For more information on travel planning with our exclusive Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Orlando) travel agent sponsor, Marvelous Mouse Travels (MMT) – www.marvelousmousetravels.com.
Looking for tips which will enable you to have an EPIC vacation at Universal Orlando? We’ve got you covered.
Listed below are the 10 top tips, from Marvelous Mouse Travel Agents, which will help you achieve that EPIC Universal Orlando vacation goal.
Tip #1 – Food and Drink Galore!
Be sure to enjoy some of the many fabulous restaurants in City Walk and in the parks during your Universal Orlando stay. Some fan favorites include Toothsomes, Cowfish, Bigfire, Mythos, and Voodoo Donuts!
When purchasing the quick service meal package with unlimited drink you are able to refill your souvenir cup at any Coca Cola Freestyle machine at the theme parks every 15 minutes. It helps make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day and is very reasonably priced.
Tip #2 – Use Early Entry!
Each day Universal opens a park 1 hour prior to general admission for onsite guests and those that purchase their tickets through certain travel agencies.
This is a great way to get into the park, ride a few attractions, and take in the atmosphere before the gates open for general admission! This is the best time to take photos in the parks and Diagon Alley with nobody around.
Tip #3 – Get a Lanyard!
Purchase lanyards for your park tickets/Express Passes/dining tickets! It’s easier to have the tickets around your neck to show at each attraction and restaurant than to remove them from a bag, purse, or wallet each time. Get the type with a clear plastic cover to protect the tickets from water rides.
Tip #4 – Get Connected!
Download the Universal Orlando app to your smart phone before you go! On the app you can view real time wait times for attractions, menus for dining, view entertainment schedules, and much more!
The app provides you with an easily accessible virtual map right in your hand to assist in showing where to find attractions, dining, shopping, and even bathrooms! It is a great tool to make the most of your time in the parks.
Tip #5 – Stay Onsite!
The ease and convenience of being on site is worth the additional cost in and of itself. Today with the introduction of Endless Summer Resort onsite accommodations can be more attainable then you think!
Included with onsite benefits are early entry to the parks, transportation to the parks and City Walk, priority seating at many City Walk restaurants, charging privileges at the parks to your resort, free package delivery to your resort from in park purchases and free wifi.
Stay at one of the three premier resorts: Loews Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific, or Hard Rock and receive Express Passes included for each guest. The cost of the resort is offsite by the bargain of the included Express Pass.
Tip #6 – Pool Hop!
When you stay at any one of the on-site hotels except for Endless Summer Resort you can swim at any of the other Universal Resort pools.
All you need is your room key to gain entry to the pool. You can stop by a different pool each day. Towels are supplied at each hotel, so there is no need to bring your own!
You can float down the lazy river at Cabana Bay, enjoy the largest pool at Sapphire Falls, rock out to the underwater music at Hard Rock, or enjoy an afternoon at the Beach Pool at Portofino Bay.
Tip #7 – Enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Take the time to fully immerse yourself in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Start in Diagon Alley, and trace our fellow wizards’ steps as you shop for school supplies and eat in the Leaky Cauldron. Then head to Platform 9 ¾ as you embark on your journey to Hogwarts on the Hogwart’s Express, and spend your free weekends in Hogsmeade.
Grab a Butterbeer and soak up the incredible details around every corner. Challenge your friends in a game to try all of the Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Find the vanishing cabinet in Borgin and Burkes, along with some unusual wizarding artifacts.
Get a Wand ! In both Harry Potter Themed Lands, you can get an interactive wand which allows you to cast spells throughout both Harry Potter lands. The number one spot to get a wand is at Olivanders, as you can watch a demonstration of how the wand chooses the wizard.
You can also pick one up at Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley and various carts outside of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade. Your wand will come with a map of hidden spots around Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade where you can practice your spells.
Fun Fact: The wands last forever without batteries or recharging, so bring them every time you visit! Leave no stone unturned, there are endless magical elements that truly bring you into the story.
Tip #8 – Pre-purchase Tickets!
Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid the lines. You can purchase them in advance and take advantage of specials and promotions and save some money.
Purchasing your tickets ahead of time also allows you to maximize your park time. Universal and Islands of Adventure has so many amazing attractions that you want to be sure to use your time wisely to get the most bang for your buck!
Tip #9 – Use Single Rider and Express Passes!
Look for single-rider lines which move quickly. Note that you may note be able to ride with family members, so this is a better option if you have older kids. Also, at Forbidden Journey, you may miss the pre-ride tour of Hogwart’s Castle, which is a highlight.
This brings up a key point about the line for Forbidden Journey: Once inside the castle, the line is an enjoyable experience as it’s essentially a tour of Hogwart’s with fun details such as talking portraits, special-effects appearances by Dumbledore and other characters and a filmed introduction to the ride that features Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Tip #10 – Use a Travel Agent!
A travel agent will help you navigate the many options Universal has to offer, provide you with personalized tips, tricks & recommendations, be your own personal contact should you have any questions or if any issues arise during your trip and make sure you get the most out of your vacation!
Best of all, all of these services are at NO extra cost to you!When planning your next trip to Universal keep in mind that if you use a Marvelous Mouse Travel agent not only do you get their expertise at no extra cost, but you also get early entry into the parks!
MMT attends agency training at Universal regularly so all the agents are very knowledgeable in ticket types and can answer any questions you may have. Agents monitor for promotions and can apply them to your vacation packages even after you have booked to save you money.
Did you know that there is an American Express lounge at Universal Studios for guests who use their AMEX to purchase their trips? Information like that is very useful when planning so contact us and get more bang for your buck!
Thanks to MMT for contributing to Orlando Theme Park Zone. Stay tuned for more posts from the travel agency.
