Tips on Universal Orlando
Dec 27th, 2015, 01:49 PM
#1
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Tips on Universal Orlando
Just finished three days at the most crowded week at Universal Orlando (Christmas week). Based on our experience, here are a few suggestions.
First, the place is really crowded, but the people were festive and friendly. But you are best advised to come when it is least crowded, namely 8 AM in the morning and after 6 PM at night.
Second, you really can't park near the park so be prepared to pay $20 for an all day pass. The good news is that once you park, you can leave and return. The bad news is that you have to walk like a quarter mile to just get to the park entrance. Just the first step in a day of a lot of walking. Now, the other big hint is that if you park after 6 PM, the price drops to $5 so if you want, go sightseeing or rest during the day and then return.
This fact reveals an important strategy. Stay at a place near Universal. Get up early and plan to go from 8 - early afternoon. Leave to rest at your hotel or do other things. Return at 5 or 6 PM. Plan to stay until 10-11 PM (Saturday). Start at Islands of Adventure which is a bit less crowded to do the rides (like Jurassic World). Ride until 7:30 PM and take the train at Hogsmeade to Universal Studios. Watch the 8 PM parade at Mel's Diner and you will see it going both ways. After the parade, the crowd thins considerably and you can try the 15-30 minute wait rides. Watch the 9:45 PM cinema event at the lagoon. After 10 PM, you should be able to take even the most popular rides without long waits.
There is free wifi and a Universal app for your smartphone which chews up power. Most people's phones die and there are very few charging places. So pack a USB portable charger.
Meals are ok and modestly priced so it is not a bad place to eat.
Finally, Florida takes advantage of all of the tourists by charging tolls on every road in and out of Orlando. If you have room, pack your EZ Pass device.
First, the place is really crowded, but the people were festive and friendly. But you are best advised to come when it is least crowded, namely 8 AM in the morning and after 6 PM at night.
Second, you really can't park near the park so be prepared to pay $20 for an all day pass. The good news is that once you park, you can leave and return. The bad news is that you have to walk like a quarter mile to just get to the park entrance. Just the first step in a day of a lot of walking. Now, the other big hint is that if you park after 6 PM, the price drops to $5 so if you want, go sightseeing or rest during the day and then return.
This fact reveals an important strategy. Stay at a place near Universal. Get up early and plan to go from 8 - early afternoon. Leave to rest at your hotel or do other things. Return at 5 or 6 PM. Plan to stay until 10-11 PM (Saturday). Start at Islands of Adventure which is a bit less crowded to do the rides (like Jurassic World). Ride until 7:30 PM and take the train at Hogsmeade to Universal Studios. Watch the 8 PM parade at Mel's Diner and you will see it going both ways. After the parade, the crowd thins considerably and you can try the 15-30 minute wait rides. Watch the 9:45 PM cinema event at the lagoon. After 10 PM, you should be able to take even the most popular rides without long waits.
There is free wifi and a Universal app for your smartphone which chews up power. Most people's phones die and there are very few charging places. So pack a USB portable charger.
Meals are ok and modestly priced so it is not a bad place to eat.
Finally, Florida takes advantage of all of the tourists by charging tolls on every road in and out of Orlando. If you have room, pack your EZ Pass device.
Dec 27th, 2015, 04:13 PM
#2
You left out the best tip... STAY ON SITE at one of the Universal resorts. If you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Resort, or the Royal Pacific Resort you not only get into the parks an hour early, but you have express access on most of the rides and attractions. That means very little waiting on those rides.
If you stay at the new Cabana Bay Resort you also get the early entry but not the express access.
It is easy to take a water taxi, or even walk to the parks from the on site hotels.
If you stay at the new Cabana Bay Resort you also get the early entry but not the express access.
It is easy to take a water taxi, or even walk to the parks from the on site hotels.
Dec 28th, 2015, 07:33 AM
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"Finally, Florida takes advantage of all of the tourists by charging tolls on every road in and out of Orlando. If you have room, pack your EZ Pass device."
"every road in and out of Orlando" is a bit of an exaggeration.
With a little bit of homework before hand, you can manage quite nicely on non-toll roads (with the possible exception of SR 28 to & from MCO.)
"every road in and out of Orlando" is a bit of an exaggeration.
With a little bit of homework before hand, you can manage quite nicely on non-toll roads (with the possible exception of SR 28 to & from MCO.)
Jan 3rd, 2016, 09:35 PM
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We spent one day at Universal Studios and for the most part really enjoyed it. The express ride pass is an absolute must here, and you will still probably do some waiting.There is lots of fun stuff for kids and adults here, including lots of characters to take pics with,carnival games, and an I Love Lucy memorabilia collection. There was also a fun parade with Minions, the Hop bunny and Dora. We even saw the Blues Brothers and the Blues mobile!
