Orlando - Any Universal Studios Orlando area insights?

Two adult females visiting Jan 22-25. We plan to go outlet shopping and do two days at Universal Studios (skipping WDW). We are particularly interested in the Harry Potter activities. Any insights? discounts, what to do/not to do, good restaurants (relatively healthy, mid-priced or lower nonchain), shopping, entertainment (what restaurants/activities in CityWalk are worth it--we are not into loud music/dancing).

We were planning on shopping on Saturday and doing the Universal parks on Sunday and Monday. thanks!

There are some ticket discounts here: https://www.orlandoticketsales.com/oi/Universal_Orlando__C86.cfm

Stay onsite at one of the three Lowes Hotels. You will get unlimited front of line acccess (not valid at Harry Potter) with your hotel room key for. Stay one night and get the pass for two full days! Can make a huge difference in how long you wait for a ride.

For outlet shopping the Orlando Premium Outlets are really close to Universal and they have some good stores. You'll probably pass the Festival Bay Mall on the way there but it's not really worth the stop.

In January, FOTL is not needed at USO (except at Harry Potter, where it isn't valid anyway), so if you're on a budget, don't worry a bit about not staying at one of the Uni resorts. They're all fabulous places, but pretty expensive.

That being said, however, you should definitely consider visiting the resorts and having a look in the gift shops and at the grounds. They're all great places.

For dining at Uni, be sure to look at the resorts. There are a number of nice places at CityWalk, but the best dining options are in the resorts. My personal favorite is the Islands Dining Room in OPO, which has Asian food that's as good or better than anything else I've had at Uni. I also love Bubba Gumps in CityWalk, and I really like the Cuban sandwich at Jimmy Buffet's Margarittaville, also in CityWalk.

You may be skipping WDW, but are you at all interested in Disney souvenirs or clothing? If so, then visit the Pr1me Outlets, at the north end of International Drive, and look for the Character Warehouse. CW is a WDW outlet store carrying park merchandise, mostly from last year, at markdowns from 10%-30%. The mall also has a number of other high-end "outlet" shopping venues, though considering the prices at some of them, I wonder why they bother calling themselves outlets.

For outlet shopping the Orlando Premium Outlets are really close to Universal and they have some good stores. You'll probably pass the Festival Bay Mall on the way there but it's not really worth the stop.

I agree. Skip Festival Bay. It's one step away from closure, but they're going to be getting a major makeover instead.

In January, FOTL is not needed at USO (except at Harry Potter, where it isn't valid anyway), so if you're on a budget, don't worry a bit about not staying at one of the Uni resorts. They're all fabulous places, but pretty expensive.They can be expensive, but their prices can go down (sometimes pretty extensively) if someone in the party has a season pass.

And while the lines tend to be smaller this time of the year, there may be sepecific times/dates where there can still be sizeable crowds. Also, while the Harry Potter ride itself doesn't have "front of the line" access, staying onsite will get you into the park an hour before the general public. You should be able to ride the Harry Potter line a couple of times before the general public comes in and makes the line too long.

I wouldn't dream of doing Universal Studios without staying onsite ... last time we went, right after Harry Potter opened, they let us in the park like 90 minutes early and we polished off the Harry Potter stuff before the rest of the park even opened.

If you get a Preferred or Premier Annual Pass they have APH rates of $139 at the Royal Pacific Resort and $159 at the Hard Rock Hotel for the night of January 24th and/or 25th ($80 more if you don't have the annual pass). The Preferred or Premier annual pass will also get you food, drink, and merchandise discounts, so it looks like you'd be smart to get at least one, I think the Preferred is about $160.

I prefer the Hard Rock Hotel because it's the closest to the parks, and if you have a car (which I'd strongly recommend since you want to shop), it also has very convenient parking (though you will have to pay for parking at the hotels).

In January, FOTL is not needed at USO (except at Harry Potter, where it isn't valid anyway), so if you're on a budget, don't worry a bit about not staying at one of the Uni resorts. They're all fabulous places, but pretty expensive.


Depends on when in January you go. Niece and two kids just left. The lines were an hour long for many rides. Even on the "slow" days, the front of the line pass means you have zero wait to get on. Still better than a 10 or 15 min wait.

