Universal Studios is one of the unique attractions in the US and on par with the famous Walt Disney World. There are exciting rides, fun shows, music events, water games, and a ton of other fantastic attractions to enjoy during a visit.
But planning your first trip to the famed Universal Studios Orlando can be a little challenging, especially if you know nothing about it. Here’s a quick guide detailing how to plan the most crucial parts of your visit.
Visit at the Right Time
Were you aware that more than four million people visited Universal Studios in 2020? If you think that number is high, you will be surprised to know that this spectacular attraction attracts millions of visitors every year. Invariably, you should be prepared to encounter a sea of crowds whenever you visit the place.
If you have an adjustable schedule, you can fly down during the less-crowded months of January, April, or mid-May. Alternatively, September or October is an excellent time to visit, as you can catch the renowned Halloween Horror Nights during your trip. Those who enjoy cold weather can make the trip in November or December.
Moreover, weekdays are far less crowded than the weekends, allowing you to enjoy roaming the park leisurely.
Pick Good Accommodation
Staying in hotels such as Americanotels.com within the studio boundaries is an excellent idea, as it gives you instant and easy access to the attractions within the complex. Some hotels provide complimentary boat or car rides to popular attractions in the vicinity. Also, several hotels provide guests with Universal Express Passes which can give them front-line access to some of the most exciting and fun rides in the park. This alone can help save you a lot of money as a single pass can cost over $80, costing hundreds for many guests traveling together.
Alternatively, numerous hotels near the renowned Universal Studios Orlando offer stunning rooms, free parking, and other top-notch services. For instance, consider the Holiday Inn & Suites located very near the studios. It provides free transit to specific studio sites in addition to on-site sales of discounted theme park tickets. Besides these amenities, the hotel also has an outdoor pool for adults, a separate children’s pool, a game room, and a souvenir store on the premises.
Budget hotels offering excellent value for your money near the studios include Fairfield Inn and Suites By Marriott, Wingate by Windham, and Extended Stay America Suites. Several of these establishments offer meeting rooms, fitness centers, and a range of other amenities besides the essential services. Plenty of hotels are within a couple of minutes’ driving time from Universal Studios, making the stay a lot more convenient.
If you are traveling with your dogs or other pets, you can choose pet-friendly accommodations such as Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. You have the option to leave your pets in the comfort of your hotel room while you enjoy a couple of hours at the various attractions in the famed studios.
Don’t Cram Too Much into Your Itinerary
Unless you plan to spend at least three days (or more) in the region, there is little sense in drafting a complex itinerary. This typically occurs because there is a lot to see and explore here, leaving visitors confused about where to begin.
Prioritize kid-friendly activities if you are on a trip with your family. For example, you could plan a day to explore thrilling fantasy-focused attractions such as Dr. Suess, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Marvel Superheroes. Also, older kids will love adrenaline-pumping rides like the Revenge of the Mummy and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
If you are traveling unaccompanied or with a couple of friends, you can enjoy attractions like theme park food, Cinematic Celebration, and the Islands of Adventure. Volcano Bay is a must-visit attraction if you love water parks, as it has water slides, exciting drops, thrilling rides, and a lot more. Also, you can enjoy walking through the City Walk complex to discover popular eateries, hip clubs, and trendy shopping spots.
Enjoy Spectacular Dining Options at the Studio
No trip to Universal Orlando can be complete without exploring some of the most phenomenal food options it provides visitors with. Kids and adults alike can enjoy gorging on utterly delectable cuisine at the various eateries on the premises. So, if you get hungry on your adventure, ensure to visit as many of the following restaurants as you can.
- Big Fire – You should definitely head here if you wish to enjoy American classics such as steaks cooked in an open-fire center stage. The use of different kinds of woods gives the dishes a uniquely delicious and smoky flavor, one you simply must not miss.
- Voodoo Donuts – Families with kids need to visit this spectacular outlet at least once during their trip. There are over fifty different varieties of flavor-packed donuts to choose from, making this a wonderland for donut lovers.
- Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom – This is an excellent place to enjoy Jamaican cuisine with exciting live reggae music playing in the background, adding an electrifying vibe to the ambiance. Fans of Bob Marley will be thrilled to find interesting memorabilia here, a replica of the renowned singer’s home in Jamaica.
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew – Walk into this place, and you will be surrounded by a hundred different screens taking you into the exciting world of sports while you choose from hundreds of exciting brews, burgers, fries, salads, ribs, steaks, and a lot more.
Besides the above fantastic options, there are numerous other food joints you can explore in Universal Orlando that cater to all types of taste buds, such as Cowfish, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, and Bubba Gump.
