Quick question-Universal Studios
 

Hoping to go to Universal Studios Florida, in July or August (I know, I know, it will be hot!!). HOw many days is good to see/do all? Also, if not going to Disney/Magic Kingdom this visit, what else is there to see and do in Orlando with an 11 year old, who is obsessed with Harry Potter.

Thank you.

I would recommend at least three days, especially since your 11 year old is obsessed with Harry Potter.

We have stayed five days at Universal and never ran out of things to do. The on site hotels are very nice offer express access to the attractions. It's great to be able to walk to the parks from the hotel or take a water taxi.

To get the full effect, you need 2 full days at Universal unless you plan to visit the water park, in which case you need 3. But the crucial thing is to buy the park-to-park option on the tickets, which is required to ride the Hogwarts Express. Right now, they are offering some deals online through June 12. If you stay at one of the deluxe resorts on-site, you get early entry into the Harry Potter sections and the express-pass option, which is very expensive. But you don't get all those benefits with the cheaper hotels, so definitely read the fine print before booking. July is considered prime season, but you can get some deals if you wait until August.

Thanks everyone.

Do you buy the tickets through the Universal website, or can you get them cheaper elsewhere (like Expedia or Undercover Tourist)?

Sometimes you can get a package deal that includes hotel and park tickets. We did that through Universal vacations.

Go to Mousesavers.com for excellent links to discounts and tips for Universal (and other Florida sites; they aren't just disney!). You might consider making reservations for lunch at one of the sit-down (air conditioned) restaurants within the park (planning your day and location), which we have found to be very similar in price compared to the walk-up on-the- go stalls, but a welcome break from the crowds and heat, and a good way to recharge for the rest of the day.

We stayed at Universal's Cabana Bay Resort with our 10 year old grand daughter. It has a shuttle bus every few minutes to Universal Studies and early entry. The best part of the hotel is the lazy river, which was cooling and relaxing after a long day at Harry Potter World.

Cabana Bay doesn't offer the express access that the other on site hotels do.