Excellent tips. The one I'd say I disagree with though, is "don't go to the wizarding world first thing". You absolutely want to go to the wizarding worlds first because your wait times will be almost non existent if you get early admission. If you wait until later in the day I promise you will find that that's a mistake. There are no shorter lines at harry potter rides than first thing in the morning

I work for universal. One thing I recommend is having your ticket purchased before coming to the parks. The wait for ticket purchases can be upwards of 2-3 hours at the ticket windows. Trust me I work for the turnstiles/ rentals.

If you also just go for one day just go on weekdays because the weekends it’s at full capacity by 11:00 am

Addition to #2: If you’re staying at an on site resort, take advantage of the shuttle! It’s included in your hotel stay, gets you to and from quickly, almost no wait time for them and no stress of traffic and parking along the way.

Fellow UOAP here. I had no idea they would give you free water and ice if you bring your own bottle. Thanks for the tip!

me: lives in orlando and is an annual pass holder also me: hmm yes, very interesting *watches entire video*

Bring a portable charger! Or bring your charger cord and to the left of la bamba cafe, to the right of the little fountain (on the left side of the building with the green awnings) there’s some metal tables and a little outlet there 👌

I used to have season passes when the kids were younger. 1) Yes it’s hot especially if you don’t live here and can’t tolerate heat well. That will only be magnified if you don’t like water rides cause they can give you relief. 2) he’s right, go early! You will be tired that next morning but you’ll be shocked about how many don’t get to have early admission so get up an go, sleep when you get home. 3) prepare to spend more money then you think. You get there and then you’re all excited and feeling great and your endorphins open your wallet 😂. 4) try and stay till close cause lines will be shorter a lot of people at that point have split out, some from the above reasons.

One of the best things about Universal versus Disney...No Crying Kids!!!

These are sooooo helpful!!! I went to universal in 2010 and planning to go back as soon as I can!! I’m planning in staying 7 days because being the potterhead I am I’m gonna spend at least 3 days in wizarding world😅😅 love from Canada🇨🇦

I did islands of adventure last week and it was AMAZINGGG definitely planning a bigger longer trip next year ❤️

I have been saying for years to turn right when you get in either park. It’s nice to hear someone else say it!

He says “don’t underestimate the heat” and I immediately shows a girl walking around in a long sleeve shirt 😂

Great information, agree with pretty much all of this. Particularly the 3 day minimum if you can. Years ago we used to try and split our annual week between Disney/Universal, staying at an offsite motel between the two. While certainly fun, the level of pre-planning involved for Disney just didn’t fit how we vacation. Switching to a full week, on-site at Universal was a game changer. Just being able to enjoy the parks at our pace without the “have to be at this ride at this time because it seemed like a good idea 3 months ago” at Disney works much better for us. Also nice to know I’m not the only crazy person regularly checking the app even though I’m halfway across the country from Florida!😀

Thank you, sir. Planning our first family vacation to Universal at the end of this month and I watch your videos to educate myself and get important information for when we are there. Thank you again…you have no idea how helpful this is to families like ours’.

I wouldn’t have booked a 5-day ticket or download the mobile app without you. Thank you so much!

Me and my brother are crazy so we got in that hour early and did both parks in one day. It was the best time ever but we did hit every single thing we wanted to, so it can be done! Deff recommend more days if you aren’t young and crazy

We did 4 days for the two parks. Two days for parks, two days to enjoy resort. It was our best stay yet.

As a FL resident, when I go, I go for day trips. Because of this I only pack for a day but I will say: pack an extra pair of sneakers or walking shoes!! (& socks) Got stuck walking in the pouring rain on the way to the car once. There’s certain types of rain showers that ponchos just don’t cut it! 😂

These are great tips. I assumed it would be the usual, "stay at an on-site hotel and get express passes." We are a big family, and those options aren't practical for us. These are actually tips I can use. Thank you!!

I would like to add something in the honorable mention section. If you are visiting universal only for one day and are staying off property, I highly recommend buying the fast passes for the day. Otherwise, you'll be wasting soooo much time waiting in the lines. It might be expensive but consider it a good investment a d money well spent.

This video is right up my alley and I enjoyed it very much.

