Here's your guide to planning an unforgettable trip to Universal Orlando Resort this year.

Editor's note: This post is regularly updated with fresh insights and exclusive offers.

Universal Orlando Resort is located in sunny Central Florida, a region known as the theme park capital of the world. With two theme parks (a third coming soon), a water park, eight hotels, and a sprawling 30-acre entertainment complex, it's one of the nation's top attractions.

Before you head to Universal Orlando, it's crucial to plan where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. Whether you're spending a single day or an extended visit, here’s everything you need to make the most of your trip to Universal Orlando Resort.

How to begin planning your ultimate trip to Universal Orlando.

Before diving into the specifics of planning your Universal Orlando getaway, there are a few key questions to answer:

• What's your budget? Your available funds will influence nearly every aspect of your vacation, from accommodations and dining options to the number of days you’ll spend at the parks and whether you’ll explore one or both parks on any given day.
• When are you visiting? Universal Orlando sees its peak crowds during weekends, school holidays, and peak seasons like spring break, summer, and the winter holidays. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on weekdays during the school year.
• Where will you stay? Universal Orlando boasts eight hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options starting at $100 per night to luxurious Premier hotels that can cost up to $800 per night. Choices are also themed — enjoy the nostalgic charm of Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort or indulge in Italian-inspired luxury at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
• Which parks will you visit, and on which days? This decision will help you determine whether to purchase single-park tickets or Park-to-Park tickets that allow access to both parks in a single day. You can also opt for a pass that includes Universal's Volcano Bay Water Park.
• Where will you eat? For specialty dining experiences such as the Marvel character dinner, the Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, or the five-course rum-pairing dinner at Sapphire Falls, make sure to book your reservations well in advance. For other table-service meals, booking a couple of weeks before your trip should suffice.

Which type of ticket should you purchase for Universal Orlando?

Universal Orlando Ticket Options

Universal Orlando offers a range of ticket options, granting access to one, two, or all three theme parks—Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park—per day.

Tickets are available for one to five days, with the most affordable option allowing entry to just one park each day. If you visit Universal Studios Florida in the morning, you'll need a separate ticket for Islands of Adventure in the afternoon as you're limited to one park per day.

While a single-park ticket may seem like a good deal, it might not be the best choice if you're planning to ride the Hogwarts Express in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To travel between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, you'll need a Park-to-Park ticket.

Although pricier, a Park-to-Park ticket lets you easily hop between the different parks as you please. These tickets offer the most flexibility, allowing you to explore more than one park per day. The parks are conveniently close, and with the Hogwarts Express, you can travel between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, making this ticket even more worthwhile.

If you're planning to visit for several days or potentially return within a year, you might want to consider a Universal Annual Pass for added benefits.

Purchasing directly from Universal

Universal Orlando frequently offers special deals on their website. Be sure to review all available promotions to see if any fit your plans. You might find offers for free park days, discounts on hotel and theme park packages, or other exclusive deals.

Purchasing tickets from third-party vendors

You can also purchase tickets from trusted vendors like Undercover Tourist. One of the best features of Undercover Tourist is that it often has older ticket options available, so even if prices increase, you can still find cheaper tickets compared to the official Universal website.

It's a good idea to bookmark the site for easy comparison shopping. Purchases through Undercover Tourist are categorized as travel, so using a travel credit card to earn extra points is highly recommended.

While Costco typically doesn’t offer standalone Universal tickets, Costco Travel sells vacation packages that often include tickets and hotel stays at Universal. Be sure to check the pricing for your travel dates to see if it's a better deal than booking elsewhere.

FOR FREE HELP PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR UNIVERSAL VACATION, VISIT TPG'S THEME PARK BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

Using points to purchase Universal tickets

You can use Citi ThankYou Rewards or Bilt Rewards to purchase Universal Orlando admission. These platforms may also offer the option to book Universal Orlando hotel rooms, providing additional savings on your trip.

What are the attractions at Universal Orlando?

Universal Orlando has enough attractions to keep your family entertained for days. It features two major theme parks, a water park, and a vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping complex.

