Tag Archives: Universal Orlando

Preparing for your Orlando holiday

Latest news, we’ve booked for our 2 weeks vacation. I’m getting all excited apart from the thought of having to pack my suitcase. A job which my other half always leaves up to me.

Prepare for the weather

Florida is very hot for 90 percent of the year. If you’re from the UK like myself you will notice the heat as soon as you exit the airport. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to be around or above 33 degrees centigrade or in the 90’s Fahrenheit. This coupled with heavy rainfall especially in the summer months can make it uncomfortable. You’ll be grateful for a cloudy day and a nice breeze.

Pack a high factor sunscreen for UVA and UVB ray protection. You may think you won’t get burnt if you’re not actually sunbathing but the sun is intense. Discovery cove provides its own animal friendly sunscreen included in your ticket. I always take high factor lip balm. For some reason the sun can bring out the cold sore virus (herpes simplex ).

You won’t need a coat unless you’re visiting in February or March and even then you may not use it. A light jacket or cardigan will be sufficient as it is usually chilly on the plane or your hotel room due to the air conditioning. I actually take a pair of bed socks as my feet get so cold with the hotel air con.

Pack a poncho. Takes up less room than a coat or jacket and will easily fit in your handbag. These can be bought cheaply in the pound type shops before you go or at Dollar tree in the U.S. If you’re in the parks and you aren’t prepared for the sudden downpours it will cost you around 7 dollars to buy one there. Showers are usually heavy with often thunder and lightening but don’t last long and if you can keep dry you’ll benefit from a shorter line for those rides when everyone else heads for home.

When The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2010 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure I queued for hours to get in and was grateful that I had packed a small collapsible umbrella. It kept me dry when it rained and also doubled as a sun shade.

What bag to take to the parks

Spiderman, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando

I always take a soft string type bag to the parks – a favourite that I’ve had for years. It’s lightweight, collapses easily and will fit into a small locker. I make sure I put a plastic carrier bag in it if it’s a day when I’m going on the wet rides as this will protect my phone and camera. For a family I’d take a backpack and use one of the larger lockers where you pay for it and can return throughout the day.These are situated just inside the entrances to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. This means you can take a change of clothing in case you want to swim at any of the Universal resorts after hitting the parks or even if you don’t fancy walking around in wet clothes after doing the wet rides.

For rides where you can’t take a bag on small lockers are provided free for the length of the ride ( plus queue time). A back pack may not fit into a small locker and larger lockers are chargeable.

Bum bags or Fanny packs have become popular again and will usually fit the essentials in.

Tickets

Don’t forget to take your tickets – you won’t get in without them. It’s a good idea to take photo copies of them including the bar codes and keep a photo of them on your mobile phone. Also take a copy of the photo and details pages in your passport. Buy lanyards before you go with a plastic pouch on the end to keep your park tickets in. Disney’s tickets are like a credit card but Universal Orlando tickets are only thin card and soon get worn when you’re having to present them often. These are sold in the parks but cost around $15 although you can pick one with your favourite character on or the latest Halloween Horror Nights.

If you’re staying at one of the Universal Resorts which includes the complimentary Express Pass; the lanyard is ideal as your room key card doubles as the Express Pass and can be scanned at the rides entrance through the plastic holder.

Don’t forget your driving licence and code for sharing information if you’ve hired a car. We’ve never been asked to share the code so Alamo can view the points on our licence but you can bet if we forget to take it they’ll want to see it.

Footwear

Take comfortable well worn shoes as you will walk miles. New shoes look nice but may give you blisters until they’re worn in. I always take a few blister plasters/ first aid dressings just in case. I prefer to wear a good pair of walking sandals. I have a few pairs of the same style in different colours.

I also take a pair of water shoes for visiting the water parks as there’s generally a bit of walking involved there too. Theses are neoprene and dry off well after. They protect the feet as well as giving a good grip.

Speaking of water parks – an all in one bathing suit is better if you don’t want to lose parts of your bikini on the chutes.

Refillable drink cup

If you’ve previously bought one from Universal make sure you take it back again for your next holiday. It’ll save you a fortune as you get discounted refills for ever. Or bring any travel cup and fill up with water from the numerous water fountains in the parks. I found my string bag came in useful here as the soft strap could be threaded through the handle on my refillable cup which saved me from having to carry it around.

Small change

Try and get some small change for the toll roads. There’s around two toll stations from MCO international airport on the way to International drive area. I always have some change left from my previous years holiday so I make sure I take it back again.

