I am going to Universal in 2023. I often find your tips to be more helpful even than from those who live in the area! Your touring plans, tips to avoid crowds for rides, food, and merchandise, as well as money saving ideas are superb. Thank you for all your hard work! 💐
@@astromanicdave I agree, no longer willing to go to Disney given the reservations, genie + and increased cost of everything. Total lack of spontaneity and need to be glued to your phone…this is no vacation…it’s universal for us…will be planning our fourth visit.
Well said buddy. I canceled all my Disney stuff and want to experience all of Universal since my kids are older as well. I look forward to the change. I haven’t been universal since 2013
3 days park to park is pretty ideal to experience everything. Right now, you get 2 additional days free with the purchase of 3 days. Express passes aren't needed if you got a 3+ days of tickets; but they are definitely nice to have and cut wait times in half. We got there the night before our stay at Royal Pacific and stayed at a way lesser hotel just for the night. The next morning we checked in at 6am at Royal Pacific, got our room keys (Express Passes), dropped off our bags, got park tickets & got to IOA at 7:15am for early admission at 8. By 7:30, thr bridge was about half full so try to get there by 715 if you're in a rush. Virtual Queues aren't going on currently (April 2022). If you stay at the resorts, check the water taxi travel time vs walking. The boat ride from Royal Pacific to CityWalk then walking to IOA was right at 20mins (not counting waiting for the boat). Walking from Royal Pacific to the IOA gate was 8mins. But at the end of the night, the boats were nice to take a load off your feet. Reservations are highly recommended for the nicer CityWalk restaurants in the evening. CowFish was a 4hr wait without a reservation on a Wednesday night. HS: Definitely don't miss the dragon at night in Diagon Alley. Also look into the "Easter Eggs" around the area. Phone Booth dial 62442. Kreacher house knock on middle door and he peeks out of a window. RipRideRocket has a slew of hidden songs you can listen to. It's tall, fast but not as bad as it looks. Don't downplay E.T. It's the last original attraction from the park opening. Its 1990s technology at its finest. It takes up a lot of real estate and has declining ridership, so it won't be around much longer. The Horror Makeup and Bourne Stuntacular shows were way better than I expected. We made large loops around the parks. I think going back and forth from one side to the other and back again is a waste of time, unless there's a ride with an extremely low wait time. General consensus is Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious aren't worth any wait. Simpsons ride is notorious for motion sickness. If you have rain in the forecast, Universal Studios is the park to be at. There's more places to avoid the rain and there's more indoor attractions that don't shut down in the rain. IOA: First thing to ride is Hagrid's, then Velocicoaster and make your way around towards Hulk and back around the park;counter clockwise. If you have 2 days of early admission, ride one one day and the other the next. Ride all the water rides back to back to back. Jurassic River Adventure gets you damp. Ripsaw Falls gets you wet. Popeye's gets you absolutely soaked. You can add Kong Skull Island in the mix as Jurassic Park River Adventure doesnt get you too wet. The $5 human dryers get you dryer than before, but not 100% dry. Ride waits for Hagrid's and Velocicoaster are usually lesser the last hour of park hours. Definitely take advantage of the free lockers. But the ones around the water rides usually cost $2 for a few hours. Unless you're strapped for time, having a tight "agenda" isn't needed. Enjoy your time there. Leave the outside work outside the gates. Keep your phones in your pockets (except to use Universal App) and leave all your troubles behind.
With 1 day, would you recommend to just for IOA? I am not really interested in 3D/4D adventures, so am nor sure I'll be missing out on too much in the universal studios park besides Harry Potter?
