Universal Orlando Tips

Choose from side-by-side Universal theme parks—Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida—and customize your itinerary to see as much as you want. Whether you're planning your entire trip around the experience or it's just one of many things you'll do, this insider tourist guide to Orlando  will help you make the most of your time.

Beat the Crowds

If you want to spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the rides, plan to go on days when the parks aren't so packed. If your timing is flexible, go during autumn when the parks are relatively slow. July is the busiest month, but you can find less crowded times during June and August. Check out Orlando Informer's crowd calendar online to pinpoint the best days. It even shows you the weather forecast and current park promotions.

Don't Do It All in a Day

Don't expect to be able to see and do everything in the Universal theme parks in a single day. One of the best tips for visiting Universal Orlando is to budget for a two- or three-day Park-to-Park pass. Book online to save money and you'll end up paying about as much as you would for a one-day pass purchased at the gate. You can also save on daily parking by booking a nearby hotel that offers free shuttle service to and from the park.

Go to the Front of the Line

Don't waste time at the park standing in line when a few Universal Orlando tips will get you on rides quickly. If your timing is flexible, book your hotel in Orlando so you can go to the parks during non-holiday weeks from October through January when school is in session. If you go during a busy time, upgrade to a Universal Express Unlimited Pass to bypass long lines. If you don't mind riding separately from the rest of your group, line up in the singles queue at the busiest attractions like Gringotts and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.

Outsmart 'Em with Your Smartphone

Download the Universal Orlando Resort app before heading off to the park. You'll see wait lines for the rides in real time, and the app can notify you when the crowds dwindle to an acceptable level. View the show schedule, get park updates and find your way around with photo-driven GPS. Don't worry about using up your data—the park's free Xfinity Wi-Fi keeps you connected. Low battery? Rent a portable battery charger at the park for a small fee.

Use a Magic Wand

Ramp up the level of childhood wonder with a Harry Potter interactive wand. Buy the wand first thing when you visit Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley to cast magic spells as you explore. Use the enclosed map to find a bevy of interactive exhibits that come to life when you perform the magic spells. Make sure you buy the interactive wand with a green sensor on the tip because the less-expensive souvenir wands work only with your imagination.