10 Tips on How to Make the Most of Your Family Vacation to Universal Orlando Resort

Unlike Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are geared towards teens and adults. While there are attractions aimed at little ones and seniors, many of the rides are fast paced with 3D imaging. The faint of heart may enjoy seeing the movie sets, parades and shows instead. Here’s a quick guide on how to plan a multi-generational family vacation to Universal Orlando Resort.

1. Many rides aren’t age appropriate for the youngest and oldest guests. There are clear warnings on each ride regarding whether it’s safe for people with heart conditions, pregnant women and kids of certain heights. Heed those warnings. For kids, just because a child’s tall enough to ride doesn’t mean they should. Some kids may not be able to handle the dark, 3D imagery and pace of many rollercoasters and similar-style attractions.

2. If you’re planning to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with lands in both parks, plan a movie night to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone so everyone can appreciate the setting, food, rides and entertainment. If you’re not familiar with the book/film you probably won’t enjoy it as much as you would if you’ve seen at least the first in the series. If you have the time watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban too.

3. Planning a trip during peak season? You can spend over an hour or two waiting on line for each ride. If budget allows consider buying Universal Express Pass–at least a $50 add-on depending on the number of parks you plan to go to–to gain access to shorter lines. If the kids can’t ride, or don’t want to, use the child swap feature, see below.

4. When traveling with kids who aren’t tall enough or don’t want to go on a ride take advantage of Universal’s Child Swap option, which allows everyone to ride without having to wait on the line twice. Tell the attendant at the ride’s entrance you want to use Child Swap and he’ll tell you where to go. Each ride has a waiting room where one or more adults can wait with kids while everyone else rides and then switch to enjoy the ride once the first group’s done. The Child Swap rooms have videos to watch while you wait, but you may want to bring additional entertainment. Watching the same video over and over won’t occupy them the whole time if the wait’s long.

5. Consider having grandparents meet you in the afternoon, especially if you’re doing both parks in one day. Decide which park’s more senior citizen friendly and have them buy 1-day 1-park tickets for their half-day. I think they’d enjoy Universal Studios Florida with movie sets and shows, including The Blues Brothers Show and Fear Factor Live. Try not to push them to do too much, especially in the summer heat. Remind them to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and carry a bottle of water.

6. While not as big as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort is still quite large and little kids may not be able to keep up with all the walking. Especially if you’re planning on doing two parks in one day. Consider bringing a stroller or renting one to avoid a mid-day meltdown by tired kiddos or having to carry them around the parks.

7. Most of the dining options are quick-service style (think chicken fingers and hamburgers) in themed locations. Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss a meal at the Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks, and Simpson fans are sure to enjoy a burger at Krusty Burger, but for dinner consider a casual dining restaurant at Universal CityWalk. I’d recommend NBC Sports Grill & Brew with it’s fun atmosphere, tables large enough for big groups, TVs showing games and a delicious menu of favorites including wings, wraps, salads, burgers and desserts.

8. If you’re taking a cab ask the driver to drop you off at Guest Drop-off across from Valet Parking. It’ll easily shave 5+ minutes off your walk to the entrance gate and leave you closer to the security bag check.

9. The five, soon to be six, hotels on property are distinct in style and amenities and rates start at just over $100. The pools at each hotel are quite impressive with slides, beaches and lazy rivers. Pick a property with a theme your family would enjoy: a retro ‘50s/’60s vibe at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort for a paradise island setting, a South Seas getaway at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, an Italian Riviera vacation at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or vacation like a rock star at the famed Hard Rock Hotel. While the Hard Rock Hotel’s one of the more pricier options, one of the amenities is comp’d Universal Express Unlimited passes to skip the lines at both parks. You’ll also get the passes at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. All Universal Resorts grant guests Early Park Admission an hour before they open to the public.

10. Regardless of the hotel pools, a trip to Universal Orlando Resort must include a day at Volcano Bay. This water theme park is one of the area’s newest attractions with themed rides just as detailed as they are in the other parks. Little kids will enjoy River Village with a lazy river, age-appropriate slides and sprinklers. Big kids and adults, without heart conditions, will want to ride the multi-person slides, steep plunges and watery races. Those looking for a relaxing day will enjoy the “beach” on the shore of the wave pool. One of the most exciting features at Volcano Bay is the TapuTapu waterproof wristband that lets you wait in a virtual line for rides and not in the heat. The band can also sync with photos and by adding your credit card you can leave your bag at home and pay for food, lockers and souvenirs with it.