Great advice. I would say number 3, the heat is very demanding but what is even more tiring is the Florida humidity. Thats the real reason your body gets all the energy drained. Subbed at the advice is great.

Thanks for your advice. I am visiting the park for the first time and your advice helped a lot! God bless you 😊🙏

Have to agree with everything you said. We travel from the U.K. and love Universal. We’ve had a 5 night and 7 night stay and been in the parks on every one of those days. I’ve never understood the people who dismiss Universal as a one day park! If you are travelling with HP fans, you must go and look everywhere. There’s so many wonderful little details in shops, shop windows etc you don’t want to miss like taking a look in the mirror at Madam Malkins 😀. The HP areas alone can easily fill a day for fans. Only just found your channel, but now subscribed.

I finally took the family to universal just before COVID hit. We took a week and it was great. Taking your time is just the best way to go especially if it’s your first time. There is just a lot to look at. I think we seen something new everytime we revisited somewhere. We used the app as well and it was very useful. We are anticipating our next trip, hopefully after the pandemic is on the rear view. Have several places we didn’t eat at that are on the top of the list.

I only googled yesterday how many days you need for universal studios Orlando, and then I come across your channel. Coming from Australia I have no idea what to expect. Thank you for all the much needed info

Love the video! Big add on about the single rider: highly recommend it for someone who’s traveling with maybe one or two friends. I went with my friend about 3 years ago and we waited about 2 hours to get on the Harry Potter ride because we stayed in the regular line but then we went to ride it again but in the single rider line and was at the front in 30 minutes and still ended up sitting next to each other on that ride and about 3 other rides we tried it on. Won’t always work but it’s definitely worth a shot to add time back to do other things!

Great tips, helpful for us who have not been to universal but are Disney world pros. The only thing I don’t agree with that it’s hot year round in central FL. We have been freezing our tushes in November, February sometimes early March but for sure December and January. It can be rather cool and not bringing sweaters even jackets can result in having to purchase expensive Disney (or universal) hoodies etc. So many times we have ran into tourists in Orlando in December or January who were freezing and had to buy warm clothes, they were simply surprised because they heard Florida is always HOT. Yeah from May to October maybe and June to September it’s ridiculously hot, I agree. The winter months? Plan to at least bring layers.

Notice that after 6pm the park is less crowded. Also don't do the water rides first.

Great tips. Gonna visit with my family, for the first time, this summer. Great info

Yes me and my family found that 4 days (not including Volcano Bay) is the most ideal amount of days to go.

Here's one for non-Floridians: TRAVEL LIGHT. I've been to Halloween Horror Nights 3 times and I made the mistake my first year of carrying around a backpack around the park filled with what I thought were essentials. The past two trips, I've slimmed down the stuff I carry in the park and it makes all the difference. I went from feeling wiped after a few hours to literally going all night long at the event

I didn’t know you could get water for free if you had your on own bottle with you 😫 I will definitely remember this for next time, buying a bottle of water in the parks were SO expensive! Thank you 😊

I totally agree with #3. You almost have to be born to the heat/humidity to tolerate it. I recommend wearing swim wear underneath your clothes, because if you go on water rides or get rained on, you won't freak out as much if you get wet. As far as the early entry thing, if the kids complain about getting up early, go on a coffee run if you're too "tired."

Great video! I haven’t been to Universal yet but it is next on my planning list. Love the tips!

Great tips thank you I live in Washington DC but have been to Orlando millions of times ! Number 2 is more of a discipline one for me lol ...I love to sleep in ...

This is the second time that I’m going with my family ,so this is very helpful in Covid times, thank you,I will subscribe.

Thank for these tips. As a family we are visiting the Universal Parks I a few months, so most of these tips are great. We have a 2 week unlimited on all three parks, so we definitely have plenty of time. However, I personally visited years ago and did 2 weeks in the parks. Because of the heat, and the amount of time I had to visit, I took the odd day off to just rest. It really helped. Sit by the pool, take in the local activities, anything to have a rest. It made the experience in the parks that much more enjoyable. Thanks again for the tips

I love your advice to take into account the different "vacationing styles" of the people you're traveling with. My husband and I are very laid back and we don't like to spend our trip on a schedule- we get to the parks and figure out what shows or attractions we want to do as we go. I know someone who is the opposite of this- he has never visited Universal, only Disney (yes, one of THOSE)- he stays with his family on property so that they get the Magic Hours and plans every Fast Pass plus surrounding attractions to the minute so they can be "done with the whole park by 10am". That does NOT sound like fun to me, but his family hasn't mutinied yet, so...