Whatever you do don't eat at Pastamore in City walk. It was horrible with bad service!

There is a Margaritaville that has good service. Standard Margaritaville menu but you can sit on the "porch" and watch the world go by.

For a more expensive but awsome meal eat at Tchop Tchop at the Royal Pacific Resort. Totally worth the money!

Thanks everyone! Hope the lines won't be too long as we are using a Marriott certificate and earning Hilton bonus points so we won't be staying on property. We probably won't be back this year. Read that everyone tends to rush for Harry Potter at opening so it may be better to wait an hour or so. Anyone have recent experience? We will go on Sunday or Monday.

How far is the walk from Citywalk to Harry Potter? Is there anything decent to eat inside or should we plan to eat before/after?

How far is the walk from Citywalk to Harry Potter? Is there anything decent to eat inside or should we plan to eat before/after?Citywalk is between the two Universal parks and very close. The park entrances are very close together. You won't need to take some type of transportation to get from one park to another like you would for Disney.

I've more than once had lunch at Margaritaville and walked back to the park. No issues. (Though Margaritaville is closer to the Islands of Adventure entrance (where Harry Potter is) than Universal Studios.

As for restaurants inside the park. Very close to the Harry Potter section in Islands of Adventure is the Mythos restaurant. I do believe it has been voted as the single best "in park" restaurant for any amusement park for many years running. It has been a few years since I last ate there, but the food is actually very good.

This Bing map of the Uni complex may help you to get some perspective on the distances between the parks, resorts, and CityWalk:

Universal Orlando on Bing (http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=28.475982~-81.470028&style=r&lvl=16&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1)

The counter service restaraunt, the Three Broomsticks, in the Harry Potter section is actually very good. Mythos is a proper sit down restaaurant and also good. I found most of the food in both parks to be of a high standard and quite edible. we don't eat the burgers and such but have seen them passing by. I wouldn't hesitate to eat at any of the places in either park. There is a proper bar at the back of the Three Broomsticks if all you want is a beer/drink.

The best time to see Harry Potter is right aat opening, so yea do rush to it, or at the every end of the night when everyone is heading out. any other time and there will be lots of people. If you go 30 min before park closing the lines will be a lot less and you might be able to get on with only minimal wait.

Thanks everyone! Hope the lines won't be too long as we are using a Marriott certificate and earning Hilton bonus points so we won't be staying on property. I don't think I can stress enough how much better your trip to the parks will be if you stay on site, you will literally save several hours each day of waiting in lines at rides. Alternatively you can purchase Express passes, but they are limited to one use per ride (though it is not always enforced at every ride) and you will spend as much on four passes (2 passes x 2 days) as you would for the room at one of the Loews hotels. I am Diamond with Hilton and Hyatt, but when I go to Universal, I stay on-site even though I get no benefit from the Loews program (they don't provide benefits or elite credit in the Loews First program on Annual Pass Holder or AAA rates, which is about all I ever use at the hotels). The HHonors bonus points you're earning can not possibly make up for what you're giving up not staying on site.

I don't think I can stress enough how much better your trip to the parks will be if you stay on site, you will literally save several hours each day of waiting in lines at rides.

Beckles (or anyone):

What is the best deal you have ever seen at one of those Loews hotels?

I, like you, am HH and Hyatt Diamond (and we have Universal APs), and my son and I usually hotel hop among the $39-45 Hamptons scattered around there, to get stay credits.

Thanks.

Depends on when in January you go. Niece and two kids just left. The lines were an hour long for many rides. Even on the "slow" days, the front of the line pass means you have zero wait to get on. Still better than a 10 or 15 min wait.

I was just at USO two weeks ago and the lines were super short midweek. Longest we waited was for Jimmy Neutron and that was about 20 minutes. Towards the end of the day we got on MIB with no wait which was awesome! It really does depend on the day though.
Cheers
Howie

I don't think I can stress enough how much better your trip to the parks will be if you stay on site, you will literally save several hours each day of waiting in lines at rides. Alternatively you can purchase Express passes, but they are limited to one use per ride (though it is not always enforced at every ride) and you will spend as much on four passes (2 passes x 2 days) as you would for the room at one of the Loews hotels. I am Diamond with Hilton and Hyatt, but when I go to Universal, I stay on-site even though I get no benefit from the Loews program (they don't provide benefits or elite credit in the Loews First program on Annual Pass Holder or AAA rates, which is about all I ever use at the hotels). The HHonors bonus points you're earning can not possibly make up for what you're giving up not staying on site.

