8 Tips For an EPIC Universal Orlando Vacation

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A Universal Orlando Resort vacation is always a good idea, but there is also a lot to keep track of. To help cut back on the stress and amp up the fun, here are my top tips for an epic Universal vacation. 

1. Download the FREE Official Universal Orlando Resort app

This will help you navigate all three theme parks, check attraction wait times, parade show times and dining availability. It’s really a lifesaver in park!

2. Know before you go

Check out the online Vacation Planner. You can completely customize your vacation and access, videos, travel tips, sample itineraries, vacation packages and more.

3. Get Park-to-Park Tickets

The best way to experience all the excitement is with a multi-day, park-to-park ticket. The more days you add, the more you save. A park to park ticket is the only way you can ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley. It’s also nice to have the flexibility to leave one park and go to another anytime.

4. Go Against The Flow

If you arrive early to the parks, start in the back and work your way to the front to avoid the morning rush of guests at attractions closest to the turnstiles.

5. Stay On-Site

When you stay at one of the on-site hotels you’ll be within minutes of the parks. Universal Orlando resort has eight hotels for every price point. Plus, you’ll get special exclusive benefits including early-park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens, poolside movies and more. 

All of the resorts are a quick boat or bus ride away, and it’s great to take a mid-day pool break — especially in the summer!

6. Skip The Regular Lines with Express Pass

If you add Universal Express to your ticket, you can bypass regular lines at participating rides and attractions in both theme parks. And if you stay on-site at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort or Hard Rock Hotel, you’ll receive complimentary Universal Express access for the duration of your stay.

7. Start early at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If you are a Harry Potter fan, visit the park when it opens and head to either The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley (at Universal Studios) or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade (at Universal’s Islands of Adventure) first.

The lines get longer as the day goes on. Once you have had a chance to experience one of the lands, you can then journey to the other on the Hogwarts Express (with park-to-park admission).

8. Use Child Swap

If your kids are too small to go on a particular ride you want to experience, take advantage of the “child swap” program. Each ride and attraction has a Child Swap area where one member of your party can wait with the kids while the rest of your party rides. Once you’re off the ride, swap places and whoever stayed with the kids hops to the front of the line.

What are some your top tips for Universal Orlando Resort?