Looking for Universal Orlando vacation tips for your first visit? Planning a Universal Orlando Resort vacation can feel overwhelming. With four theme parks, multiple hotels, different ticket options and plenty of extras to consider, there are a lot of decisions to make before you arrive.
The good news is that a little planning can make a big difference.
Whether your family wants to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, experience SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, ride some of Orlando’s biggest thrill rides or simply enjoy a fun family vacation, these Universal Orlando vacation tips can help you get started.
1. Start Your Universal Orlando Vacation With the Right Parks
Universal Orlando Resort now offers four very different park experiences: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe and Universal Volcano Bay. You can review the official Universal Orlando Resort website for current park information, hours and operational updates.
Each park offers something different, from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and major thrill rides to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and a full water theme park. Understanding which parks are most important to your family is one of the first steps in deciding how many days you’ll want at Universal Orlando.
2. Choose Your Tickets Carefully
Universal Orlando offers several ticket options, and choosing the right one depends on what your family wants to experience.
One especially important consideration is the Park-to-Park ticket. If riding the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure is on your must-do list, you’ll need admission that allows you to visit both parks on the same day.
3. Decide Whether Universal Express Is Worth It
Universal Express can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend waiting in regular attraction lines. There are different Express options, however, and availability and benefits can vary by park.
Whether Express is worthwhile can depend on your travel dates, the parks you’re visiting and where you’re staying.
4. Don’t Overlook the Benefits of Staying at a Universal Hotel
Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel can offer much more than simply being close to the parks. Benefits can include complimentary transportation and Early Park Admission, with participating parks, attractions and times varying.
Universal’s hotel lineup ranges from more budget-friendly properties to its Signature Collection, so there are options for many different vacation styles and budgets. Select Signature Collection hotels also include valuable Universal Express Unlimited benefits for participating attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
5. Universal Orlando Vacation Tips for Epic Universe
Epic Universe isn’t simply an addition you should squeeze into an already packed Universal Studios day. It’s a full theme park with several highly themed worlds, attractions, dining and entertainment.
Families interested in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic should account for Epic Universe when deciding how many days to spend at Universal Orlando.
6. Make Some Dining Plans Before You Arrive
Universal Orlando offers everything from quick-service meals to themed restaurants and more leisurely table-service experiences. You generally don’t have to plan every meal months in advance, but reservations can still be helpful for popular restaurants or meals that are particularly important to your family.
7. Bring a Small Bag for the Parks
Packing lightly can make your park days much easier. Some Universal attractions require guests to place bags and loose articles in lockers before riding. Because locker requirements and sizes can vary by attraction, carrying only what you really need can save time throughout the day.
8. Don’t Forget About Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is Universal Orlando’s dining, shopping and entertainment district and can be a great place to spend an evening after leaving the parks. Planning dinner or some downtime at CityWalk can be a nice way to extend your Universal day without adding another attraction-packed evening.
9. Download the Universal Orlando Resort App
Download the official Universal Orlando Resort app before your vacation rather than waiting until you’re standing inside the park. It can be useful for checking attraction information, navigating the resort, reviewing park information and accessing other tools during your trip.
10. Don’t Try to Plan Everything Yourself
Universal Orlando vacations have become more complex, particularly with the addition of Epic Universe. Choosing the right hotel, number of park days, ticket type and Express options can have a major impact on both your experience and your vacation budget.
That’s where Be My Guest Vacations can help. Our Universal Orlando travel advisors can help you compare your options and create a Universal Orlando vacation that fits your family instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all itinerary.
Ready to Start Planning Your Universal Orlando Vacation?
Our travel advisors can help you compare Universal Orlando hotels, ticket options, park days and Express Pass options to build a vacation that fits your family. Our vacation-planning services are provided at no additional cost when you book your vacation with us.
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