Unlimited. They have one pass that lets you skip the line at each ride only once and if I had it to do over again I would get that one instead of the Unlimited.

We didn’t have time to ride many things more than once. Try buying your pass ahead of time to see if you can get a cheaper price instead of buying it on the day of.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but if I had it to do over again I think I would buy the Express Pass on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Those were the cheaper days. There will still be crowds so it’s worth it but it’s cheaper.

We did not have the Express Pass on Thursday and only rode four rides… Yes, four rides because we were standing in line so long. On Friday we got the Express Pass and rode eleven different rides and two of those twice.

So compare getting to ride four things to riding thirteen and you’ll see why it’s worth it to me.

I absolutely hate waiting in line – I’m really not patient at all – and yes, I know that’s a terrible trait. So the Express Pass made my day infinitely better and purchasing it is one of my biggest Universal Studios tips for 2023.

Only you can decide if the price is worth it to you though.

You can buy the Express Pass cheaper on Undercover Tourist sometimes so be sure to check them out!

Just a note – I don’t always recommend buying the Express Pass for theme parks. Especially when you visit places like Dollywood or Busch Gardens .

4. Bring a Fanny Pack (Small Backpacks Work)

You may be thinking “Anna there is no way in heck I am wearing a fanny pack, you are insane.” Well when you see how functional they are at Universal you might just change your tune.

Fanny packs are allowed on almost all the rides at Universal which means you don’t have to waste time with the lockers before the ride and you can keep your phone or anything else with you.

The lockers can get very congested and it takes up valuable time trying to stuff your backpacks or anything else in them. More on lockers in a minute.

If you don’t have a fanny pack and are absolutely boycotting them then a small backpack (like this Kavu bag ) is the next best thing. Just note that these will have to be stored in the lockers.

5. There are Lockers for Most Roller Coasters

The locker situation is awesome for groups that don’t have a person who isn’t riding the coasters. There are standard-sized lockers available for free at many of the roller coasters that measure 5.5” tall, 14” wide, and 16.9” deep. This fits a small backpack or miscellaneous items.

They have larger lockers available for $2 if your things don’t fit in a standard size. These would be regular size backpacks or large souvenirs. These single-time use lockers are only good for a certain time frame – maybe an hour but don’t hold me to that.

If you are bringing items in that you won’t need all day then Universal also offers all-day locker rentals. There are lockers for $10 at Islands of Adventure and $15 at Universal Studios Florida. You’ll have unlimited access to these lockers during the day.

At the Popeye water ride you must pay for the lockers because they offer a covered place on the “barge” for you to place your things. However, they will definitely still get wet so if you have anything that can’t get wet definitely buy the $2 locker.

On Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the Hulk Coaster you have to pass through a metal detector before you can go on the ride so you are required to put everything you have in a locker or with someone not riding.

6. Download the Universal Studios App

You can do so much with the Universal Studios App. You can get in the virtual lines for any attraction with that capability. You can order food and drinks on the app. The app holds your tickets, maps, show times, wait times for attractions, and general park info.

At many of the sit-down restaurants, you can mobile order – at least the ones in Harry Potter World. Then at restaurants with walk-up windows you can mobile-order and pick it up at a specific mobile-order pickup spot. It’s actually super efficient and you don’t have to wait in the long line.

Some rides go to virtual line only when the parks are at capacity. The Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure had a virtual line the first two days we were there and the third it was virtual until the afternoon.

On our third day there the Revenge of the Mummy was virtual and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon was virtual all three days.

Honestly, this is one of the top tips for visiting Universal Studios. The app is so helpful.

7. Virtual Lines Open Before the Park

You can get a spot in virtual lines through the Universal App. It gives you the option to get a spot in line within a certain timeframe so all you have to do is show up at the ride and show the attendant your phone.

The Race Through New York ride opened by 8:30 everyday so you could get a spot. On the day we finally got there early enough to get a spot on Hagrid’s ride the virtual line for it opened at 8:45.

Hagrid’s ride always ran out of virtual spots so we were so excited to get in. By 9 all the spots were always gone and we never could find an opening throughout the day. Until the third day when they opened the line so you could physically wait in it instead of having to use the app.

Moral of the story is that if you want to ride something really bad, make sure to get there early and check the virtual line.

8. The Crosswalk Isn’t Always Open

There are three ways to get between the two parks – Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This is only if you have a Park-to-Park ticket for the day.

First – You can walk out the exit of either park and through CityWalk by the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Hard Rock Cafe and into the other park. The walk is about 15 – 20 minutes depending on where you’re at in the park.

Second – There is a crosswalk between the two parks, but it is not always open so not an option all the time. It wasn’t open during any of the three days that we were there.

Third and my personal favorite – Take the Hogwarts Express! This is definitely the most fun way to get between the parks. However, the line gets incredibly long as the day goes on. If you’ve already been on this ride then I wouldn’t recommend waiting over 30 minutes on the train.

9. Many Restaurants on Universal CityWalk Require Reservations

 We made the mistake of not making a dinner reservation on a Friday night and were out of luck when it came to eating on CityWalk.

Every restaurant either had an hour and a half wait or was reservation only. I’ve already told you how impatient I am so you know I’m not waiting that long to eat.

For those of you who exercise your patience daily, you can grab drinks and appetizers at little kiosks around the CityWalk while you wait.

10. Express Passes Get You In Regardless of Virtual Lines

If you couldn’t get in the Virtual Line, but still want to ride something you can use your Express Pass if the attraction has an Express Line.

Not everything has an Express Line, but most do. One very popular ride that doesn’t is Hagrid’s.

11. Wear the Right Clothing and Shoes

One of the most important Universal Studios tips for 2023 by far. I wore a dri-fit t-shirt and shorts that dried quickly because I knew that we would be getting on the water rides.

I also wore my Chacos ZX3 sandals . They’re comfortable and do so well with water.

Comfortable shoes are a must. If you don’t plan on riding the water rides then I would go with sneakers. I’ve actually put together a whole list of the best shoes for theme parks if you need some new ones!

My Chacos are super comfy and did well when we walked 6 miles. Our last day we walked 12 miles though and my feet were hurting pretty good at the end of the day.

12. You Can Bring in Some Food

Here is one of the ultimate budget tips for visiting Universal Studios. You can bring in snacks and food that you don’t have to heat. What you cannot do is bring in a picnic lunch with a main course and sides.

I would highly recommend bringing some snacks and if you really want to watch your budget then take sandwiches for lunch. A good ol PB&J will always do the trick.

You are also allowed to bring up to two liters of water into the park. We brought in two water bottles each and that was plenty for us.

If you buy tickets in advance you’ll save a bit from what you would pay at the gate. It won’t be huge savings but everything adds up. Again, check with Undercover Tourist to buy your Universal Studios park tickets .

You can also see if Express Passes are discounted if you buy them when you purchase admission tickets.

I loved having my tickets on my phone in the Universal App. It was super convenient and I didn’t have to keep up with any extra pieces of paper.

More Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks 2023

14. you must have the 2-park ticket to ride the hogwarts express.

If you want to ride this then be sure you purchase the 2-park ticket! Honestly, if you want to save money you can purchase the 2-park ticket for one day only and do individual parks for the rest of your stay.

The Hogwarts Express is a must for any Harry Potter fan. Be sure to take the train both ways as the video is different depending on which station you come from.

15. Choose the Right Accommodations

Staying on the resort property would be nice, but it’s very expensive. Sometimes the included perks are worth it though. Undercover Tourist also sells hotel packages where you can sometimes find a deal!

For example, I’ve heard that one of the hotels within Universal Orlando Resort will include Express Passes for your whole family if you stay on their property. Depending on the size of your family this might be worth it.

We stayed at Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort which is on the Walt Disney World Campus. It isn’t part of the Disney Resorts though so the weekly price is much cheaper.

I’ve also written a complete Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Review if you want to know what to expect. This is sometimes an overlooked Universal Orlando tip!

16. Universal has Free WiFi

This will save your data plan if you connect to the free WiFi. It doesn’t require a password but if you don’t have an Xfinity account you’ll have to enter your email and zip code.

There is good coverage throughout both parks and most of CityWalk.

17. Buy Souvenirs Before You Arrive

This is mainly for Harry Potter World but can apply to other sections of Universal.

Many people love wearing Harry Potter shirts and cloaks. You can buy these on Amazon before your trip for much cheaper.

There are also necklaces, scarves, and so much more sold in the park. The prices really are outrageous so if you can buy them ahead of time I would do that.

The one thing I would buy in the park is the interactive wand if you want that. It is really cool to do the magic in the park.

My sister got Snape’s wand for $58 but I didn’t want to pay that much.

18. You Don’t Have to Buy Your Wand at Ollivanders

Everyone wants to visit Ollivanders to buy their wand which can make the line incredibly long. There are so many other places to buy a wand though.

In Diagon Alley you can visit Wands by Gregorovitch when they are open. You can also go to Knockturn Alley into Borgin & Burke’s if you want a dark wizard’s wand.

In Hogsmeade you’ll find a cart between Hogwarts and the shops where you can buy wands. You’ll also find wands at Dervish and Banges.

19. How Many Days Should You Spend at Universal Studios Florida?

I would say three at the very least. It takes a day or two just to get your bearings – especially if you haven’t made a plan. We didn’t make a good plan and we spent most of the first two days walking around figuring stuff out.

If you can make it on Tuesdays or Wednesdays those are the best days to visit too. Weekends are absolutely horrendous for crowds. I would hate to see the place when they weren’t limiting access.

Hopefully these Universal Orlando tips and tricks will help you take advantage of all your time there!

20. Visit During Shoulder Season

Unless you have to visit during the school breaks, I would make it a point to avoid those. You’ll spend your whole vacation waiting in line.

According to the Undercover Tourist, the best times to visit Universal over the next couple years will be weekdays during September through December with September being the best.

Our visit was in April and I’m sure the crowds weren’t bad compared to the summer months when school is out.

This is totally dependent on your preference. Do you plan on bringing a picnic and re-entering the park? Do you plan on buying souvenirs? Playing arcade games? Alcohol?

Another thing to think about is the CityWalk. Will you eat or shop here? The main extra expenses that you’ll have inside the park are food and souvenirs.

I would budget $60 per person per day especially if you’re doing two meals in the park. That will likely get you a snack too.

For souvenirs, I recommend setting a budget before you go. For example, I knew the only thing that I wanted was a refrigerator magnet and possibly a Christmas Tree ornament so my budget was around $25 for souvenirs.

Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Orlando for 2023

Okay here are some new things to do at Universal Studios plus some oldie but goodie memorable experiences that we had.

Number one – the Jurrasic World Velocicoaster is open! This looked like an absolutely epic ride so if you are a big coaster fan then check it out.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure TM , Escape from Gringotts TM , Revenge of the Mummy, Rip Ride Rockit TM , and the Hulk Coaster were our favorite rides. Again, these are for the big roller coaster fans!

Check out at least one of the shows while you’re here – they do a great job! Universal keeps a list of all the current shows.

Make sure to allow some time to explore city walk. It really is an attraction to itself. Grab some doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnuts where you can skip the line if you order on the Universal Studios app.

Do you love seasonal events? Then plan a trip to Universal around Halloween, the Holidays, or Mardi Gras! Check out their event list for other things throughout the year.

For Harry Potter fans, make sure you visit Hogsmeade at night if they are doing the light show at Hogwarts TM . They don’t do this every night though so ask an employee when you visit.

Oh and make sure you check out the Knight Bus TM right outside of Diagon Alley. Across from the bus, you’ll see 12 Grimmauld Place and if you hang out a bit you can catch Kreacher peeking out the window.

Make sure you eat all the Butterbeer in as many different ways as you can. Check out the Three Broomsticks for the atmosphere and Mythos is an award-winning restaurant in the park.

How to Get to Universal Studios Orlando

If you live in the southeast then you may consider a road trip to Orlando so you can drive to the park. Depending on where you live, Orlando is also a cheap place to fly into.

You can either fly into Orlando and rent a car or contact your hotel to see if they have a shuttle service from the airport. This will save you money, especially if you are staying at a Universal hotel.

Ubers are plentiful around Orlando in case you need to go somewhere other than the park. If you aren’t staying on property, many local hotels have a shuttle service that will take you to the park.

This just means you are at the mercy of the shuttle schedule or you’ll have to take an Uber depending on when you want to arrive and leave the park.

Other Things to Do Near Orlando

Here are a few fun things to do in Orlando or for day trips!

Museum of Illusions Ticket

Kennedy Space Center & Everglades Safari

Helicopter Night Tour Over Orlando Theme Parks

Crystal River Manatee Swim

Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour

Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Where to Stay in Orlando

If Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek isn’t what you are looking for then check out the other Orlando hotels at the link below!

✅ Orlando Hotels on Booking.com ✅

WRap Up: Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando

I know that was a lot of info but I hope even one of these tips will help you! The most important tips for Universal Orlando are to figure out how to skip the crowds whether that is planning your vacation in the off-season or getting the Universal Express Passes and make sure you remember these budget tips!

I hope you’ll have a fantastic trip in Orlando and you’ve found these Universal Orlando tips for 2023 helpful.

Do you love theme parks? Here is a list of the best theme parks in the US !

Pin for later!

Anna is a North Carolina native who grew up traveling the southern US with her family. Now she is a full-time travel blogger who road trips the US and shares about outdoor adventures and epic things to do. Want to know more? Read her full story here.

Similar Posts

The Absolute Best Places to Stay in North Carolina

North Carolina is special because there is such a wide range of landscapes to enjoy across the entire state. We’ve got the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi and some of the most beautiful coastline you’ve ever laid eyes on. If you’re like me, when you’re traveling you want to stay somewhere that brings out…

15+ Best St. Thomas Tours & Excursions

Have you been looking for the best tours in St. Thomas? I’ve got you covered! I’ve visited St. Thomas multiple times and taken all kinds of tours, from kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling tours, sunset sails, and so much more. While most people think of the Virgin Islands as a relaxing paradise (which it is!)…

7 Best Asheville Walking Tours for 2024

are you looking for the best Asheville walking tours? I’ve got you covered! I’ve been visiting Asheville a few times a year for the last five or so years now but it wasn’t until recently that I started taking walking tours of Asheville. If you want to know more about the history and culture of…

11 Best Things to Do in Starkville, MS

Looking for things to do in Starkville, MS? I have you covered! Most people equate Starkville with one thing – Mississippi State. Yes, Starkville is Mississippi’s college town but there is so much more to do here! There are great outdoor opportunities at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and downtown Starkville has tons of cute shops…

15 Fun Things To Do in Beaumont, TX

Located in Southeast Texas, you’ll find so many fun things to do in Beaumont, TX that you’ll keep coming back again and again. As the largest city in the region, there’s plenty here to keep you busy. While the outdoors may not come to mind first, this is a birding mecca and very close to…

The Best Places to Stay in the North Carolina Mountains

North Carolina is a beautiful place to discover no matter what time of year you visit. While I’ve already written about the best places to stay in NC overall, I wanted to focus this post on the best places to stay in the North Carolina mountains. It can be so time-consuming trying to find good…

• Pingback: The Only Harry Potter World Guide You'll Need - Stuck on the Go
• Pingback: The Best Theme Parks in the US - Stuck on the Go

There are some really handy tips here! I visited a few years ago and we had tickets that lasted for 2 weeks as part of our holiday package and I really enjoyed the park.

Oh wow! That is really nice. It is such a fun park to visit.

Great tips! I heard they’re doing awesome deals on season passes too! I really want to go to Volcano Bay!

Thank you! Yes, they have some really good deals going right now. We didn’t make it to Volcano Bay but I’m sure it’s great!

Comments are closed.

Privacy Overview

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

April 4, 2024

29 Incredible Universal Orlando Tips [Save Money & Time]

We just returned from a jam-packed whirlwind trip to Universal Orlando and it was absolutely incredible!!! One of the reasons the trip went so smoothly is because we have visited Orlando more times than I can count and over the years we have collected a lot of Unversal Orlando tips & tricks to help us avoid crowds, save money and have fun.

