Universal Studios ♥ Islands of Adventure ♥ Mardi Gras ♥ Disney Springs
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Learn how we prepared for this trip, tips for tourists and my review on the rides, shows and attractions.
*Check the videos and galleries in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
How we prepared for this trip:
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Bought 2 Days (+1 Day free) Universal Park-to-Park Tickets online
You’ll need a park-to-park admission if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express (which I assume you do). It’s best to check Universal Orlando’s website for ticket promos. When we bought our tickets ($219 each) online, they have a promo for 3rd day (free) with a purchase of 2-day ticket. Buying your tickets online can also save you time because you can already print your tickets at home and just present them at the gate of the park.
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Booked 4 nights in Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City (using SPG points)
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Rented a car for 4 days (using Hertz points + $20)
It was very convenient for us that we had our own transportation. We can go to the theme parks and leave any time. Our gas was only $9 and the parking in Universal Orlando Resort was $20/day.
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Downloaded the Universal Orlando Resort App
Use this app to mark your favorite rides in advance so you would know which ones to prioritize. I found this useful because we were easily overwhelmed by the colorful attractions and rides before we even got to the ride/place that we originally wanted. The app also shows the real wait time for each ride.
Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando:
- Bring a backpack for extra clothes
Most rides have free lockers so you can store your bags while you ride. No need to bring locks. The lockers are fingerprint-protected.
- Bring a water bottle
There are many water fountains around the theme parks and on the waiting lines of most rides.
- Check the weather forecast and bring a poncho if rain is expected
We didn’t realize how useful and convenient the ponchos were until it rained on all days we were in Orlando. You can also use this poncho for the wet rides.
- Bring a pair of flip flops for wet rides and to rest your feet
It’s uncomfortable to walk around the rest of your day in wet shoes. Also, expect to do a LOT of walking! Our average steps per day is around 25,000.
- Bring ziplock for your valuables and plastic bags for your wet and dirty clothes
- Put a note on your phone for your parking space
After a long day at the theme park, it would be hard to remember where you parked.
- Bring snacks
If you love popcorn like us, you can buy a souvenir bucket of butter popcorn at the start of your first day for $6 and refill it as often as you want for $1.29. You can bring it on the following days. The popcorn made the long queues bearable for us!
- If you’re not in a big group and will not split up, save your phone’s battery and use airplane mode
- There’s free WIFI everywhere! You can upload your photos while waiting in line.
- Eat heavy brunch before going to the theme parks because the food is expensive inside. For dinner, you can dine at Universal’s Citywalk.
- Check Universal Orlando’s website and twitter updates for upcoming events
We celebrated Mardi Gras and it was soooo much fun! Check my review of this amazing Mardi Gras experience here.
Here’s my review on the the rides, shows and attractions:
This is one of our happiest trips so far!
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure were elaborately built down to the littlest detail that Mr. C and I couldn’t help but feel that we were hopping from one world to another. We have never felt so carefree. ♥ This trip reminded us of our childhood and things that made us happy.
Planning to go to Disney World? You can buy discount tickets from Florida Ticket Station.
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Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando | Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando | Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando
Great source of information. It is so better to have handy information before we plan to visit a place. Pinned for future reference. Thanks for sharing
Thank you for stopping by!