If you’re thinking of sending postcards there are stamp machines in some stores but they cost more than the price of the stamps value and take quarters.

At Orlando MCO airport

Coming from the UK there are always long queues at Orlando when we arrive to go through passport control. You’ll have been given a customs form to fill in whilst on the plane – one for each family unit. I’d advise declaring any food stuffs even if it’s only teabags and sweets as the extra 2 minutes it takes to declare them when you go through customs is better than a fine.

Earphones and electrical Adaptors

Some airlines charge for earphones to access there in flight entertainment. I usually take our own as we’ve found by experience the ones given to you don’t always work.

Universal Orlando resort hotels have numerous electrical outlets and nowadays plenty of USB points. Remember to take UK to USA adaptors – they will be cheaper to buy in the UK.

Medication

Don’t forget to pack any prescribed medication. If you forget it you may be unable to find the same drug at the Pharmacy and a visit to a Doctor to get more prescribed will be costly. There is a Walgreens at the junction of Universal Boulevard and International Drive and another at the junction of Sand Lake Road and International Drive.

Money

You will need plenty of money. A small tub of ice cream and a cola for two people is around $20 in the parks. Unfortunately the exchange rate for the pound is poor at the moment. You will need to show a credit card at Hotels and for car hire.

All Universal hotels charge for parking your car. At our last visit to the Royal Pacific it was $22 a day. However if you’re staying at a Universal hotel you get complimentary transport to the parks and most are within walking distance so you won’t need to pay to park at Universal theme parks. Likewise if your staying at Disney.

Read my similar post on what to expect of your first holiday in Orlando here.

Hope you find these tips helpful. Please leave a comment and any suggestions you have on this topic will be welcome.

Things you must do at the Orlando Icon Park

Florida is famous for it’s sunshine but also for its rainfall. Although the parks stay open a few of the rides may close due to inclement weather. If you can brave it out consider waiting for the storm to pass as many visitors will decide to return to their hotels leaving the queues shorter when the rides reopen. Others may decide to seek indoor entertainment and sometimes It’s nice to have something to do in the evening or just to occupy yourselves for those few hours before you fly home.

Here’s a look at more things to do when you’ve managed to drag yourself away from Universal Orlando. Depending on the time of the year you may find Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure closing earlier. For example Universal Studios closes at 5pm when Halloween Horror nights is on and by September Universal Islands of Adventure will be closing at 7 or 8pm.

Orlando Icon Park is a 20 acre entertainment complex between International Drive and Universal Boulevard. There you’ll find shops, bars and restaurants plus lots of family attractions. Individual tickets or a combination of a few are available. Parking is plentiful and free.

The Wheel

Formerly known as The Orlando Eye, The Coca -Cola Orlando Eye then The Icon Orlando and now has a change of name again to The Wheel at Icon Park.

The Wheel was built to withstand the Florida hurricanes. It stands 400 feet tall and gives spectacular views in all directions. On a clear day you can see Kennedy Space Centre.

The ride takes around 20 minutes and you can hardly tell its moving. We were lucky and had a capsule all to ourselves. There are only a few seats inside but it is air conditioned.

A capsule at The Wheel at Icon Park, Orlando — The Wheel at Icon Park, Orlando

View from inside a capsule at The Wheel, Orlando

I really enjoyed the peace and tranquillity in contrast to to the excitement on the rides at Universal. Everything looks so different from a birds eye view. We didn’t realise Orlando had so many lakes.

There’s a small gift shop as you exit and an opportunity to buy a set of the photographs which they take of you as you enter against a green screen. Don’t feel obliged – we bought them as a souvenir. The pack contained a folder with the history of The Wheel, a selection of large photographs and some smaller ones to put in a key ring and fridge magnet which were also included. I think we paid around $40.

Madame Tussauds

Here’s a chance to meet your Idols of today and icons of the past. Another attraction to spend an hour in the cool air conditioning and have a bit of fun. I would suggest you visit around 8 or 9pm when it’s pretty quiet. You’ll have plenty of time to play with the props and get some amazing selfies without the queues.

Check out this great shot of my hubby sat at president Trump’s desk.

President Trump at Madame Tussauds Orlando

I’m not so much greased lightening nowadays.

Gift shop at the exit as usual.

