There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click on any of these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (which I really appreciate, thank you!) The full disclosure policy can be found here.

Universal Studios Hacks

No matter when you travel to Universal Orlando Resort, you can create an epic vacation with these 15 Universal Studios hacks.

Although this was written a couple of years ago, it has been fully updated to reflect Universal studios hacks for 2021.

What is Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort, also known as Universal Studios, is located in Orlando, Florida.

No longer a one-day stop away from Disney, Universal Orlando now consists of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.

Universal Orlando is also home to eight resorts; Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific, Aventura Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

I like to get around as needed while on vacation so I like to rent car. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best rates available whether you’re flying into Orlando or Sanford.

We typically fly into Sanford and Discount USA Car Rental is always the best deal. You can book now and pay upon arrival. 

15 Universal Orlando Hacks

Universal Orlando will be expanding again with Epic Universe; although there is no official timeline of that park’s opening, construction has resumed in 2021. Who else is excited?!

The addition of Epic Universe will likely double the parks’ size, which is very exciting news. Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter for all the latest news about Epic Universe.

Now, let’s get to the Universal Studios hacks.

1. Download the Universal Resort App

The Universal Resort App is so useful. You can use it to check on ride times, navigate the parks, secure Virtual Line passes, connect to wifi, and more. The map alone makes it worth a download.

After the re-opening of the parks in June 2020, using the app is more important than ever. Mobile ordering is now encouraged and can be done via the app. 

Universal can also send notifications via the app, so it’s a must-do Universal hack.

2. Avoid Traveling During Holidays

If you can, avoid traveling during any school holidays. This includes summer, winter holidays, and spring and fall breaks. If this isn’t possible, consider #3.

3. Consider an Express Pass

If you must travel during a busy time of the year, consider an Express Pass or even a VIP tour.

It’s important to note that the Premier resorts do include an Express Pass, so it may be worth doing the math and seeing if that makes the most sense for your family.

You can check the pricing for the Express Pass resorts; Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific.

You also might want to check out my Loews Royal Pacific Resort Tour.

Whether you stay at a Premier Resort or purchase Express Passes, it will cost more. However, no one wants to stand in line all day, which is precisely what can happen during the times when the parks are very busy!

4. Plan your Dining in Advance

Universal Orlando has a dining plan that can make sense in some situations. The best way to know if the dining plan is right for you is to weigh your options and consider your unique family situation.

In many cases, the dining plan saves time and money. Universal Dining Plan options include:

• Universal Dining Plan (only available as part of a package): Includes 1 full-service meal, 1 quick-service meal, 1 snack, and 1 non-alcoholic beverage. Meals include beverages, and the full-service meal includes dessert.
• Quick-Service Dining Plan $25.99/day: Includes 1 quick-service meal (with beverage,) 1 snack, and one non-alcoholic beverage. 
• Quick-Service Plan + Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup $34.99/day: Includes 1 quick-service meal (with beverage,) 1 snack, and one non-alcoholic beverage. Plus, one day of Coca-Cola Freestyle refills. Additional “Freestyle refill” days can be purchased for $9.99 per day.
• Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup $16.99: Includes the Freestyle refillable cup and one day of refills. Additional days can be purchased for $9.99 per day. 

You can learn more about the dining plan in my Universal Orlando Planning Guide.

5. Arrive Early

No one wants to wake up early on vacation, but arriving early to the parks is ideal for several reasons.

First, the parks tend to be slower in the morning. This means you can walk on some of the most popular rides, something you can never do in the afternoon.

Another reason to arrive early is for the chance to be “First Family.” A family at the front of the lines will be chosen to announce the opening of the park.

My son got to announce the park opening for Islands of Adventure a couple of years ago, and it was so much fun!

For the best chance of being chosen, stand in the front of the line, smile a lot, and wear Universal clothing (Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park, etc.)

6. Stay in a Universal Orlando Resort

Yes, it costs more to stay in a Universal Orlando Resort, but the cost is almost always worth it. Universal is always running transportation between the resorts and parks, which you won’t get at a partner hotel.

You can still drive yourself, but you’ll have to pay for parking. The partner hotels do run shuttles, but they are very limited, which no one will tell you (except for me.)

Click the links below to check current prices for all of the resorts.

