Are you planning an Orlando vacation? I have some tips to share that will help you get more bang for your buck when visiting the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks – two of my favorite places to visit in Florida.
Jam packed with fun, there is a whole lot to see and do at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. If you are planning a visit to one or both parks, you’ll want to use some or all of these tips to get the most out of your visit to Universal Orlando Theme Parks.
During my recent Universal Orlando media visit, I learned some insider tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your visit to Universal Orlando theme parks and bypass some of the mayhem.
Arrive early. Beat the crowds and be at the gates before they open at 9 a.m. Plan to visit your favorite attractions first. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll want to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first thing to avoid the largest crowds. It gets very crowded as the day goes on.
Guests who stay on-site at one of the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels have the added perk of early park access to Universal Studios. Have access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter a whole hour before everyone else!
Get a Universal Express Pass. Who likes to wait in line? I have great news… you don’t have to! For an extra fee you can purchase a single park or 2-park Express Pass. With this pass you will maximize your fun and get through the line faster on your favorite participating rides and attractions.
If you are staying at a Universal Orlando Deluxe Resort, you get your Express Passes for FREE. That’s a nice perk!
Single Rider Option. Don’t mind sitting with strangers? If you are 10 years or older, you have the option of grabbing a quicker spot as a single rider. Most people ride in groups of two or more, so if there is an extra spot available the attendants will ask for a single rider and youll get to skip ahead in the line.
Purchase a VIP Tour. You don’t have to be a celebrity toget the VIP treatment at Universal Orlando. With the VIP Experience, you’ll be personally escorted by a Universal Orlando expert on a guided tour throughout Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or both theme parks where you’ll get exclusive backstage access, learn fun insider information, and enjoy the parks’ most amazing rides and attractions – all without waiting in line! I have been on this tour twice and can say that it’s well worth it. Learn more about the Universal VIP Tour.
Want to purchase souvenirs and still go on rides? Both theme parks offer package pickup at the front gate. This means that you no longer need to carry any souvenirs or merchandise you pick up along the way. Also, if you are staying at one of the on-site Universal Resort Hotels you get an added perk of free package deliver to your hotel room! How awesome is that?!
Take advantage of the Child Swap Waiting Areas. You don’t have to leave your little Minions at home when visiting Universal Orlando theme parks. Both parks are very baby friendly. Both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure have a child swap waiting room available for their rides. If you have kids in your party who are too young to ride, Mom and Dad can take turns riding alone or with the other kids while the other parent waits in the child swap waiting room with the little Minions. You don’t have to get back in line! I am loving this family-friendly option!
As with any family vacation or outing, a little pre-planning goes a long way. I hope these tips and tricks will help you and your family get the most out of your visit to Universal Orlando theme parks.
If you aren’t sure where to stay, be sure to check out my review of Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.
vanessa: briteandbubbly says
March 28, 2015 at 11:53 AMI can’t wait to go back to Orlando and go to Universal as well. I was so bummed I didn’t got last month. These are also great tips.
Alesha @ Full Time Mama says
March 28, 2015 at 6:54 PMOh it looks like such a blast! We hope to go someday; I’ll keep these tips in mind!
[email protected] says
March 29, 2015 at 1:20 PMI love the idea of the Child Swap waiting room. Such a family friendly service.
Angela says
March 29, 2015 at 8:33 PMI was there years ago but so much has changed. What great tips, this is a great post and it looks like so much fun!!
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
March 29, 2015 at 8:44 PMThese are amazing tips! I have been wanting to visit Universal theme parks for years now!
Debbie Denny says
March 29, 2015 at 9:47 PMI really look forward to going back. So much fun.
Rosey says
March 29, 2015 at 11:40 PMMy daughter’s been skipped ahead as a single rider when I had to stay w/her brother who was too small to ride. She was loving it. 🙂
Chrysa says
March 29, 2015 at 11:58 PMThese are all great tips. I think the idea of the Child Swap at Universal is genius!
aimee fauci says
March 30, 2015 at 3:38 PMWe stayed at Loews and love it. It was so beautiful and made it so easy to get to the parks.
Lady Lilith says
March 30, 2015 at 4:50 PMI have not visited Universal. These tips are really helpful. Thanks in advanced.
Liz Mays says
March 30, 2015 at 5:30 PMI’ve been to the Wizarding world a couple times. I went once with my daughter and she was naming things left and right. It really made me want to read the books.
Jeanine says
March 30, 2015 at 7:54 PMI’ve never been to Universal. Have wanted to probably my whole life. What a great time it looks like. So amazing!
Amber NElson says
March 30, 2015 at 8:03 PMHow fun! We would love to go here as a family one day.
Brandy says
March 30, 2015 at 8:05 PMThanks for all of the great ideas on making the most of a trip to Orlando, I have yet to take my kids there but do hope I can within the next couple of years. I think it would be a great family trip! Just have to get creative in how to keep my autistic son from getting too over stimulated or such so we all can fully enjoy the trip!
Heather says
March 30, 2015 at 8:28 PMWe love it there. I can’t justify spending the extra for the express tickets though.
Pam says
March 30, 2015 at 8:52 PMI have been wanting to go to Universal with the family. It seems like so much fun.
Dawn says
March 30, 2015 at 10:22 PMMy daughter loves roller coasters! I bet she would love that green one!
celebbabylaundry says
March 30, 2015 at 10:34 PMI love universal orlando, I used to go every year; I so miss it!
Veronica says
March 31, 2015 at 12:49 AMI would love to go! But at this stage of my life and career, I need relaxing vacations that require zero walking and more massaging. Lol.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
March 31, 2015 at 6:42 AMI love the kid swap option. That really does make it friendly for families with young children.
Paula Schuck says
March 31, 2015 at 1:18 PMSounds and looks like such a great time! I’d love to try a VIP pass, that sounds so cool! Also the kid swap option is genius
ourfamilyworld says
March 31, 2015 at 2:10 PMThose are amazing tips on how to get the most out of it. I did not know about single passes. Good to know
Shannon Gurnee says
March 31, 2015 at 7:47 PMUniversal Studios Orlando sounds like an amazing place to take the family! Love the pictures you took! I wanna go on the Despicable Me ride!
toughcookiemommy says
March 31, 2015 at 8:56 PMI can’t wait to take my family to Universal Studios. This will help me plan our trip.
Donna Ward says
March 31, 2015 at 9:26 PMWow – I’ve never seen the hotels – they are fantastic looking – making me want to go and enjoy Universal Studios in Orlando more that I ever did! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Aisha Kristine Chong says
April 1, 2015 at 12:33 AMI definitely would love to go there next time – it looks awesome and so much fun – double the fun!
Lisa Rios says
April 1, 2015 at 2:00 AMLooks awesome! The pictures are absolutely fabulous as well. I have been to Universal Orlando during my last vacation with family, a great place to have lots of fun. After reading your post, I wish I get a chance again to visit this place. Thanks a lot for sharing great tips and tricks.
Melissa Smith says
April 2, 2015 at 6:45 AMThis is great because we’re really looking forward to planning a family vacation this year. & of course, Florida theme parks are at the top of everyone’s list!
Mel Yerian says
February 9, 2018 at 7:18 PMThank you for the post! Especially for the advice on how to avoid long lines as this is something that is sometimes ruining the whole holiday experience!
Lanie Flanner says
February 17, 2018 at 4:05 PMI wasn’t aware of the Single Rider option. Will definitely try it the next time around for my son who always wants to ride things I’m even afraid to look at.