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

Weeki Wachee Mermaid at Sea Life Orlando

I just love anything to do with the sea. We just happened to be there when The Weeki Wachee Mermaids were performing. I couldn’t resist huddling up with the children to see them in a huge tank with the fish.

There’s plenty to see including rays, sharks and turtles as well as the usual tropical and marine fish. They also have a small pool where you can touch a few sea creatures. Most exhibits have learning zones and quizzes for the children. Again there’s a gift shop at the exit

Orlando StarFlyer

I didn’t have the nerve to have a go on the StarFlyer; the worlds tallest swinging ride, but I’m sure the views were spectacular from the top. It looks amazing when lit up at night.

Other attractions

As well as the shops and restaurants there’s also SKELETONS – Museum of Osteology, the Pearl express train which takes you around Icon Park, 7d Dark Ride, Arcade City and coming soon The Orlando Slingshot and Drop Tower.

So there’s plenty to do on a rainy day or when you’ve just a few hours to spare and all this is just in one area of International Drive.

Have you any tips for finding entertainment outside the parks – feel free to comment. We’re returning in September and if we can drag ourselves away from Universal we’ll give them a try.

Secret places at Universal Orlando

There’s so much more to Universal Orlando than the rides. Amongst the hustle and bustle are quiet secret places just waiting to be explored. If you haven’t been to Universal Orlando before it consists of three Parks; Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Volcano Bay. There’s also City Walk which you pass through before entering the parks; here you’ll find shops, restaurants, movie theatre and crazy golf. Universal Orlando also has seven resort Hotels

There’s so much to see and do especially if you’re only there for a couple of days. However if you’ve time on your hands take the opportunity to savour those secret, out of the way , off the beaten track areas.

In case you haven’t noticed my other half and I are no longer teenagers although we’re still seventeen at heart. Many of our friends and colleagues don’t believe it when they ask if we go on the rides and I say yes. However we do get tired especially in the heat of Florida.

I’ll show you where to stop for a rest, admire the view and escape the crowds and queues long enough to recharge your batteries. Each time we go we still manage to discover something new and not just the latest ride.

Where to find secret places at Universal Orlando

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is divided into themed lands

Port of entry
Marvel super Hero Island
Toon lagoon
Skull Island Reign of Kong
Jurassic Park
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
The Lost Continent
Seuss landing

You will enter the Islands of Adventure through Port of Entry. Instead of going left to Marvel Super Hero Island or right to Seuss Landing go straight forward to the waterfront. You may not have noticed that all the themed areas are built round a lake from here you can even see Hogwarts Castle. There are several points off the beaten track where you can see the other lands from the lakeside.

Usually, because of the way the park was designed you can’t see the next Island from the one you are currently in until you turn a corner and if you listen carefully you can hear the theme music subtly change. Standing on the lakeside you can make out the other islands. The views are just as photo worthy and you will be almost guaranteed a little peace and tranquillity.

Me Ship, The Olive at Toon Lagoon

This is the rear of Me Ship, The Olive. It’s a children’s play area but it’s not usually crowded as it’s a bit off the beaten track. You’ll find it near Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges. The river from the ride runs beneath the side of the Ship and there are water cannons to soak the riders a little bit more. If that’s even possible, because this is my favourite ride and I’ve been known to ride it four times in succession and believe me you get soaked. From the top deck of the ship there’s an excellent view of the park for more photos.

Read my review of the wet rides here.

Mythos at the Lost Continent

Mythos is a themed restaurant in the Lost Continent. The photo above shows the view of the outside which is to the left of Mythos’ entrance. Instead of following the crowd to the next ride choose the path round the back of the Mythos Restaurant. It’s highly themed and leads down to the waterfront. You’ll pass over a bridge where rumour has it you’ll hear the troll who resides under it. I have listened but he must have been out for lunch at my last visit.

Rear of Mythos at The Lost Continent — Rear of Mythos Restaurant The Lost Continent

Rear of Mythos Restaurant, Universal's Islands of adventure, Orlando — Rear of Mythos Restaurant, Universal’s Islands of adventure, Orlando

Jurassic Park

Believe it or not this beautiful tranquil scene is shot near the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride. Universal is short of places to sit and rest but we found this lovely seating area with tables which I think is a smokers zone. The pond is teaming with wildlife such as birds, ducks, fish and dragon flies, even the odd turtle.

The Discovery Centre below the Jurassic Park Restaurant leads onto the lakeside Plaza where you’ll probably be the only visitor. Here you’ll discover all about DNA and watch a Dinosaur egg hatching.