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk are all located around a small lake. To reach Universal's Volcano Bay, it's best to take the bus from the parking garage, as it's a bit far from the other parks.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is divided into eight unique sections. Upon entry, you'll pass through an iconic arch, leading you straight into Minion Land. Here, you can enjoy attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Villain-Con Minion Blast. For some of the park's most exhilarating rides, head to the nearby New York area, home to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Transformers: The Ride-3D, and Revenge of the Mummy.

If you turn right after entering the park, you’ll find the Hollywood Character Zone. This area features Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, the Bourne Stuntacular, and several popular character meet-and-greets.

It’s a smart idea to save the attractions in this section of the park for the warmer parts of the day. Minion Mayhem, the Bourne Stuntacular, and the Horror Make-Up Show are all comfortably air-conditioned, and most of the rides in this area are either entirely indoors or feature indoor queues.

If you have young children, consider turning right when you enter and head through Hollywood. This will lead you to DreamWorks Land, where you can catch one of Universal's long-running shows, Animal Actors on Location!, or explore Springfield, U.S.A., the home of the Simpsons.

For families with older kids, skip the kid-friendly zones and head straight for Men in Black Alien Attack in World Expo. Riding Men in Black early positions you perfectly for a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, where you can queue for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts before the crowds arrive.

While in Diagon Alley, be sure to explore Knockturn Alley, catch a few shows, or enjoy a meal at the Leaky Cauldron, where breakfast includes a complimentary butterbeer. Don’t miss the unique ice cream treats at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, and try casting spells with interactive wands available for purchase.

With a Park-to-Park ticket, you can travel aboard the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station (located near Leicester Square) to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. However, if you only have a one-park ticket, you won't be able to experience the Hogwarts Express and will need to continue exploring Universal Studios instead.

In the evening, don’t miss Universal Studios Florida’s nighttime spectacular, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at the lagoon. This immersive show blends music, drones, fireworks, and projections to bring scenes from some of your favorite films to life.

Islands of Adventure

The second theme park at Universal is Islands of Adventure. To make the most of your visit, aim to arrive before the gates open. (Guests staying at Universal's on-site hotels can enter the park up to an hour before the official opening.) Once inside, head straight to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure before the lines get long. It’s one of the most popular rides, with wait times often reaching 90 to 120 minutes during peak hours.

Thrill-seekers should make a beeline for Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Both the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure are located at the far end of the park from the entrance, so it’s a bit of a walk. But experiencing the park’s top rides without long waits is definitely worth the trek.

If roller coasters aren’t your thing (and you’re not easily affected by motion sickness), consider lining up for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. In this ride, you get to fly on a broomstick through iconic film scenes. Even if motion sickness is a concern, the queue itself is worth the walk for the chance to explore the inside of Hogwarts Castle. Just inform a team member if you’d prefer to tour the castle instead of riding.

While you’re in Hogsmeade, be sure to check out the shows like the Frog Choir and Triwizard Spirit Rally. Practice your spells with an interactive wand, then grab a butterbeer (or another specialty drink) at Hog's Head Inn. Afterward, continue exploring the other themed areas of Islands of Adventure.

Upon entering Jurassic Park through its iconic gates, you'll encounter the Camp Jurassic play zones, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and the Raptor Encounter, where you can come face-to-face with a 'real' dinosaur.

Next, make your way to Skull Island: Reign of Kong before heading to Toon Lagoon, where your kids can cool off in the sprinklers. Alternatively, hop on Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls flume ride (prepare to get thoroughly soaked).

Once you’ve dried off, make your way to Marvel Super Hero Island. Here, you can meet your favorite Marvel characters and ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, as well as the thrilling Incredible Hulk Coaster (a true adrenaline rush).

For families with young children, Seuss Landing is a must-visit. This vibrant, whimsical area features attractions like the Caro-Seuss-el, The Cat in the Hat, and the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. There’s also a character meet-and-greet zone and plenty of other fun rides designed just for the little ones.

Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is Universal's dedicated water park. Although it occasionally closes due to weather conditions like cold temperatures or lightning, it operates year-round. The park boasts everything you'd expect from a top-tier water park, including a wave pool beach, a thrilling water coaster, a lazy river, and a kids' play zone.

For water thrill seekers, Volcano Bay offers some jaw-dropping waterslides and steep drops, including the Ko'okiri Body Plunge. This slide boasts a 70-degree drop and 125 feet of heart-pounding action that Universal describes as 'white-knuckle fun.'

Adrenaline junkies will also enjoy the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which lets you zip through a waterfall, as well as the TeAwa The Fearless River, a thrilling whitewater experience with rapid currents and wild waves.

CityWalk

In addition to two thrilling theme parks and a huge water park, Universal also boasts CityWalk.

This lively hub of restaurants, shops, and nightclubs is great for daytime exploration, but it truly comes alive after dark. Plus, enjoy free self-parking after 6 p.m. Entry is free, but you can buy tickets for events at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Start your evening at lively spots like Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom, and Pat O'Brien's, where live and recorded music fills the air. For even more fun, try Universal's Great Movie Escape escape room, catch a film (with free parking when you buy two matinee tickets), play a round of mini golf, or dance the night away at the Red Coconut Club or sing at the Rising Star karaoke bar.

CityWalk offers a wide variety of dining options, from quick bites like pizza, hot dogs, and Voodoo Doughnuts to sit-down meals at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Bigfire, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and more.

Universal's boat shuttles are conveniently located at CityWalk and can transport you back to your hotel. It's a great way to wrap up a day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, enjoy some shopping and dining, and then catch a boat ride back to your accommodation.

And there’s more to come...

Universal Orlando is currently working on a third theme park, set to open in 2025. Named Epic Universe, this massive park will feature attractions based on beloved franchises like Fantastic Beasts (a Harry Potter spinoff), Super Nintendo World, and Universal Classic Monsters. The new park will span over 750 acres, located not far from the existing parks.

Best times to visit Universal Orlando

The timing of your Universal Orlando visit may not always be fully under your control.

If you're traveling with school-aged children, you'll likely be visiting during long weekends, spring break, or summer holidays, which are peak times at Universal. While this means higher crowds, there are strategies to minimize wait times (more on that soon).

For crowd predictions, you can consult crowd calendars from sources like Undercover Tourist, Touringplans, or Orlando Informer.

Typically, Universal Orlando sees fewer visitors between Labor Day and the first two weeks of November (before Thanksgiving) and during the first two weeks of December, before the holiday season begins. However, if you're visiting around Halloween, expect larger crowds due to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.

The majority of January, excluding the first week, tends to be less crowded, as is the first week of February. However, spring break season brings in larger crowds as March approaches. Things quiet down slightly after Easter through May, before ramping back up for the summer months.

June, July, and August are consistently busy — without fail. On top of that, you'll be dealing with sweltering heat and afternoon thunderstorms.

How do you get to Universal Orlando?

Arriving in Orlando and making your way to Universal Orlando Resort are two distinct steps. Let’s break them down.

Which airport is closest to Universal Orlando?

The nearest airport to Universal Orlando is Orlando International Airport (MCO). It’s a hub for most major airlines, and you can reach Universal in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. If you’re flying Allegiant Air or Sun Country Airlines, you'll land at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). While smaller than MCO, SFB is located farther from Universal, requiring about a 45-minute drive to the resort.

What’s the best way to travel from the airport to Universal Orlando?

Given its size and proximity to Universal, MCO provides a range of convenient options for getting from the airport to the resort.

From either Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can either rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. If you rent a car from MCO, you can avoid paying tolls through the rental company (which usually includes an additional fee) by getting a Visitor Toll Pass for your trip.

Keep in mind, if you rent a car, Universal’s on-site hotels charge for parking. You’ll also need to pay for parking if you drive to the theme parks. However, if you stay at an on-site hotel, Universal’s excellent transportation options mean you likely won’t need a car during your stay.

