0203 950 7371Whether you’re combining your Universal Studios Orlando trip with a visit to Walt Disney World Florida, dropping in during a driving tour or grabbing a family day on the way to another holiday destination, we can help you make the most of your time at one of the most popular US theme park resorts.
Tip 1: Express Yourself (and the Kids)
We don’t recommend paying more for tickets unless it’s truly worth the investment, but in the case of Universal Studios express passes, those extra pounds make the difference between spending all day waiting in line and enjoying more of the major attractions during your trip. If you stay at certain on-site hotels, express passes are provided for FREE. Speak to our travel experts about booking in at one of these top hotels or adding express passes to your package holiday.
Tip 2: Download the App
The free Universal Orlando Resort app gives you access to lots of handy tools, including park maps, current ride wait times, show schedules and dining options. You can even buy tickets for shows or rides from the app and save a ton of time.
Tip 3: Get to Know the Three Universal Studios Theme Parks
Did you know that Universal Orlando Resort consists of three distinct theme parks, each with its own unique rides and attractions? Make sure you’re aware what each of the three parks offers before deciding where to go first and how to spend your precious time in Orlando.
The Three Universal Studios Theme Parks in Orlando Are…
- Universal Studios Florida — The main park, with The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure — Known for its thrill rides, with seven individually themed islands. Main attractions include Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade and The Incredible Hulk
- Universal’s Volcano Bay — The water park, with slides, rides and a sandy beach. Check the weather to plan which day is best to visit Volcano Bay
Tip 4: Snag Early Admission and Extra Perks by Staying On Site
Staying on site at the park allows you to get early access to Universal Studios before any other theme park goers — a whole hour earlier. That’s enough time to head straight to your main attraction and ride the heck out of it before the queues start piling up. Other perks include the option to ride water taxis to the park gates rather than having to park, and free express passes for the family plus priority seating at select restaurants.
Tip 5: Use the On-Site Lockers
Universal Studios Orlando is known for its wild and crazy rides that fling you about for breathless, giddy fun. The last thing you want to do is take your super expensive smartphone, tablet, gadget or jewellery with you on the ride and find it’s flung into the atmosphere or a little worse for wear after the ride is over. For less than $20 a day, you can store absolutely everything in a roomy family locker and access it as many times as you need during your park visit.
Tip 6: Be a Lone Rider
If you’re happy to go it alone, you can skip a lot of queueing by jumping in the single rider line when you get close to the front. Riding next to your family or friends is overrated anyway, and this way, you can scream to your heart’s content and not have to put up with their teasing afterwards.
Tip 7: Save Your Data
It sounds obvious, but if you’re constantly Instagramming your Universal Studios experiences, you’re going to end up eating all your international roaming data in no time. Make sure to turn on WiFi and connect to the park’s network before downloading or uploading anything to your smartphone.
Tip 8: Harry Potter Fan? Plan Your Wizarding Experience Well
If you’re a Harry Potter fan like us, you probably can’t wait to delve into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and wander through Hogsmeade, sip a butterbeer or two and be sorted into the right house, but there are a few important things to note. The experience is split into two distinct locations, Diagon Alley — located in Universal Studios — and Hogsmeade — located in Islands of Adventure. Make sure to allow time to visit both if this is a big draw for your family and prepare to queue for both (hello, express passes). We recommend avoiding these areas in the early mornings unless you’re staying on site and able to enter the park an hour earlier than general admission guests. This is especially important if you’re visiting after June 13th and eager to check out the shiny new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, which is sure to draw an impressive crowd or two.
Tip 9: Planning for Younger Kids and Toddlers
If you’re travelling with toddlers, there’s a lot they can enjoy during your Universal Studios Orlando trip. Seuss Landing has multiple rides with lower height requirements, and there’s also Fievel’s Playground, Camp Jurassic and the Curious George Water area to check out. Of course, we can’t forget a day in the Park with Barney, a live show and the playground area.
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