ALL ABOUT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR THEME PARK HOLIDAY ALL ABOUT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Didn’t do a big theme park holiday with the kids last year? Neither did we…and neither did anyone else! We’ll bet the pent-up eagerness to ride a roller coaster, shake hands with a giant mascot and fill your face with some good old-fashioned junk-foodyou-promise-not-to-eat-any-other-time is pretty overwhelming by now.

Guess what? We’re here to help! We thought Florida’s Universal Orlando Studios was a great candidate for a return to the theme park holiday world so we reached out for their best tips and tricks to get the most out of your holiday.

START BY GOING DIGITAL

While you can certainly leave your cell phone in your hotel room and do the park old-school style, why not make life a whole lot easier? Instead, download the Universal app and take the easy approach. Buy your tickets on the app and they’ll be on your phone when you need them. Save the hassle of printing and then wondering where you put them!

COUNT ON THE CHATBOT

& THE INTERACTIVE MAP

If you get lost, no worries. If you can’t spot one of the many roving Guest Services Team Members, there’s an in-app Chatbot who’s just dying to answer all your questions in real time. There’s also an interactive map with a detailed layout of all three parks that you can sort by ride names, types of rides, shows, dining, shopping, wait times, and restroom locations. You can also find ride height restrictions, and even dietary options — very handy!

RUB SHOULDERS WITH YOUR HEROES

AND CATCH ALL THE BEST SHOWS

If photo ops and meet-and-greets with fave Universal characters tops the list of things-yourkids-want-to-do, the app will show you when and where the stars will be appearing. While you’re at it, check out the start time for the best shows so you can be sure of a front row seat.

It’s very easy to lose track of your budget once you and the kids are dazzled by the park, so take advantage of the individual spending limits you can set on the Universal app for every member of the family. The kids will feel they have the autonomy they want and you’ll be sure no one’s breaking the bank. Make it clear that the spending amount is to cover whatever treats they choose – but there won’t be any top-ups. If your child chooses to blow it all on one huge stuffed toy, that’s it. They won’t be able to buy anything else. By stressing that at the beginning of the day, you’ll encourage some forethought – and that’s never a bad thing!

Not only will you be able to slip back to the pool for a cool -off mid-day, but you’ll also be entitled to early admission to the park, while the weather will be at its coolest.

Yes, the giant roller coasters are fun, but they’re in exposed locations and in the heat of the day, you might just want to try out some of the indoor rides such as “Revenge of the Mummy” or “Skull Island: Reign of King Kong” to get out of the sun for a bit. When it’s time to eat, find an indoor venue so you can cool off.

STAY AT A UNIVERSAL HOTEL

TRY SOME INDOOR RIDES

EAT WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY

Set up the app before you arrive in the park so you’ll be ready to order your food in advance to avoid lineups, bored kids and hangry adults. Mobile food and drink ordering is fast, contact-less and designed to work at any food outlet in Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. Pick your dining location, check out the menu, place your order, pay using the TapTu feature in the app, and let the kitchen know when you arrive at the venue. It’s that easy. Great tip: Don’t pay for drinks every time. Buy a Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup at the beginning of the fun and enjoy free refills instead.

Forewarned is forearmed. Use the “Wait Time Alert” feature on the app to see how long the line is at a favorite attraction before you walk all the way over to it. Better yet, use the “Virtual Line” feature to reserve your spot so you’ll never have to wait at all! Whether you’re spending one day or a whole week, the best thing you can do as a family is to talk about and plan the best ways to enjoy your Universal holiday. Not only will you be ready to make the most of every minute, but you’ll also have the fun of dreaming about your trip for months ahead.

NEVER STAND IN LINE WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Be sure to pack a change of clothes, hats, a bathing suit and towel for Volcano Bay (the water park) as well as a light jacket for everyone – spills happen and weather can change quickly, so it’s best to come prepared. Wet, dirty, sticky clothes will make a mess of your tote, so bring a couple of plastic bags to manage them. Remember sunscreen because it will be more expensive if you have to buy it in the park, and pack plastic water bottles you’ve filled and frozen the night before for everyone. There will be water fountains where you can refill them later and it might reduce the amount of pop that’s consumed over the course of the day. While strollers are available for rent, you might want to bring your own lightweight one from home. You’ll save money and the familiarity might just convince your little one to nod off at nap time. Genius tip: Don’t forget to fully charge your phones before arriving and bring a phone charger for every cell owner. You don’t want to be standing around, sharing one cord while everyone tries to recharge.