So, today I am sharing those secrets with YOU!

Read on to learn our best Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks for 2024. We love these parks as much as Disney World , if not more. This is truly a world-class resort.

Universal Orlando Tips

1. Stay on Property at one of these 3 Resorts! My Favorite Universal Secret

This is one of the best tips for visiting Universal Orlando (in fact, I have a whole post about it ) I have because staying on property makes all the difference in the world and is worth EVERY penny.

Let me explain. At first glance, you might notice that you can find cheaper hotels near the Universal Resort in Orlando. But, if you want Express passes, stay at these three resorts, because they come for FREE!

The three resorts on property ( Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort and the Hard Rock Hotel specifically) include FREE Universal Express Passes for each hotel guest (which gives you front of the line access to the most popular rides in the parks), early park admission, priority seating at many restaurants in City Walk and FREE transportation around the resort.

The Universal Express Passes alone would cost you a minimum of $89.99 per person and can go up to $379. With 4 guests in a room you can save $360 – $1200 per day in express passes

So, the $100 you are saving a night on your room is NOT worth it!

Staying on property at Universal Studios Florida also means you can take advantage of the beautiful walkways and boat rides available to hotel guests. It’s a convenient way to get around!

****Pro Tip**** Book your Universal Vacation with a Travel Agent Like Best Day Ever Vacations! They offer the same prices as booking direct but have extra incentives to make your trip even better!

2. Use a Travel Agent knowledgeable about Universal Orlando

When I first used to travel, we always booked everything ourselves, than I found out that a lot of travel agents work don’t charge a thing.

There is a lot to figure out when it comes to planning a Universal trip:

• How to get to the parks from the airport
• What are Express Passes
• How to travel from Park to Park
• Which hotels to stay at
• Where should you have dinner?
• Is the dining plan worth it?
• What about character breakfasts?

It’s honestly endless.

We reached out to Best Day Ever Vacations (they are seriously the best!) for our Disney Vacation and they did such an amazing job we asked if they handled Universal Orlando. Sure enough, they have Universal Orlando specialists who know everything about the parks, hotels, city walk and more. It made planning a vacation so much more fun! Pretty much 90% of the tips I have are from them.

3. Arrive Early & Leave Late

Another great tip for Universal Orlando is to take advantage of the early park entrance in the morning offered solely to guests staying on property.

But, even if you are not staying on property you will want to plan on arriving prior to the park opening hours and that is because they begin to allow guests to enter the parks early (up to a certain point) before the park officially opens.

If you are one of the folks who enter early you will be able to breeze through several wait times on the most popular attractions before the crowds arrive.

That said you will also want to stay late. Both Universal Orlando Parks tend to die down around 4pm.

Guests who stay later enjoy much shorter wait times which is why we like to get in early, then take a midday pool break at the hotel and return to the parks around 3-4pm. An easy schedule when you are staying on property.

Take a Peek Inside the Parks by watching our YouTube Video below.

Give us a thumbs up & subscribe for more great family travel videos!

4. Book the Concierge Level as it may save you money

I have a lot of kiddos, so when we stay in a concierge room, it is worth it. This means complimentary breakfast for the entire crew, snacks to take in the park, and some appetizers when we get back, so a large dinner isn’t quite needed. It is so worth it!

5. Plan for 4 Days Minimum

Now that  Volcano Bay  has opened we decided to up our recommended minimum number of days to 4 instead of 3.

You will definitly want an added full day to check out Universal Orlando’s amazing new water park. Volcano Bay has some of the BEST water attractions & slides we have EVER experienced.

The park itself is immaculate, the food is wonderful, they have two lazy rivers (one is a thrilling experience), and the kids splash areas are the best we’ve ever seen!!

I believe that 4 days is enough to conquer Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, AND the NEW Volcano Bay Water Park. That is ‘IF’ you have the Universal Express Passes for the dry parks.

If you do not have the express passes then you will want at least 5 days at the parks to be able to hit all of the popular attractions.

But, again notice that you need one less night at a hotel when you have the Express Passes which are included in the price of your stay at the on-site properties that I mentioned above. Another reason why it is actually cheaper and much better to stay at one of the hotels on the property!

6. If you are going to buy Express Passes Consider the VIP TOUR because it might be cheaper and includes A LOT MORE!!!!

People don’t know this but the Universal Orlando VIP Tour is the best deal in town. You get to the front of the line on every ride (including the ones Express pass does not cover) + it includes breakfast, lunch and valet parking and even more! Check out the details here!

7. Dates to Visit to Avoid Crowds

Avoiding the crowds is one of my favorite Universal Orlando Tips. There are three times a year where I feel like you can count on avoiding large crowds at the Universal Orland Resort.

One is the entire month of September as everyone is back in school and either just visited over summer or is planning to visit over the holidays.

The second is visiting between Dec 3rd- 15th. The closer it gets to the school winter breaks the more the traffic picks up.

The 3rd Date is the one week after January through the first week of February. Everyone has visited from the holidays and the next holiday is not til Presidents day weekend.

But, visiting Universal during the holidays is extra spectacular! In Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can see The Grinch musical show which is a wonderful performance.

And, in Universal Studios you can witness authentic balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Plus, both parks are decked out with holiday lights too. It’s my favorite time of year to visit!

8. Use Child Swap

One way to breeze through the crowds when traveling with infants and toddlers is by utilizing the “child swap” program at Universal. The “child swap” allows families traveling with little ones to wait in the queue together once while allowing both adults a turn to ride.

How this Universal Orlando Tip works is one parent stays off the ride and waits in the designated “child swap room” with the child who is not tall enough to ride. While the rest of the family hops on the ride.

When they are finished the parents swap roles and the parent who initially stayed back is given a chance to ride without having to wait in line again. Instead, they simply walk to the front of the line in the “child swap” designated area.

*Pro-Tip-Another added benefit of using the “child swap” is the second parent can take up to 3 guests with them. So, several people in the family get to ride twice!

9. Single Rider

Guests 10 years or older, also have the option of a shorter wait by being a “single rider”. Since most people ride in groups of two or more, if there is an extra spot available the attendants will ask for a single rider and you’ll be able to skip ahead in the line.

At some queues, there is even a special line reserved just for “single riders”.

10. How to Make the Most of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

Tip #1 : Avoid the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the AM!

I know this sounds contradictory to every other thing you might read BUT trust me. The first place every person heads to is the Harry Potter area in each of the parks making both of these lands complete madhouses in the morning… even for guests with early entry.

Unless you are going to be one of the first people in the park and you are going to run straight to one of the Harry Potter rides forget it.

You will have much better luck heading into these lands around 4 pm when everyone else in the park has already ‘been there, done that’.

Check out the photo above. That is my kids walking into Hogsmeade during early park entry on a non-holiday visit. Can you see the crowds in there- INSANE!!! I mean for good reason of course.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (both Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley) are the MOST INCREDIBLE themed lands I have ever visited.

Absolutely, spectacular in so many ways. However, if you can be smart and avoid the crowds I promise the experience will be even that much better.

11. Take Time to Really Explore the Harry Potter Lands

As I just mentioned, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is absolutely amazing. And, I am not just talking about the main attractions. I urge you to really explore these lands as there are magical elements hidden all around you.

If you buy an interactive wand at Ollivander’s you can actually cast spells around Diagon Alley and make magic happen right before your eyes!

On our recent visit to Universal Orlando we waited in line at Ollivander’s for the Wand Chooses the Wizard  experience and Shea got picked!!! Check out his face in our YouTube video here .

*Pro Tip-   You can also ask the goblin in the Money Exchange any question and he will respond. Ask him about the dragon in Gringotts next time you visit 😉

Head inside the stores in Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade !

Our kids got a kick out of the crazy jelly bean flavors (some are actually really gross) and the chocolate frogs.

*Pro Tip- grab your Harry Potter costume supplies before leaving home. Capes at the park are really pricey. Find ones much cheaper on Amazon here.

12. Try a Butter Beer + Secret Menu

You can’t visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without getting your kids a Butter Beer. Who can blame them with that tasty marshmallow topping?

But, if you really want to impress your kids, head to The Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head Pub and order a Pumpkin Fizz.

*Pro Tip- It won’t be on the menu because it is a secret item.

And, knowing that will make you the coolest parent alive!!

Don’t miss the Butter Beer Flavored Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Fountain of Fair Fortune, and at select street vendors throughout Diagon Alley.

13. Take the train in between the parks

Don’t miss riding the Hogwarts Express between the parks. Not only is it a super convenient way to get around, but it is also one of my favorite Harry Potter experiences too!

I am not telling you why because I don’t want to spoil any surprises. You’ll just have to trust me on this one.

*Pro Tip- make sure to take the train from BOTH parks. The experiences are totally different.

14. Get a Coffin Full of Donuts to Start the Day

As I mentioned in our best things to do in Orlando Voodoo Doughnuts offers up one of the best fried creations in all of Orlando, at least that’s my opinion.

One of their six locations in all of the world is at Universal Citywalk in Orlando, meaning you won’t have many other opportunities to try one of these tasty and colorful pastries.

Trust me, these are not your average doughnuts. They are both extravagant in looks and in taste. You will find their shelves filled with raised yeast donuts, cake donuts, and specialty donuts of all kinds.

If you like peanut butter, you cannot miss out on the Old Dirty Bastard. Name aside, this doughnut is what dreams are made of. You can check out the full menu here!

And yes, like we said this involves a coffin. You can purchase a 3-foot wooden coffin filled with three We Pick ‘Em Voodoo Dozens.

It is a fun way to celebrate a special occasion or just do something unique while on vacation. Plus, you can never have too many doughnuts! 

15. Tips for Toddlers (height requirements)

We did notice that many of the rides had a 40-inch height requirement as our youngest is not quite that tall yet. But, that doesn’t mean there is not a ton of rides and shows available for smaller toddlers.

I recommend checking out Seuss Landing where multiple rides have lower height requirements, Shrek 4-D, Fievel’s Playground, Camp Jurassic, the Curious George Water area and a day in the Park with Barney- a live show and playground area. And, don’t forget to take your littles to hang out with the characters too!

Youngsters 34-inches tall can ride E.T. the ride which happens to be a favorite in our family. I was so sad when our CA park got rid of it and so I make sure we hop on it every time we visit the Orlando parks.

Once kids reach 36 inches tall they can test their thrill-seeking skills on Woody the Woodpecker’s Rollercoaster (above), Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Flight of Hippogriff & more.

Little ones who hit the 40-inch height requirement can ride the Seuss Trolley Train, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Simpson’s Ride (although it is a little frightening), Transformers, Spiderman, and more. And, once youngsters reach 42 inches tall they can also ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Men in Black, Popeye and Bluto’s water ride, and Jurassic Park… The Ride just to name a few. Check out our experience on Jurassic Park below:

16. Buying souvenirs

It’s unavoidable your kids are going to want to take home a treasure to remind them of their incredible vacation at Universal. Be smart and use Universal Orlando’s package pick-up & free package delivery to on-site hotels.

Package pick-up sends your souvenir to the front of the park so you can pick it up on your way out versus lugging it around all day. If you are staying on-site they take it a step further and deliver it right to your hotel. Just one more reason staying on property is such a smart idea!

17. How to Save on Food… Dining Plans!

Universal offers several different dining plans that can help you save money and make life a little easier too. Choose from full service or quick service plans. With up to 100 dining locations to choose from inside both parks and in City Walk your family will have plenty of options to choose from.

The full-service plan includes two of our favorite restaurants at the Universal Resort- Mythos Restaurant and The Cowfish (yes sushi + burger fusion is a thing).

But, we do find the quick service plan a little easier on the pocketbook. View the plans, list of participating restaurants and pricing here .

Family Style- Louie’s Italian Restaurant

One of the munchkins’ favorite Universal Orlando tips is heading to the back of the park at Universal Studios for the BEST theme park pizza we’ve ever had. Feeding a large family at a theme park can cost an arm and a leg.

One way we save at Universal is by ordering a whole pizza pie from Louie’s Italian Restaurant. While a single slice will run you about $7 bucks, a whole pie so roughly $30 and comes with 8 slices.

*Pro Tip- Don’t forget ice water is always complimentary so drink up.

Cheap Shareable Treat- Lad Lard’s Pink Donut

Growing up The Simpson’s was one of those shows I would watch with my dad. Most jokes went right over my head but that didn’t stop me from laughing. Walking through the Simpson’s area brought back so many memories.

So, I was a complete sucker when my kids requested an enormous pink sprinkled donut from Lad Lard’s. Luckily, it was under $5 bucks and easily shareable! Don’t take our word for it check out this article from USA Today’s 10Best.

The Tacos at BumbleBee Man’s Taco Truck is a delicious, quick, and easy on-the-go lunch or snack too!

Just for fun… Moe’s Tavern

Not really a savings tip BUT something fun to do while in the Simpson’s area is to while in the Simpson’s area is to head to Moe’s tavern to try a Duff Beer. While you are there order the kids an alcohol-free, orange-flavored Flaming Moe. The dry ice makes it smoke and the kids will get a kick out of it!

18. If You are an annual passholder, turn your soda into a delicious slush.

If you are an annual passholder, there is a wonderful lounge to relax and cool off. The best part, you can buy a soda and turn it into a delicious slush.

19. Head to City Walk

Another Universal Orlando tip I have found that works well is to leave the parks and head into City Walk for lunch. Here you will find better tasting options in my opinion and a wider variety of eateries.

It may not save a lot of cash but at least you get better quality food for your money and at lunch its a ghost town so very little wait times too! 

I personally loved the Bread Box which serves delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads. It was a healthier option and the kids loved the bench swings  located at some of the booths.

The NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a favorite amongst the kiddos in our family. Who doesn’t love a working foosball dining table 😉

City Walk also has some fun photo opportunities and great shops and because it is so quiet during the afternoon you can get a bunch of fun shots.

*Pro Tip- if you stay at one of the hotels I mentioned previously your room key will also help you get priority seating at many of the restaurants in City Walk.

20. Skip dinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Wait what?? You read that right. Dinner here includes a ridiculous wait time and your room key does not grant you priority seating at this hot spot.

However, the specialty here is clearly dessert and you can skip the long wait and head right inside and order your tasty treats at the counter.

Make sure you try at least one of their INCREDIBLE Artisanal Milk Shakes. Hands down the BEST flavor is Salted Caramel Pretzel but Chocolate Peanut Butter comes in close for second.

* Check out my top 10 foods you have to try at Universal

21. Don’t Miss These Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

You most likely know about all of the most popular attractions. But, there are a few things that most people are unaware of that we think are absolutely worth your time.

Live Raptor Photo Opportunity- I mean where else can you get a photo with a live raptor- ha! What makes this so incredibly fun is the employees are steadfast in the delivery of their character.

The kids were actually starting to question if the dino was going to be real. Check out the video:

Jurassic Play Area-  After you ride the Jurassic Park River Adventure, you can go to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. Here you can relax in the air-conditioned room while kids check out all the cool dinosaurs. Make sure to wander over to the eggs. If you’re there when a baby dino breaks out of its shell, your kiddo might be lucky enough to name the newborn and get an official birth certificate!

Character Meet & Greet with Shrek & Donkey- who wouldn’t want to spend time with this hilarious duo. Make sure to check the guide for times so that you can hang out with these totally awesome and funny characters. Check out our experience below:

Fievel Playground- stop by this awesome play area to give the kids a chance to run wild. There is plenty for both little and big kids to do and it’s also a nice break for mom & dad. Liv loved playing in the ball pit and the older ones enjoyed the water slide and swinging from the giant rope.

Hello Kitty Shop – if you have young girls (or teens) they will LOVE the adorable Hello Kitty Shop located inside Universal Studios. They have every type of Hello Kitty product imaginable PLUS an adorable bakery/ candy shop too!

Free Coloring Station in Seuss Landing- little ones will love cooling down in the air conditioned stores in Seuss Landing. We found a coloring station in the store near the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

22. Take a photo of your park passes

If you lose your park passes it can be a pain, but if you take a picture they can easily reprint them 

23. Pack some Ponchos

It’s Central Florida, which means there is a good chance of rain. Also, there are some very wet rides. So, pack some ponchos and save yourself the exorbitant costs of paying for a poncho at the parks.

