Our Top 10 Tips when Visiting Universal Orlando Resort
Living just a few hours away, Universal Orlando Resort is one of our favorite Vacation/Staycation locations. We are Annual Pass Holders, so with a few trips under our belt, we have certainly learned some tips and tricks. So whether you live nearby and are looking to become AP holders or are planning the vacation of a lifetime, here are our Top 10 Tips you need to know when visiting Universal Orlando Resort.
1. Stay on Site
With Early Admission, Free Transport to the Park, and Priority Entry when at Capacity, there are plenty of reasons to stay on site. However, our favorite perks comes with the Premier Hotels. If you stay at a Premier Hotel, you get complimentary Express Passes for everyone in your room the ENTIRE length of your stay. This alone could be worth thousands, so if you are able to swing for the more expensive hotel, DO IT!
2. Mornings & Later in the Evening Have Shorter Lines
This probably comes as no surprise to you, but early mornings and after 6 or so have much shorter lines than during the day. Many assume it may die down during lunch time, but that just isn’t the case. Our suggestion is hit up the Early Admission (if you have it) or be there when the park opens. Stay for a few hours then head back to the hotel for lunch, a dip in the pool, or a nap. Come back after dinner time, and you will probably ride more ride than those that stayed all day.
3. Always Go To Hagrid’s FIRST
I repeat, ALWAYS go to Hagrid’s first! Yes, I know, I know that Hagrid’s is always virtual line only. However, if you have Early Admission (or if you are right at the rope as soon as they drop it), you can get into the Hagrid’s line before they switch to Virtual Line only. We have done this at every trip. Even if you can’t get there first and have to keep trying for a Virtual Line, don’t give up because this ride is WORTH IT!
4. Utilize Child Swap
If you have a child or children with you that don’t meet the height requirement of the ride, utilize “Child Swap”. This allows one adult to wait with the younger ones while everyone else rides and then go through the exit or Express Pass Lane instead of waiting through the entire line again. Each ride does it a little different, so just ask the Team Member at the entrance what you need to do.
5. Bring Plenty of Snacks & Drinks
With a long day at the park, everyone is going to need sustenance, but food and drink can be sooooo expensive. You are allowed to bring snacks and drinks into the park (check the website for the rules), so utilize that and keep goldfish, pretzels, bars, juice, water, etc with you.
6. Pick up a Freestyle Cup and Souvenir Popcorn
On your first day, pick up a Freestyle Cup and Souvenir Popcorn. You can get free refills on your Freestyle cup (including sodas, lemonade, teas, Vitamin Water, Powerade, and even Icees) ALL DAY LONG. The next day, you simply pay $10 to reactivate it. We have two for our family of 5, and it saves us so much money. The Souvenir Popcorn works similarly. You get popcorn refills for $2 for the life of the bucket. Talk about a cheap snack!
7. Ride Hogwarts Express BOTH ways
Make sure you ride the Hogwarts Express from both Kings Cross and Hogsmeade. It is an entirely different ride both ways, so if you love the movies, you don’t want to miss it.
8. Utilize Walkway when At Capacity
When the park is at capacity, they will sometimes open a walkway between the parks so that you do not have to exit entirely if you have a park-to-park pass. It is located between the Universal Store and Minions in Universal Studios and to the left of One Fish, Two Fish in Islands of Adventure.
9. Don’t Miss the Fireworks and Water Show
We have been to Universal so many times before we realized there is a water and fireworks show at the end of the night in Universal Studios. It starts at 10pm, and you definitely want to be in the park for the best views.
10. Be Nice to the Team Members!
This goes without saying, but please be nice! The team members undoubtedly have to deal with many angry guests throughout the day, and your kindness goes a long way. I am not saying you should expect something from them, but we have been treated to a few sweet gestures simply because we were patient and kind.