Park Tips:

Be sure to pick up your tickets, express passes, dining plan in the hotel lobby on arrival day.
​

You are not allowed to bring any bags, backpacks, fanny packs, purses, or anything other than your person on some rides at Universal Orlando.  We recommend park hopping as lightly as possible.  The hotels are very close if you need anything, and CityWalk is right in front of the 2 parks.  Should you require a bag please note that some rides require you to use their lockers for any bags, for the duration of your wait/ride experience. 

Remember that Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are on a much more compact level- similar to Disneyland.  Lots of rides, attractions, and food in a smaller footprint.  

Universal Orlando is different- in fact they embrace being different.  The theme parks here are a much more laid back, do what you wish on a whim, on your vacation type of experience.  If your hotel came with unlimited express pass you will get a park entrance pass, as well as an express pass card.  When you receive your lanyards in your keepsake box put the bar code for each facing out for ease of use.

Due to COVID-19 and social distancing efforts Universal Parks are offering an expanded virtual queue program for select rides at select times.  You will want to download the Universal Florida App in your app store.  Through the day they release queue space based on availability and crowds.   

**If your family has different Universal app accounts and separate smartphones, you can make more than two Virtual Line passes at a time because the accounts are not linked. Theoretically, Rick and I could snag two separate passes for Hagrid’s that allow four people each (and thus, able to ride twice!).

If you’re able to successfully get a Virtual Pass, the QR code will show up at the same spot where you reserved it in the app. We suggest taking a screenshot in case you experience any technical glitches. You also have the option to edit your reservation’s time or party size, but we highly suggest not doing so, especially for a popular ride such as Hagrid’s. Otherwise, you risk losing the Virtual Pass that you originally made and not being able to find a new one. Once you check in for your return time, you do still have to wait in line. The Virtual Line Experience mainly helps control capacity in the queues. But because there are fewer people in line than normal and everyone is spread out, the line moves quickly.

Dining suggestions: we love Cowfish (which is still not open yet, but we're watching daily), VIVO, Toothsome, BOTH quick service locations in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Three Broomsticks (check out the great feast at dinner!) and Leaky Cauldron.  

Yes, the parks are still closing early.  The pools at the resorts are open late into the evening, so a night swim after dinner sounds like just the ticket for a good night's sleep!  

GROUP PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

All packages include 1 breakfast per person on the reservation at the Leaky Cauldron at Universal Studios, 1 breakfast per person on the reservation at the Three Broomsticks at Islands of Adventure, 1 Shutterbuttons studio photo session, 1 Harry Potter themed keepsake box, Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay™ one hour before the park opens, park days vary, and all reservations include park to park tickets so that everyone may ride the Hogwarts Express (*be sure to ride both ways).  

TICKET PICK-UP LOCATIONS

Will Call Kiosks: Provides a fast and secure way to collect your ticket purchase. Look for Will Call Kiosks conveniently located at the entrance to both Universal Studios Florida® and Universal's Islands of Adventure® OR the Attraction Ticket Center located in the lobby of one of our spectacular On-Site Hotels. Swipe a credit card matching the lead guest's name listed on the reservation (for verification only). Enter the reservation number provided on your E-Travel Document. Print out your tickets. Note: Your reservation number contains only the number 0 (zero) and never the letter O when entering it at the kiosk.

SPECIAL THEMED KEEPSAKE BOX PICK-UP

For guests staying at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel: Your Special Themed Keepsake Box will be available at the Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center located in the hotel lobby between the hours of 7:00am – 7:30pm daily.

Click on your respective hotel picture for driving directions.

Universal Orlando AWTL Group Trip

July 19-26, 2020 

At Universal Studios Florida, you’ll become the star of your own hit movie with the help of an A-list supporting cast. Race with “the family” from Fast & Furious, help heroic Transformers save the day, or even phone home with the lovable E.T. It’s a never-ending blockbuster where you call all the shots!

Universal Studios Florida also boasts half of Universal Orlando Resort’s most stunning achievement to date: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Diagon Alley™, you’ll find wizard-friendly attractions, dining and shopping. And yes, they serve Butterbeer™!

Park-to-Park ticket-holders can board the Hogwarts™ Express: King's Cross Station for a (mostly) cheery ride across the British countryside. Upon arriving at Hogsmeade™ Station at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can explore the charming village of Hogsmeade™, complete with its own lineup of themed rides, shopping, dining and entertainment — including the all-new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™! (Additional restrictions apply.) Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Universal’s Islands of Adventure, starting with Marvel Super Hero Island® and Seuss Landing™. Keep your camera handy as you wind your way through this park’s myths, monsters and legends — you never know who (or what) you’ll encounter!

The newest jewel in Universal Orlando Resort’s crown is Universal’s Volcano Bay, where you’ll journey to an island paradise that’s packed with heart-pounding thrills and complete relaxation. Volcano Bay also features Universal’s TapuTapu wearable technology, which changes the way you wait in line and uncovers special features throughout the park. Located at the epicenter of Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks, Universal CityWalk presents an unbeatable combination of dining, nightlife, entertainment and shopping.

There is NO requirement to join in any group events at all, on any of our group trips.  However, we still like to offer them and we always have a great time with those that join.  ​For this trip we will be doing:

Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios on July 21st at 9AM.  ​

Dinner at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen on July 23rd.  

(*For dinner we need to know in advance if you wish to join us- please let us know asap.)