24. GET A BIRTHDAY BUTTON (READER SUGGESTION!)

Here is one of the comments that I thought was a great idea.

“If it’s someone’s birthday, get a birthday button. When I went with my sister, we got backdoor access to a couple of rides and they sang Happy Birthday to her over the intercom at Men in Black!” -Crystal

25. There are 2 Lazy Rivers at Volcano Bay and one is absolutely not Lazy!

If you decide to hit up Volcano Bay you will for sure find yourself in the Lazy River, however some people do not realize there are actually two rivers.

One nice and mellow river and one that is more of a fast paced rapid ride. Everyone in the fast paced river is required to wear a life vest as the water does move quite fast, but it is super fun!

26. Download the Universal app beforehand

You can then link your tickets and credit card to the app. When you are in the water park you can use their special Tapu Tapu Tapu to pay for items. The app also gives wait times for the 2 main parks.

27. Save Hundreds of Dollars by renting a Stroller from an offsite vendor!

The strollers at Universal are expensive and not very comfortable. Kingdom Strollers has been around for over 20 years and they will save you a ton of money plus they deliver the stroller to your hotel or Airbnb!

You simply place your order and then meet them at your hotel at one of their 5 daily meetup times and grab your stroller.

It couldn’t be any easier Check em out here! In fact now you can pick up your stroller at the Orlando Airport. It is pretty convenient

28. Universal Tips for Adults – Visit During Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is one of the best times to visit the parks with or without kids, but especially without kids since Universal’s Mardi Gras events are going on.

You will enjoy, live concerts from top artists, amazing food, and plenty of celebratory drinks and parades. You can check out all the Mardi Gras details here.

29. Take the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios and Disappear into the Wall!

Ever wanted to disappear into a brick wall like they do in Harry Potter. If you take the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure you will enjoy all the whimsy of Hogsmeade station including an illusion which makes it seem like you disappear into a brick wall (check it out in the video above). 

Map of Islands of Adventures

Universal Orlando Tips FAQ’s

How do i get the most out of universal studios.

Stay in an onsite hotel for FREE Express Passes Arrive Early Go to Harry Potter’s World later in the day Allow 45 Minutes for Parking & Security Use Rider Switch Pass if you have kids that are too small

How can I save money at Universal Studios Orlando?

Pre-Purchase Tickets from Discount Ticket Sites Like Undercover Tourist Bring your own water Get Free Express Passes by staying at an onsite hotel Get a whole Pizza for the Family at Louise’s Visit during the off season for the best deals

What rides to go on first at Universal Studios?

Hollywood Rip Rock it Transformers Mummy the Ride Harry Potter Escape from Gringots

Is Express Pass worth it at Universal?

It depends on how much time you have to spend at the parks. If you are short on time, yes! The cheapest way to get Express passes is staying at an onsite hotel. You get 5 for 2 days for 1 night at a hotel.

Pin for later- 29 Amazing Universal Orlando Tips

• Recent Posts

• Disneyland Birthdays – 13 Ideas To Make The Day EXTRA Special! - August 14, 2024
• 9 Tips That Will Help Your Family Thrive As We Head Back To School - August 7, 2024
• Favorite Things Shop - August 3, 2024

Reader Interactions

November 30, 2016 at 12:46 pm

You definitely need inside tips when you visit places like this! It can make all the difference for a trip! Great share!

November 30, 2016 at 4:03 pm

The concierge level sounds like a game changer! Will try next time!

November 30, 2016 at 9:27 pm

I love posts like these! I have never spent time in Orlando but it’s on my list. Pinning this for when I get to cross it off because it will come in handy with planning. Thank you!

December 13, 2016 at 1:10 pm

So many awesome tips! We stayed on site on our last visit and it was totally worth it! I’ll definitely pay with my AMEX next time to get access to the lounge.

February 19, 2022 at 6:25 am

I must have missed the benefit of using AMEX. Can you please fill me in?

December 13, 2016 at 7:21 pm

Man! You really are an expert! Great tips lady.

December 14, 2016 at 6:22 pm

I had NO IDEA about these great tips. I especially like the Child Swap scheme and analyzing hotels for whether they include passes! Brilliant.

March 9, 2017 at 4:51 pm

This helped me out a lot! We plan on going to City Walk for lunch, because I *need* to try that shake at that Chocolate place. I don’t even care if the food is crap. I told my kids we’re going because Mommy needs a gigantic shake.

March 10, 2017 at 10:22 am

I love that about you. You totally deserve the milkshake taking the kids by yourself. You won’t need to worry about the food at all. That shake is a meal on it’s own anyways.

April 20, 2017 at 5:13 am

I love the am ex tip & staying on property perks! Had no idea! Also love the moes tavern!

July 14, 2017 at 3:45 pm

Very detailed post! I didn’t realize that you get express passes staying at the resort, great idea!

July 15, 2017 at 7:11 pm

Yes, and those express passes are EVERYTHING! Makes the park experience SOOO much more enjoyable.

July 15, 2017 at 4:56 am

We always stay at the resorts in Orlando. Even though it can be a little more expensive at times, it’s worth it to maximize on time. A lot of the resorts we’ve stayed at come with snacks twice a day and you can grab an apple or orange to take into the park to make it stretch even longer! I can’t wait to get back to Disney and Universal! I haven’t seen any of the newer part of Wizarding World of HP.

July 15, 2017 at 7:10 pm

Exactly! And, yes you have to go back. Diagon Alley is SOO cool. The dragon is amazing.

July 15, 2017 at 3:33 pm

Great tips! My parents love Disney World and Orlando Studios. They go every couple of years and have a trip planned in the Fall. I will pass on these tips!

July 15, 2017 at 7:09 pm

Awesome, thank you!!

August 7, 2017 at 10:19 pm

Great tips for a first timer. One question, and maybe I missed it, did you mention anything about a pass that lets you park hope? I am using almost every one of your tips, thanks again!

August 8, 2017 at 6:50 am

There are multi-park tickets that allow you to go between parks in the same day. And, there are express passes that allow you to get to the front of the lines. Express passes are included when you stay on property at most of their resorts too.

September 29, 2017 at 11:04 am

Volcano Bay is a no-no as far as I could see from endless horrible reviews. Too crowded and bracelet system doesn’t work. Better off going to Disney’s or Sea World’s aqua parks.

September 29, 2017 at 11:30 am

Thank you for the comment. I definitely agree that Universal needs to limit the amount of people they allow in and work on their bands. But, now that it’s a quieter season (as opposed to a brand new park in the summer) I’m guessing things are slowing down. And, if that’s the case I don’t think the park itself with the rides it has can be beat by any of the other Orlando water parks. In fact I can confidently say that Volcano Bay had the best rides, slides, play areas and was the cleanest water park I had ever visited. They also had the best food. So when they get all the tweaks worked out I think it will be unstoppable ?

May 7, 2018 at 5:44 pm

We just went in April and the bracelet system was fantastic! They must have gotten all the hiccups worked out because it was flawless. We rented chairs too. Our attendant brought us our food and refilled our water bottles all day long. It was a great experience.

May 8, 2018 at 6:16 am

That is wonderful news!!! I absolutely LOVED the park and was only concerned with the lines. I figured they would learn and improve. Great news!!

July 9, 2018 at 6:11 pm

We have never been to universal, but would you say it’s a full day in each park? And how may parks are there?

July 9, 2018 at 9:00 pm

Hey Mandy, There are three parks. If you don’t have the express pass, it is definitely a full day in each park. If you do have the express pass you can possibly hit up two parks in one day. The parks are a good size and a ton of fun.

December 12, 2019 at 8:17 am

Also a fun tip: outside of Diagon Alley at Universal studios, if you knock on the door of 12 Grimmauld Place, you can see Kreacher peak out through the curtains.

August 20, 2019 at 6:41 am

Thanks Lucy for the sweet comments. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about your trip.

December 11, 2019 at 8:34 am

The BEST Universal Orlando Tips from a Pro [Over 20 Amazing Tips] – Great site. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your effort!- calator.tel

February 9, 2020 at 5:57 am

If it’s someone’s birthday, get a birthday button. When I went with my sister, we got backdoor access to a couple of rides and they sang Happy Birthday to her over the intercom at Men in Black!

February 13, 2020 at 8:36 am

The pictures of your children in the park really made this list special. Thanks for sharing.

September 11, 2020 at 3:19 pm

I was surprised by the difference in the daily rates of a common hotel to a hotel in the Universal complex. Actually, even though it is a little more expensive, the advantages far outweigh the difference. Thank you for all this information.

June 6, 2021 at 5:45 am

We just visited the end of may and the parks we’re super crowded,that being said we purchased the unlimited express pass and it may be pricy but my family never had so much fun,we had no wait times and that makes a high difference compared to the other people I saw waiting over an hour on some rides. Also they do have a medical assistant pass for people with conditions that make waiting in line difficult , very helpful with two children with conditions that make it hard to wait in the heat. Can’t wait to go back ,I think we will definitely stay at one of the big three hotels to get express pass

June 6, 2021 at 6:23 am

Glad you had a great time. Yes, when it is crowded, those express passes are a game changer.

February 15, 2023 at 11:19 am

ANYONE HAVE A STRATEGY FOR ONE PERSON, AGE 20, WHO ONLY HAS ONE DAY, WANTS TO DO BOTH PARKS IN EARLY MARCH 2023 ? I SEE SINGLE RIDERS OPTIONS, SHOULD I STILL GET EXPRESS PASS? PLAN TO BE THERE WHEN PARK OPENS AND STAY UNTIL IT CLOSES! THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR INPUT!

February 24, 2023 at 5:44 am

With Single Rider you should be able to get on almost all the major rides in one day.

[…] Great tips from Global Munchkins on visiting Universal: The Best Universal Orlando Tips From A Pro […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

[instagram-feed]

Vacation savings from Orlando Informer! Save with Orlando Informer! X

on select Universal Orlando Resort tickets

No blockout dates. Savings vary by day. Restrictions apply.

• VIP Tour Experience at Universal Orlando Resort

If you’re looking for the red-carpet experience at Universal Orlando Resort, a VIP Experience guided tour may be just the thing for you. With multiple options spanning both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure , this is a perfect way to feel like a celebrity as you “live the movies.”

Each VIP Tour permutation has its own special benefits, which we cover for you in-depth on this page. Before we do, however, it’s really important to point out one key item: the VIP Experience does not include theme-park admission. Please keep this in mind when pricing everything out.

Now, with that out of the way, let’s walk that red carpet!

Skip to: Overview | Options | Pricing | FAQ

What is the VIP Experience?

No matter which VIP Tour you choose, there are a few key benefits that you’re guaranteed to enjoy. The first, as you might have guessed, is a VIP tour guide to escort you on a group tour through Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or both. These guides are experts on all things Universal Orlando, so even if you think you know everything there is to know about the parks, you’re sure to be blown away by the fun facts and insider knowledge they share with you.

All VIP Tours also offer priority front-of-the-line access to all rides and attractions, including the ever-elusive Pteranadon Flyers and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . (Yes, that means you’ll get to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure with no line, virtual or otherwise!) Other benefits of VIP Tours include:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences (photography not permitted)
• Complimentary Valet parking
• Reserved seating at shows (excluding the seasonal Mardi Gras and Mannheim Steamroller concerts)
• Complimentary continental breakfast and lunch
• Unlimited Express Pass access throughout the rest of the day following your tour
• Exclusive VIP lanyard and credentials
• Discounts at select Universal merchandise locations throughout the resort

How many VIP Tour options are there?

Before you get to reap all those VIP rewards, you’ll have to first choose which experience is right for you. We’ve broken down all the options below:

1-Day, 1-Park Experience

A 1-Day, 1-Park VIP Tour lasts for five hours and includes priority entrance into a minimum of eight major attractions at either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure (you get to choose the park, though your tour guide sets the itinerary). And while you will receive all of the benefits listed above, keep in mind that you’ll only enjoy a free continental breakfast if your tour begins at or before 11:00 am. Generally, though, the 1-Day, 1-Park Experience kicks off at 9:30 am, so your chances of enjoying that meal are high!

1-Day, 2-Park Experience

A 1-Day, 2-Park VIP Tour lasts for seven hours and includes priority entrance into a minimum of 10 attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Besides the additional park and tour length, the main difference between a 1-Day, 2-Park Experience and its singular-park counterpart is that this version includes lunch at a full-service restaurant. You can expect this tour to (usually) begin at 9:30, 10:30, or 11:30 in the morning.

Private VIP Experience

If you’d rather travel with just your own party, rather than in a group with other individuals, you can opt for the exclusive VIP treatment with this experience (which lasts for the whole day!). Besides receiving the undivided attention of your tour guide, the main draw of this option is the chance to create your own itinerary (for the non-private VIP Tours, your guide lays out the agenda for you). You’ll also enjoy three full-service meals, including dinner, at one of Universal Orlando’s restaurants and receive a three-day My Universal Photos package.

There are a few options if you’re in the market for a Private VIP Experience, including the only two-day tour available:

• 1-Day, 1-Park Tour (availability may vary)
• 1-Day, 2-Park Tour
• 2-Day, 2-Park Tour

How much does a VIP Experience cost?

As you might have guessed, the price of your VIP experience will vary drastically depending upon which tack you take. The one consistent here, though, is that all ticket prices are the same regardless of age – that means your two-year-old will have to pay just as much as you do to enjoy all that exclusive access!

• 1-Day, 1-Park: $229
• 1-Day, 2-Park: $239
• Private VIP experiences: prices vary; call 1-866-346-9350

Remember: in addition to the cost of a VIP Tour, separate theme-park admission is required. Furthermore, guests that are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

VIP Experience Breakfast Menu

Available to Private and Non-Private VIP Tours that start at or before 11:00 am

House Baked Pastries

Dark Chocolate Chip Muffin

Flaky Butter Croissant

Blueberry Streusel Muffin

Elderberry Croissant

Fresh Cut Fruit

Golden Ripe Pineapple

Vine Ripe Strawberries

Oats & Yogurt

Overnight Oats Steeped in almond milk, agave, crunchy almonds, chia seeds, toasted coconut flakes

Vanilla Bean Yogurt Whole grain oat and wheat granola with slivered almonds and cinnamon

Warm Apple Oatmeal Flan

Hot Offerings

Applewood Smoked Bacon

Pork Sausage Links

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Red Bliss Potatoes Served with carmelized onions

Savory Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich Filled with braised mushrooms, leeks, scrambled eggs

VIP Experience at Universal Orlando – frequently asked questions

Do i need to buy a vip experience ticket in advance.

No, you don’t need to, but we strongly recommend it, as quantities are limited, and – you never know – Universal may sell out the morning of your arrival. Just as with Halloween Horror Nights , our motto is it’s better to play it safe and order in advance than be disappointed the day of!

Do I get to choose my itinerary for a VIP Experience?

That depends on which VIP Tour you go with. For the Non-Private 1-Day, 1-Park or 1-Day, 2-Park experiences, you’ll be touring with other traveling parties, so in the spirit of fairness, the day’s agenda will be determined by your tour guide. If you’d rather make the plans yourself, you’ll need to purchase a Private VIP Experience.

Is a VIP Experience worth it?

It depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. If you’ll only be in Orlando for a few days and want to make the most of your time at Universal Orlando Resort, a VIP Tour is a great way to do so. The priority front-of-the-line access can’t be beaten, along with the exclusive backstage experiences and insider tips from the VIP guides. Even if you’re a seasoned Universal veteran, you’re still bound to learn something new thanks to their expertise.