Alternatively, you can use the Universal SuperStar Shuttle, which offers direct service between MCO and your Universal hotel. One-way fares are $23 for adults and $18 for children aged 3 to 9, while round-trip tickets cost $39 for adults and $29 for kids. Reservations are required in advance, and you can book by calling 1-866-604-7557.

What’s the easiest way to get around Universal Orlando?

Guests staying at Universal's on-site hotels have a variety of free transportation options to travel between the resort, Universal’s theme parks, and CityWalk.

Shuttle buses

Since Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk are all located close to one another, there's a single bus stop for all destinations. However, if you're heading to Volcano Bay, a different shuttle will be required unless you’re staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura Hotel, both of which are within walking distance to Volcano Bay.

Water taxi

Universal's Premier hotels and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort provide water taxi service to CityWalk, offering convenient park access. Additionally, you’ll pass through security before boarding, so you can head straight to the parks without waiting in long security lines.

Drive and park

For visitors not staying at an official Universal hotel, you'll need to drive to the main parking structure at 6000 Universal Boulevard, where you can park and access CityWalk. After passing through security, you can walk to either of the Universal parks or CityWalk. If you're heading to Volcano Bay, a shuttle bus will take you directly there.

Here are the daily parking rates at Universal Orlando:

• Standard parking: $32
• RV or bus parking: $42
• Prime parking: $50-$60

Valet parking is also available for an extra charge. If you arrive after 6 p.m., you can enjoy free self-parking.

Garden walk

For a more tranquil route, you can use a walking path that connects several Universal resorts, including the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel, and Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

This walking path also has its own dedicated security entrance, which usually has a much shorter line compared to the main security checkpoint in the parking garage. If you're staying at one of these hotels and want to take advantage of early park access, this path is often your quickest route to the front gates.

What's the best hotel to stay at during a Universal Orlando vacation?

After you've decided on your visit dates, your next priority is finding the perfect place to stay. With a wide selection of Universal's on-site hotels and a number of nearby hotels, you have a variety of choices. In fact, TPG has put together a comprehensive guide to picking the right Universal Orlando hotel for your trip.

Here’s a quick overview of the key options to help you make your choice.

Advantages of staying at Universal hotels

If you're short on time and don’t mind paying a little extra, staying at an on-site Universal hotel could be your best option. Guests staying at these hotels enjoy early park access for select attractions, which can give you a head start on the crowds.

The specific parks that open for early entry can change daily, and only certain attractions are available during this time. However, these early rides typically include some of the most popular ones, helping you avoid long wait times when the regular park hours begin. Universal offers a dedicated page on their website to keep you informed about what’s available for on-site hotel guests. With multiple rides open at both parks, early entry can help balance out the crowd sizes.

It's a great perk, and the best way to avoid spending hours waiting in line for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Keep in mind that this ride is not part of Universal's Express Pass, so it’s a great way to maximize your time.

When you stay at one of Universal's on-site hotels, you get access to complimentary transportation to and from CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and your hotel.

The main downside to staying at a Universal hotel is the cost. While Universal's Value, Prime Value, and Preferred hotels are reasonably priced, if you opt for a higher-end Premier hotel, expect to pay a premium. On the plus side, you'll receive complimentary Universal Express passes, which allow you to skip the lines for most attractions — a major time-saver that could justify the higher nightly rate.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can enhance your stay at Loews Portofino Bay by booking through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program. This will not only grant Express Passes for everyone in your party, but also perks like daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, late 4 p.m. checkout, and more.

Staying off-site

Universal Orlando is surrounded by numerous hotels that accept both cash and points, making it easy to find an off-site stay. If you'd rather use points or cash, there are many options. Some of TPG's preferred hotels are just a short walk away from the parks.

Here are a few hotels that are within walking distance of Universal:

• Hyatt Place Across From Universal Orlando Resort (Category 2, starting at 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night)
• Hyatt House Across From Universal Orlando Resort (Category 3, starting at 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (approximately 36,000 Hilton Honors points per night)

Here are some excellent points hotels that are just a short drive from Universal Orlando:

• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort (Category 4, starting at 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (starting at 46,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates)
• JW Marriott Grande Lakes (starting at 67,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates)
• Hilton Orlando (starting at 56,000 Hilton Honors points per night)
• Hyatt Regency Orlando (Category 4, starting at 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando (starting at 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night)

How to minimize wait times at Universal Orlando

Like many theme parks, Universal offers its version of a skip-the-line pass known as Universal Express. There are several ways to acquire these passes.