Also in the Jurassic Park area is Camp Jurassic – a play area for kids with places to explore, an amber mine, rope bridges and caves. It always appears quite busy to the left of the entrance but if you head to the right and take the steps you’ll come across an area with a splash pad overlooking a Jurassic Park style containment area with big steel gates. We always seem to have this area to ourselves and make the most of it. There’s a bank of water guns aimed at the path below where you can soak the unsuspecting park guests as they pass through. It gets really enjoyable when they find they have water guns too concealed in the back of dinosaur heads and are capable of firing back. We’ve often spent almost an hour playing with guests from all over the world – laughter being the common language.

Water guns at Camp Jurassic, Universal Island's of Adventure — Water guns at Camp Jurassic, Universal Island’s of Adventure

Universal Studios is divided into

Production Central
New York
Hollywood
World Expo
San Fransisco
London – Diagon Alley – The wizarding World of Harry Potter
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone

Again the zones are set around a lake and seamlessly run in to one another. There are quiet places to be found if you have time to explore.

New York Set at Universal Studios

New York Street Sets, Universal Studios, Orlando

I found this amazingly quiet street between The Mummy ride at one end and Transformers The Ride at the other. It’s Delancy Street and it’s based on New York in the 1930’s and 40’s. This street only tends to get busy when the Blues Brothers Show is on. In this area you’ll spot recreated sets from films such as Adrienne’s Pet Shop (Rocky), the O’Rourke’s Bar and Grill (The Godfather) and The Kitty Kat Club ( Cabaret).
There’s a few steps where you can sit down and take a break. I usually sit here when my other half is watching the Blues Brothers Show for the umpteenth time. There’s some interesting shop windows with plastic food and more authentic props of the era which are worth a browse.

San Fransisco zone

Jaws - San Francisco zone, Universal Studios — Jaws – San Francisco zone, Universal Studios

Since the Jaws ride was closed the shark has been moved to a quieter area of Universal Studios. It’s now in a quiet back water between Richter Burger and Chez Alcatraz. It’s a perfect spot for a photo and a well deserved sit down.

Parklands

Universal Studios also has two parkland areas. One near the rear of Mel’s Dine In resembling a miniature central Park and the other Near the Monster’s Cafe resembling Gramercy Park. They both have seating areas. More information can be found on open spaces at Universal Orlando from Orlando Informer

Berlin Wall at City Walk

Piece of Berlin Wall behind Hard Rock Cafe Universal Orlando

Behind the Hard Rock Cafe on the path towards The Blue Man Group is a Piece of the Berlin Wall standing about seven feet tall with a plaque. again it’s a quiet spot off the beaten track.

Take the path to the right from the Blue Man Group entrance and you’ll find another secret – a little known entrance and exit to Universal Studios. It’s usually only open after 10am and brings you out near the rear of the main gift shop. It also saves on walking if you’re visiting Islands of Adventure next.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

I must include the Hotels at Universal as they are like small resorts in themselves and as most people are at the parks they are usually quiet and peaceful during the day. Discover the boats at the CIty Walk dock – you don’t have to be a guest to use them or take the beautifully landscaped walking paths.

Portofino Bay is themed on a real Italian village and is very scenic – a great photo spot. If you are a Universal Guest you can use the pools at the other hotels and Portofino Bay has three. The boat ride itself is relaxing and enjoyable and is complimentary.

So – I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these secret quiet places and hope one day you find time to check them out.

If you can add to my list please do in your comments and I’ll check them out when I return to Universal in September.

Making the most of your first visit to Universal Orlando

My other half and I have made Universal Orlando our go to holiday destination for the last 12 years. I can still remember the first visit. Those were the days when most people still had 35mm cameras which only took 36 photographs at the most on one film and then you had to wait to get them developed, usually after you got home. Now I read all the latest blogs, get the Universal app on my iPhone, check the hurricane tracker and consider myself fully prepared.

If like myself you live on the UK side of the pond there’s also the fact that just being in the USA is a little different. So many lanes of cars, traffic lights and street names hung over the roads, chips that are fries, crisps that are chips, petrol is gas, car boot is the trunk, toilets are restrooms (which I think is nicer) – I could go on.

Your first visit will be magical, enthralling, exhausting and you’ll probably miss half of the good stuff. One of the things I love most about Universal is the attention to detail in every area of their parks. Even on this years holiday I still found new photo opportunities and secret places. It’s so easy to head straight for the nearest ride that you miss the journey which is pretty awesome.