Thanks for the advice. We’re doing 4 nights at Ft. Wilderness in mid October, and I decided to throw a few nights in at Cabana Bay at the end. I just bought 1-day 2-park tickets…thought I would just chill by the pool for a day…but you convinced me to add a second day of this. We live in South Florida, and can get up there whenever we want, but nowadays…who knows. The money, however? OUCH!

Another great upload, --- I would have put your #5 as number #2 and your #4 as number #1.... you know its really easy to go commando and try to plan out every hour, squeeze every second of the day to make sure you get your moneys worth, but unfortunately that ends up being a lot like work .... the biggest mistake that I think we forget is to simply have fun, for me its taking it all in, not getting stressed out about the wait times or whether or not we will hit a specific ride in time ( Express Pass is must have for us) ... I just enjoy watching the kids and strolling the parks, the scenery is just great..... quite frankly its the combination of the onsite hotels and the parks that make this such an enjoyable place........ now the heat....... you cannot underestimate the impact that the humidity takes on your body, not mention the intense heat... even for us who live in Georgia, the Orlando Heat is one of kind, -- and it will sneak up on you quickly, its very deceptive because your body doesn't really want to drink , but you have to remember to have frequent intakes of water, --- at a minimum we try to set an alarm to drink at least once an hour or more , just to maintain ..... doesnt have to be a gallon an hour, but you need to maintain hydration, it can absoluteley ruin your trip, -- another tip is to find cooling areas that you can duck into every so often ,,, we have several favorites that we have located that are spacious even during the busy days of the park ( but not telling where lol) ..... Also their are some really exposed areas for sun exposure in a few of the ques that I really scratch my head and wonder why Universal has provided some coverage,,, the one that really stands out to me is the Ollivanders Wand Shop Experience at Hogsmeade, the sun exposure is just brutal,

You’re so right! Could not decide whether to get one park per day or park to park as we’ll have 5 days there. I’m the only one who loves rides and would like to hit all rides per park in one day. But now leaning towards annual pass so everyone can be more relaxed. Also just found out if you pay for multi day tickets with AMEX card, you can rest and have free drinks and snacks at AMEX lounge at Universal Studio! New sub here! Thanks for all the helpful videos! 😊

On our honeymoon, my husband and I almost always hopped in the single rider lines and we were always able to sit together!

Please remember, just because it is raining when it does rain, the park stays open and the lines at times decrease. Most rides are indoor and family friendly. Enjoy the park and take your time through the rain, it always feels wonderful. If you cannot afford the food in the parks *they can be pricey* do not hesitate to bring some foods for the day. There are lockers to put your bags in and often are free when going on rides. Slow down and dont rush looking at things, like disney, there are little hidden fun secrets in the park you could enjoy, for example the doors near the aliens in the que of men in black. I go to the parks all the time myself, got a set of ponchos and went to the park on a rainy day and took my time while enjoying the rain. Have fun! Enjoy the time you have in the park.

I totally agree with all tips! Had to learn the hard way especially the Florida Sun ☀️

One tip is to buy your tickets online well in advance and look out for promotions. My boyfriend and I are going in September for 4 days. And I got a promo deal on 3 park 4 day park to park tickets. Also, I got a deal on a 5 night stay at the Adventura Hotel. Great thing about doing the build your own vacation is all you gotta do is put $100 down and then you can make payments. Helps make the trip more possible

Me watching this only going for one day and getting a park hopper pass for that one day: 👁 👄 👁

excellent advice. Single rider for sure. Also regarding getting a meal, make a reservation as soon as you get there. If it's 10am go make dinner reservations for 6 or 7 at cowfish or wherever. You'll be stoked later when you can take a load off and get some grub and some rest then charge back out for a couple night rides.

thanks for all this tips, we're going next month. And they have a good deal, buy 2 days and get 2 days free, thats amazing we can enjoy for 4days. 😀

Great video - hoping to visit universal next year, really helpful. Thanks.