Even if you are short on time, I strongly recommend a minimum of two days. Universal is much larger than you think! I went in the off-season and trust me, two days was a bit of a challenge. The chilly weather will sap your energy. Visit ONE land (Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay or Universal). Have a nice dinner, you are allowed to dine in any of the hotels. There is a sushi bar in Aventura next door. Then call it quits for the day. Hit the other park the following day. I say this because if your kids are Harry Potter fans, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade will be crowded when the locals/season pass holders pour through the gates. Also, you will always encounter crowds at Harry's favorite candy store Honeydukes of Hogsmeade. They also sell home made fudge. A lot of the packaged candy is imported from the United Kingdom. I loved the licorice. It isn't overly flavored and has just the right amount of sweetness. Plus the hot pink can looks cool on my desk as a paperweight. However, there are many sacrifices to make if you want to go in January. Staying on Harry's porch will be cheaper as Universal's hotels will struggle to fill rooms so it'll be easier to find deals. However, if you want to book Cabana Bay, call the hotel first and ask them if Volcano Bay is affected by the cold weather. I was shocked that many parents had not done this. There were a lot of unhappy kids in the lobby (I guess many of them were old enough to read) and they were upset by big signs that said "Due to cold weather, Volcano Bay will be closed for the rest of the month. We apologize for the inconvenience. - Universal" I guess the parents had to alter their vacation plans and either use the lazy river in the hotel pool area (all Universal hotels have heated pools and some have hot tubs big enough for families) or push their schedule forward a day and go straight to the parks.
PS: Sorry, I forgot to add that cold weather increases the chances of winter maintenance. When I went, huge sections of Jurassic Park were boarded up for refurbishment and to install the mounts for the velocicoaster track. It was funny seeing cute warnings on the safety fencing that said "management not responsible for dino attacks!" 😁 Also if you need a nice table service restaurant, I tried a burger in the top floor of the JP visitors center. The kids will love the atmosphere: you will see animatronic dinos munching nearby. Hey, the dinos need to eat too!
The lockers are madness lol 😂 definitely just bring a Fanny pack or if you have two hotel cards or tickets you could use multiple lockers bring a light back pack that can fit into that very slim locker
A tip I have is to check out some of the restaurants that are less talked about. It can really cut down the time you'd wait for one of the more popular options. The restaurants in Toon lagoon have always been my favorite choice. Wimpy's has amazing burgers and they sell dole whips. Blondie's is a healthier option and their sandwiches are great! And comic strip Cafe has different options than regular standard theme park food, such as Spanish and Asian cuisine. Amazing video as always 💖
Super in-depth - but also quick to watch videos. You do a fantastic job with the content you create. You helped me plan out a vacation for my family last December and will help me create an even better plan with my partner for this December. I love being around Orlando's theme parks, and watching your videos helps me stay hyped for vacation. Thank you so much!
I've been to Orlando close to almost every year since 2015, and in 2022 I brought my partner. Your videos were really helpful for him (and me too). There were so many things I had never thought of until I found your channel and your advice made me fall back in love with these parks :)
To get on hagrid or velocicoaster stay on site get up at 6am get to the park before 7am scout the map … for hagrid when walking in make the right towards dr Seuss towards the castle got on in 35 minutes …use the app for times and make adjustments…. I used express on 1 of my 3 days got most done on non express day during spring break… make some reservations… I like mythos a lot stay away from NBC grill good beer but food sucked
FB can’t tell you how this latest video made me want to book my next trip to Florida . I have only two top tips which you have already covered . Rope drop both parks 👍worked very well for us on our last visit . Also at Volcano Bay be early be friendly be nice to the staff . Twice we were let in early with this approach and had the park to our selves for about 20 mins . Another top review . Universal is just the best in my opinion. Well done as usual 👏
Looks like going on a cruise is cheaper and way more fun than Universal or Disney. We moved to Florida 5 months ago. I tried to show my 3 kids many Universal/Disney videos to get them excited, but all 3 said they preferred a cruise. Saves me money, but I really wanted to go to Universal, lol. Guess I will go without the kids at a later date.