• Breakfast Options at Universal Orlando Resort
• Character Meet and Greets at Universal Orlando – Complete Guide
• Child Swap at Universal Orlando’s Thrill Rides
• Free or Inexpensive Things to Do Around Orlando
• Grocery delivery guide – Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort
• Internet Access at Universal Orlando – Complete Guide
• Lockers at Universal Orlando – a Complete, Up-to-Date Guide
• Men in Black Alien Attack – How to Max Out Your Score at 999,999
• Mobile Ordering at Universal Orlando – Complete Insider’s Guide
• My Universal Photos & ride photos at Universal Orlando – complete guide
• Phone Charging at Universal Orlando – complete guide
• Refillable Cups, Popcorn Buckets, and Coke Freestyle at Universal Orlando – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Shopping and Merchandise at Universal Orlando – Complete, Up-to-Date Guide
• Single-riders’ Lines at Universal Orlando – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Ultimate Seating Guide to ALL Universal Orlando Resort Rides
• Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando – complete insider’s guide
• Visiting Universal Studios Florida with kids – a complete, up-to-date guide
• Visiting Universal’s Islands of Adventure with kids – a complete, up-to-date guide
• Visiting Volcano Bay with Kids – A Complete, Up-to-Date Guide
• Ultimate Adult’s Guide to Universal Orlando Resort

Get Savings

TouringPlans

GUIDE ME THROUGH—

Questions? Our community can help!

Forums Thoughtful, engaging talk

Chat Quick answers while in the parks

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

• Crowd Calendar
• Disney Springs
• Transportation

• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Early Theme Park Entry
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Extended Evening Hours
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Front-of-Line Service: Lightning Lane
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Character Greetings
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Rider Switch for Small Children
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Special Needs Guests (DAS)
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Live Entertainment & Show Schedules
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Refurbishment Schedule
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Lines Mobile App
• Attractions, Parades, & Fireworks
• Height Requirements
• Touring Plans
• Attractions & Fireworks
• Neighborhoods
• Attractions
• Cheapest Disney Tickets
• Park Reservations

• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Basics
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Build-Your-Own Plans
• Magic Kingdom
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Ratings for All WDW Restaurants
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Overview
• Magic Kingdom Restaurants
• EPCOT Restaurants
• Hollywood Studios Restaurants
• Animal Kingdom Restaurants
• Disney Springs Restaurants
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Hotel Restaurants
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Reservations
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Tipping (Gratuities)
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Menu Search
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disney Dining Plan
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Benefits
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Room Finder
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Compare Hotels
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House)
• Disney's Beach Club Resort
• Disney's BoardWalk Inn
• Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort
• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
• Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney's Art of Animation Resort
• Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Disney's BoardWalk Villas
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney's Riviera Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
• The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Early Park Admission
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Tickets
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Front-of-Line Service: Universal Express Pass
• Halloween Horror Nights
• Rock the Universe
• Gradventure
• Special Needs
• Kids and Babies

• Universal Studios Florida
• Universal's Islands of Adventure
• Universal Epic Universe
• Universal Studios Florida Restaurants
• Islands of Adventure Restaurants
• Volcano Bay Restaurants
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> CityWalk Restaurants
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Hotel Basics
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Universal Helios Grand Hotel
• Universal Stella Nova Resort
• Universal Terra Luna Resort
• Universal's Aventura Hotel
• Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
• Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
• Downtown Disney

• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Early Entry
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Rider Switch
• Lunar New Year
• Food & Wine Festival
• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure Park
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Ratings for All DLR Restaurants
• Disneyland Restaurants
• California Adventure Restaurants
• Downtown Disney Restaurants
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disneyland Hotel
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Pixar Place Hotel
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
• sidemenu#activeChild" class="text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-between pt-3 md:pt-14 leading-30"> Planning Your Cruise
• sidemenu#activeChild" class="text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-between pt-3 md:pt-14 leading-30"> Tips for During Your Cruise

There’s even more magic waiting for you...

Save up to 2 hours in line every day of your trip.

There's a reason why over 700,000 families have trusted us with their Disney touring plans. Subscribe to create step-by-step plans customized for:

YOUR specific dates in the park

Only the rides YOU want to ride

The meals and breaks YOU want to have

The times YOU want to arrive and depart

See where Universal Express can help avoid long lines

• common-navbar#activeTab">Kids common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
• common-navbar#activeTab">Tweens common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
• common-navbar#activeTab">Adults common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
• common-navbar#activeTab">Seniors common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
• common-navbar#activeTab">Customized common-navbar#activeTab"> -->

• common-navbar#activeTab">Kids
• common-navbar#activeTab">Tweens
• common-navbar#activeTab">Adults
• common-navbar#activeTab">Seniors
• common-navbar#activeTab">Customized

Universal Orlando Touring Plans

Our touring plans save you up to 2 hours in line. Every plan is customizable, so you can add more rides, meals, naps, and more. You can also use our free Universal Orlando app to create your own customized touring plans.

See More - Wait Less

We have step-by-step touring plans for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure . Every plan is customizable, so you can add more rides, meals, naps, and breaks. Our free app, Lines , will update your plan when you're in the park, so you'll always be a step ahead of the crowds.

• Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Studios FL
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure

If this is your first trip to Universal Orlando, reviewing our touring plans is the fastest way to understand how to tour the parks efficiently. You'll see which areas of Universal Studios Florida get busiest early in the day, and which Islands of Adventure headliner attractions can be saved for later.

Parents with Small Children

Avoids rides with height requirements over 40 inches. Includes a mid-day break.

Parents with Tweens

A full two-day/two-park Universal parks tour, with stops in both Wizarding Worlds.

Customize your own touring plan

Select everything you’d like to do, and we’ll optimize your plan throughout the day using real-time data. So if something unexpected happens, you'll be back on schedule in an instant.

Our Lines app lets you follow your touring plan in the park. We’ll even update your plan on the fly, to account for things like ride breakdowns and other unpredictable events. Plus you can add new rides and change your plan on the go!

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Podcast

Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with Len Testa of TouringPlans & Jim Hill of JimHillMedia.com

Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with TouringPlan's Len Testa & Jim Hill of JimHillMedia.com

Copyright ©2024 TouringPlans.com. All rights reserved.

• Work With Jen
• USA Bucket List
• Follow Us On Instagram

45 (Quick!) Universal Studios Tips Perfect For Your First Visit

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Hold on tight (and take notes!) as we go over 45 Universal Studios tips that are absolutely essential to know before your first visit!

With Universal Orlando Resort being among the best theme parks in the world, it’s so important to know the tips and tricks necessary to maximize your visit and get the most from your experience.

You’re in for a treat as you begin to explore these Universal Studios tips and secrets while gearing up for the family vacation of a lifetime!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.   For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

Tips for Universal Studios Orlando

In case you’re confused like I was, Universal Orlando Resort consists of 3 parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay waterpark.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located in both Universal Studios (Diagon Alley) and Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade).

Each of the 3 parks has a separate ticketed entry, though park-to-park tickets are available if you’re looking to explore them all.

Our tips for Universal Studios Orlando are organized into the following categories that include tips for:

• Planning your visit
• Purchasing tickets
• Parking & arrival
• Touring tips
• Rides & shows
• Food & beverage
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips
• Universal Orlando on-site hotel perks

Each of the tips in these categories is meant to give you a brief overview (hence ‘quick tips’) of the fun and important things to know when visiting Universal Studios.

For more information, or for a deeper look into your visit, be sure to visit the Universal Orlando Resort homepage. Likewise, be sure to review their current safety guidelines regarding the ongoing pandemic.

Universal Studios Tips: Planning Your Visit

• Study the best times to visit. Crowds are highest when schools are on break (ie. Spring Break and Christmas). Find out how to beat the heat if visiting in June, July, or August, as the temperatures can be unbearable. Visit in September through January (minus holidays) for the fewest crowds and best prices.

2. Watch for ticket deals and special offers. The prices of Universal Studios Orlando tickets rise and fall based on season and demand, so it’s best to purchase them a few months early. Likewise, consider checking into the availability of discounted Universal Orlando tickets , as well as consulting with a travel agent for specials or promotions.

3. Decide on where to stay. This will largely depend on what perks you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. Choices range from Universal Orlando Premier Resorts (most expensive, many perks), Universal Orlando hotels (some perks), off-site hotels (affordable), or vacation rental homes (more space).

Our choice, Loews Royal Pacific Resort , a Universal Premier Resort that is a 7-minute walk from the theme parks!

4. Check the ride height requirements. Find out which rides are right for you and your family before you go. Prepare your smaller children for the rides that they are, and are not going to be tall enough to ride to avoid meltdowns once there.

5. Don’t stress about not having a stroller. There are single ($18) and double strollers ($28) for rent upon entering the Universal Theme Parks, or you can bring your own. Mark your stroller in order to recognize it and be sure to park it in the Stroller Parking at rides.

6. Watch the Harry Potter movie series before you go. Purchase the Harry Potter 8-film collection (like we did!) and be sure to watch the entire series before you go. Having an understanding of all things Harry Potter makes the experience so much better!

Universal Studios Tips: Purchasing Tickets

1. Know your ticket options. If you only want to visit 1 park for 1 day, get the basic (least expensive) 1 park ticket. If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and King’s Cross Station, you’ll need a Park-to-Park Ticket. When visiting multiple marks for multiple days, get Multi-Park, Park-to-Park tickets.

2. Buy your tickets in advance. Lines at the ticket counter are long at park opening. Pre-purchase your tickets online to save money and avoid standing in line at the ticket counter.

3. Children under 3 are free. Take notes that there is no park admission fee for children under 3 years old. Child prices apply to children ages 3-9, and adult prices ages apply to guests 10+.

4. Determine if you want to spend extra money to get Universal Express Pass. Universal Express Pass allows you to bypass the standard line at rides and attractions and get into a shorter, quicker, Express line. Universal Express Pass is a ticket add-on, meaning that it’s an additional cost to standard park tickets. The add-on can be purchased ahead of time, once you’re in the park, or comes free when you stay at a Universal Premier Resort (more on that coming up).

Read here to see if we think Universal Express Passes are worth it !

5. Purchase a lanyard. You will want the convenience of storing both your park tickets (for park-to-park access) and Express Passes (to be scanned at each ride) in a lanyard. They are not provided by Universal Studios or Universal hotels. Though they can be bought on-site, they are cheaper to purchase online ahead of time.

Arrival & Parking

1. Download the Universal Resort Orlando app. Be sure to download the free Universal Resort app from the App Store and Google Play before heading to the park. You can use it for mobile ordering, virtual line reservations, wait time alerts, and an interactive park map. (Don’t forget to bring a portable battery charger as you will use your phone quite a bit.)

2. Check theme park hours ahead of time. Universal does not release its daily theme park hours until approximately 1 month before any given date. Hours vary by month and day, so be sure to check their website before your visit.

3. Know if you qualify for Early Park Admission. Universal’s Early Park Admission allows all Universal Orlando Resort hotel guests and annual pass holders one-hour early entry to Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and a 30-minute early entry to Volcano Bay.

Not all rides open early. Be sure to check the Early Park Admission page (and app) a few weeks before your visit to determine which parks are offering this feature on what days, and for what rides. This varies drastically each week and is subject to change without notice.

4. Arrive early. If you don’t qualify for Early Park Admission, get to the turnstiles 45-60 minutes before the advertised park opening. Early arrival equals shorter lines and more rides! (Even with Early Park Admission, arrive at the gates 30-40 minutes before opening. i.e For 7:00 AM Early Admission, arrive at the gates no later than 6:30 AM.)

5. Allow at least 30 minutes for general parking and security. Once parked, escalators and moving walkways bring you into the transportation hub. Here, you will find security checkpoints, restrooms, vending machines, and souvenirs. It is a 15-minute walk to get from the hub to the entrance of either theme park.

6. Remember where you park. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay share the same two gigantic covered parking garages. Take a photo of the name and number of your parking section, as well as the level and row. It’s easy to forget.

Universal Studios Touring Tips

1. Bring your AAA card. Many of the restaurants around Universal will give you a 10% discount for showing your card when you dine.

2. Wi-Fi is free at Universal. Be sure to switch over to the free network once you get to the park entrance in order to save on your data plan.

3. Make a game plan beforehand. In order to maximize your time in the park, I absolutely recommend that you study the park layout, as well as have a general idea of the order in which you want to do the rides and attractions. Both our Universal Studios Touring Plan , and Islands of Adventure Touring Plan outline exactly how we tour the parks when we’re there.

5. Have an understanding of the Universal Studios lockers. Unlike visiting the Disney theme parks , most rides at Universal do not allow personal belongings (including backpacks) to be brought onto the rides. This is due to their high intensity.

Along with paid lockers at the front of the park, each ride has either free or paid lockers based on the size of your backpack or bag.

*After reading this article, come back and check out our complete guide to understanding the lockers at Universal Orlando!

6. Pack a modestly sized Universal day bag. If you’re looking to save money, only bring in a backpack or fanny pack that fits into the complimentary lockers. Here’s exactly what we pack in our Universal Studios day bag that is just enough, but not too much.

Universal Studios Tips: Rides & Shows

• Vist the best rides at Universal Studios Florida early in the day, as these are the rides that accumulate the longest lines as the day goes on.

2. A reminder about Hogwart’s Express: Remember that you must have a “Park-to-Park” admission ticket to ride the Hogwart’s Express attraction. For a full experience, ride Hogwart’s Express in both directions as it is different depending on which direction you are traveling.

3. Check showtimes. Use the Universal app to check the daily showtimes and figure out how to fit them into your daily itinerary. Likewise, check what rides have a Virtual Line option for that day and make reservations. Virtual Line reservations cannot be done until you’re physically inside the park.

Note: If you have Express Pass, you do not need to make Virtual Line Reservations for rides that qualify for Express. Hagrid’s Motorbike does not honor Express Pass, so be sure to make a Virtual Line Reservation if it is being offered.

4. Small kids? Do Child Swap. Each ride has a family room where one member of your party can wait with the little ones while the rest of your party rides. Once they are finished, switch places so whoever rode can stay with the kids, and the adult(s) who sat out can then go on the ride.

5. Take advantage of the Single Rider line. Single Rider lines are always shorter and move faster than the regular line. If you don’t mind being split from your group, or if you want to quickly repeat a ride, hop into the Single Rider line.

6. Be prepared for motion sickness. Much like the best rides at Islands of Adventure , the rides at Universal includes twists, turns, and intense motion simulation. I highly recommend bringing along both adult and child doses of motion sickness medication (or taking it beforehand) to prevent queasiness.

Universal Studios Tips: Food and Beverage

• Bring your own water bottle. Bring along these collapsible reusable water bottles  to save you tons of money from having to purchase bottled water inside the park ($5.50/bottle). Restaurants and quick-service counters will refill them at no cost.

2. Eat at the Universal restaurants and at CityWalk. The fun and unique food and beverage options at Universal Studios are part of the experience! Don’t miss out on getting a VooDoo Donut or going to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, two of the best restaurants in CityWalk . Also, be sure to get a Flaming Moe (orange soda with dry ice) found in the Simpson’s Springfield Fast Food Boulevard section of the parks.

3. Make reservations ahead of time. I highly suggest making online reservations for full-service restaurants at the parks and City Walk to avoid the lines during busy seasons. This can be done online, or by calling (407) 224-FOOD.

4. Consider if a Universal Dining Plan is worth it. Both quick-service and full-service dining plans are available at Universal. The cost per day does not include gratuities and only covers food from participating locations. Personally, we do not purchase a dining plan and have never regretted it.

5. Butterbeer comes in liquids and solids. We suggest trying them all!

• Butterbeer Fudge
• Cold Butterbeer
• Frozen Butterbeer (our favorite!)
• Hot Butterbeer
• Butterbeer ice cream
• Butterbeer potted cream (creamy custard)

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips

• Head to Diagon Alley first or last. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, is by far the busiest part of the park. Go there first thing in the morning, or later in the evening after 4 PM to experience smaller crowds. (We spent the full hour of Early Park Admission enjoying Diagon Alley with little to no crowds; it was the highlight of our trip!)

2. Watch the fire-breathing dragon. Stick around. The large dragon on the top of Gringotts Bank rumbles, then breathes fire every 10-15 minutes.

