First Timer's Guide to Universal Orlando Resort in 2024

First Time TipsUniversal Orlando Guidesolo travel
Written By Megan Hamilton
Planning your first vacation to Universal Orlando Resort?
 It can be a little overwhelming at first, but you got this! I'm breaking down everything you need to know to experience the best of Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.
This guide will provide must-know tips for first time visitors, ticket option info, hotel accommodation suggestions, what not to miss, and more.

How Much Time Do You Need at Universal Orlando?

It truly depends on how much you want to see and experience during your vacation. Ideally, three-day park-to-park tickets will allow you to experience most of what the parks have to offer without being rushed. It'll also leave room for much needed down-time to relax by the pool. 
Yes, you can also experience Universal Orlando in one day — just know that you’ll need a detailed plan of attack,  particularly for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  
If you are staying in an Universal Orlando onsite hotel, Utilize Early Park Admission. Start your mornings in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — either Hogsmeade Village or Diagon Alley.

Know When to Visit

Choosing an off-season time to visit is the easiest way to avoid the crowds.  If you don’t factor in the predicted crowd levels for the dates you’re wanting to visit, you’ll spend more money, and you’ll spend more time waiting in lines. 
The same can be said if visiting during a slower time of the year. Don't waste the money on Express Passes if not really needed.

Historically:

  • Weekdays also are slower
  • Avoid major holidays + school breaks
  • September, January and February are my favorite months to visit.
By checking out Undercover Tourist’s crowd calendar, you can see the anticipated crowd levels. 
You can read the best times to visit Universal Orlando in 2022-2023, here.

Choose The Right Park Tickets

For Harry Potter Fans— Purchasing a park-to-park ticket is the ONLY way you can ride the Hogwarts Express. This  connects Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Consider Universal Express Passes

Universal Express Pass allows you to skip the line at every attraction apart from VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

There Are Two Types of Express Passes:

  • Standard Express pass

    • Allows you to skip each line once

  • Unlimited Express pass 

    • Allows you to skip each line as many times as you want!

Express Pass is an ideal option if:

  • You’re only visiting for a day
  • If you’re visiting during an extremely busy time of year
  • If you have members in your group who struggle to wait in long lines (children).

Stay On-site

  • Close proximity to Universal Orlando
  • Complimentary transportation to and from the hotel to Univeral
  • Early Park Admission
  • Free Universal Express Unlimited
    • If staying at a premier hotel, Express Passes will be included for up to 5 people in each room for the entire stay. That  includes day of check-in and check-out.
  • Undercover Tourist can help you save with authorized, discount hotel and park tickets.

Purchase a Lanyard Ahead of Time

If you have a physical park ticket, an Express Pass and/or a room key, those will need to be scanned throughout the day, everyday of your trip.
It’s WAY easier to have them stored around your neck and ready when you need them. Particularly when using the attraction lockers.
Lanyards can be worn on all roller coasters. You’ll just need to tuck them into your shirt before boarding the ride vehicle.  
Save money by buying them online via Amazon as opposed to Universal Orlando.Alternatively, you can you a retractable ID holder. I personally prefer them. I’ll hook to my shorts loop, fanny pack, etc.

Know the Park Layout

Knowing the general layout of Universal Orlando ahead of your trip will saving you so much time!! You’ll also save tired legs from backtracking 
Don’t panic. Essentially, both Universal Studios Florida and  Islands of Adventure are big circles with lagoons in the center and are connected via Universal CityWalk and the Hogwarts Express.

Buy Your Robes and Harry Potter Apparel Beforehand

Save money and buy your robes gently used or online via Amazon. The same goes for apparel, scarves, bags, etc.

Additonally- You can save money by buying an interactive wand gently used. You should still take part in the Ollivander’s Wand experience. If you or someone in your group got picked, you can kindly decline purchasing the wand.

Have a Flexible Game Plan Beforehand

  • Know which park you’re starting in each day.
    • Will you be utilizing Early Park Admission?Know what and where your priority rides are. 
  • What and where your must-try food and drinks located?
  • What rides MUST you go on, & what rides can you do without?

Know the Child Height Requirements 

Click here to see the full master list of height requirements at Universal Orlando Resort.
  • Make sure your children know what they can and can't ride before arriving. It'll prevent so many meltdowns. It'll also help set appropriate expectations for your family in terms of what rides you'll need to do child swap for, if it's worth buying Express Pass, etc.

Make Dinning Reservations

Wait times for dinner in CityWalk during peak meal times, and especially after the parks close can be up to an hour or longer. 
Dining reservations can be made through Universal Orlando's Reservations page but some restaurants even offer additional bookings through OpenTable.
Depending on your budget, you could plan to eat a lot of your meals at the Hotel. This option will allow you to avoid having to choose from the many options inside CityWalk, USF, and IOA. An ideal for families with young children.

What To Pack In Your Theme Park Bag

Click here for my master list of all the items you'll need to survive a day at Universal Orlando Resort. 
I'll also share my best tips for packing your Universal park bag.

 Prepare for the Weather

Click here to see my Must-Pack Essentials for Rainy Days at Universal Orlando Resort.
No matter what the forecast says, Florida’s weather is unpredictable. With littles, pack a bathing suit.
  • Pack the rain gear no matter what.

