Ten Tips for Your Universal Studios Orlando Florida Trip

A three-day girl’s trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a great way to welcome summer for the season. We stayed at the Lowes Sapphire Falls (here are 4 reasons why and 5 tips for your next stay) and had a great time. When it comes to the parks there are endless hacks and tips but here are 10 for your next trip:

1.)   Download the App

Yup, Universal Orlando Florida has their own app. You can mobile order food, drinks and even butter beer. Getting updated wait times on the app for the rides is huge time savor when you are trying to maximize your ride time. You can even have the app notify you when a wait time for a specific ride has dropped.

2.)   Use your early access hour

When you stay on property you get to enter the park 1 hour before it officially opens. If you are a huge Harry Potter Fan, I highly suggest you take advantage of this hour to knock out some of the must do’s before the rest of the visitors arrive. Passholders also get early access on scheduled days.

3.)   Get your wand in the morning

There are so many spots where you can practice your magic. Getting your wand in the morning allows you more time to use it. You don’t have to do the Ollivanders experience to get a wand. You can purchase them through the entrance of the Owlery in Hogsmede, the back entrance of Ollivanders in Diagon Alley, Gregorovitchs or Borgin and Burkes (for my Slytherins out there.) 

4.)   Ride at Peak Eating Times

Peak eating times range from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 7 p.m. Wait times for rides often drop during mealtimes. So, when everyone is eating ride some rides. Lines will also be shorter by waiting to eat during “off” times like 3 p.m. for lunch and 8 p.m. for dinner.  I ask that you please listen to your body and eat when you need to eat. Whether that is a full meal, or you grab a snack to hold you until a meal please be sure to listen to what your body needs.

5.)   Use Mobile Order on the App

Lines can get crazy long for those snacks and butterbeer. Instead of waiting 15 minutes for a butterbeer from the snack cart mobile order from the app and get the drink or snack faster. You can also do this at Voodoo Donut in City Walk

6.)   Reserve Dining in Advance at City Walk

In order to get into a location at City Walk to eat dinner you will need to make a reservation otherwise they may not have openings until 9 p.m. You will need to call the number, which is found in the app and website, to book the restaurant reservation. I booked our reservations two weeks out from out trip and didn’t have an issue with booking a time. I don’t advise waiting later than two weeks out. 

7.)   Interact with the employees, especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Have you ever asked a Kings Cross worker were Platform 9 ¾ is? Their response is worth the question. Talking to the shrunken head from the Nite Bus is also a unique conversation that is a must. 

8.)   Stay at a resort that offers water taxis

There are several options to consider when staying on property. The best way to go is staying at a resort that offers water taxis. The water taxis drop you off in the center of City Walk, across the water from Hard Rock Café. The Lowes Sapphire Falls (and others) had a walking path to the parks as well (check out my 4 reasons to stay and 5 tips when staying). 

9.)   Strategize Your Must-Do’s

You will not be able to do everything in one day let alone a whole trip (ok, maybe a whole trip if you stay for 4 or more days). Prioritize the attractions that are must-do’s and stagger them to reduce wait time. Save the biggest rides for the early access hour, peak eating times and right before the park closes. 

10.) Take a late flight home

Maximize your time by taking an early flight to your destination and a later flight back home. You can spend some time in the park or enjoy your resort on that last day before hopping on the plane to head home. 

11.) RELAX & HAVE FUN

There is so much to do between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventures, Wizard World of Harry Potter and City Walk. It can be a little overwhelming to take in. I hope these tips help you for your next trip to Universal Orlando Florida. Check out my four reasons to stay at Lowes Sapphire Falls and Five Tips for You Stay at Lowes Sapphire Falls if you are considering staying on property.