3. Exchange money at Gringotts Money Exchange. The best part about going into Gringotts Money Exchange is listening to the ‘crabby’ animated goblin banker. Here, you can exchange money for ‘wizard currency’ to purchase food and souvenirs etc. around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Any unused banknotes can be converted back to regular money at Guest Services.

4. Browse the shops and shop windows. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, browsing the shops in Diagon Alley will be a major highlight of your visit! The decor inside the shops and windows will make you feel as if you’re inside the books and movies. Plus, they contain exclusive Harry Potter merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else.

5. Be sure to stop in Ollivander’s Wand Shop. If you don’t want to wait in line to attend a wand-fitting demonstration, simply go into Ollivander’s, and the staff will assist you in picking out a wand. When purchasing a wand, opt for the ‘interactive’ wand that costs $10 more than a ‘learner’ wand. The interactive wand comes with a map showing 34 marked locations where you can cast spells around the parks.

Note: Small children will have a hard time executing the spells as the infrared tip of the wand needs to align perfectly with the censor in the window.

This can get frustrating for the littles, so be prepared and be ready to step in and help.

6. I’ll repeat. You MUST try Butterbeer. Head to The Fountain of Fair Fortune or the Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley to get Butterbeer. This butterscotch goodness is a Universal Studios must-try.

7. Catch a show. Throughout the day there are various types of shows in the Carkitt Market section of Diagon Alley. Check for showtimes on the Universal app. Celestina and the Banshees is our favorite.

Universal Orlando On-Site Hotel Perks

One of our best tips for visiting Universal Orlando is to stay on-site at one of the Universal Orlando Resorts.

Along with their close proximity to the theme parks (within walking distance!), these are the key benefits of staying on-site. These perks will make a world of difference to your family’s Universal vacation.

1. Early Park Admission . When you stay at an on-site hotel you get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 1 hour before the park opens, and 30-minutes prior to the Volcano Bay opening. (Worth it!)

2. Universal Express Pass . Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort offer free Universal Express Unlimited to resort guests. Your room key serves as the Express Pass to show to get on rides. (Worth it, in our opinion!)

3. Complimentary transportation . Enjoy free transportation to the theme parks from each of the hotels via either water taxi or shuttle bus. Cabana Bay and Aventura Hotel are by shuttle bus only. (Worth it, although you still have to pay for parking at the hotel, $28/night.)

4. Priority seating at restaurants. Guests staying at Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel, Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel, and Hard Rock Hotel receive priority seating at select restaurants. Show your room key to the hostess and see if priority seating is available.

5. Package delivery. Free merchandise delivery from Universal stores and ships to any Universal hotel.

6. Charging privileges. Charge purchases across the entire Universal Orlando Resort to your room key card when staying at any Universal hotel.

Here are the current Universal Resort Hotels to choose from (in order of Budget to Premier):

• Surfside Inn and Suites ( Book directly on Booking.com )
• Dockside Inn and Suites ( Book directly on Booking.com )
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com )
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Loews Royal Pacific Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Hard Rock Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com  )

Tell me which of our Universal Studios tips surprised you the most, or that you found the most helpful! I would love to know 🙂 Jen

If you liked reading our Quick Tips for Universal Orlando, continue planning your Universal Orlando vacation here:

Universal Orlando Touring Plans:

• Universal Studios Touring Plan: 1-Day Itinerary
• Islands of Adventure Touring Plan: Complete 1-Day Itinerary

Universal Orlando Tips:

• What to Bring to Universal Studios (+Day Bag Tips)
• 9 Big Differences Between Disney World and Universal Studios
• Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando: 9 Reasons to Stay
• A Complete Guide to the Lockers at Universal Orlando
• Top 7 Best Restaurants in Universal Citywalk

Universal Orlando Rides:

• Top 7 Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
• Top 7 Rides at Universal Studios Florida
• Is Universal Express Pass Worth it? A Detailed Look!

* Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

Similar Posts

11 Exciting Things to do In Sarasota With Kids While on Vacation

How to Overcome Travel Anxiety: Expert Advice From a Mindset Coach

9 Best Restaurants in Universal Orlando Citywalk (And Ideas on What to Order!)

50 Ultimate Disney Fantasy Cruise Tips: Know Before you Go

The Best Seafood in Siesta Key: 8 Must-Try Eateries

Is Universal Express Pass Worth It? (Here’s Proof!)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! Thanks for your extensive research, we really appreciate it! We plan on visiting this spring and I was wondering if you have an opinion about when the park is the least crowded…Thanks!

Honestly, the best thing to do to avoid crowds it to get to the park before opening and stand in line to be one of the first ones in. Head straight to Diagon Alley upon opening. This is when you’ll experience the least crowds and have the area practically to yourself, compared to the crowds that come later. Have fun!!!

Thanks so much for the information. I have also read that the security line piles up and people get stuck standing an hour in security line to get in early in the morning. I don’t want to go that early anyway, but I’m asking what time are the security lines short? Is it after the initial rush is over at 9am? or later? thank you!

Hello! Yes, security lines to pile up in the morning if you’re not one of the first ones there. Security lines do not get short until about 2 – 3 hours after the park’s official opening time. Good luck and have fun!!

These are such great tips for Universal. This was overwhelming the first time I went there, as it is very different from Disney. But these helpful tips are great for navigating the parks.

Thank you! I agree that these are essentials tips! With theme parks being so expensive, I am a firm believer that it takes some planning before going 🙂

Find Even More

Find your next vacation destination!

Connect on Instagram

Find out where we’re traveling now!

Make the memories now

You don’t have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling.

With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages – and places both near and far.

Destinations

• Attractions
• Girls’ Trips
• U.S. Cities
• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Universal Orlando

Free Printable

Free packing list printable when you subscribe for the latest travel updates!

Travel With A Plan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Family Vacation Packing List!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

2024 Universal Orlando Planning Guide

Our 2024 Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure planning guide offers park & ride strategy. It features tips & tricks to help you save money & time, avoid crowds, and have the best vacation or side-visit from Walt Disney World as possible. ( Updated January 7, 2024. )

We’re Universal Orlando Annual Passholders and huge fans of those parks in addition to Walt Disney World. Universal has improved a ton and upped its game in the last decade. This began with the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which were further enhanced by Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

That has been taken to the next level with the debut of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and to a lesser extent, with the new Minions mini-land last year. This is once again going to be another big year thanks to the DreamWorks Animation Land Opening in 2024 at Universal Studios Florida. These recent and upcoming additions, not to mention an all-new theme park in 2025, are among the reasons why some Walt Disney World fans are openly asking:  Is Universal Beating Disney?

Suffice to say, we highly recommend spending a couple of days at Universal when vacationing at Walt Disney World. This is guide to Universal Orlando Resort contains everything you’ll need to know. Whether you’re doing both parks in a single day or making a trip of it with an on-site hotel stay and multiple days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, we have you covered with info and advice about attractions, dining, resorts, strategy, crowds, and more.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to make the most of a visit to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. We’re going to take a counterintuitive organizational approach to this guide, as we’ve found that many readers consult it while visiting Universal rather than during the planning stages of a trip. Accordingly, we’re going to front load with info you need to know if you’ve already touched down in Central Florida.

If you’re a Disney fan simply trying to determine whether a trip to Universal Orlando Resort is right for you in the first place, you might start by reading our Universal vs. Walt Disney World post, which covers some of the pros and cons of each, plus the differences between the two vacation destinations. Although they’re all theme parks located in Central Florida, each have strengths and weaknesses that will make them better or worse for certain types of families–ages, demographics, etc.

Similarly, if you’re debating between resorts at the two main theme park complexes, see our comprehensive breakdown: Universal Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Hotels . That should help you determine which is the better option for your vacation–or if a split stay might be best!

For what it’s worth, neither of these versus posts nor the one about whether Universal is “beating” Disney are pointless fan cheerleading or theme parks as polarizing team sports. The two versus posts are practical planning that objectively weigh pros and cons, whereas the “beating” one is an editorial (not useful for planning, but potentially interesting).

Anyway, here’s everything else you need to know about visiting Universal Orlando Resort…

What’s New & Next at Universal

If you have not been to Universal Orlando in a while (or ever), a lot has changed in the last several years. This includes a few attractions that have been added in the last several years: Bourne Stuntacular, Fast and the Furious: Supercharged, Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon, and Skull Island: Reign of Kong.

In terms of what’s new, there are two hugely popular coasters in Islands of Adventure: Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in the Hogsmeade side of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Without question, VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s are two of the very best roller coasters in Orlando. (I’d personally put both above TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World, but to each their own on that.)

As noted above, there’s also the new Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida . As the name suggests, this is an area based on the  Despicable Me  film franchise, and builds on the popularity of the existing Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction. This is now an expanded avenue with the new Villain-Con Minion Blast ride and Minion Cafe restaurant, plus more retail, snack spots, meet & greets, placemaking, and more.

Next on the horizon is the aforementioned DreamWorks Animation Land that will feature characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse  and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like  Shrek ,  Trolls  and  Kung Fu Panda to life.

Although unconfirmed, this is expected to feature a “Trollercoaster” (a Trolls-themed roller coaster, hence the name) and a Shrek’s swamp area. Construction permits put the end of work in March 2024, which makes sense–have the DreamWorks land open by Spring Break. (That opening timeframe is also unconfirmed, though–permits can be extended, but construction appears to be progressing quickly.)

These new additions are appetizers to the main course, which comes in Summer 2025. Universal is building a third theme park in Central Florida and construction is progressing fast . It’s full steam ahead on this project, and Universal’s Epic Universe Park is Opening by Summer 2025! This will bring Super Nintendo World plus more Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, How to Train Your Dragon, and much more to Universal Orlando in the coming years.

In the here and now, another thing worth addressing in terms of what’s new is a return to normal in terms of attendance and crowds. After nearly two full years of pent-up demand driving wait times and prices higher, both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have seen a slowdown.

With this, both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have gotten more aggressive with discounts in an attempt to entice more people to visit their parks and stay in on-site hotels. We’ve mentioned repeatedly that  Walt Disney World already  has released a dozen different discounts for 2024 .

Universal has followed suit, shifting from discounts aimed almost exclusively at Annual Passholders and Florida residents to general public offers. There’s currently a “buy 2 days, get 3 free” ticket deal, resort discounts offering 20-35% off, and package deals offering up to $650 off.

These are worth pricing out for yourself, but we should warn that many have length of stay requirements of 5 days. That’s longer than most people will spend at Universal Orlando (which is part of why it’s being offered–to increase visit durations). In any case, we recommend using a travel agent– such as Be Our Guest Vacations –to price out different packages and deals, and help you figure out the best way to save, plan your trip, etc.

Now let’s turn to Universal Orlando’s advanced planning topics…

Where to Stay

There are a number of questions you have to ask yourself when planning a trip, and many of them will dictate where you stay. Do you want Unlimited Express Pass by staying at an eligible Universal Orlando hotel? Do you want to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel for the duration of your trip, or change hotels? Do you want to stay an an off-site hotel in the general vicinity of both Universal and Disney to save money?

We’ve recently stayed at every single on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort–here are our reviews:

• Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Review (recommended)
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Review (highly recommended)
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Review (good Express Pass eligible “budget” pick)
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Review (highly recommended)
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel Review
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Review (highly recommended)
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites Review (good budget pick)
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites (2-Bedroom) Review (good for larger families)

For insight into all of these hotels, their pros & cons, and how they compare and contrast with one another, see our Universal Orlando Hotel Rankings & Reviews .

We are big fans of Universal’s hotels, and are particularly partial to the two “bay” resorts: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Both of those are in our top 10 hotels in Orlando, rivaling some of our favorite resorts at Walt Disney World.

Universal’s hotels provide great bang for buck, and even those that don’t include free Express Pass do offer Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay one hour before those parks open. That can be absolutely huge!

As for staying off-site, you generally will get the most bang for your buck when staying in an off-site hotel, as there are a lot of non-Disney and non-Universal hotels competing with one another. We have an Off-Site v. On-Site Walt Disney World Hotels article that goes into greater depth about the pros and cons of staying off-site, and it’s marginally applicable to Universal, as well.

As for simply staying at a Walt Disney World hotel for the duration of your trip regardless of where you go, we have written comprehensive reviews with our opinions and photos of the rooms. Check out our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page , for links to each of these reviews.

Ride Strategy for Universal Orlando

Next, what to know while you’re at Universal Orlando. For starters, we strongly recommend that you do not “wing it” for your daily itinerary due to the aforementioned crowd issues. You don’t need to plan every movement so that there’s no spontaneity in your trip, just make sure you have at least a loose plan of what you’re going to do.

We have the following plans for each park that cover our perfect days:

• 1-Day Universal Studios Florida Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Islands of Adventure Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Universal Park Hopping Itinerary ( both Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida )

Those offer step by step touring plans for both theme parks at Universal Orlando, prioritizing the most popular rides and skipping what isn’t worth your time. Those will help you do Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and other must-do rides.

If you’d prefer to create your own itineraries and want an overview and review of every attraction at each of the parks, consult our Islands of Adventure Ride Guide and Universal Studios Florida Ride Guide . If you’re a fan spinners, you might want to check those out, as we don’t waste your time with that nonsense in the itineraries.

When to Visit

If you’re adding on a Universal Orlando visit to your Walt Disney World vacation, the answer to this is easy…whenever you’re visiting Walt Disney World. Crowd patterns at Walt Disney World translate pretty similarly to Universal Orlando.

The reasons are two-fold: first, because crowds tend to be predicated upon school schedules, which are the same for both; second, because Walt Disney World is the ‘whale’ in the Orlando market, so crowds for all theme parks are dictated by when guests plan their Disney vacations. In other words, you can refer to our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars post to determine when to visit, as that’s roughly applicable to Universal Orlando as well.

There are only some exceptions to this, and they’re largely predicated upon special events that are unique to each of the parks. For example, Walt Disney World sees its crowds spike due to runDisney events, when its hotels are hosting conventions or youth sporting events, or during EPCOT festivals. By contrast, Universal sees its own spikes around Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and early December when it plays host to the Pop Warner youth football event.

In general, though, the big driver of attendance at both is school breaks. In particular, those of Orange County and other counties throughout Florida and the South. Of course, both are vacation destinations, so breaks for school districts in the Midwest and Northeast also have a significant impact. The obvious times like Spring Break, Easter, Summer, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are all busy.

More under the radar timeframes like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and more also see pronounced spikes in crowds. Again, reference the aforementioned crowd calendars if you’re looking to choose the best times to visit Universal Orlando.

Due to a surge of locals on weekends, we strongly recommend avoiding Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays through Thursdays are the best days to visit, with much lower crowds then. However, that goes out the window during holiday weeks or anytime school is out of session, when it’s disproportionately tourists and every single day of the week is busy.

The one exception to this is if you want to see or avoid Halloween season at Universal, namely Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). This is a hard ticket event that has a huge following among locals and fans of haunt season, in general.

During HHN, you step onto the set of some of your favorite horror movies, and walking through those sets as actors attempt to scare you. This event is not for children under the age of 13, and has absolutely nothing in common with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. See our Guide to Halloween Horror Nights for more .

Aside from this, the only noteworthy events are Mardi Gras and Christmas. See our Guide to Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios Florida . At this fun event, guests can experience a food festival with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations.

Food booths serve up the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and other regions including, of course, New Orleans. Plus enjoy spectacular floats on display, street entertainment, music, beads and more throughout Universal Studios Florida.

Although HHN gets all the attention from the fan community, an equally popular seasonal event is Christmas at Universal Orlando . During this, Grinchmas and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s are the main entertainment draws. There’s also the Christmas Tribute Store, which is essentially a walk-through exhibit, plus Universal Studios Florida’s iconic Christmas Tree.

Perhaps the biggest draw is Winter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which features unique decor and projections on Hogwarts Castle. There are also decorations around both parks in Seuss Landing, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco.

How Many Days?

This one is going to vary widely based on a few variables. The biggest one is how receptive your party is to the type of attractions that are prominent at Universal Orlando Resort, namely, roller coasters and screen-based simulators. That’s reductionist, and there are many more things at Universal than those types of rides, but if your party is averse to either, doing more than 2 days at Universal is going to be tough.

