Ride the movies, and live the adventure! With cutting-edge rides, shows, and attractions that bring your favorite movies and television programs to life – Universal Florida Resort’s theme parks are like no other. From riding a high-speed coaster that twists through Jurassic World to helping ET phone home (my favorite!), to rhyming with Dr. Seuss, and watching Spider-Man let loose through New York City – it becomes what DIDN’T you do at the Universal Orlando Parks. Want to get to the fun faster? Read on as we uncover the best Ticket tips and Helpful Hints – Universal Orlando Resort with Kids.
Universal Express Access – Universal Orlando Resort
We never waited more than 10 minutes for a ride the entire trip (YES, that’s a true statement!), which is because we did Universal Express Access. It’s an add-on service to your ticket, allowing you to skip the regular lines at most of your favorite rides and attractions. We went on 14 rides during our trip, across two parks, all in one day! We even sat down for lunch and a full-service dinner. The Express Pass makes a world of difference and allows you to experience so much more from your park adventure.
As mentioned, the service is an added fee to ticket holders, but many don’t realize that this service is INCLUDED with your stay at Universal Premier Hotels. The Hotels that have Universal Express Access included in their stay: Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Consider staying at one of these resorts with your family, and all members of your registered party will receive this access.
Early Park Admission – Universal Orlando Resort
How to create a magical day without wait times and long lines? Get a head start on your day! Stay at a Universal Resort or Partner Resort. The resorts offer 1-hour early access to all overnight guests. The hotels that offer this service are Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn, and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites.
The 2022 Universal early park admission schedule is typically released two months in advance. However, it is important to note that Universal Early Park Admission isn’t guaranteed for every park daily – it is at the discretion of Universal and is subject to change. Be sure to check for updates on which parks are eligible for early entry during your stay.
Currently (and this changes), the ride offerings in the early access are this:
Islands of Adventure rides open for early admission
May 1 – July 31, 2022
The VelociCoaster
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Flight of Hippogriff
Ollivander’s Wand Shop
Universal Studios rides open for early admission:
May 27-31, 2022
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Ride
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Note this is just the ride offerings. We enjoyed touring the park and themed areas (specifically Harry Potter) before others arrived. Personally, I feel that being able to take in the details of the theme park area before opening is worth it alone.
Other Visit Tips – Universal Orlando Resort
Are you trying to beat the crowds for the perfect picture? Hoping to get on the first ride of the day? Have a specific list of ride favorites that you want to see? We get it! Here are a few tips to help make this happen.
- Stay at a Partner Hotel for Early Park Access. This hour is essential for photos, and to take in the magic of the park without crowds. If the ride you MUST see is on the early access list, this is the best way to guarantee you will be on it.
- Early birds get the worm – and fewer crowds! We recommend you get to the turnstiles at least 30 minutes (more – if you can!!) before Early Park Admission even starts. If Early Park Admission is at 8am, get there by 7:15. While the rides won’t open until 8am, typically, the park will start allowing people to walk in a bit earlier. Be there when they open the gates.
- Consider the Weather. For safety reasons, outdoor attractions will be temporarily closed for thunderstorms or lightning threats. This is Florida, and afternoon storms are common. Consider heading to your favorite outdoor attractions early.
- Wear a ticket lanyard, especially if you have Universal Express. Each ride will need to scan your ticket; some rides check multiple times while you are in line. Pulling this ticket in and out could cause ticket misplacement/loss. Lanyards are available at every gift shop.
- There are only a couple of full-service restaurants on the property. Mythos Restaurant, located at Islands of Adventure, is a fantastic (rated the best theme park restaurant in the world!) and a must-see. Be sure to make your reservations in advance.
- Download the Universal Resort App! It offers a great map of the park, current wait times for rides, show schedules, what’s available for dining, and more. We essentially had the app open at all times and found it super helpful. (And it’s free!).
Want to make the trip even more magical? Read our Fun Facts and Hidden Secrets article on Universal HERE – and see how many your family can find during your visit. Happy Exploring!
Special thanks to Universal Orlando for sponsoring this article. As always, all reviews and opinions are our own.