Just an FYI that annual pass and AAA rates are eligible for You First (new name for Loews First pogram). I am Platinum but it is very hard to maintain due to limited locations.

OP - I would be at the gate at least 15 minutes before opening. It will take at least 15 minutes to get from the parking lot to the gate at IOA. Harry Potter is still very new and very popular. The area is small so it becomes crowded quickly. When we there last summer, this past fall and earlier this month, it was very crowded.There were lines to get into some of the shops. It was crazy but if you are a Harry Potter fan, it is worth it. Get in line first for Forbidden Journey as that will have the longest wait. Mythos is a dining must for my family in Island of Adventure. Keep in mind that they close around 2-3 PM on days with shorter park hours. You may be able to call ahead and get reservations. Food and atmosphere are excellent at very decent prices. Margaritaville and Bubba Gump are family choices in Citiwalk. We stay away from Pastabilities, Nascar, and NBA City. The Kitchen at the Hard Rock Hotel and Mama Della's at Portofino Bay are two other favorites. Staying on site is preferable with front of the line access but I think you will be OK without it in January. The biggest advantage would be the hour early entry for Harry Potter. I have been to Universal in January for the last 3 years following the Disney Marathon weekend. It is much cooler so waiting in line is not nearly as bad as it is during the heat of summer. Check AAA for discounted tickets as well as online brokers. Discounts have been limited since Harry Potter opened. I'm glad I have annual pass as the renewal is less than a 4 day pass. Enjoy your trip.

I don't think I can stress enough how much better your trip to the parks will be if you stay on site, you will literally save several hours each day of waiting in lines at rides. Alternatively you can purchase Express passes, but they are limited to one use per ride (though it is not always enforced at every ride) and you will spend as much on four passes (2 passes x 2 days) as you would for the room at one of the Loews hotels. I am Diamond with Hilton and Hyatt, but when I go to Universal, I stay on-site even though I get no benefit from the Loews program (they don't provide benefits or elite credit in the Loews First program on Annual Pass Holder or AAA rates, which is about all I ever use at the hotels). The HHonors bonus points you're earning can not possibly make up for what you're giving up not staying on site.

Since OP is going at the end of January, one of the least crowded times of the year, you won't save hours per day with FOTL access. Wait times this time of year are typically 15 mins or less for most attractions, except the Harry Potter ones (which aren't valid for FOTL access anyway); and most attractions are walk-ons.

For the summer season, when the parks are full, FOTL is a great help and can save you hours of waiting.

Of course, if you have the coin to stay at one of the Uni resorts without straining your budget too much, it goes without saying that the experience is superior in every way to staying off site. It's just not necessary for a great Uni visit.

I would definitely get to the park early and line up for Harry Potter. The line sometimes during high season gets up to 2 and 3 hours long.. While it may be worth it to some to line up for that long, it can be clearly avoided by arriving early before opening or enjoying the attraction late at night.

Just an FYI that annual pass and AAA rates are eligible for You First (new name for Loews First pogram). I am Platinum but it is very hard to maintain due to limited locations.

Hi, I joined the Loews First program and tried to select AAA rate - but I don't see any discount applied. I am looking at Portofino Bay. I would be happy with any discount no matter how small. :-)

Hi, I joined the Loews First program and tried to select AAA rate - but I don't see any discount applied. I am looking at Portofino Bay. I would be happy with any discount no matter how small. :-)

Have you tried seeing what the rate is through the AAA site? Or just call Lowes and ask for the various rates you qualify for. Sometimes the rates are what they are with no discount for AAA or ect.

Hi, I joined the Loews First program and tried to select AAA rate - but I don't see any discount applied. I am looking at Portofino Bay. I would be happy with any discount no matter how small. :-)

I would call Loews.. and get the Loew down.:)

Hi, I joined the Loews First program and tried to select AAA rate - but I don't see any discount applied. I am looking at Portofino Bay. I would be happy with any discount no matter how small. :-)

AAA rates do not show up on line. Call Loews or Universal Orlando hotel reservations direct to find out if AAA rates are available.