If you love coasters or have teens, you can easily spend 3 days or more at Universal Orlando. Heck, I’m not huge on roller coasters or simulators, and I can easily do 2 days (or even 3) at Universal. Likewise, if you love Harry Potter, several days at Universal will be easy. The two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter alone can fill a good chunk of the day. I mean, Diagon Alley has a fire-breathing dragon …not liking dragons is distinctly unpatriotic.

Islands of Adventure also has a Jurassic Park area, which is basically a tribute to our greatest national treasure: dinosaurs. It’s not as good as a real Jurassic Park (that would be like the San Diego Zoo meets the Lincoln Memorial meets Tokyo DisneySea), but it’s an enjoyable area to explore. In other words, there’s plenty to do if you’re an “ambiance person” at the Universal parks.

Then, there’s also the question of how much “extra” vacation time you have. Assuming you’ve already allocated your time at Walt Disney World and are looking at “other stuff” to round out your trip to Florida, I’d probably look to spending more time at Universal than other parks like SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. That’s personal preference and all of these parks definitely aren’t trying to accomplish the same thing, but I find the Disney and Universal parks to be in a different league than all of the rest.

Universal Orlando Park Tickets

If you’re looking for a deal on park tickets, Get Away Today will save you the most money on Universal Orlando tickets . This is especially true if you’re doing a longer trip, as Get Away Today has a ‘Buy 2 days, get 3 days free’ special. With more and more to do at Universal Orlando, spending several days in the parks is highly recommended–especially if you’re staying in a nearby hotel and want to do some partial days (also recommended).

I am a fan of the Park-to-Park tickets if you can swing spending extra. This is because Universal did something really ingenious when it built Diagon Alley, and that was connecting the two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter via the Hogwarts Express.

You can only ride this train from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley (or vice-a-versa) if you have the Park-to-Park ticket. I’m no Harry Potter fan, but the experience of entering a train station in London, walking through a wall, and then taking a train to Hogsmeade is pretty awesome.

If you’re going for just one day and don’t want the park-to-park tickets, the best way to save money on Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida tickets is simply going to be buying tickets online on Universal Orlando’s website. The Universal tickets purchased online can be printed at home and used at the turnstiles–meaning no waiting in line to purchase tickets or exchange vouchers.

Express Pass

Express Pass is Universal Orlando’s version of Genie+ or Lightning Lanes (a way to skip the lines) and is available as a ticket add-on or with select hotel stays. You can purchase two varieties of Express Pass, regular or unlimited. Almost all of the most popular attractions in each park offer Express Pass.

The regular version allows you to skip the line once per eligible attraction in either park, and costs $90 to $350 per person depending on the date. Universal Express Unlimited offers line-skipping privileges, as the name suggests, an unlimited number of times per attraction, and costs between $100 and $380 per person. Even at its most expensive, Genie+ at Walt Disney World costs under $40 per person. So, what’s the difference? Well,  a lot. 

Unlike Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, there is no tech component to Express Pass. While it’s significantly more expensive, it’s also frictionless. You simply go up to the attraction and use your Express Pass entitlement. There’s nothing to reserve or hassle with in an app. Express Pass involves zero screen time and headaches–but you’ll pay a lot more for it!

Whether Express Pass is worth the money largely depends upon what day of the week and season you’re visiting, and how you value your time versus your money. Personally, we would not pay for Express Pass most days. However, we also avoid weekends and holidays, arrive for park opening, and utilize an efficient park itinerary.

If you really want Express Pass, staying at an on-site hotel that offers Express Pass with your stay is absolutely the way to go. Unlimited Express Pass is available at the Universal Premier category resorts–meaning Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay–which are Universal’s most expensive hotels. Honestly, this is the only way we’ve ever “bought” Express Pass–we couldn’t justify the cost any other way.

All three of these hotels are nice, on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, and generally cost less. They’re still pricey, but they’re cheaper than Disney’s higher-end hotels, and absolutely worth the money–especially if you want the Unlimited Express Pass perk or a good location within walking or boat distance of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. If you’d be staying at a nice hotel anyway, this trio is definitely worthy of your consideration.

If you want to learn more about this line-skipping option and how it compares to Walt Disney World’s counterpart, see our guide:  Universal’s Express Pass v. Lightning Lanes & Genie+ at Walt Disney World .

Transportation

By far the most common questions we get concerning Universal Orlando Resort is: “what’s the best way to get from Walt Disney World Universal.” The answer is that there are a lot of options, but by far the best is Uber. We covered this in depth in our Uber vs. Rental Cars at Walt Disney World article. Here’s the pertinent portion of that post:

In the past, the best option we’ve found for those who don’t have rental cars the duration of their trips is either renting a car on-site for the day, or taking a pricey shuttle. Neither is cost-effective or all that appealing, especially when you add on that parking fee.

For those who aren’t renting a car for the duration of their trip, Uber or Lyft are the unquestionable best options for getting from Walt Disney World to Universal. The one-way cost of an Uber or Lyft from Walt Disney World will vary depending upon your exact location, typically costing under $25 each way and taking 20-25 minutes.

There are some good restaurants in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, but as a whole, I do not think the culinary experience is on par with Walt Disney World’s. The unquestionable highlights, in my mind, are the counter service restaurants in Diagon Alley (Leaky Cauldron) and Hogsmeade (Three Broomsticks) and the table service restaurant, Mythos, which is a great value.

Other in-park restaurants at Universal Orlando that we like include the Today Show Cafe (for lighter options) and Krusty Burger (for the exact opposite). Actually, there’s something for everyone in the Springfield area, which has a variety of dining options drawn from The Simpsons.

On the snacking front, you’re obviously going to want to try Butterbeer–perhaps all three varieties (frozen, hot, and regular). Most of the other snacks we enjoy are also in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Honeydukes.

Another thing you might want to consider is purchasing a refillable Coke Freestyle mug. I’ve done this, but I can really put down the Cokes to make it worth the money. I’m sure some day I will be toothless, but hopefully that’s at least 5 years away. These Coke Freestyle machines located throughout the parks are also a convenient way to get free water that’s cold and tastes great.

Other Things to Do

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s water park. It’s themed to the South Seas and features a giant volcano (hence the name) in the middle with water slides in it. For Walt Disney World fans, it’s a bit like Typhoon Lagoon water park mixed with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Adventureland.

All the rides at Volcano Bay feature a Virtual Line instead of traditional standby queues. You tap in with your TapuTapu wearable (think MagicBand) to grab a ride time. Then go float, swim, splash, eat, shop or relax around Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will tell you when it’s your time to ride.

You will either  love  or  hate  the virtual queue system at Volcano Bay. That pretty much comes down to whether you beat the crowds or not. That can be accomplished by arriving and/or staying late, buying Express Pass, or visiting during the off-season. If you don’t do any of those things, you’ll likely think the virtual queue system sucks, and you won’t accomplish much. It’s definitely a system that creates winners and losers–they key is (obviously) to be in the former group and not the latter.

In addition to the two theme parks and Volcano Bay water park, there’s CityWalk. This is Universal Orlando’s shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, which is a lot like Disney Springs. The big difference is that you walk through CityWalk to access Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, and it’s incredibly easy to exit the parks and eat lunch or dinner at CityWalk. No bus necessary!

There’s also a lot of relatively new dining at CityWalk, such as Red Coconut Club, Bigfire, Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and VIVO Italian Kitchen–among other things. Toothsome is a fan-favorite for its over the top milkshakes and dessert concoctions (as well as the fun steampunk theme), and Voodoo Doughnut is a fun spot. With that said, we think both are slightly overrated.

For our money, the sleeper hits of the list are Bigfire and Cowfish, both of which offer great food at reasonable (by theme park standards) prices. We’d also give honorable mentions to Vivo and Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. While the latter is not our personal favorite, it’s better than the “blockbuster” touristy restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Nothing against any of those–but they’re essentially Applebee’s with more wow-factor. Good enough for predictably-prepared comfort food, but absolutely nothing special.

One final note on attractions is that there are numerous attractions that don’t allow bags, but provide free lockers nearby for storing backpacks, cameras, small children, and whatever other random junk you might have on you. These are pretty convenient and there are larger lockers you can pay for at the front of the park, but the point here is for those of you who are used to bringing a small U-Haul worth of stuff into the Walt Disney World parks: you can’t do that at Universal. Pack for the parks a little lighter.

I think this is probably a good starting point if you’re planning on visiting Universal Orlando Resort as an add-on to your Walt Disney World vacation. If you would like to see some of these topics covered in greater depth, please let me know in the comments. We’re planning to tackle more on dining, special events, and Universal Orlando news in the coming months, so stay tuned for more of that!

Need trip planning tips and comprehensive advice for your visit to Central Florida? Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for everything about those parks, resorts, restaurants, and so much more. For regular updates, news & rumors, a heads up when discounts are released, and much more, sign up for our FREE email newsletter !

Your Thoughts

Are you visiting Universal Orlando Resort in 2024? Excited for Epic Universe or other rumored additions in the next few years? What about Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s, or the new rides that have recently opened? Have a favorite on-site hotel at Universal? Do you prefer staying on-site at Universal, or commuting from Walt Disney World? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Chances are if you have questions still, so does someone else! Please share your thoughts in the comments

Written by Tom Bricker

hey, its really amazing would really love to visit Universal. Thanks for sharing this.

Do you have an itinerary for 1 day, 2 parks at Universal, with an express pass? That would be appreciated.

Have loved your site for years. We use it as a major planning tool for all of our trips to Disney, Universal and Disney Cruise locations. It seems like the ride guides, 1 day itineraries and Mardi Gras guide are all from a couple of years ago. Are there any updates we should be aware of that you do not reference in this article?

Thanks for sharing, would love to visit Universal.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• All Articles
• Itineraries
• Guides and Tips
• Attractions
• Behind-the-Scenes
• Guest Stories
• Guides & Tips
• Universal Orlando Resort Deals
• Universal Studios Hollywood Deals

A Local’s Guide to Your First Time Visit to Universal Orlando Resort

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog was originally published in October of 2019 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in the summer of 2021 to remain current and relevant.

Universal Orlando Resort is a place that allows you to explore the streets of Diagon Alley at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , visit a real-life Raptor Encounter to meet Blue the Raptor , float down the Kopiko Wai Winding River at Volcano Bay , and finish with a cold beverage high in the sky at Bar 17 Bistro on top of Universal’s Aventura Hotel all in one day.

With so much to see and do, how can you get the most out of it during your first-time visit? Here’s a few first timer tips to get the most out of your upcoming visit.

WHAT TO EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA

Have you ever watched a movie and said “I wish I could experience that movie in real life.” Well, we have some good news for you. Check out these must-do experiences straight from the movies:  

• Take a journey to the depths of Gringotts bank on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride
• Have your mind blown by the live action stunts during The Bourne Stuntacular
• Looking for a rip-roaring rush? Try the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Great for the family: Become a Minion on the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Experience : Follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps as you enter into Diagon Alley – watch out for the fire breathing dragon
• Character Meet & Greet : Meet Optimus Prime , Bumblebee and Megatron
• Shopping : Find all things Universal and more at the Universal Studios Store
• Bonus : Journey from King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure aboard the Hogwarts Express (only available with a Park-to-Park admission ticket)

Great Places to Eat at Universal Studios Florida

• Quick Service:  “Hey Hey, Kids!” Visit Springfield, U.S.A. and stop by Krusty Burger for a fun atmosphere and great meal.
• Best View: Try an off-the-charts meal and take in an incredible view of the lagoon at Richter’s Burger Co.
• Best Atmosphere: Get your fill of Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, Toad in the Hole and more at the Leaky Cauldron
• Romantic : Try Lombard’s Fresh Catch at Lombard’s Seafood Grille while you take in the nautical atmosphere on the docks of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf
• Sweet Treats : Try a Dole Whip Pineapple Sorbet at Schwab’s Pharmacy

Click here to view a complete list of Universal Studios Florida rides, attractions, dining and more .

Here are some resources to help plan your day:

• Best Option – Download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App
• Visit Universal Studios Interactive Map or Download Universal Studios Map

LOCAL TIP |  Start at the back of the park and work your way counter-clockwise to the front to stay ahead of fellow guests and take full advantage of ride lines.

WHAT TO EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSAL ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

Get ready to encounter dinosaurs, fly high above city streets with a famous web slinger, visit a secret school of witchcraft and wizardry, come face-to-face with a colossal ape and more. Check out these must do experiences that give you a sense of adventure:

• Race alongside Velociraptors at 70 miles per hour on the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• For the first time ever you can join and fly into the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure , the epic new roller coaster in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Soar high above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Splash down on Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Feel the power and strength of becoming gamma-charged on The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Character Meet & Greet : Take photos with your favorite Marvel characters – Spider-Man, Captain America, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, and Rogue along with classic villains like Dr. Doom and The Green Goblin in Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal Islands of Adventure
• Shopping : Witness a wand choose its wizard or witch at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade

Great Places to Eat at Islands of Adventure

• Quick Service: Enjoy a delicious meal at Three Broomsticks
• Best View: Eat while you watch daring riders get drenched at Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park
• Best Atmosphere: Dine with Super Heroes at Marvel’s Character Dinner at Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure
• Romantic : Take in the spectacular view of the park’s inland sea and colorful lands from the award-winning Mythos Restaurant
• Sweet Treats : Pick up a delicious Butterbeer from Hog’s Head

Click here to view a complete list of Islands of Adventure rides, attractions, dining and more.

• Visit Islands Of Adventure Interactive Map or Download The Islands Of Adventure Map
• Start your day off in Hogsmeade and work your way clockwise around the park to take advantage of wait times and attractions.

WHAT TO EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSAL VOLCANO BAY

• Take the 70-degree fall through a drop door on the Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Think your brave? Try taking on the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
• Take on the twists, turns and drops of the Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
• Grab 3 of your friends for a wild on the wild side with the Honu of the Honu ika Moana
• Experience: Float down the and relax on the Kopiko Wai Winding River or take on the challenge of TeAwa The Fearless River
• Experience : Lay out with a cold drink on Waturi Beach and take in that volcano view
• Shopping : Pick yourself up a soft Volcano Bay beach towel from the Waturi Marketplace
• Bonus : Relax, unwind and enjoy the charms of your own private cabana in paradise with extra-comfy seating, concierge service and more

Great Places to Eat at Volcano Bay

• Quick Service : Taste the tropics at Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
• Best View: Take in that incredible view at the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar
• Tasty : Try the Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich at Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club . It’s delicious!
• Best Atmosphere: Soak it all in from Whakawaiwai Eats with a pizza

Click here to view a complete list of Volcano Bay rides, dining and more.

• Visit Volcano Bay Interactive Map or Download The Volcano Bay Map  
• First, plan to arrive early to Volcano Bay and secure that perfect beach chair with that incredible view. TapuTapu will also make your day easy. This wearable device that holds your place in lines, activates interactive surprises, makes cash-free payments and more.
• Stay at a Universal hotel and enjoy early park admission to Universal Volcano Bay one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required).

WHAT TO EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

Get ready to indulge in some of the most mouthwatering food with refreshing drinks, shop until you drop and dance the night away at Universal CityWalk. Check out these must-do experiences for a day or night out:

• Show : Belt out your favorite tunes with help from talented backup singers and a live band at Universal CityWalk’s Rising Star
• Experience: Challenge your friends to a round of mini golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf or grab a cold beverage at the Lone Palm Airport at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
• Shopping : Forgot your vacation collectibles? Swing by the Universal Studios Store
• Bonus : Check out a show at the Hard Rock Live or catch an afternoon movie at Cinemark

Great Places to Eat at Universal CityWalk

• Quick Service : Try the best thing since sliced bread at Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
• Best View: Enjoy a sunset while eating a Burgushi at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• Best Atmosphere : Enjoying a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
• Romantic : Indulge in true italian cuisine at VIVO Italian Kitchen
• Sweet Treat: Try one-of-a-kind delectables like the Dirt Doughnut, the Memphis Mafia and the Bacon Maple Bar at Voodoo Doughnut

Click here to view full list of entertainment, shopping and dining options at Universal CityWalk.