Another video! Thanks! Just as a sock suggestion: alpaca (full-not blend) fiber socks are the best. Fully wicking- means no more sloshy socks/stanky feet/ blisters. Plus they keep my feet cool in our sahara summers and warm in winter. I’m getting nothing for this just a local park goer who has tried everything for better foot comfort. Only socks I will ever wear now. Paca’s
Fantastic informative video as always. By far the best RU-vid content provider for holiday makers travelling the Atlantic to enjoy a Florida holiday. I’ve watched an awful lot and thought I had all the boxes ticked for when we head off, then I watch another video by yourself and I’m adjusting our plans for the better. Thankyou
Your videos are very informative and I would say very well made, I visited these parks about a month ago for 12 days during the recent hurricane for Halloween Horror nights, and you videos brought alot of good info while I was preparing for my trip.
Pro Tip: if you're going to the Main Universal Parks, tell the employee working at the parking booth to go to Volcano Bay, because nobody will be parking next to the elevators closest to the gate on the first floor. That way you save extra time from the extra walking.
Love your videos so much fantastic advice, is there a pro tips Disney world ? Thanks, just spending our evening watching all your videos can’t wait to go !!!
Thank you for that! I made a ‘sneaky tips’ video for WDW a couple years ago, but it’s not my favourite. Hoping to do another WDW tips video next year most likely. Hope you have an awesome trip 😁👍
26:26…I guess I’m one of the four people, then, because I LOVE both Potter sit-down restaurants ( I’m sure it’s not tremendously accurate food, but it is at least comparable to the English Pub we occasionally visit here in San Diego(
One additional comment about the “Stay one day at Deluxe, get 2 full days of Express” hack…even on SUPER BUSY days (we used it Dec 26-27, 2019-INSANELY busy!) you WILL, if you’re there 8-10 hrs a day, be able to ride EVERYTHING IN BOTH PARKS (Even Hagrid, which, sadly wasn’t included) and, especially if you stay at the Royal Pacific ( which was HALF the cost of Portofino), you will get up to $1500-2000 worth of value in Express tickets for merely the cost of a really nice room ($605 the one night we stayed there)
for anyone who wants to do single rider only do it for rides with more then 2 seats in the section. If you do you will be waiting in line for way longer.
If you go for 3 or more days just get the preferred annual pass for $499.99 as of this comment. it’s usually cheaper and if it is slightly more expensive it is still way worth it as it gives you up to a 30% discount on hotels as well as a 10% discount on all merchandise and food.
Headed to Orlando may 8th-may 14th. I checked crowd calendars and the parks should not be very busy. I will follow your tip and go to Volcano Bay on Monday, then 4 extra days to do the rest of the parks and repeat some favorites.
I have already visited Orlando,seen the visiting places NASA, disni,sea World, universal studios, Tampa bay etc very nice places, mostly I have impressed of NASA 👍👍🙏🏻🙏🏻
totally wrong on Express pass v Disney plus, my many times there Disney express/LL are much slower than Universal express passes, although I do agree most times of the year express pass not worth it if you are there for more than a week.
Important note **** !! If using fanny pack / bum bag the clasp MUST have 3 teeth / fingers locking the clasp if you want bring it on a amusement ride that allows these type bag / pack.
People underestimate the size of Universal. It is THREE lands not counting CityWalk. This is why Frugal Brit covers them separately. You are a mad hatter if you try to cover all of Universal in one day. Even two days is a bit of a stretch. When I took a vacation there, I sacrificed Volcano Bay and spent three days: one day in the main area of Universal, another in Is. of Adventure and my third day I went back to the other side of the park to revisit some rides and really explore the park. If you are severely pressed for time, I strongly recommend two days, no exceptions. You will be too exhausted and emotionally drained if you try to cram everything into one day. One thing he forgot to mention (I asked a Universal cast member): if mechanical problems delay your ride and you already used the free locker, it will not set the timer until the ride starts. I suggest you check anyway and get a verbal confirmation before using it. And be aware, the lockers near Escape from Gringotts is poorly lit, you will be fumbling around, bumping into people as you fight to get to your locker. BE ALERT for pickpockets! Just because you're in Universal doesn't mean you won't encounter them!