  • Umbrella, ponchos or raincoats.

  • Extra ziplock bags, stroller rain covers, extra socks, change of outfit if carrying a backpack.

  • Water-resistant shoes, etc.

Sun Protection

  • Sunscreen, chapstick, hats, sunglasses, stroller fan, lightweight quick-dry clothing and any cooling accessories like a neck fan.

Download the Universal Orlando Resort App BEFORE You Arrive

This may seem like a non brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people still walk around with a park map lost.
The app will let you mobile food order, will show you wait times, closed or delayed attractions, and any show times for the day.

Photo via Universal Orlando

Double Check Park Hours Before + During Your Trip

Universal Orlando only releases park hours for the current month and the next month. Those hours can vary by day. If you have a park-to-park ticket and one park is open later than the other, end your day at the park you'll have more time in. 
ALWAYS double check the park hours in the morning every day you’re there. It's not uncommon for Universal to do a last minute change, or for the park to close early for a private event.

Arrive Early

Arrive at the parks about 45 minutes ahead of the official opening time. Regadless if you have Early Park Admission or not.
Team members will often let guests enter the parks 10-15 minutes before official park opening. 
Being amongst the first guests—  you'll knock out a lot of the popular rides early, and quickly. This will help you from waiting in longer lines later in the day.

Avoid Riding The 1st Attraction You See

Most guests will enter Universal &will  go straight to the closest ride. Plan to start at the back of the park, then work your way back around and to the front.

Dress for Comfort

One of the most important Universal Orlando tips you can follow is to wear comfortable clothes. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, sweating, and getting in and out of rides.
Make sure that you pack plenty of comfortable, breathable clothing to help prevent thigh chaffing. Extra socks.

If prone to thigh chaffing:

  • Consider bringing biker shorts, or bloomers to wear under dresses skirts. For additional protection pack your anti-chaffing stick

What are the Best Shoes for the Theme Parks?

Comfortable, supportive shoes with a stiff sole are key to a great Universal vacation. Look for Lightweight + easily packable shoe options.
Say it with me—Your Universal trip is NOT the time to break in a new pair of sneakers. Guests on average do at least 10,000 steps a day.
Note—Even with the Best Shoes for the theme parks, so are just prone to blisters. Consider applying moleskin before you leave the hotel.

Stay Hydrated!

THE most important tip, as it’s easy to forget. If visiting during extremely hot weather, I’d consider packing electrolyte replacement packets.
This can be key if you’re planning to enjoy some of the awesome alcoholic drinks at Universal Orlando.
Whener you stop for a bathroom break, drink some water. Whenever your’e stopping for a meal or snack, still order a free cup of water.
Additionally, you can save a TON of money by brining a refillable water bottle which you can fill up at any water fountain on property.

Be Prepared for Motion Sickness

If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared.  Avoid riding on an empty stomach or eating a full meal minutes before doing another attraction. 
Certain screen rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and The Simpsons Ride — are notoriously known for making some guests sick.
Dramamine is a good over the counter medication to pack. As always, consult with your doctor.

Utilize Child Swap

Don't sleep on using Universal Orlando’s child swap!
  • If you have children that aren't tall enough for certain rides, each ride has a child swap area.
  •  1 person in your party can wait with the kids unable to ride, while the rest of your party rides. 
  • Once they're finished, the adults can switch places so the parent who missed out can enjoy the ride.
    • The second parent will bypass the regular line.

Utilize Single Rider Lines

Single Rider almost always has a much shorter wait time than the regular standby line. This is a  great alternative If Universal Express Passes are not in the budget. 
It's important to note that not every ride has one, and some attractions will temporarily close single-rider at times to maintain efficiency.  You’ll also be separated from your party.

Stay Late

For the most part, the last 2-3 hours before park closing is when you’ll lowest crowd levels. The weather will be more enjoyable as well.

When it comes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

  • Late evening or early morning, is the perfect time to really explore Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade since most guests flocked there mid day.
  • The wait time for Hagrid’s is is often times the lowest right before park closing.
  • The shops like Honeydukes and Ollivanders aren’t packed like sardines.

Game Plan How You Want to End the Night

Nighttime Show

  • Universal Studios Florida has Universal’a Cinematic Celebration, a massive water, projection mapping and fireworks that only runs once a night, on select nights. 
  • Islands of Adventure has The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle which begins at dusk and continues approximately every 20 minutes until park close.

One Last Ride

  • Hagrid’s almost always has the shortest wait time right before park closing
  • Maybe you want to get in a night ride on VelociCoaster to compare to the daytime experience.

Eat before OR After Peak Meal Times 

  • Roughly from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. are the meal times you want to avoid
  • Pack snacks to hold you over until you're able to eat a full meal.
Trust me. You're going to have an amazing time. You’ll be planning your next vacation on the flight back home!

Looking to Save Money on Universal Orlando Resort Tickets and Hotel?

Undercover Tourist sells authorized discount Universal ticket’s with hotel packages! YOU can save even MORE when you bundle tickets with hotel.

For more Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World news + tips, follow MissWizardingWorld on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Megan Hamilton
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