Here are some resources to help plan your visit:

• Visit Universal Studios Interactive Map or Download The CityWalk Map
• Take advantage of the FREE self-parking after 6PM!(Not valid during Halloween Horror Nights. Additional restrictions may apply and are subject to change without notice)
• Free parking available with a purchase of two (2) Universal CityWalk Matinee tickets.

WHERE TO STAY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

There’s a Universal Orlando hotel for every family style and budget. Take a look at all the amazing places you can stay so close to the theme parks:

Premier Hotels – $$$$

Loews portofino bay hotel.

Relax in surroundings inspired by the beauty, romance and charm of the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy.

• Experience: Treat yourself to a day at the Mandara Spa
• Feature: Spend an enchanted evening with live music and traditional opera as you sip wine and sample gourmet fare during Harbor Nights . Additionally, enjoy nightly festive melodies with Musica Della Notte , a unique blend of classic opera, festive melodies, and “popera” favorites
• Dining: Feel like you’re part of the family at Mama Della’s Ristorante with authentic Italian cooking and strolling musicians
• Benefits : Free Universal Express Unlimited, early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Universal Volcano Bay, free transportation, priority seating at restaurants and more

Learn more about Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel

Live like a rock star and savor the perks of rock ‘n’ roll royalty with impeccable surroundings, laid-back style and show-stopping service.

• Experience: Attend a monthly award-winning “ Velvet Sessions ” with an up-close and personal rock concert. Past performers include Bret Michaels, Eddie Money, Joan Jett, and more
• Feature: Take a self-guided Music Memorabilia tour and discover Elvis’ pajamas, John Lennon’s suit, Paul McCartney’s guitar, Lady GaGa’s leather outfit, Rihanna’s bodysuit and more
• Feature : Discover The Sound of Your Stay™ program with A-list perks. tracks.®, lets you stream a celebrity-curated playlists to amplify your stay. picks® allows you to choose from a menu of 20 different Fender® guitars that can be delivered to your room (down payment and loan agreement required)
• Dining: Stop by The Kitchen and dig into their famous mac and cheese. But don’t forget the encore – they’ve got some of the most jaw-dropping desserts you’ve ever seen

Learn more about the Hard Rock Hotel

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Get swept away in an exotic south seas paradise with tropical wonders, exotic foods, and carefree fun.

• Feature: Experience weekly Wantilan Luau firsthand with an evening of authentic Polynesian food and entertainment at this exciting dinner show
• Dining : Visit Jake’s American Bar where you can try fabled South Seas explorer Jake McNally themed favorites including island cocktails, Jake’s American Red Lager and the B-1 Bomber Burger

Learn more about Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Preferred Hotel – $$$

Loews sapphire falls resort.

Escape to the feeling of being in paradise with the calming sounds of steel drums, swaying palm trees, scenic views, and blue cascading waterfalls.

• Experience: Take in the incredible 16,000-square-foot pool with a sand beach, hot tub, water slide and more
• Dining: Try Caribbean-inspired cuisine at Amatista Cookhouse or stop by the Strong Water Tavern for rare vintage rums and tapas-style dining options
• Benefits : Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Volcano Bay, free transportation & Universal Volcano Bay, located steps away from Volcano Bay, and more

Learn more about Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Prime Value Hotels – $$

Universal’s aventura hotel.

It’s your chill zone, your party place, your hangout, your refuge. And the best part, it’s perfectly priced.

• Feature: Enjoy a drink with a view high in the sky at Bar 17 Bistro
• Dining: Have a chef cook up a custom wok dish right in front of you at the Urban Pantry
• Benefits : Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Universal Volcano Bay, free transportation, steps away from Volcano Bay, and more

Learn more about Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Enjoy vibrant, retro-style with rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability.

• Experience: Take on a friend at Galaxy Bowl and when you’re finished, head over to the Ace The Arcade for an overtime match of timeless arcade favorites
• Feature: Have a relaxing day floating down Cabana Bay’s lazy river while you soak up that warm Florida sunshine
• Dining: Try a wide variety of food stations including deli items, pizzas, burgers, salads and desserts at the Bayliner Diner

Learn more about Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Value Hotel – $

Universal’s endless summer resort – surfside inn and suites.

Step into the extra affordable surf lifestyle with beach-themed standard rooms, spacious two-bedroom suites, and more.

• Experience: Kick back in the surfboard-shaped pool and soak in the sunshine
• Feature: Check out the spacious, two- bedroom suites that sleep up to six
• Dining : Stop by the food court for a wide variety of great food options or have a fresh-made pizza pie delivered directly to your room
• Benefits : Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Universal Volcano Bay, free transportation and more

Learn More about Surfside Inn and Suites

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Inspired by sand, sea and breathtaking sunsets, this extra affordable retreat features two-bedroom suites, two large pools and more.

• Experience: Soak in the sunshine at one of the two large pools with a beautiful sandy beach – how cool
• Feature: Check out the spacious, two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six
• Dining: Stop by the food court for a wide variety of flavorful food for every palate. On the go? No problem. There are plenty of grab-and-go options available

Learn More about Dockside Inn and Suites

THINGS TO KNOW

You might know about all the amazing experiences you’d like to try at Universal Orlando, but now let’s take a look at few ways you can get the most out of your first time trip with a few local planning tips.

Express Pass – Get to the Fun Faster

Want to get the most out of your visit? Check out a few of the Express Pass options available so you can skip the regular lines at most of your favorite rides and attractions to get the most out of your day at the parks.

Did you know you the Express Pass is included FREE when you stay at a Universal Premier category hotel? Check out the details here .

Plan Your Entire Trip with Ease Using the Official Universal Mobile App

Imagine having your own travel guide to give you every bit of important information you need to get the most out of your first-time visit. That is what the official Universal Orlando Resort App provides!

What can the Universal Orlando Resort mobile app do?

• The app can become your Virtual Wallet
• You can find everything you need including ride wait times, showtimes, dining venue hours and more
• Create your own personal “to-do” list of favorites
• Always be in the know with the latest park updates
• Order meals on the go with ease
• What else can you do with the App? Find out here

WHAT TO BRING

Let’s dive into a few tips to help you decide what to bring during your first-time visit to the theme parks.

Backpacks and Shoulder Bags

Can you bring a bag or backpack to Universal Orlando Resort? Absolutely! A small, soft-sided bag is perfect for toting your essentials around while exploring the theme parks.

Potential Items To Add To Bag Include:

• Rain poncho or jacket
• Refillable water bottle

Check out the What To Pack For A Day At Universal Orlando Resort for more great tips on what to bring to the theme parks.

TAKING PHOTOS AT THE THEME PARKS

Can you bring a camera to Universal Orlando Resort? Of course! You are about to have some of the best times of your life and what better way to remember those moments than incredible photos to take home with you.

LOCAL TIP | Since it’s your first time visiting the theme parks, check out the My Universal Photos options, so you can focus on the fun while they focus on capturing your best moments.

WHAT TO WEAR

Florida is a tricky place when it comes to weather. Most of the time it’s warm and sunny, but there are those occasional days that cause us to break out our coats. Regardless, it’s good to be prepared.  

• Check the Weather: Take a moment to check the weather forecast before heading to the theme parks
• Fashion or Comfort: Of course you want to look fashionable in all of the Instagram photos you are planning on taking, but keep in mind to be comfortable as your day may include lots of walking and standing in the heat
• Which Shoes to Wear: Try to wear a shoe that is breathable and comfortable

Check out the full list of Frequently Asked Questions on what to bring to the theme parks.

Did we miss anything? Tell us about some of your theme park first-timer tips in the comments below! And make sure to share your tips on Twitter , Facebook or Instagram with #ReadyForUniversal or ask for help with #AskUniversal.

Universal Destinations & Experiences

Never miss a thrill. Subscribe now to get email updates from Universal Parks & Resorts.

Derek is a member of the Universal Orlando Content + Engagement Team. Imported from Detroit with a passion for storytelling, filmmaking, and adventure.

You Might Also Like

Behind-The-Screams | “A Quiet Place” at Halloween Horror Nights 2024

Guide to Aventura Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

What to Pack for an Evening of Screams at Universal Halloween Horror Nights

Best Ways to Spend an Afternoon at Universal Orlando Resort

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Here's how to plan an epic trip to Universal Orlando Resort this year

Universal Orlando Resort is in sunny Central Florida, an area of the Sunshine State often referred to as the theme park capital of the world. Universal Orlando is not only one of the most popular amusement parks in the city, but it's also beloved across the country. It has two parks (with a third on the way), a water park, eight hotels and a 30-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex.

Before you even arrive at Universal Orlando, you'll need to figure out where to stay, what to do and where to eat. Whether you are visiting for one day or several, here's everything you need to know about visiting Universal Orlando Resort.

How to start planning your trip to Universal Orlando

There are a few questions you will want to answer before you dig into the details of planning your Universal Orlando vacation:

• What is your budget? The amount of cash you have to burn will determine most other factors of your vacation, including where you stay, how many days you visit, where you dine and whether you will visit one or multiple parks per day.
• When will you go? The best times to visit Universal Orlando are similar to the best times to visit Disney World . It is busier on weekends and when school is out during spring break, the long summer break and the winter holiday season. You'll see fewer crowds if you visit on a weekday when school is in session.
• Where will you stay? Universal Orlando has eight hotels; they range from as little as $100 per night for Value hotels and climb as high as $800 per night for Premier hotels. You can base your choice on theming — you could enjoy the retro beach motel vibes at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort or the Italian-inspired luxury and convenient location of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel .
• Which parks will you visit on which days? This will help you choose between purchasing one-park-per-day tickets or "Park-to-Park" tickets that grant access to both of Universal's parks in the same day. You can also add access to Universal's Volcano Bay Water Park.
• Where will you dine? If you are planning on one of Universal's specialty dining experiences — like a Marvel character dinner, the Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort or Sapphire Falls' five-course dinner with rum pairings — you need to make reservations early. Reservations for most other table service meals are easy to get within a couple of weeks before your vacation.

What type of Universal Orlando ticket should I buy?

Universal ticket types

There are various ticket types at Universal Orlando, and some will get you into one, two or three theme parks (such as Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park) per day.

You can also purchase tickets for one, two, three, four or five days. The cheapest tickets allow access to one park per day. So, if you start your day at Universal Studios Florida, you can't use the same ticket to get into Islands of Adventure in the afternoon. You're limited to one park per day.

This may sound like a good deal, but it might not be the best choice, especially if you hope to ride the Hogwarts Express train in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You'll need a Park-to-Park ticket to travel between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Related: From butterbeer to magic wands: Everything you need to know about Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

While it is pricier, a Park-to-Park ticket allows you to bop between the different areas as you wish. These tickets may be more expensive, but they give you the most freedom to visit more than one park on the same day. The parks are close enough together that it is easy to walk or take the Hogwarts Express between the two, making a Park-to-Park ticket even more valuable.

If you visit for more than a couple of days or potentially twice in 12 months, consider a Universal annual pass .

Buying direct from Universal

Universal Orlando almost always has special offers on its website. Read the options carefully to see if any promotions make sense for you. You may get free park days, a discount on hotel and theme park ticket packages or other special offers.

Buying tickets from other vendors

You can also buy tickets from reputable vendors like Undercover Tourist . One of my favorite things about Undercover Tourist is that the website often still has older tickets available, so when prices increase, it will be cheaper to buy there rather on the official Universal website.

It's worth bookmarking the site to comparison shop. Purchases from Undercover Tourist code as travel, so we recommend using a travel credit card to earn extra points.

Related: The best credit cards to use for Universal Studios

Although you can't typically purchase stand-alone Universal tickets at Costco, Costco Travel does sell Universal vacation packages, which often include tickets and on-site hotel nights. Check out pricing for your dates to see if it represents a better deal versus booking through other methods.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT UNIVERSAL VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S THEME PARK BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Using points to buy Universal tickets

You can use Citi ThankYou Rewards or Bilt Rewards to purchase admission to Universal Orlando . You may also be able to find and book some Universal Orlando hotel rooms through these platforms for additional savings.

What are the parks at Universal Orlando?

Universal Orlando offers so many activities that it could easily keep your family occupied for several days. There are two theme parks, a water park and an entertainment, dining and shopping complex.

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk are all situated around a small lake. If you'd like to visit Universal's Volcano Bay, you should catch the bus from the parking garage since it's a bit of a walk from the rest of the park.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida has eight sections. You'll enter through an impressive arch, and if you keep walking straight, you'll find yourself in Minion Land. There, you can enjoy attractions such as Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Villain-Con Minion Blast. You'll find some of the park's most thrilling rides in the nearby New York section, like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Transformers: The Ride-3D and Revenge of the Mummy.

Related: These are the 10 best rides at Universal Orlando

If you instead take a right after you enter the park, you can explore the Hollywood Character Zone, where you'll find Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, the Bourne Stuntacular and several character meet-and-greet spots.

It's not a bad idea to save most of the attractions in this area of the park for the hotter parts of the day. Minion Mayhem, the Bourne Stuntacular and the Horror Make-Up Show are all blissfully air-conditioned; most of the aforementioned rides are either completely indoors or have indoor queue areas.

If you have little kids, consider taking that right at the entrance and walking through Hollywood. This route will take you to DreamWorks Land . From there, you can watch one of Universal's longest-running shows, Animal Actors on Location! or enjoy Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons.

If your children are older, bypass those kid-centric areas and make Men in Black Alien Attack in World Expo your first ride of the day. If you go to Men in Black in the morning, you are perfectly positioned to enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley. You can start queuing for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts before the line gets too long.

While there, explore Knockturn Alley, see a few shows or grab a meal at the Leaky Cauldron, where breakfast comes with a free butterbeer. You can also get unique ice cream treats at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour and perform magic spells with interactive wands available for purchase.

If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, you can take the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station (next to Leicester Square) to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. If you have a one-park ticket, you won't be able to ride the Hogwarts Express and will have to instead continue your exploration of Universal Studios.

In the evening, don't miss Universal Studios Florida's nighttime extravaganza, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at the lagoon. The show combines music, drones, fireworks and projections to depict scenes from some of your favorite films.

Islands of Adventure

The second Universal theme park is Islands of Adventure. Your best bet is to arrive before the gates open. (If you are staying at one of Universal's on-site hotels, you can get into one of Universal's parks up to one hour before official opening.) Then, quickly walk to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure before the line gets too long. It's one of Universal's most popular rides and wait times often clock in at 90 and 120 minutes during peak hours.

If you are a thrill seeker, head for Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Both Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure are at the opposite end of the park from the entry gates, so it will be a walk. However, getting to enjoy the park's most popular rides without the crushing crowds is worth it.

If roller coasters aren't your thing (and you're not prone to motion sickness), get in line instead for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This attraction lets you ride a broomstick through familiar film scenes; if you're prone to motion sickness, it's still worth walking through this ride's queue just to see the inside of the castle. Simply let a team member know you want to tour the castle and don't plan to ride.

While there, explore Hogsmeade itself and see shows like the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally, and practice more spells with your interactive wand. Grab a butterbeer (or another specialty brew) at Hog's Head Inn and then continue on to the other lands of Islands of Adventure.

After you walk through Jurassic Park's iconic gates, you'll find the Camp Jurassic play areas, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure as well as the Raptor Encounter, where you can meet a "real" dinosaur.

Next up, you can ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong before hitting Toon Lagoon, where your kids can cool off in some sprinklers. Alternatively, the family can ride Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls flume (warning: you will get very wet).

As you dry off from that heart-pounding experience, head to Marvel Super Hero Island. There, you can meet Marvel characters and ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster (it's an intense one).

If you have young kids, don't skip over Seuss Landing. This bright, cheery land has rides like Caro-Seuss-el, The Cat in the Hat and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. There's also a Seuss character zone and plenty of other rides and attractions specifically designed for the little ones.

Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is Universal's water park. Though this park occasionally closes because of things like chilly weather or lightning storms, it is open year-round. Volcano Bay has everything you'd expect of an exceptional water park, like a large beach with a wave pool, a water coaster, a lazy river and a kids' play area.

