First things first, buy your tickets before you go. Not only will it save you time in line, it will give you time to decide which tickets work best for you and how much you’d like to spend.
Tickets to Universal are not exactly inexpensive, BUT there are ways to decrease your cost.
Tip 1: Staying on property can offer a lot of benefits that your family will enjoy, plus many of the Universal Resorts offer complimentary Express Passes ( an approx. $85 value each express pass). Additionally, staying on property allows you early entry into the park before general admission ticket holders.
Click HERE to compare all the different accommodation options available at Universal Studios Orlando.
Tip 2: You may be able to use those credit cards points you don’t know what to do with. We used American Express points to pay for our family’s tickets.
Tip 3: Look for package deals on sites like Undercover Tourist. Sites like Undercover Tourist are legitimate and have been around for years. As there are quite a few less-than -reputable websites offering “deals”, please make sure you are buying from an authorized source.
Tip 4: Plan to get the Park to Park ticket. You must ride the Hogwarts Express train that takes you from Universal Studios ( Daigon Alley) to Universal Islands of Adventure ( Hogsmeade). It is such an unbelievable experience. Each train cabin seats approx. 6 people and when the door to your compartment closes, get ready for a surprise!
Tip 5: When you get to the park and pick up your tickets, you will want to place them in a lanyard. If you have an express pass ( which I highly recommend) and/or a park-to-park ticket you will have to show your ticket at every ride you plan to use your express pass and when you ride the train. You can buy lanyards at the park or buy the lanyards before the trip and save a few bucks ( I wish we had done this). Lanyards are great because the tickets will get wet, you may lose them and it can be a pain to dig out your express pass at each ride.
Great tips! I haven’t been to Universal since I was a kid but I’d actually love to go back. I’ll definitely come back to this post when I do!
Hi Adriane! So glad you liked the tips 🙂
Such a good guide, I’d love to go to Orlando. I went to universal Hollywood which was so much fun but this looks next level. I took a double take when I read child swap, but that seems like a good idea
Thank you! Love to hear you enjoyed it! I guess seeing Child Swap Program could make someone do a double take huh 🙂
This is so helpful! I love the not so obvious tips and I had no idea there was a child swap programme. That’s always our biggest problem with theme parks. Thanks!
So glad that you found it helpful Jacquie! 🙂
Looks so much fun!!
These are some great tips! This is one of my favorite theme parks in the world, can’t wait to go back again:)
Great post! I’ve always wanted to go to Orlando, especially to see the Harry Potter theme park!
These are such good tips!! Especially for Harry Potter world. I need to get to Universal!!
What a family adventure! I am happy to see you all happy!
Great post! I’d love to go to Universal just to see all the Harry Potter stuff. It seems like so much fun!
It seems to be a lot of fun! Your tips look very helpful. I have not been there yet, so something to think about for future travels. Thanks for sharing!
What a fun trip!! I love Harry Potter! I need to plan a trip there, it has been so long since I went. So many new attractions!
Wow this is the most detailed guide for universal studios I’ve ever read! I usually go down to Orlando for work once a year and I’ll keep this tips in mind!
Helpful and great tips for those with families heading to Universal Studios! I especially like how there is an app to make the experience easier.
I have been to Orlando many times but I’ve yet to venture to Universal Studios! Looks like a blast!
I’ve been wanting to plan a trip to Universal Studios so my kiddos can see “Harry Potter’s place”. Maybe this is our year!
My family is getting ready to move to Orlando this summer, and although we know and love Disney, we’ve never been to Universal Studios. But we all love Harry Potter so we definitely want to check it out! I will definitely be coming back to this article. It’s super comprehensive and has some great tips!
I love Universal Studios! I am so glad that I live 5 minutes away and could go anytime! Love the new Hagrids Ride!
Universal is such a great time! You have some amazing tips on here on how to make it a great trip.
YES. WATER BOTTLE. That was the first thing I threw into my suitcase. I was like, I AM NOT SPENDING THAT MUCH MONEY ON WATER! I also stood in front of that dragon until I knew it was about to breathe fire!
Love these tips! I haven’t been to Universal Studios in Orlando but it’s on my bucket list (especially the Wizarding World).
We went there on a family trip several years ago. Our favorite part was The Harry Potter World
Saving for later! We are planning a trip here next year hopefully 😍
Thanks for the great guide to Universal Studios! It’s a great park with so much to see and do! We’ll definitely try out your tips on our next trip!
Hannah
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan so I absolutely loved this Nicole! (I don’t need to bring the kids do I??!! 😆)
So glad to hear you liked it! You can absolutely go without the kids 🙂
I haven’t been to Universal in Florida in so long I had no idea about all the Harry Potter enhancements! It’s so cool that your wand can work at places throughout the park! The Three Broomsticks was one of my favorite too!
Wow Universal studio is always fun,remember visiting the one in Singapore. My kid would love this one too..keeping it for my next USA visit
That looks like so much fun! Would love to visit here. And great tips on the portable phone charger, too – I never go anywhere without one!
Can’t wait to try out your “Not So Obvious Experiences” next time I’m there! Several of them are new to me and will just make my time in HP World all the more magical. Thanks for the helpful tips!
There are so many great tips in here. This would be so helpful for anyone that is going here whether it is their first time or 10th.
I’ve been wanting to go to Universal Studios for such a long time, especially for Harry Potter World. I never heard that you can trade your muggle money for Gringotts money and use it throughout the park. What a cool idea! Thanks for all the great tips. I’m saving this post for when I eventually get to go!
Love Universal! I think when you visit any park it makes your experience so much better if you know all the tips and have a plan! Thanks