Discover the magic: 16 Universal Orlando secrets to know before your next adventure

As a kid, my family trips to theme parks revolved around three main goals — riding as many roller coasters as possible, giving as many character hugs as I could, and indulging in as much ice cream as my stomach would allow. In all that (sugar-fueled) excitement, I overlooked many of the intricate details and secrets that make theme parks truly enchanting.

In my opinion, no park reveals those hidden treasures quite like Universal Orlando Resort. Now that I've matured a bit (and moved a bit slower), I treasure the chance to explore the parks and discover the Easter eggs, lesser-known experiences, and magical moments that are often overlooked.

Since I'm not great at keeping secrets, I’m excited to share my top picks with you so you can enjoy them during your next visit.

Secrets of Universal Studios Florida

Experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at no cost.

Unlike the VIP tours, these behind-the-scenes experiences aren’t listed on Universal's website or in any guidebooks, but select attractions offer private tours by Universal staff upon request.

During my recent visit, I inquired about the "Immigration Tour" at the entrance to Men In Black Alien Attack. Unfortunately, no one was available to guide the tour that day — however, the team member suggested that it’s worth asking again at the unload area after riding, especially if you receive a "no" initially.

On the tour, a team member will take you to an immigration room that appears straight out of the MIB movies. You can snap photos and get an up-close view of the aliens at the front desk. Afterward, they usually escort you to the front of the line for immediate access to the ride.

I've heard from fellow Universal guests who successfully secured a "backstage tour" for attractions like Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Revenge of the Mummy, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and Jurassic World: VelociCoaster.

Even if the tours aren't offered during your visit, it's always a good idea to ask — especially when the park isn't too crowded.

Jam out to hidden tracks on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

While most coasters lack interactivity, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit allows you to choose your ride's soundtrack. Once secured in your seat, a screen on the lap bar displays a variety of songs for your enjoyment. Plus, there's an exclusive list of hidden tracks you can access if you know the trick.

Instead of selecting a music genre as directed, press and hold the Rip Ride Rockit logo for about 10 seconds to enter a 3-digit code that corresponds to a specific song. The theme park news site Touring Plans has a comprehensive list of songs along with their codes, so you can enjoy some rocking tunes while riding.

If you spot a pay phone, don't hesitate to pick it up.

This tip is applicable across all Universal Orlando parks, not just Universal Studios Florida. There are a few pay phones scattered throughout the park that seem to invite you to pick them up and discover who's calling.

My son tested one out in the Simpsons area of Universal Studios Florida, right next to Cletus's Chicken Shack. When he answered the ringing phone, a girl on the line mentioned she had lost her purse, but her phone number was written on a piece of paper inside it. She asked him to pass her number along if he found it and came across any cute boys.

There’s a special message waiting for you at the phone located outside The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man in Islands of Adventure.

The last one can be found in the red phone booth in the London area of Universal Studios Florida. If you dial 62442 (MAGIC) from the black rotary phone inside, you'll receive a "wizarding" message from the Ministry of Magic.

Uncover authentic theme park props.

The "prop shop" sign outside this Williams of Hollywood store in the park's Hollywood section is more than just a catchy title. Inside, you’ll discover genuine props and memorabilia from Universal Orlando attractions, shows, and special events.

On my last visit, I spotted 3D glasses and shields from the now-closed Shrek 4D attraction, along with facades from last year's special holiday-themed tribute store. There's also an extensive collection of jewelry, costumes, and accessories that have been worn by in-park performers, and I definitely plan to snag a few pieces for my wardrobe.

Experience the nostalgia of the Jaws ride.

Jaws debuted in 1990 alongside the opening of Universal Studios. The ride was set against a replica of Amity Island, mirroring the backdrop of Steven Spielberg's 1975 classic thriller.

The entire Amity Island area, including the Jaws ride, was closed in 2012 to make room for the Diagon Alley section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Although the Jaws ride is no longer in operation, you'll find nods to the iconic shark in the vicinity of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The record store facade at the entrance of Diagon Alley features a copy of "Here's to Swimming with Bow Legged Women" by The Quint Trio prominently displayed in the front window, a clever reference to shark hunter Quint's toast with Chief Brody in the movie.

In Knockturn Alley of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, using your interactive wand on the collection of shrunken heads will occasionally prompt them to sing "Show Me the Way to Go Home," a tune that appears in the "Jaws" film.

Secrets of Islands of Adventure.

Watch out for the fountain that 'spits' out knowledge.

At Islands of Adventure, the Lost Continent draws inspiration from ancient myths worldwide. In the Sinbad's Bazaar section, there's a seemingly harmless mystic fountain carved from stone. However, as you get closer, you'll discover it's not as innocent as it appears.

Legend has it that a playful water spirit resides in the fountain, delighting in friendly interactions with guests. Next time you visit, feel free to greet it, but be warned — you might end up getting splashed. After all, it's called a mischievous water spirit for a reason.

Look for Stan Lee on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride.

Stan Lee, the legendary founder of Marvel Comics and creator of numerous iconic characters, made cameo appearances in many Marvel films before his passing in 2018 at the age of 95.

