One of the most magical places in the world is Universal Studios. There are several Universal Theme Parks around the world, such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Each park features attractions and lands based around movies, TV shows and other pop culture works.
If you are thinking about heading to Universal, follow these tips for a fun and efficient (but mostly just fun!) trip!
1. Buy your tickets online.
There are numerous sites out there that sell tickets to these attractions, but you can actually save money by NOT buying them through Universal. Plus, you can save when purchasing tickets beforehand (compared to trying to buy them at the park).
2. Consider NOT getting a park-to-park ticket.
Once you find a site with prices that work best for you, you will notice that there are several options. In Orlando, for instance, you can visit just Universal Studios or you can head to Islands of Adventure or Volcano Bay. You can get one-day tickets, park-to-park tickets, tickets to special events…The list goes on and on, but it is cheaper to NOT buy a park-to-park ticket, meaning you can only hit up Universal Studios on one day then Islands of Adventure the next. If you are OK with staying in one place for the day, you can, once again, save!
3. Wear comfy clothes/shoes.
This may be a no-brainer, but wear comfy clothes and shoes! You will be hopping on and off rides all day and walking miles and miles – but it will all be worth it, of course.
4. Bring water bottles and small snacks.
Thankfully, you can bring water into the park, and there are water fountains throughout. And while you can’t bring food, you can bring “small snacks”. Eating at these places can get pretty pricey, so eat a big breakfast before going, munch on a protein bar or some trail mix while there, then eat a big meal at the end of the day, outside of the park.
5. Get there early.
The lines get long. The crowds get big. But if you get there early, you may just find yourself beating people to some of the most popular rides!
6. Download the app.
Similarly, I suggest downloading an app or two. Universal Studios has its own, and there are others that tell you how long the waits are at the rides.
7. Partake in the child swap program.
Some rides may be too scary for small children, and some kids may be too short for some rides. In those cases, use the child swap program: You all wait in line together. You reach the front of the line. Adult #1 waits with the small child, while the rest of the family rides with Adult #2. Then, when the ride is over, Adult #1 can go right up to the front of the line again for the ride, giving the small child to Adult #2. Pretty handy!
8. Ride as a single rider.
Since I am on the topic of those long lines…There are fast passes that can be purchased, but I am all about saving money! If you don’t want to make another purchase, you can think about riding as a single rider. Some of your group may get split up this way, but at times, you can still all end up in the same car on the ride – and you avoid that super long wait.
9. Take your time at the Wizarding World.
I could go on and on about all the different rides/lands these parks offer, but I’m just going to discuss one: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For many, this is the best part of the trip, so take your time…because it can be overwhelming.
The castle looks so real! I want butterbeer! Let’s go into this shop! No, this one! Ooo, there is a live performance! We have to go get in line for the ride, though! But look at this window – It’s moving! I need a wand, so I, too, can perform a spell on the window! (See? Lots to do, so pencil in a good chunk of time here, and enjoy it all.)
10. Have fun!
The final tip is, of course, to have fun. This trip will require time, energy, money and patience, but it will provide thrills, excitement, magic and memories that last a lifetime.