I remember doing both in 1 day easily before harry potter. I was there last week and lines were longer than I'd ever seen. Would have preferred 2 days

This is great!! I’m going to universal for the first time next week and this is going to help me plan it out!

I know this video was aired 1 year ago but it is new to me. such great information! you have a new subscriber 😍

As soon as I saw the title, my first thought was dont wait for Kong. Its not worth the super long wait

The best thing I did was buy an annual pass because you can seriously do things at Universal Studios at your leisure and it’s usually comparable to full ticket prices and if you’re going to make annual visits it’s worth the money.

This was an awesome video. I am definitely using these tips

Thanks for this. We're going next month- I already purchased three day park to park for the two parks since we have no interest in Volcano Bay. Glad to know about the app.

Sounded more like a '''do" list than a 'don't" list, but that's totally ok. Especially helpful for me is the tip about downloading the app. I'd like to add: make sure that your phone is fully charged before you go

Solid dad advice! Thx!

Lol, "don't underestimate the sun" Coming from Houston it feels like a skiing trip 🤣

Going for the first time with my brothers as locals to Hollywood. We're doing both parks (one on each day) and HHN with each night. I think we're all going with the mentality were gonna hit all the rides. We got the unlimited pass with the resort so hopefully everything is doable

Me: annual pass holder Tip #4, use the app. I agree it has some advantages, BUT as a regular, it is not very useful to me. I know the park layout probably hetter than most employees, I can guess ride lines just by time of day, popularity of the ride, and overall park crowd. Also, i have seen people get fustrated with ordering food ahead, and waiting in long lines, while at the same time the counter line at that exact same food location is nearly empty. Sure, ordering ahead is great, but just try to be efficient with it. Parking, Even regulars like me who end up in the same parking section 9/10 times finds that part of the app useful. And for paying for stuff, I control how much I spend by using cash instead of a card, but thats personal preference.

Chubby ginger from Canada here. Survived my trip to Florida without heat stroke. After watching this it feels like way more of an accomplishment. 😂

Great video. We’re going to Universal in 2 weeks. Very helpful

I would say if you stay at high end on site hotels as hard Rock hotel definitely fork out for club level room as it best thing my family ever did because you get your own private lounge which is open for you most of day so you get breakfast there, lunch, snack and for over 21 year old you get your own private bar service. All you can go in lounge to grad unlimited soda /pop and water to take too the park. Also stay at hard Rock Hotel you get early Park entries and front of line pass. He is another tip if you have some who has hidden disabilities or physical one you can as for a dad pass which means you don't have to wait in actual queue depending on standby line time if it 30 or less you can rwalk straight through the fast pass line and if it more than 30 minutes staff give you a time to come back to ride that ride. Also different don't miss out doing single ride as some time it easy and you get on faster. Also another tip for outsider of America like me if you want to do the water rides I was wear swimming costumes for girls and ladies and swimming short for lad and man, also bring a spare change of clothes as these water ride u will get wet but you probably get soak through. My family made the makes first trip to universal as we laugh at the sign the you will get wet but may get soak. We were all soak through that me and mum at to by dresses to wear. Also buy lots of ponchos as it will rain especially is hurricane seasons as 3pm for 5 to 10 minute down pour but that depends on. The day. Don't forget to take a day to rest if you can because if you are running at all day everyday even when you know you have couple days here you will feel like you need another holiday. So pace yourself if you can if not take five minutes break evey hour or two so you can have a drink and possibly food.

I’m going for the first time in a month. I’m preparing!!

Thanks for putting this out. I have never been there and want to take my family of 4. I feel a little overwhelmed, since we are used to going to Disneyland in CA.

I always do a 4 day trip, even with my annual pass I have. I don't do the water parks, however, I give myself 3 days to do both parks. 2 for each park. 1 day in case I wasn't able to do something, and a 4th day if I want to do that something again before I leave.