PS: it is impossible to exaggerate the severe importance of booking tickets in advance. I couldn't believe my eyes: there was a line of last minute people fighting to get to the window for the ticket counter! Well, as the Brits would say, "bloody fools..."
Hi! Your videos have been so helpful in getting to grips with Orlando parks! Do you recommend any trusted organisations to buy park tickets from? These could be for individual parks or a package. Cheers 😃
Cool video! Quick question though, on the day i go to the parks, due to time restraint's i arrive around lunch. Whats your recommendation i do first (other then eat)?
Good video, just need to know about transportation from Disney art of animation resort to these parks. Also can you wear a waist bag when u go on a ride?
(Islands of adventure park) I’m between doing first Jurassic park area or Harry Potter area. I don’t care for other rides only those 2 areas are my priority this time. Also I noticed I’ve never really gotten a chance to walk through the Harry Potter area (like the shops and any extra hidden gems around) is always been rushed due to waiting times riding other attractions. Any recommendations?
Sort of depends on whether you have early park admission. If so, definitely prioritise the Wizarding World. If not, Hagrdid's will be crazy at rope drop so I'd avoid until later in the day. I'd be tempted to head first to Forbidden Journey.
Are the larger lockers free? We are staying at the hard rock one day in September, but we like to purchase the refillable cups, as they are decent value compared to Disney. It’s a good souvenir at well. Any tips where to put these during rides, as I know some rides don’t have suitable lockers for 2 large cups, and a small backpack.
Free lockers (which are usually the ones near thrill rides) are not that big... they are only about large enough to fit i would say your phone or keys. Cups and your backpack can fit in large lockers but they will cost you. You can either buy an all day large locker or one time one for a ride.
The free lockers are tiny, but you’d be surprised how much you can squeeze in. Recommend taking a small back pack. Remember that everyone in your group can have their own locker. The larger lockers cost $2 each time 🤪
@@TheFrugalBrit thanks again, this particular vlog has got us really looking forward to our trip in September. Do you have plans for going back this year?
Thankyou for this video I’m going to universal in September with my four grandsons staying at endless summer resort. Do you have to put a bum bag/fanny pack into the lockers or can you take these on the ride with you, tia
How does it work when buying through thirds party sellers? We've looked at the 14 day option to save money but it wasn't clear if you need to pick up or get digital tickets? We know we want to buy a 14 day pass so any advice on which company to use and how they work would be amazing!
I got paper tickets from Floridatix for my wife and kids. On the app, you can scan or enter the paper ticket info, and then you also have a digital ticket as well 👍😁. Apologies for the late reply.
Going in a few weeks is planning on spending two days at universal and 5 all together In Orlando should I just stay at a universal resort for the entire time or split it up at two different resort/hotels?
Hello, so if I were to do single rider lines on most of the rides how many rides would I miss major and cool cue areas? Love Harry Potter and Jurassic world. So what would I miss if I were to do single rider or those rides?
Quick question! We purchased our tickets with vacation package bundle (the royal pacific and 3 day park to park tickets), will we receive our tickets and such at check-in at the hotel or sometime before hand? There were no ticket information pdfs or etc included with the confirmation email, so I can't link our trip in the app :( really would like to reserve tables at restaurants soon!!
25:41 Why? As far as I know there is no advantage to doing this. On most days the line is always stay around 120 mins, even at closing time. So, you’ll likely leave at 10:40 exhausted from standing around for 2 hrs. One might say that most people would leave the line to see the Hogwarts nighttime spectacular, and that simply isn’t the case. So again I ask, why?
tip for the ones traveling to Universal Orlando: pls pls pls do no stop in the middle of the street to take a picture or look at your phone or something you will get run over. thank you!
