Universal Orlando Tips

[lykaon78]

ATOT Travel Agents,

Taking the 10 year old daughter and the Mrs. to Universal Orlando in the near future mostly for the Harry Potter stuff. We are staying at a hotel associated with Universal (we booked through Universal).

Any tips or tricks or 'must-dos' I should know about?

Edit: Going for 2 days so we'll hit both parks. Daughter is on book 5 of the HP series.

 

[Jeeebus]

If the security guard asks to see your penis, remember, it's standard procedure and you should comply.

 

[Newbian]

Does your daughter like the harry potter stuff?

Even if she doesn't it's worth taking the time to go through the wand shop event then do a stop in the actual wand store they have and spend about a hour looking through them all to determine what ones you want.

Are you hitting both parks, universal studios and island of adventures?

They both have decent stuff although a lot will probably be too big for her as some of the coasters are for a bit older kids but most of the harry potter stuff should be fine and they have decent ones on each side.

Make sure you have your daughter toss some coins into the talking water fountain they have on the IOA side and see if it sprays her with water.

 

[zerocool84]

Ever since they opened up the Harry Potter stuff, it's getting almost Disneyland busy with the lines. Tips? Have patience

 

[midnight growler]

Constantly ask everyone where the ocean is.

 

[thesmokingman]

Wear sunscreen...

 

[Newbian]

Ever since they opened up the Harry Potter stuff, it's getting almost Disneyland busy with the lines. Tips? Have patience

They have a form of express lines but it costs more so it can vary.

Other then that just wait in line and enjoy.

It wasn't that bad when I went during halloween 2015 as they had a adults night a bunch of times and it was very nice for the rides and events then as there were no kids under I believe 16 allowed during the night events but even when I went there during the day it wasn't all that bad.

There will be wait times so just bring your phone and let the kid play while you wait in line if they are long times although some of the bigger coasters have metal detectors to prevent you from bringing things like that along and have free storage areas that you can use before you get in line.

If I recall at least one of the harry potter rides required that also so make sure you deposit your stuff ahead of time or you will need to get out of line to do that.

Also places with fountain drinks do have to provide free ice water so make sure you use that with a kid in tow as they will probably need it especially if you go when it's warmer.

 

[John Connor]

Only been to Universal in Hollywood. Actually, I think it's Studio City, been awhile.

Backdraft is a must see and if they have ET, make sure you saying something to ET other than your name. You'll understand when you go there. :twisted:

BTW- The Universal in Hollywood has the clock tower from Back To The Future and the Psycho mansion.

 

[Dr. Zaus]

ATOT Travel Agents,

Taking the 10 year old daughter and the Mrs. to Universal Orlando in the near future mostly for the Harry Potter stuff. We are staying at a hotel associated with Universal (we booked through Universal).

Any tips or tricks or 'must-dos' I should know about?

So you booked a trip... the biggest problem i've had is over estimating my strength to endure a vacation. You will be much happier taking a few days off in-between trips to parks: on off on off on, for example, than sputtering out. Orlando is hell in the summer, get lots of water AND gatorade.

Also this:

Wear sunscreen...

Also be prepared to stand in line for a LONG time; make sure the kiddo has something to do.

 

[Howard]

Don't know if they still have the meal deal, but if they do, get it. All you can eat, all day.

The Dr Doom ride isn't worth it.

 

[allisolm]

Download an app that lets you know wait times, anything that isn't functioning, maps, directions, etc. It was a godsend at Disney World.

Here's the official one: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Mobile-App.aspx

 

[Bubblehappy]

Get the express pass since you are staying at a resort hotel. I did this years ago and it was crazy how fast we got through lines. Of course, that was also in September too, if you are going during peak season it's going to be busy regardless.

 

[Jeeebus]

The express pass (at least the one from the hotels) does not apply to Harry Potter world/the train connecting the parks. That said, I would not go to universal without the express pass. We always stay at the royal pacific. To me it is the most convenient to walk into the park with kids. No need for the boat as it is a comfortable walk. With fast pass you can get through everything in a matter of hours.

Start off at Potter since fast passes don't work there. Get through those rides then enjoy breezing through rest of park.

 

[Jeeebus]

Oh and if you plan on going on the water rides, you will get wet. Very wet. Especially the Popeye one. Either wear a bathing suit or bring a change of clothes.

 

[Jeeebus]

Also... neighbors just went and purchased an express pass. They were apparently limited to doing each ride once - after that they had to wait in the normal line. If you stay at the hotel the express pass is unlimited - at least that's how it was the last time we went a couple months ago.

 

[rh71]

Get hit in the ankle by a puck a few days before, get doctor's note, no lines for the whole family. It was the best fortunate accident ever (especially since it worked for Disney too), but it did hurt like hell for weeks.

Seriously though, do the Harry Potter one as early as you can... was probably one of the best rides so you can do it multiple times first. Then probably Transformers. I can't really say anything else was a must-do, so just go in a circle thereafter.

Also about the water rides - do them early so you have time to dry off in the sun or do them late right before you leave...
Also agree about getting the app.

 

[NutBucket]

Only been to Universal in Hollywood. Actually, I think it's Studio City, been awhile.

Backdraft is a must see and if they have ET, make sure you saying something to ET other than your name. You'll understand when you go there. :twisted:

BTW- The Universal in Hollywood has the clock tower from Back To The Future and the Psycho mansion.

LOL. It has been a while for you. Backdraft and ET have been gone for years.

 

[Jeeebus]

LOL. It has been a while for you. Backdraft and ET have been gone for years.

ET is still in Orlando.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Advice? Skip the theme parks and go stay in a nice hotel on the ocean.

 

[John Connor]

LOL. It has been a while for you. Backdraft and ET have been gone for years.

Backdraft isn't there anymore? That sucks.

Earthquake was awesome too, but I heard they pulled that ride.

 

[dainthomas]

As long as you don't go in the summer. You'd have to be a masochist to go to Orlando in June/July/August. Last time we went it was late September and that was warm enough.

And that was also pre-HP so there were no lines anywhere. We rode Tower of Terror like three times literally getting off the ride and walking around and getting right back on.

 

[lykaon78]

Thanks for the feedback. Going this weekend with temps already in the low 90s.

Any must try restaurants on the City Walk?

 

[Dr. Zaus]

As long as you don't go in the summer. You'd have to be a masochist to go to Orlando in June/July/August. Last time we went it was late September and that was warm enough.

And that was also pre-HP so there were no lines anywhere. We rode Tower of Terror like three times literally getting off the ride and walking around and getting right back on.

tower of terror is in disney

 

[slugg]

Get hit in the ankle by a puck a few days before, get doctor's note, no lines for the whole family. It was the best fortunate accident ever (especially since it worked for Disney too), but it did hurt like hell for weeks.

Seriously though, do the Harry Potter one as early as you can... was probably one of the best rides so you can do it multiple times first. Then probably Transformers. I can't really say anything else was a must-do, so just go in a circle thereafter.

Also about the water rides - do them early so you have time to dry off in the sun or do them late right before you leave...
Also agree about getting the app.

Just FYI, Disney has mad all of their lines wheelchair accessible. You're empowered to wait in line,just like everyone else.

 

[chin311]

Advice? Skip the theme parks and go stay in a nice hotel on the ocean.

Pretty much, but make sure it's oceanfront so you can sit on the balcony with the a/c breeze a step away. Florida is too hot for me from May thru September.

It's already going to be 90 degrees today and it isn't even May.

But if you insist, like everyone said just be prepared for the heat, water / gatorade / maybe one of those spray misting bottles lol