With careful planning and some budgeting it's possible to get on every ride in both Universal Orlando Resort theme parks during a daily visit.
Contrary to what one might have heard there is no off day or season in Orlando when touring the attractions. With the rare exception of an attraction closing due to to inclement weather - for example, a hurricane warning - the attractions are extremely busy every day of the year. This translates into long wait times for all rides - sometimes in excess of 1 hour.
Tickets are expensive; obviously one wants to get on more than 4 or 5 rides. Use these tips to tour Universal Orlando Resort like a Florida native and there is no reason why any family shouldn't be able to get on each ride during a one day visit.
Entering the Attraction:
- The game plan to success starts while entering the parking garage. Get to the attraction at or slightly before opening and the second level of the garage should still be open - very convenient to the ticket booths. If you have a camera, after parking take a picture of the level and row identifer so that finding the car at the end of the day will be a breeze.
- No camera - assign two family members to remember the car's location. It's not a bad idea to also write it on a scrap of paper that is placed with money and credit cards. It's also a good idea to bring a scrap of paper and pencil or pen into the park regardless of whether or not you have camera. Paper and pen will come in handy when using the lockers.
Fit into Your Budget Purchasing the Combo Express Plus Pass:
- While more expensive, this pass will allow entry into both Islands of Adventure where all the cool roller coasters are located and Universal Studios, Florida.
- What's really great about this pass is the 'Express' feature. Holders of this pass will be directed into a different line at each ride and literally be stepped ahead of hundreds if not thousands of fellow visitors during the entire day at the theme parks. Keep in mind that some rides, such as Men in Black Alien Attack, will only allow for one use of the Express Pass - ride it again, you've got to wait in the regular line. The ride attendent will note this fact on the pass itself.
- For those that want to adopt a wait and see attitude on shelling out the extra money for an Express pass, they can be added onto your admission at several kiosks throughout the theme parks.
- The Combo pass allows for free access back and forth between the parks during the day. While beer is sold in kiosks throughout both parks - all alcoholic drinks must be finished prior to going through the exit turnstiles.
Make Dinner Reservations Early in the Day:
- Lombard's Landing is one of the best restaurants on the Universal side. While making one's way to the Jaws ride, stop by the restaurant and ask for one of the tables by the giant fish tank. Lombard's lobster bisque is supurb. They also have a great children's menu.
The Locker Situation:
- There are plenty of lockers in which to store personal effects throughout the theme parks. It is mandatory for some rides such as Revenge of the Mummy, that all purses, backpacks etc be stored in a locker. This rule is not flexible, one will be directed to leave the line if any personal effects not fitting in pockets are not stored. That's a real waste of time - use the locker before getting in line.
- The lockers located directly at the rides are free of charge for one hour.
- For those that are not familiar with the lockers, they are a little confusing the first time. Queue up in line and when a reader is available, place your thumb on the reader. Immediately you will be directed to place your thumb on the reader again. A locker in the bank of lockers where the reader is located will randomly pop open.
- Make sure you take note of the locker number because this information will be needed when you exit the ride and attempt to retrieve your belongings. Forget your locker number? Get help from an attendent. The reader stops recognizing your thumb print after several tries - kind of like entering in a softward password more than 3 times - you will be locked out.
- Don't jam too much stuff into the locker. It's better to use two if need be. If the locker door gets stuck on a purse or camera strap, the door will not open and one will have to wait for a park attendent to open the locker. This can take upwards to an hour or more as there is no 'key' that opens the whole face of the bank of lockers at once.
- Mercifully, during high traffic hours at popular rides to keep it moving there is usually an attendant that will ask for your locker number, have you stick your thumb on the reader and get the door open for you asap.
Now, go out and have fun on each and every ride! For more information regarding current prices and hours of operation visit Universal Orlando Resort's official website.
The copyright of the article Universal Orlando Resort in Family Travel is owned by Maire Loughran. Permission to republish Universal Orlando Resort in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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