There are also some incredible waterslides and drops, including the Ko'okiri Body Plunge. It features a 70-degree fall and 125 feet of what Universal calls "white-knuckle fun."

Thrillseekers will also love the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which lets you glide through a waterfall, as well as the TeAwa The Fearless River, a whitewater ride that churns through rapids and waves.

As if two theme parks and a massive water park weren't enough, Universal also has CityWalk.

This complex of restaurants, shops and clubs is open during the day, but it really heats up at night (as a bonus, there's free self-parking after 6 p.m.). You don't need tickets to enter, but you can buy tickets for shows at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Related: Surprising things you can do at Universal Orlando without a park ticket

Kick the night off at restaurants such as Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom and Pat O'Brien's; they often have live (and recorded) music going. There's also Universal's Great Movie Escape escape room experience, a movie theater (free parking is included with the purchase of two movie matinee tickets), miniature golf, the Red Coconut Club dance floor and City Walk's Rising Star karaoke club.

There are plenty of spots to dine at CityWalk, too. You can feast upon pizza, hot dogs, Voodoo Doughnuts and Panda Express Chinese food. Otherwise, you could have a more substantial meal at restaurants like The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Bigfire, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and more.

You can also find Universal's boat shuttles (which can take you back to the hotels) at CityWalk. So, it's not a bad idea to spend the day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure then end the day shopping and eating in the area before taking a boat back to your room.

And another park on the way ...

Universal Orlando is currently building a third theme park, which will open in 2025. Dubbed Epic Universe , the new park will house franchises like Fantastic Beasts, a Harry Potter spin-off; Super Nintendo World; and Universal Classic Monsters. Epic Universe will be on a massive 750-acre tract of land not far from the two existing theme parks.

Best times to visit Universal Orlando

The date for your visit to Universal Orlando may not be entirely up to you.

If you're traveling with school-age children, you will probably have to come to Orlando during long weekends or spring or summer breaks — this is when Universal is at its busiest. That's not the end of the world, though, since there are ways to reduce the amount of time you spend in lines (more on that in a minute).

You can check expected crowd levels at crowd calendars like Undercover Tourist, Touringplans or Orlando Informer .

Historically, Universal Orlando Resort's slowest times are between Labor Day through the first two weeks of November (before Thanksgiving) and the first two weeks of December (before the holiday rush). Note, though, that if you visit close to Halloween, it will be busier because of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights .

Most of January, except for the first week, is also relatively quiet, as is the first week of February. However, it quickly gets busy with spring breakers the closer you get to March. Crowds thin out a bit after Easter and through May, then ramp up again for the summertime.

June, July and August are always busy — always. As an added bonus, it's extremely hot and prone to afternoon thunderstorms.

What's the best way to get to Universal Orlando?

Getting to Orlando and then to Universal Orlando Resort after arriving are two completely different things. Let's look at each.

What is the closest airport to Universal Orlando?

The closest airport to Universal Orlando is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most major airlines fly into MCO, and you can reach Universal from the airport in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are flying Allegiant Air or Sun Country Airlines, you'll fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is smaller than MCO and is farther from Universal. From SFB, it is about a 45-minute drive to Universal.

What is the best way to get to Universal Orlando from the airport?

Because of its size and proximity to Universal, MCO offers several options for getting between the airport and Universal.

From Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. If you rent a car from MCO, you can forgo paying tolls through the car rental company (which often comes with an additional fee) and pick up a Visitor Toll Pass to save on tolls during your trip.

If you do rent a car, keep in mind that Universal's on-site hotels do charge a parking fee; you'll have to pay for parking if you choose to drive to Universal's theme parks, too. With Universal's transportation options, though, there is really no reason to drive between the parks if you stay on-site.

Your other option is the Universal SuperStar Shuttle. The shuttle can pick you up from MCO and drop you off at your Universal hotel. One-way service is $23 for adults and $18 for kids ages 3 to 9. Round-trip service is $39 for adults and $29 for kids. Advance reservations are required by calling 1-866-604-7557.

What is the best way to get around Universal Orlando?

If you are staying at one of Universal's on-site hotels, you have several complimentary options for getting between your resort, Univeral's parks and CityWalk.

Shuttle bus

Because Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk are close to one another, there is only one bus stop regardless of where you are going. A separate shuttle will take you to Volcano Bay unless you stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura Hotel. These hotels are close enough to Volcano Bay that guests must use the walking path.

All of Universal's Premier hotels and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offer water taxi service to City Walk. In addition to easy access to the parks, you go through security before you board the water taxi, so you'll get into the parks without waiting in a long security line.

Drive and park

If you're not staying in an official Universal hotel, you must drive to the area and park in Universal's main parking structure (6000 Universal Boulevard), which is connected to CityWalk. After you park and go through security, you can walk to CityWalk or either of Universal's theme parks. If you plan to visit Volcano Bay, you'll be directed to a shuttle bus that can take you directly there.

Daily parking fees are as follows:

• Regular parking: $32
• RV/bus parking: $42
• Prime parking: $50-$60

Valet parking is available for an additional fee. Free self parking is available for guests who arrive after 6 p.m.

Garden walk

If you don't mind a few hundred extra steps, you can take a peaceful walking path from the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel and Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

There is a separate security entrance at the end of the walking path that usually has a much shorter wait than the main security station in the parking garage. If you are staying at one of these hotels and want to arrive for early park admission, the walking path is often the best way to get there quickly and be near the front gates before they open.

What's the best place to stay on a Universal Orlando vacation?

Once you've ironed out when you plan to visit Universal, you'll want to determine where to stay. Between Universal's on-site hotels and a handful of nearby points hotels, you have a ton of options. There are so many choices that TPG wrote an entire guide to choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip .

We'll recap the high points below.

Benefits of Universal hotels

If you only have a few days to explore Universal and don't mind the cost, an on-site property may be your best bet. That's because guests of all Universal hotels receive early entry into the parks for specific attractions.

The parks that open for early admission vary by day, and only certain attractions are available. However, they tend to be the popular rides, with lines that grow once the gates open to regular parkgoers. There's a helpful page on the Universal site to determine what's available to on-site hotel guests. With some rides in each of the two parks available, that should also help spread out the crowds.

It's a nice freebie, and it's the best strategy if you have your heart set on riding Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure without spending hours in line. Currently, this ride does not participate in Universal's Express Pass skip-the-line program.

If you stay in one of Universal's on-site hotels, you can also use the park's complimentary transportation options described above to get between CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and your hotel.

The downside of staying at a Universal hotel is the price. Rates at Universal's Value, Prime Value or Preferred hotels align with other area hotels, but if you want to stay in one of Universal's high-end Premier hotels, you'll pay considerably more. However, you'll also get complimentary Universal Express skip-the-line passes for guests in your room. We'll explain that in more detail below, but it's a huge timesaver and may be worth the extra per-night cost of staying on-site.

Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , you can maximize your stay at Loews Portofino Bay and book via the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program . This will not only get you Express Passes for all the guests in your party but also a full daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, late 4 p.m. checkout and more.

Staying off-site

Universal is surrounded by plenty of points hotels, so if you'd prefer to stay off-site — on points or cash — you can easily do so. Some of TPG's favorite nearby points hotels are within walking distance of Universal.

Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando

Here are a few points hotels within walking distance of Universal:

• Hyatt Place Across From Universal Orlando Resort (Category 2, from 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night)
• Hyatt House Across From Universal Orlando Resort (Category 3, from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (around 36,0000 Hilton Honors points per night)

And some great points hotels that are just a short drive away:

• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort (Category 4, from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (from 46,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates)
• JW Marriott Grande Lakes (from 67,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates)
• Hilton Orlando (from 56,000 Hilton Honors points per night)
• Hyatt Regency Orlando (Category 4, From 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando (from 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night)

How to save time in line at Universal Orlando

Like many other theme parks, Universal has its own version of skip-the-line-pass called Universal Express. There are a few ways you can get Universal Express passes.

Related: Is Universal's Express Pass worth it? TPG tested how much time it really saves you in line

As mentioned above, the best way is to include it in your stay. Guests staying at any of the three top-of-the-line Universal Premier hotels — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort — get Universal Express Unlimited for free as registered guests.

This is huge because the starting cost, if purchased separately, ranges from $89.99 to $289.99 per person, per day. Getting Universal Express Unlimited with your room rate is a better deal for a family of four than buying it outright.

Another option is to simply buy an Express Pass when you need it. How much you pay depends on the type of pass you buy and when you visit Universal, as passes cost more when crowd levels are high.

Here are the three types of Express Passes you can buy:

Universal Express: This is the base version of the skip-the-line pass. It allows you to skip the regular line one time per participating ride at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Prices start at $89.99 per person per day for one park and increase from there — sometimes as high as $289.99 per day.

Universal Express Unlimited: The unlimited pass lets you skip the regular lines at participating rides as many times as you wish at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Passes for that privilege start at $119.99 per person per day. Pricing for the unlimited passes seems to be running about $30 more per day than the normal express passes, which may make them the better value if it's within your budget.

Volcano Bay Express: This pass is solely for use at Volcano Bay water park , allowing you to skip the regular line once per participating ride. The pass starts at $19.99 per person per day, but you won't find that rate very often. With Volcano Bay's Tapu Tapu system, which lets you tap into each attraction and get a return time, you can usually get by even without Express.

Participating rides and attractions are subject to change, so it's best to consult Universal Orlando's website before your visit.

Just about every ride is included in the Universal Express, except Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Hagrid's is an incredible attraction that has seen some incredible wait times since opening. Unless you purchase a VIP tour, expect to spend a significant amount of time waiting in line for rides — like Hagrid's — that aren't included in Universal Express.

Take a VIP tour

Another way to avoid the lines is to take a VIP tour. Universal offers both small group and private VIP tours, and both options can help you cut the line.

Summer Hull, a director at TPG, took her family on a private VIP experience at Universal . It included walk-on ride access during the tour, Express Passes and dining credit after the official tour.

A private tour will cost a few thousand dollars for the day for your group, but small-group VIP experiences can be much less expensive, starting at around $200 per person.

The primary difference between the two tours is the amount of access. The group tours are less private but only guarantee that you'll experience front-of-the-line access for eight to 10 rides. A private VIP tour is charged by the hour and operates faster or slower as you prefer.

Whether you purchase an Express Pass or take a VIP tour will likely be determined by how crowded the park is during your visit and your budget.

If it's offseason, you can get away without a skip-the-line pass. But if you're visiting during a holiday week or school vacation, be prepared for long lines without a pass. Having an Express Pass will allow you to ride more attractions in less time on those dates.

Universal's child-swap policy

If you travel as a family, you know that not everyone will want to go on every ride. And some of your kids may not yet be old or tall enough to ride some attractions your other kids are dying to try.

Universal's child-swap program solves the problem of the entire family having to choose between experiencing a ride and not.

In fact, Universal's child swap is the best in the business as there are (air-conditioned) waiting areas in some key attractions. Most even have televisions showing whichever movie the attraction is based on.

Related: More than just thrills: There's big fun for little kids at Universal Orlando

This allows one member of your party to watch over small children while the rest of the gang waits in line and rides. Then, you can swap places so the other members can enjoy the ride without another long wait. Just ask the attraction attendant to point you toward the designated waiting spots.

How to plan a Universal Orlando trip on a budget

All the extras like Universal Express and staying at a top-tier hotel are fun, but if they aren't in your budget, there are ways to save money on your visit to Universal Orlando. Here are some of the most important things you can do to make your Universal vacation budget manageable:

• Stay at a Universal Value resort like Universal's Endless Summer Dockside or Surfside resorts, or use hotel reward points to stay at one of the Hilton or Hyatt hotels mentioned above. Here are the best cards to earn Hilton points and the best cards to earn Hyatt points .
• Purchase groceries for meals and snacks, and only buy one or two meals in the parks daily.
• Don't visit the parks every day you are at Universal and stick to one park per day. You'll save money by skipping a Park-to-Park ticket.
• During your day off from the parks, swim at your hotel or visit CityWalk. If you stay at a resort like Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you'll have a lazy river and waterslide at the pool, making it almost like a water park.
• Don't forget to periodically check Universal's website for discounts. Even after you book, you may be able to apply a hotel or vacation package discount that can save you even more money.
• Visit during less busy times of the year. Ticket prices are the cheapest in September, with one-day tickets starting at $119.

Universal Orlando pretrip checklist

Now that you've determined your budget, purchased your tickets, booked your hotel and made a rough itinerary, your trip is nearly planned. You'll need to consider a few other details to make your trip as memorable as possible. Here's our ultimate Universal Orlando pretrip checklist:

• Pack accordingly : Depending on when you visit, you could be dealing with heat, humidity, afternoon showers, chilly temperatures or a mix of all of the above. It's important to pack comfortable shoes and clothing no matter when you visit, but you may also want rain gear, sun protection or a warm jacket, depending on the weather.
• Download the Universal Orlando app : This app is an invaluable tool that you will use daily during your visit. You can use it to check wait times and show times; plus, you can mobile-order meals and snacks from quick-service dining locations. You can also link your ticket to the app. Or, if you save a credit card to your account, you can use the app's Universal Pay feature to make contactless payments at shops and restaurants throughout the park.
• Check the park hours before your visit : You can view the park hours on the Universal Orlando website or the Universal Orlando app. Each park has separate opening and closing times, and parks occasionally close early for special events like Halloween Horror Nights.
• Check the height requirements for attractions: If you are traveling to Universal Orlando with young children, you can check the height requirements for attractions on the park's website or app. There are also measuring stations at all attractions with a minimum height requirement, but it's better to know ahead of time to avoid tears if your child isn't quite tall enough.
• Know where to find your favorite characters : Most characters have designated meeting times and locations, which you can find in the Universal app under "shows." You should see a filter for "character" that will bring up shows and meet-and-greets with your favorite characters.
• Decide if you want to purchase a My Universal Photos package. In addition to on-ride photos, professional photographers are available around Universal's theme parks to help you capture your vacation memories. You can purchase one-day or three-day photo packages and save $20 by purchasing ahead of time. If you think you will want this option, it's best to purchase it before your vacation.
• Plan for downtime: One of the biggest mistakes people make on a theme park vacation is overscheduling their trip and leaving no time for rest and relaxation. If you are visiting for more than a few days, try and schedule a day away from the parks where you swim, explore the other resorts or just lounge around the hotel. It'll help rejuvenate you for the rest of your trip. For shorter trips, you may want to schedule a slow morning or return to your hotel early one day instead of being at the parks from opening to closing every day of your trip.

The best credit cards to use at Universal

Now we get to a hot topic for points-and-miles travelers planning a trip to Universal Orlando. Which credit card should you use? The answer is, "It depends."

Related: Best credit cards to use for Universal Studios

For example, how and where you purchase your theme park tickets will dictate how the charge will be coded. Historically speaking, Universal theme park tickets and VIP tours purchased directly from Universal code as "entertainment." However, tickets purchased from a third-party seller like Undercover Tourist or at an on-site Universal hotel (make sure to charge to the hotel) code as "travel." Depending on how you purchase your ticket, you'll want to select either a card that rewards you for entertainment spend or travel purchases.

If you think your purchase will code as entertainment, two good credit card options are:

• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — 4% cash back
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card — 3% cash back

If, however, you know your charge will code as travel, you're better off using:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® — 3 points per dollar spent
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — 2 points per dollar spent
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card — 2 points per every dollar spent

The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Universal is packed with rides, attractions, character meet-and-greets and more. Yet it's compact enough for you to cover a lot of ground in just a few days. With this guide, you can choose where to stay and what to do, as well as where to spend and where you can save. This way, you can have the best Universal Orlando vacation.

Related reading:

• 'Let the good times roll' – Mardi Gras isn't over at this Central Florida theme park
• Best restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort
• Sleek and modern, yet affordable: A review of Universal's Aventura Hotel
• Is Universal's Express Pass worth it? TPG tested how much time it really saves you in line
• Universal's new credit cards reward you with free theme park tickets and more