Our first visit was for our Silver Wedding and we tried to fit in too much visiting not only Universal but Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Centre and most of the attractions on International Drive. Now we stay at one of the hotels in the Universal Resort and can spend 7 out of 12 days just at Universal taking everything in. Then I never want to come home.

27 Tips for first timers at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort has three parks – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Universal’s Volcano Bay. Between the parking lots and the parks is City Walk where you’ll find eateries, clubs, bars, golf, shopping and a cinema. The boats from the hotels pull up here.
Go outside of school holiday dates
Check the latest hurricane forecasts especially in September and October. Be prepared, though its not often the Parks close.
Stay onsite if you can afford it as there are perks depending on the choice of hotel. Such as one hour early entry and free unlimited Express passes (theme park tickets required).
Buy a lanyard for each member of your family to keep your room key card and park tickets dry and within easy reach.
If you’re from the UK booking a package holiday is usually cheaper than organising a flight , room and car hire.
A compact hire car will usually fit more luggage than they imply.
Often your choice of pre-booked hire car is unavailable at the airport and you’ll be offered an upgrade free ( we usually tip if this happens).
Pack plastic ponchos – buy them cheap from pound / dollar stores. It rains – hard and they’re handy for the wet rides. Universal sells them throughout the parks but are very expensive.
Pack comfortable well used shoes, you’ll walk miles.
Carry a Plastic bag to put your handbag /purse in whilst riding Jurassic Park River Adventure ride and Popeye’s Bilge Barges. You will get wet.
Download the Universal app on your phone. This gives you wait times, show times, height restrictions, maps and much more.
All Universal Parks and hotels have free WiFi so if you live outside the USA switch off your mobile data and roaming before you fly to save money.
Universal Studios closes at 5pm during Halloween Horror nights. This is a separate event not included in the general park ticket. Closing times vary according to the time of year – more information is available on the Universal Orlando app or website.
The Wizarding world of Harry Potter is split between the two parks – Hogsmeade is in Universals Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios. These are linked by the Hogwarts Express train but you must have tickets for both parks to board.
Take a photograph with your mobile phone of the area where you’ve parked- it’s easy to get lost when everything looks the same.
If you’re staying at Cabana Bay there’s a very regular bus to the parks but you can also use the lovely landscaped walking path to cross the road to Sapphire Falls and catch the free boat transport or just continue along the path which brings you to city walk near to the entrance of Islands of Adventure.
One night at Universals Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay or Royal Pacific gives you 2 days free Express Pass unlimited. ( your room card now serves as the pass ). These are the hotels that give you the Unlimited Express Pass as well as one hours early entry.
Staying at one of Universals Hotels entitles you to use the facilities and pools at all the others.
There’s a shortage of places to sit down in the parks so take a break seeing a show or browse the gift shops for some air conditioning.
Buy a Universal refillable souvenir mug. Offers and types of mug vary but with the classic refillable you can receive discounted refills at any participating locations (those with fountain drinks) for ever around $1.50 saving heaps as its thirsty work doing all that walking.
Flag up any marks or dings and try out your hire car’s air conditioning before you leave the airport. Florida is Hot, Hot, Hot.
Have some small dollars ready for the tolls from the airports. MCO is the nearest and busiest and about 20 minutes away. Sanford is quieter and about an hours drive.
Ask before you leave the airport if you’ve to take your hire car back empty or full of gas.
Plan your itinerary to include a water park on alternate days to give your feet a rest. If you stay at a Universal Resort Hotel you’ll be close enough to return for a mid day rest or swim and then hit the parks again.
Security is very strict at all parks. Arriving at the main hub after parking or getting dropped off be prepared for bag search which is now by x ray or inspection then visitors must pass through metal detection similar to airport security. You will also go though security prior to boarding the boats from your Universal Hotels or at the end of the walking paths. Finger prints are taken at your first visit when you present your ticket for scanning at each park gate and at subsequent visits when you present your finger this is checked with the original scan.
Restrooms are plentiful throughout the park and the ones I’ve used all had disabled access and cubicles and baby changing facilities. They are all themed according to the area of the park for example in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios the restrooms resemble old fashioned British lavatories and in Hogsmeade at Universal Studios you can hear Moaning Myrtle.

Tales from the Dot Side

Discover with Dot – To Universal and Beyond