The first time that I visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando was a 1-day trip to the park. I had no idea that there would be a line for security before there was even a line to enter the park. I showed up when it opened and it took a little over an hour to get through all of the lines to get into the park. I had a great time BUT I didn’t feel like I had enough time at either park (more on that in a second).
The next year I decided to do a 4 day trip to Orlando and to stay on property. It was the perfect amount of time in the park – 3 days. I loved the ease of staying on property and had the best time. After doing these trips so closely together I figured I could probably impart some wisdom. So here we go…
1.Military/Veteran Discounts – Universal offers some killer military/veteran discounts. If this applies to you definitely check out the amazing discounts that include staying on property, fast passes and early entry into Hogsmeade, Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The MR. is a veteran and I got an amazing deal on our 4 night stay. I wish I had known about the discounts the first time I went, instead, I paid the full price for tickets!
2. Get There Early -Get to the park early if you are not staying
Even if you are staying on site either go to the park early or wait until the crowds have died down a bit. You still have to go through park entry lines with everyone else.
3. You Will Need Park to Park Passes -Wizarding World of Harry Potter is actually in 2 different parks. You will need park-to-park passes to visit all of Wizarding World. Diagon Alley is part of Universal Studios while Hogsmeade is part of
4. Spring for Unlimited Express Passes -Get the Unlimited Express Passes!! You won’t regret it! The Express Passes provide you with Express Access, which is a separate line with a shorter wait time at many attractions. They don’t work on The Forbidden Journey or Escape from Gringotts but they work everywhere else. When I was there Skull Island: Reign of Kong ride was new and the lines were ridiculous. Thanks to my express pass I only had to wait 15 minutes!
Ps – Express passes are complementary when staying at an onsite Deluxe resort.
5. Go During The Week – Not only can you get discounts on everything by planning your trip during the week but you are also avoiding weekend crowds. I went from Monday-Wednesday and it was awesome. I recommend avoiding weekends and planning your trip during the week.
6. Download The App – Download the Wait Times Universal Orlando app. It’s pretty accurate and it helps when trying to figure out your next move! The other option is Universal Orlando Lines and it’s great too. I just
7. Take Advantage of City Walk – If you stay on
8. Stay As Late As You Can – The parks close at different times depending on the time of year but generally in February both close around 8 pm during the week. Island of Adventure starts clearing out around 6 pm and Universal Studios starts clearing out around 7 pm. This is a great time to ride the more popular attractions and take in the sights in Hogsmeade.
9. Catch the Universal Studios Show – If you are staying until the park closes, try to catch the Epic Cinematic Under the Stars show at Universal Studios. According to the website, “ a colossal celebration of music, water, and light that transforms the park and takes you into the movies like never before.” To be honest, I didn’t hear about this before my trip. I stayed until Diagon Alley closed and on my way out all of these people were talking about a fireworks show so I tried to get a good spot and it ended up being this show. It was actually pretty cool.
Most Importantly: Be a kid Again! – If you are thinking this isn’t a good trip unless you have kids, I would say you are so wrong. This trip will turn you into a kid again! Between Universal Studios and Island’s of Adventure, there is something for everyone!
Stay tuned for more Universal and Wizarding World of Harry Potter awesomeness!