The most convenient option is to book a stay at one of Universal's Premier hotels. Guests at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited access as part of their registration.

This is a great value since the cost of purchasing Universal Express Unlimited separately can range from $89.99 to $289.99 per person, per day. Including it with your hotel stay is a much more economical choice for a family of four.

Alternatively, you can opt to buy an Express Pass as needed. The price varies depending on the pass type and the time of year, with costs rising during peak crowd periods.

Here are the three types of Express Passes available for purchase:

Universal Express: This is the standard version of the skip-the-line pass. It lets you bypass the regular lines once per participating attraction at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Prices begin at $89.99 per person, per day for one park, with the cost increasing depending on demand, sometimes reaching as much as $289.99 per day.

Universal Express Unlimited: This pass allows you to skip the regular lines at participating attractions as many times as you like at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

The cost for this unlimited pass starts at $119.99 per person, per day. It typically costs about $30 more than the regular Express Pass, but if it fits within your budget, it could offer better value, especially for frequent riders.

Volcano Bay Express: Exclusively for use at Volcano Bay water park, this pass lets you skip the regular line once per ride. Prices begin at $19.99 per person, per day, though this rate is not always available. With Volcano Bay's Tapu Tapu system, which lets you reserve return times for attractions, you can often get by without needing the Express Pass.

Please note that participating rides and attractions may change, so it's recommended to check Universal Orlando's website for the latest details before your visit.

Almost every attraction at Universal is included with the Universal Express Pass, with the notable exception of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Hagrid's is one of the park's most popular rides, and since its debut, it's had some hefty wait times. Unless you opt for a VIP tour, be prepared to spend a lot of time in line for attractions like Hagrid's, which aren't covered by the Universal Express Pass.

Consider booking a VIP tour.

A great way to skip the lines is by booking a VIP tour. Universal offers both small group and private VIP tours, which allow you to bypass the lines and enjoy the attractions more efficiently.

Summer Hull, a director at TPG, shared her experience taking her family on a private VIP tour at Universal. This included walk-on access to rides, Universal Express passes, and dining credit after the tour.

A private VIP tour can cost several thousand dollars for your group, but smaller group VIP experiences are much more affordable, typically starting at around $200 per person.

The main difference between the two types of tours is the level of exclusivity. Small-group tours offer front-of-the-line access to 8 to 10 rides but are less private, while a private VIP tour is priced by the hour and can be customized to your pace.

Choosing between an Express Pass or a VIP tour depends largely on the crowd levels during your visit and your budget. Both offer ways to skip the lines, but the right choice varies by circumstances.

If you're visiting during the off-season, you can often skip the Express Pass. However, during peak times like holidays or school vacations, expect long waits unless you have a pass. The Express Pass will help you enjoy more attractions in less time during these busy periods.

Universal's child-swap policy

When traveling with family, not everyone will be eager to ride every attraction. Some kids may be too young or too short for certain rides that their siblings are eager to try.

Universal's child-swap program offers a great solution, allowing families to avoid choosing between missing out on a ride or leaving someone behind.

Universal’s child swap is one of the best in the industry, with air-conditioned waiting areas provided at many key attractions. Some even feature televisions playing the movie associated with the ride to keep kids entertained while they wait.

This program allows one member of your group to supervise the little ones while the others wait in line and enjoy the ride. Then, you can swap so that the remaining members of your party get their turn without having to queue up again. Just ask the ride attendant to direct you to the designated waiting areas.

