Five Tips When Visiting Universal Orlando in 2020 - Orlando

Universal Orlando consists of three parks, namely Universal Studios, Island Adventure and Volcano Bay.  If you choose to visit all three on your next Orlando vacation, we suggest spending at least a day for each.  But, if you have a limited time for Universal while in Orlando, we have tips for you on how you can get the most out of your visit.     

1. Buy tickets online 

You not only save time but you get discounts when you purchase multi-day tickets online.  We suggest purchasing a 2-Park 2-Day Park to Park ticket.  This allows you admission to both Universal Studios and Island Adventure for two days within a consecutive seven-day period. If you’re still unsure of your itinerary at the parks, you can buy a low-tier ticket and upgrade once you get there.  If you have one, use your American Express Card and get unique benefits such as access to the AMEX Lounge in Universal Studios.  You can also buy discounted tickets through AAA.  Bring your membership card with you to get on-site discounts.

Also, if you want to skip the lines at most of the rides and attractions, buy an express pass. Yes, it’s an additional cost but if you had only a day to spend at Universal Resorts, you get to see and do more.  By the way, if you’ve booked at Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, express passes are free.

2. Check Universal’s website for the latest news

The last thing you want is visiting Universal Orlando and finding out that an attraction that’s on the top of your list is currently unavailable or indefinitely closed.  On the other hand, there might be something new such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure which you or your kids would like to add to your itinerary.  It’s easy to miss an important announcement or advisory while reading so much information about Universal Orlando on the internet.  Our advice – keep up-to-date on the latest by visiting Universal’s website directly.

3. Download the Universal Orland Resort App 

You get a lot of information like detailed interactive maps of the parks, ride details and wait times, show schedules, restaurants and menus and even restrooms. With the app, you can reserve a spot for a specific time at many rides. No more waiting in long lines. Universal Resort calls this their virtual line system.  Lastly, you can order your food and drinks in advance from any of the listed restaurants and pick these up at the designated window.   It’s not different from online shopping.

4. Think Left  

Do you want a head start once the parks open? It’s been proven not only in Universal Studios and Island Adventure but in other parks like Disney World, that crowds have the tendency to move towards the right side rather than the left side.  Something you should think about - Most people are right-handed and favor their right side almost all the time.  Only 10% of the world’s population are left-handed.  When at Universal or any attraction, think left and go against the flow!                        

5. Buy a Universal Photo Package  

Sure, everyone has a smartphone these days that can take decent pictures.  But wouldn’t you want excellent photos instead?   There are photographers throughout the parks that can take your pictures.  Many of them are at the entrances, rides and with characters. But some can be seen roaming around.

To complement your own pictures, you can purchase Universal’s photo package online or at various standalone Universal Photo stores.  You’re given the option of purchasing individual prints or viewing them online.  The better photo package costs around $99.99 for three days but you have unlimited access to your photos online which you can download to your desktop or smartphone.  You’ll be given a photo card as proof you bought the package.

Take note though several attractions will also take your picture during your ride.  To name a few:  

            Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket – the moment you go through the building

            Revenge of the Mummy –  when you’re falling from the fake station

            Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – the end of the big drop

            Jurassic Park: River Adventure – middle of the final drop

            Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – when you see the spiders

If you have the photo package, show your photo card and pictures will be added to your account.  Otherwise, you can purchase them at any of the photo shops.

Wrapping Up

It’s never too late to plan and prepare. Follow these tips and surely you’ll have a great time at Universal Orlando.