Tip #1

The first tip I want to share with you is that Universal Orlando is actually made up of multiple parks. If you are going specifically for the Wizarding World, it is currently split into two different parks.

Universal Studios is home to the magical Diagon Alley while Islands of Adventure features Hogsmeade.

I highly suggest getting the Park-to-Park pass, especially if you love Harry Potter, as this is the only way to ride the Hogwarts Express. Not only that, but I think both parks are amazing and you don't want to miss out!

Now, if you only have a limited amount of time and you are trying to decide which park to go to here's a helpful little tip:

Do you love riding thrill rides? If so, you definitely want to choose Islands of Adventure as they have more options for those seeking the thrill. Universal Studios still features rides and has some great ones, but if you're only going for the roller coasters, I suggest IoA.

Do you love shopping and enjoying immersive scenery? If so, choose Universal Studios! Universal Studios features Diagon Alley which really feels like you are there! Not only that but they have several other movie studio-type sceneries that are so fun to walk around and see.

Tip #2

It's no secret that Florida is hot. Regardless of if you love the heat or hate it (like me!) one thing that you MUST do for a park day is hydrate. While yes, you can get the refillable sodas, you really should be drinking water throughout the day. Tip #2 is to bring a collapsible water bottle with you. Ideally, you want to find one that collapses pretty well making it easy to carry around.

Along with our recommendation of bringing a water bottle, skip the water fountains and head straight over to one of those Freestyle Coca-Cola machines that are around both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. You can fill up your water bottle with filtered water for free at any one of these machines, no purchase necessary!

Tip #3

Ditch the backpack. If you are planning on riding the rides, you don't want to be lugging around a backpack all day. You cannot bring backpacks on most rides, therefore you'll have to get a locker. Small lockers are free but depending on the size of your bag, you may need to pay for a larger one.

Don't worry if you need to bring things with you like snacks, collapsible water bottle, medication, etc. You can bring a fanny pack on most of the rides. The few that you cannot bring the fanny pack on, don't worry! Fanny packs easily fit in the small lockers that are available.

Tip #4

Bring two pairs of your most comfortable shoes. Especially if you're going to be there for multiple days. I highly suggest bringing two pairs of tennis shoes/sneakers. Sandals are great while it's hot and for water rides, but you may lose them on some rides if they are not well strapped to your foot. Not only that, but sneakers often just give you more support. I like to bring two pairs so if the insole of one shoe is getting a bit worn down I can switch to the second pair for maximum comfort.

Bonus tip: If you're like me and you mostly work at a desk, sitting all day, another tip for you is to "train" before you go. All I mean by "train" is to take regular walks and try standing for part of your day. Universal is a blast, but we average 12 miles a day while we're there. Going from 1-2 miles a day to 12 a day will make your feet ache, so it's best to prep before going.

Tip #5

Eating at the parks can get expensive. If you're like us and you want to enjoy a budget-friendly vacation, here's what you can do.

1. Instacart groceries to the hotel. This is the perfect way to have plenty of food, snacks, drinks without eating out the whole trip.
2. If you are staying at one of the Endless Summer resorts, there is a Walgreens really close by. You can walk to Walgreens and pick up some necessities.
3. Bring food with you in a checked bag or your carry on! We have done this several times and it's always cost effective!
4. If you do plan on eating out, share a meal! The portion sizes are big enough for two at most places.

Now, you may be thinking, what kind of things can I have in the room for food options? Here are a few things that we enjoy eating while we are there:

1. Oatmeal. This is so easy to make for breakfast. Your room already has the coffee maker which you can use to heat up the water for your oats. All you need are bowls and spoons!
2. Sandwiches. Whether it's a nut butter or nut butter alternative, this is probably the easiest lunch for the parks. There are also mini fridges in the rooms so if you prefer meat and cheese, that's an option too!
3. Cereal. Like oatmeal, cereal is another easy meal idea while you're at the parks. You can get milk from Walgreens or Instacart. Be mindful that only a half gallon will fit in the fridge!
4. Snacks
5. GRANOLA! I LOVE granola and it's such a great and easy snack that we can take to the parks with us for a little pick me up!
6. Fruit! We also love bringing bananas and clementines to the park to snack on throughout the day
7. Granola/protein bars. These are easy park snacks as well, just be mindful if you get chocolate ones though as they will get a little melty in the Florida heat!
8. Fruit snacks are another favorite snack item of ours.

The possibilities are endless! Most rooms do not include a microwave though. Be sure to check the amenities for your room type before planning out what to bring. While there isn't a microwave in the room, there are microwaves in the food area of the hotel (at least at Aventura and Endless Summer resorts!)

Bonus Tip

My last tip for you, download the Universal Orlando app. Not only will it tell you accurate ride times, but it also includes a map which is MUCH easier than trying to keep track of a paper map.

I hope these tips can help you when planning your magical trip to Universal Studios Orlando!