I would definitely get to the park early and line up for Harry Potter. The line sometimes during high season gets up to 2 and 3 hours long.. While it may be worth it to some to line up for that long, it can be clearly avoided by arriving early before opening or enjoying the attraction late at night.

Even in the low seasons, the line for Forbidden Journey can be up to an hour. My last trip was at the end of September 2010 (Sept is typically the least crowded time of year in Orlando), and my wait for Forbidden Journey was about 45 minutes. And the crowd in the whole WWHP section of the park was shoulder to shoulder. Looked like Times Square on NYE.

AAA rates do not show up on line. Call Loews or Universal Orlando hotel reservations direct to find out if AAA rates are available.

If you book directly through the Loews site then AAA, AARP, ect will show up if they are available. You simply pick the rate type from the drop down box. Often the seasonal rate is the best one going.

If you book directly through the Loews site then AAA, AARP, ect will show up if they are available. You simply pick the rate type from the drop down box. Often the seasonal rate is the best one going.

I did call Loew's directly. They offered the AAA rate - a 10% discount. I booked it, but am not a AAA member - yet. They said I will need to show the card upon check-in. I'm booking 2 rooms - but not sure this will be a good deal based on the AAA membership price.

Thanks for all the helpful comments. We ended up hitting the Premium outlets (both of them) on Saturday (only spent $30 despite shopping for 6 hrs--outlets are just not what they used to be in terms of quality and selection) and doing Universal Studios on Sunday and Universal's Islands of Adventure on Monday. Majority of the waits were 10 minutes or less. Went to Harry Potter as soon as we entered (arrived at the entrance a few minutes after opening), and the wait for the Forbidden Journey was about 30 minutes. However, the time went quickly as we were constantly moving, and there were displays and vignettes on the TV screens almost the length of the line. By the time we exited the wait time was 60 minutes.We did not do the Dragon Challenge or Flight of the Hippogriff.

Talked to one of the wizards while waiting in the Ollivanders line, and he said that on Sunday they were busy until about 2:00 pm then busy at night. He said that it was a relatively quiet day and that on a busy day it takes him about 30 minutes to walk from one end of the Harry Potter section to the other--it isn't very big.

The walk from the parking garage ($15 to park) to the entrance of Islands of Adventure is quite far; plan accordingly. Breakfast options on both sides are lacking. There was nothing healthy to eat at the bakery shop in Universal Studios. We ate before we went the next day.

As suggested we ate a late lunch/early dinner at Margaritaville. The food was quite good, and if you are a dill pickle fan, the fried pickles are a must. The hostess sent David who will be opening a similar restaurant at Don the Beachcombers in Honolulu to visit with us. He was there training and said the Honolulu location will be open in a few weeks.

Called for reservations at Mythos at about 1:00 pm and was told the earliest available was 2:00 pm, but they took walk ins. We got seated immediately; about a third of the restaurant was empty. It was good, but the pizza was only so-so.

We stayed the last two nights at the Hampton Inn South of Universal Studios. They are a partner hotel, and upon check-in I was given a card that provided discounts at most of the restaurants and at the main shops. Except for a noisy exhaust fan, the hotel was a nice Hampton Inn. There was a washer/dryer on the top floor. The breakfast area was a zoo the first morning, but I think it was because folks were rushing to eat before the shuttle left. The shuttle goes to Universal twice in the morning and returns twice in the afternoon/evening.

A AAA card is good for a 10% discount at most of the restaurants and shops. The Hampton card's discount was 15% for most places.

We stayed the first two nights at the Airport Marriott, which was a very nice hotel, with very helpful staff. We arrived close to midnight and didn't want to deal with driving. The hotel shuttle came quickly, and for $25 we had Internet access for a day and two breakfast buffets (okay for what we paid but not worth the $17 if bought separately).

Does anyone know of discount codes on rooms for the Orlando hotels?

Which Orlando hotels? Do you mean those at universal? if so, they're part of the Loew's chain.

