Those who have visited Universal in the past but have not been lately should be aware that with the addition of new attractions, Wizarding World of Harry Potter in particular, one day will not be enough here. You really need to get a two-day all inclusive pass that allows you to come and go at both parks.
Stay at any of the three Loews at Universal and you get to skip the lines at the parks. Your room key acts as an Express Pass, allowing you to bypass the lines on almost all of the rides in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. That's worth almost $90/day per person. Even though that excludes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a stay at a Loews also gets you an hour of early admission into Islands of Adventure; so you can bypass most of the lines there too.
Of course, as when visiting any theme park, bring comfortable shoes. Bottled water and small snacks are allowed into the park, but picnic lunches and coolers are not. Your bags will be searched.
You can save $10 off multi-day passes when you buy them online.
The Art of Smart Timing
High season in Orlando is March through April, June through mid-August, and mid-December to early January, while low season is February, late May to mid-June, mid-August, and October. Parks will be less crowded and less expensive in low season. Holidays and school vacation times are always extremely crowded. Temperature-wise, the summer months are generally quite hot, with temps going into the mid-90s, while November through the winter months can get chilly, with temps getting down into the high-40s at night, and averaging in the 60s or low-70s during the day. Hurricane season is June through November.
Getting Around
From Orlando International Airport it's about 20 minutes to Universal Orlando Resort. If you want to take a bus, try Mears, which has reasonable rates and a good safety record. A taxi will cost you about $45 each way. If you're driving, take I-4 and get off at Kirkman Rd./Highway 435 and follow the signs to Universal. If you're staying at one of the onsite Loews hotels, you'll get free shuttle service (either by water taxi or bus) between the resorts, theme parks and CityWalk. Stay at a Loews and you'll also get free bus shuttles to SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild. If you are staying elsewhere, be sure to inquire about the availability of free shuttles to the parks; many hotels, but not all, offer them.
Off the Radar
If you're looking to get out of the immediate vicinity of the parks and CityWalk, take a water taxi over to the Loews Royal Pacific hotel for the Wantilan Luau. It's a dinner show that takes place on Saturday rights (and Tuesday nights seasonally). There are fire eaters, live Hawaiian music, hula dancers and a huge buffet with suckling pig, seafood, pork with pineapple, and fruit. There's also a separate buffet for the kids. It's $58 for adults, and $32 for kids, which includes soda, wine and beer (for the adults!)
Universal Orlando Resort Planning & Tips
Universal Orlando Resort Planning & Tips
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