How to plan a Universal Orlando trip on a budget

While options like Universal Express or staying at a premium hotel are exciting, they can add up. However, there are plenty of ways to save on your Universal Orlando trip. Here are some practical tips to keep your budget in check:

• Opt for a Universal Value resort, such as Universal's Endless Summer Dockside or Surfside, or use hotel loyalty points to stay at affordable Hilton or Hyatt hotels. Here are the best credit cards for earning Hilton points and best cards for earning Hyatt points.
• Save on meals by buying groceries and preparing your own snacks, while limiting meals in the parks.
• Instead of visiting the parks every day, focus on one park per day to avoid purchasing a Park-to-Park ticket.
• On your off days, relax at your hotel pool or explore CityWalk. For example, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers amenities like a lazy river and waterslides that mimic a water park experience.
• Be sure to check Universal's website for ongoing promotions. After booking, you might be eligible for additional hotel or vacation package discounts.
• Plan your visit during off-peak times. Tickets are cheapest in September, with single-day tickets starting at just $119.

Universal Orlando pre-trip checklist

With your budget, tickets, hotel bookings, and itinerary in place, you're almost ready for your Universal Orlando adventure. But before you go, make sure to review these final details to ensure your trip is as exciting and stress-free as possible. Here's our ultimate pre-trip checklist for Universal Orlando:

• Pack wisely: The weather at Universal can vary, with everything from intense heat and humidity to cooler temperatures and sudden rain showers. Be sure to pack comfy shoes and clothes for all seasons, along with essentials like a rain jacket, sunscreen, and a warmer layer, depending on the forecast.
• Download the Universal Orlando app: This app will be your go-to guide throughout your visit. Use it to check ride wait times, find show schedules, and even place food orders at quick-service locations. You can also link your tickets to the app, and if you save a credit card, you can use Universal Pay to make contactless payments at shops and restaurants throughout the parks.
• Review park hours before you go: Each park at Universal has its own operating hours, which can vary. Check the hours on the Universal Orlando website or app ahead of time, especially since special events like Halloween Horror Nights may cause parks to close early.
• Know the height restrictions for rides: If you're visiting with young children, it's best to check the height requirements for each ride before you arrive. The app or website provides this info, and you can also find measuring stations at most attractions. It’s better to know in advance if your child might not meet the height requirement for certain rides.
• Find your favorite characters: Universal has set times and locations for character meet-and-greets. Use the app to filter for character shows and events, so you won't miss a chance to meet your favorite characters.
• Consider purchasing a My Universal Photos package: Professional photographers are stationed throughout Universal, and you can buy a photo package to capture all the fun moments of your trip. You can choose from one-day or three-day packages, and purchasing in advance can save you $20. If you're planning to get this package, it's best to purchase it ahead of time.
• Schedule some downtime: Don’t overpack your schedule. Rest and relaxation are key for a balanced trip. If you're staying for several days, make sure to schedule some breaks from the parks. Relax by the hotel pool, explore other resorts, or take it easy at your hotel. For shorter stays, consider taking a leisurely morning or returning to the hotel early one day to recharge.

Top credit cards to use at Universal Orlando

A common question for points-and-miles travelers heading to Universal Orlando is, 'Which credit card should I use?' The answer varies depending on how and where you purchase your tickets and services.

For instance, how you buy your tickets can affect how the charges are categorized. Universal tickets and VIP tours purchased directly from the resort are classified as 'entertainment' spending. However, if you buy tickets from third-party vendors like Undercover Tourist or through an on-site Universal hotel (make sure to charge them to your room), they’ll be categorized as 'travel.' Depending on your ticket purchase method, choose a credit card that offers rewards for entertainment or travel purchases accordingly.

If you expect your purchase to be categorized as entertainment, consider using the following credit card:

• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — Earn 3% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases.

On the other hand, if your charge will be classified as travel, these credit cards will offer the best rewards:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® — Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — Earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining purchases.
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card — Earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining.

To sum it up:

Universal offers an exciting mix of rides, attractions, character encounters, and much more, all within a compact space that makes it easy to explore in just a few days. With this guide, you'll be able to select the perfect place to stay, plan the best activities, and manage your spending to ensure you get the most out of your Universal Orlando adventure.