I agree with the single rider line one. I’ve gone plenty of times and a lot of times i’m the only one in my family who wants to get on roller coasters and the single rider line goes so fast. i’ve even gone on it with someone else and they’ve been able to seat us together

Can you make a video on what to do when you only have one day? I’m going as a chaperone for my sisters band and we only have one day, we love Harry Potter but I’m afraid we won’t get to see all of it in one day. Thanks!

Thanks for the video. 👍🏾✌🏾💯

Baller vid, dad.

Definitely don't underestimate the Florida sun. We did Disney five years ago and we were advised to freeze some water the night before. Nice and cool as the day progressed.

I’m planning a trip in January with my 13 yo. Good tips :)

Going to Florida Universal Orlando from Texas so I know what it feels like 😂

cant wait to be there again

I will surely visit after the covid-19

When you're from Texas going to Florida in July. Ain't no heat or sun bother us Texans 😂

I'm going in a month. It made way more sense to buy a Premier Annual Pass than to buy the day ticket + express. Gonna go straight to Hagrid's ride.

I’m visiting soon, Thanks!!

Could you give your input on the Annual Passes? Prices and Benefits. Thanks 😊

Please be careful who you go with.. a large party will slow you down. I wouldn’t go with more than 4 other ppl. Preferably just one other person because it really saves time and is easier to compromise on deciding which rides to go on. The app is really your best friend because it makes navigating the park easier and you can hit the rides with the shortest wait times first. You can also bring snacks to the park something I didn’t know my first time. It saves money and time. Plus you wouldn’t want to walk or go on rides on a full stomach anyway. Better to save room for a nice dinner after the parks. I highly suggest to take a motion sickness pill. They give them out for free in city walk first aid located by the bathrooms right next to the Red Oven Pizza when you first enter the resort. So important to get up Early! If you stay at one of the Universal Hotels take advantage of the early entrance. You get to do soo much before the park gets full around 11am. Wish I knew all of this but the more you go the more tips and tricks of find out about.

IOA team member at Marvel, still surprised people underestimate the floridian heat.

Why am i so late!! I just went to universal yesterday 😭 But thanks for the info!

I'm staying a full week in a universal resort the last week of January. (Florida summer and I do not get along). Thanks for the tips!

Also I think ppl should purchase the skip the line tickets we had one pass for the amazing Spider-Man ride and it was a completely different experience! Not only is it fast but u see things the normal line doesn’t see ‼️❤️

I got one: if you intend to eat lunch in the park at a quick service don't go at lunchtime. Go later in the afternoon or you may be stuck in line waiting for a table.

You can get early admission if you stay at either Surfside or Dockside hotels, which are not on site. Please note that those 2 hotels do charge for parking, but right now it's just $15/night.

Number 1 tip = Just have fun

I’ve been to Universal Orlando Resort a bunch of times. Recently I stayed for 10 days. I can’t imagine only going for 3 days.

You don't need a full day for each park unless you're planning on doing absolutely everything in each park. Meaning not just rides, but shopping, eating, character interactions, parades, and shows. We don't care about anything other then rides, so it's really just a half day most of the time.

Me and a couple of my friends are maybe planning on coming at the end of February beginning of March, and I was thinking of a day for the main park and a day for islands of adventure but then a day for just Orlando. Should I be planning different, or what would you recommend.

"Don't make a B-line to the Wizarding world" It's my first time there and I only want to spend my Two whole days there.😅

These tips are perfect and I agree with every one of them. Instead of the usual “stay in a premium hotel to get the express passes” as someone from the UK we have already spent thousands of pounds getting to the US and it’s just not viable for everyone but these can be used by everyone. I think people under estimate the app especially if you don’t have the express passes as you can almost always walk straight onto a ride if you check the wait times for the attractions. I love Universal and cant wait to get back over there, great content!

Thanks for the video.

I’d add to skip hogwarts express. The line is ridiculous and it’s really not worth the wait. I know I’ll catch heat for that. It’s just way faster to walk around to the other park. However if you are only there for Harry Potter then it is a must. At least once.

I think Ill just stay at home. You scared🙈🙉🙊 me jajajajajaj

I'm going next month and I'm allocating 3 days (Studios and Island) plus one day for Volcano Bay.

Oh my goodness. That app was a life saver.