I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me sooner to write a Universal Orlando tips post. However, I am finally posting it in case anyone needs help planning their first trip!
Universal Orlando Tips
As of this writing, I have visited UO five times! So, while I won’t claim to be a true expert on the resort, I do have some experience in visiting it. Thus, these are things I keep in mind when visiting or wish I had known when I first started visiting.
General Information
As of 2023, Universal Orlando Resort consists of two theme parks and a highly themed water park. They are currently building a third theme park, scheduled to open in 2025. The resort also currently has two value resorts, two prime value resorts, one moderate, and three premiere hotels. I’ve visited both theme parks and stayed in all but one of the resorts. You can read my reviews of the Universal Resorts to see what I think of most of them.
Pro tip: I highly recommend staying on-site at one of their resorts as the free transportation is very useful. I feel safe using it, especially as a female traveler at night. Plus, you get additional time in the parks when you stay at a resort hotel.
Do You Need a Park-to-Park Ticket?
I suspect lots of people ask this question as theme park tickets can be expensive. Honestly, if it’s not in the budget, don’t fret. The only thing you miss with a single park per day ticket is riding the Hogwarts train between the two parks. While it’s a must-do for any Harry Potter fan, it’s not necessary for other folks. As a passholder I must admit that I enjoy starting at whichever park has early entry and then heading to the other one. However, that’s because I’ve visited several times now and have done most of what I want to do by now.
Now, if you can only afford one day at one park, that is trickier. Personally, I have spent the most time in Universal Studios Florida. However, that is also where the majority of seasonal events take place. It’s also where the new Minions Land just opened up. However, I also love Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure. I would recommend checking out the rides and lands in each park to determine which one is most appealing to you and your group.
Seasonal Events
If you are looking to add a little more entertainment or food options to your trip, then you may want to consider visiting during a seasonal event. There are three seasonal events at UO: Mardi Gras from early February to April, Halloween Horror Nights from early September until the end of October, and Christmas from early/mid-November to early January. I have written posts on each of them previously and they are linked above for further descriptions of each. Needless to say, I highly recommend visiting during these events if once catches your eye.
Universal Orlando vs Walt Disney World
Personally, I visited UO after WDW. So, if that’s you, then this section is for you. First, you should understand that UO is much smaller and more relaxed than WDW. No need to make dining reservations 60 days out here. However, you should make reservations for the more popular restaurants such as Mythos or character dining a few weeks in advance. Logistically, a UO visit is much calmer than a WDW one.
I would like to point out that UO has more thrill rides than WDW. UO rides also tend to be screen heavy, i.e. they rely on screens to show you stuff versus animatronics like at Disney. It’s definitely easier to experience motion sickness at Universal. While it’s never been a problem for me, I believe Universal’s rides may not be as accommodating for larger folks. So, if you get motion sick easily or are of a bigger stature, this may not be a place you want to spend several days in.
Additionally, I think it’s worth pointing out that Universal can be edgier than Disney. While it’s still a family-friendly park (aside from HHN), you can expect to see things here that Disney would never do. For instance, you may see some humor in the rides or on signs with jokes that Disney would never allow.
Final Tips
It’s impossible to condense my Universal Orlando tips into a little list. Nonetheless, I hope you found some helpful ideas here. For what it’s worth, I think 2-3 days is an ideal amount of time to spend at this resort. So, have you ever visited Universal Orlando Resort? Do you have any tips?
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