• Loews Portofino Bay
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Loews Royal Pacific
• Aventura Hotel
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

You can also check Universal package prices with Undercover Tourist. Sometimes you’ll find great hotel-only deals on Expedia, but you have to be careful with park tickets.

There are many shady ticket sellers out there, so make sure to book through an approved Travel Agent or an approved partner like Undercover Tourist.

Although Aventura is currently closed, you can check out our YouTube video comparing Cabana Bay Resort vs. Aventura. 

7. Take a break (at least for lunch) in the afternoon

If your family needs some downtime, take a break in the afternoon. The parks are the busiest, and the temperatures are the hottest in the early-mid afternoon.

If you need a break, head back to your resort for a nap or some time at the pool. Even if you don’t need a big break, mid-afternoon is a great time to sit down and eat lunch with some A/C.

8. Bring water bottles and snacks

Don’t buy those $4-5 bottles of water, don’t do it! First of all, you can get free water at most restaurants. Second, there are plenty of places to fill your water bottles.

Bring a sturdy water bottle, like a Hydroflask, and fill it up throughout the day.

If you look at my First Family picture above, you can see that I practice what I preach with the water bottles. Hydroflask also offers fun and sturdy water bottles for kids.

9. Bring a fanny pack/hip bag

Many rides, including the new Hagrid coaster, will allow guests to wear a 3-prong fanny pack on board. If you don’t need to carry much, this can be a great way to save time by not using the lockers.

Families with younger children may not be able to take advantage of bringing so little into the parks, but adults or families with teens may be able to get away with only using a fanny pack.

Check out Amazon for some great prices on fanny pack/hip bags, but make sure to purchase one with 3-prongs.

10. Take advantage of “single rider” lines

If your party members are ten years and older, you can take advantage of single rider lines. Yes, your party will be split up for the actual ride, but you can still wait together in the queue. This is one of the best Universal Studios hacks for busy days!

As of the re-opening, single rider lines are not available but will likely be available in the future. For now, I’ll sub another Universal Studios hack instead.

This tip is to visit the park that is not having early park admission first. The park not offering early park admission tends to be slower in the morning.

11. Buy the refillable bottles and popcorn

If you’re looking for Universal Studios hacks to save money, this is a good tip! Buy the refillable bottles and popcorn on your first day. They’re initially pricey, but the refills make an inexpensive snack.

12. Make sure you have Park-to-Park tickets

You can’t ride the Hogwart’s Express without a Park-to-Park ticket, so make sure you have one! If you’ll be staying for several days or planning more than one trip in a year, it may be worth it to look into annual passes. 

13. Plan for three days minimum

Plan for a minimum of 3 days in the parks. A lot of people think of Universal as a smaller park, but it isn’t! Four to five days are even better.

Since reopening in 2020, Universal has offered lots of “buy X days get X days free” deals, which are a great value!

14. Use the “secret” entrance

If you’re visiting on a day when it isn’t jam-packed, you won’t need to use this Universal Studios hack. However, if you’re visiting on a busy day, there is another entrance to the parks by the Blue Man Group Auditorium.

I’m not sure if they have opened this entrance with the limited capacity, but it’s worth checking if it seems like a hectic day.

15. Know the secrets of the Wizarding World

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most popular attractions at Universal Orlando. Make sure to know plenty about it before you go. Fortunately, I have a blog post with 25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips.

I also have a post with the hidden secrets of the Wizarding World, so make sure to check both posts out before your next Wizarding World adventure.

Universal Orlando Hacks

I hope that these 15 Universal Studios hacks are helpful! Let me know in the comments, or share your favorite Universal Studios hack.

If you want to see more of my Universal content, check out the following posts:

• 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• The 7 best rides at Universal Studios.
• 7 things to buy before visiting Harry Potter World.
• 25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Secret song list.
• 20 things to know before going to Universal Orlando.
• Is it worth it to visit Universal in 2021?
• 30+ movies to watch before going to Universal

Are you planning a Universal Vacation?

Although I am a graduate of the Universal Orlando Resort Travel Agent Training Program, I’m not taking on many new clients for 2021. However, you can contact me to check availability. 

I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist if you are not working with a Travel Agent! There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist) or an approved Travel Agent!

Pin it for later:

Sharing is caring!