Universal Orlando Touring Tips & Strategies

Some Specific Tips when you visit:

Halloween Horror Nights Tips:

From site Webmaster, Barry Hom:

"The haunted houses will crowd up first. Be in the park before 5:30. If you do so, you will be placed into a special area until the houses are ready (around 6:30). Then you will have the first dibs at the haunted houses and should have a minimal wait. Then head to the first Bill and Ted show. After the show, the lines for the haunted houses will be around 30-45 minutes. You can do a house that you liked the best, or go watch the other shows or the rides."

Front of the Line access tips for On-Site Guests:

Metalicat gives this warning for on-site guests:

A couple of months ago I dropped by guest services at USF to ask about a rumor I heard regarding FOTL access for onsite hotel guests. I was told by guest services and I swear it to be true, they told me that they are "THINKING" (not definite) about changing the FOTL for onsite guests, to only 1 FOTL ride per ride, per hour. that's why they were scanning our resort keys to track how many times resort guests ride the rides using FOTL access.
I don't know if they have nixed this idea or not, but if you are staying onsite you may want to stop by guest services at USF and ask about this. if they tell you what they told me, fill out a complaint card to let management know if they do this, we will stay elsewhere. maybe if enough people complain, they will not change things.

Islands of Adventure tips:

Tip #1:   Especially if you have kids, BRING SUN BLOCK.  Suess Landing is comprised of bright, iridescent colors.  Colors that do a good job of reflecting sunlight.  As a result, you could get a lot more sun than you bargained for at Suess Landing.  If you have kids, you will want to make sure you bring plenty of sun block.

Tip #2:  The rides that look to be the 'big draws' are Spiderman and   Incredible Hulk Coaster (Marvel Super Hero Island), Dueling Dragons (Lost Continent), and Jurassic Park River Adventure (Jurassic Park).  Expect these attractions to fill up quickly.

Tip #3: Islands of Adventure is a very WET park.  On most rides you will experience some kind of water.  On rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure you may get somewhat wet.  On Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges, however, you will get SOAKED, same is true for rides like Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls.  Be sure to wear clothing that will be comfortable when wet, or at least bring a change of clothing with you.

Tip #4:  For a very good, sit down meal, be sure to try Confisco Grille at the Port of Entry.  On your way into the park, stop by and make priority seating arrangements for dinner.  The food is first rate (on par with MGM's Brown Derby) and the prices are excellent (dinner for 2 including appetizers and dessert cost us $45 before tip).  Also, Mythos (in the Lost Continent) is getting great reviews from our readers.

Tip #5: If it's a VERY hot day and you don't want to wait on line to get wet, go over to the Terrace Falls restaurant, right next to the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride. Stand alongside the restaurant, where the boats come down and wait. You'll be soaked when the boats hit the bottom and throw a great deal of water in your direction. We are talking about drenched here...so be warned!

Universal Studios Tips:

Tip #1: DON'T EAT THE FOOD. Universal Studios is notorious as having the worst theme park food on the planet. It is grossly overpriced and you'll walk away feeling ripped off. Our suggestion is to go out to CityWalk for lunch, especially Margaritaville. A nice lunch for three adults ran us $29 + tip. The portions are large, the food is excellent, and the prices are reasonable.

Tip #2: Read our Men in Black tip for ways to get a high score on this VERY cool attraction. CLICK HERE