Today, he lives on through his beloved characters and memorable cameos, including several appearances in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction in Marvel Super Hero Island. He can be spotted four times during the ride.

You can first catch a glimpse of him driving a truck that nearly collides with your vehicle, and he makes additional cameos in the ride's climax after you (spoiler alert) save the day.

Discover the backstory behind The Incredible Hulk Coaster's broken track.

The original version of Universal's The Incredible Hulk Coaster debuted in 1999. It closed in 2015 for a major refurbishment and reopened in 2016 with a fresh storyline, new paint, trains, and track sections. However, not all of the original elements of the coaster were discarded.

To access the current ride, you walk beneath a massive statue of The Incredible Hulk gripping a roller coaster train car. It looks as if he’s tearing it from a section of broken track, which is indeed real track recycled from the ride's previous version.

Bypass the line with a certificate indicating you meet the thrill ride height requirements.

This next secret begins on a somber note, but I assure you it has a happy ending. During a 2021 trip to Universal, my son was just a bit too short to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster. He was heartbroken, but they provided him with a certificate that would allow him to go straight to the front of the line once he hit the minimum height of 54 inches.

We kept the certificate, and on our latest visit, he proudly showed it to the ride attendant, who confirmed he met the height requirement and guided us through the ride exit so we could board without waiting. They even congratulated him on his achievement.

Other thrilling rides at Universal provide similar certificates, so if your child is just shy of the height requirement, feel free to ask an attendant if one is available.

Secrets of Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade.

Discover a bathroom resident from the movies lurking in the drain.

If you know the Harry Potter films, Moaning Myrtle is a former student who met her end in the 1940s while at Hogwarts. Her ghost now haunts the second-floor girls' bathroom at the school.

If you find yourself in the women’s restrooms in Hogsmeade (located across from the Three Broomsticks), don’t be surprised if you hear a familiar voice haunting the bathroom.

Send a postcard with an official Hogsmeade postmark.

If you felt a twinge of guilt leaving your Muggle friends behind when you enrolled at Hogwarts, you can send them a postcard stamped with an official Hogsmeade postmark.

Simply visit the Owl Post, buy your postcards and stamps, write a few heartfelt messages, add the recipient’s address, and a team member will stamp it with a Hogsmeade postmark.

Once your postcard is ready, place it in the box at the outdoor Owl Post station, and an owl will take care of delivering it safely to its destination.

Secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley.

Wander through the twisting paths of Knockturn Alley ... and uncover secrets of dark magic.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't realize Knockturn Alley was part of the theme park's Harry Potter experience. It took me two or three visits to Diagon Alley before I ventured down the shadowy, ominous path to find an expansive (yet still eerie) replica of Knockturn Alley.

Once you step inside, you can cast wand spells, explore Dark Arts artifacts at Borgin and Burkes, and embrace your inner Slytherin.

Check out the Leaky Cauldron that actually leaks.

The Leaky Cauldron is a pub and inn featured multiple times in the Harry Potter books and films. It was a favorite haunt for witches and wizards, including Harry himself.

Inside the Universal Orlando location, you can enjoy traditional British dishes, but don't forget to look above the entrance before entering; there's a wrought-iron sign depicting a witch stirring a cauldron.

There’s a tiny crack in the cauldron, and if you watch closely for a few moments, you’ll see water actually dripping from it. I appreciate a restaurant that stays true to its name.

Discover secret wand spell locations that aren't indicated on the map.

When you buy an interactive wand at Universal (available inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, at some Universal hotels, and in most gift shops), you'll find a beautifully illustrated map tucked inside the wand's box. This map guides you to interactive wand spots in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, but a few secret spells aren't listed on it.

The easiest way to discover these hidden wand spots is to ask a team member (a friendly witch or wizard from the Wizarding World). However, you might want to check out the parchment in the Scribbulus window and the pot in the Slug and Jiggers window.

You can discover a few more hidden spots by using your map under the black lights in Knockturn Alley. It might be too dim to spot them without the aid of your magical map.

Pass through the wall at platform 9 3/4 just like Harry Potter does.

I wouldn't advise testing your wizarding abilities by attempting to dash through any brick wall you encounter, but if you give it a try in the queue for the Hogwarts Express, which travels from the London area of Universal Studios Florida to Hogsmeade, you might just discover you're a real wizard after all.

When you reach the section of the queue with a luggage rack between the signs for platforms 9 and 10, you can observe travelers appearing to pass through the wall to platform 9 3/4. Of course, you don't actually walk through the wall; a cleverly positioned piece of glass in the luggage rack reflects a fake brick wall, creating the illusion. This 'Pepper's ghost' effect is a classic trick that's been around for over a century.

Hear compliments (or a critique) from a talking mirror.

When you're admiring your reflection in the mirror after trying on a robe at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, don't be shocked if the mirror responds to you.

Like many enchanted items in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this mirror has a personality and isn't shy about expressing it. I've been fortunate to receive compliments on my robe choices, but she'll definitely speak up if she thinks another style suits you better.

Bottom line

You don’t need to experience every one of these secrets during your next visit, but sprinkling a few into your adventures will enhance your trip — especially when you leave as the savvy hero of your vacation.