I'm not aware of any discounts, but you could try www.mousesavers.com and check their hotel discount area. They mostly post about disney, but I have seen offers for Universal in there as well.

If you are talking about the Universal on-site hotels, one can quite often get a pretty nice discount as a Universal annual passholder. Also, Loews tends to give a larger discount for longer stays (e.g. 3 night stay gets a 15% discount, 4 night gets a 20%, 5+ nights gets a 25% discount).

I am talking about the 3 hotels on-site.
Hmm, I checked mousesavers.com --- mostly Disney! I found a few notes about possibly booking through hotwire/expedia and calling in.. but nothing else really.

I definitely do not think we will be staying more than 2 days @ the hotel, unfortunately! Now, would it be worth it to purchase an annual pass just for 2 days? I've got to look up annual pass prices...

I am talking about the 3 hotels on-site.
Hmm, I checked mousesavers.com --- mostly Disney! I found a few notes about possibly booking through hotwire/expedia and calling in.. but nothing else really.

I definitely do not think we will be staying more than 2 days @ the hotel, unfortunately! Now, would it be worth it to purchase an annual pass just for 2 days? I've got to look up annual pass prices...

I believe a new Universal AP is now about $179. So an AP would only be worth buying if the difference between a regular pass and an AP is less than what you would save on the on-site hotel. You can also factor in savings on parking, dining, and merchandise. But for only 2 days, I doubt that you'd save enough to make the AP worth the extra money.

Loews does give AAA discounts so you can try that. The three Loews hotels don't ever get really inexpensive. They are usually busy hotels and the big benefit is the front of the line access. Since that is worth a chunk of change for each person staying in the room, the prices tend to stay above $150 and up.

You can also see about buying a package deal off the Universal site. Sometimes there is a savings.

Rooms are 339/nt D': and I don't think there would be availability for annual pass holders.

I wonder if the prices are higher for my dates specifically and I wonder if I had booked earlier if it would have been cheaper.... :[

I think you're traveling at the height of spring break season which is why the rates are a bit higher. Did you check all 3 hotels?

As well, it will be CROWDED, so paying for the room will probably be even more valuable for the front of the line access.

I just checked for May 14 (my nephews birthday). The Portofino was $100 cheaper than Hard Rock or Royal Pacific. The Portofino is considered the premier hotel there. So make sure and check all three. Sometimes the prices will drop closer to the date. Just keep checking. Make a reservation if yiu think you have a good rate and keep seeing if it drops.

I believe a new Universal AP is now about $179. So an AP would only be worth buying if the difference between a regular pass and an AP is less than what you would save on the on-site hotel. You can also factor in savings on parking, dining, and merchandise. But for only 2 days, I doubt that you'd save enough to make the AP worth the extra money.

I was there about 2 weeks ago and bought a new AP, as mine had expired. I think it was about $239 for the premium version (2-park).

Renewal (within 1 month after expiration) is about $159.

Not sure about the other versions. I know they have sales sometimes, and also call the nearest Costco and Sam's Club as they sometimes have passes.

Harry Potter tip: the first time, get there as early as possible. You definitely want to do the whole thing with the special effects throughout Hogwarts at least once.

Thereafter, head for the single rider line on the left after you enter the building; it's down a short corridor and up some stairs. You avoid large chunks of the line. Even though the posted time was 75 minutes, we were through to the front in less than 10.

Also keep in mind that if you have a bag, no matter how small, you will have to check it in a locker. This can add considerably to your time.

And Universal must be making an absolute fortune on Butterbeer. Huge lines for it everywhere you look.

toomanybooks -- thanks for the tips! :D


single line? Is that the line to use with the front of the line access?

single line? Is that the line to use with the front of the line access?No, some rides will have a "third" line that is for "singles" to ride. If you aren't with anyone or are willing to ride the ride with strangers and not with the person's you are with, you can go through the "single riders" line. (This is a line that if there are 3 seats to a ride, but 2 persons get seated, one person from the single rider line can be used to fill the empty seat.)

No, some rides will have a "third" line that is for "singles" to ride. If you aren't with anyone or are willing to ride the ride with strangers and not with the person's you are with, you can go through the "single riders" line. (This is a line that if there are 3 seats to a ride, but 2 persons get seated, one person from the single rider line can be used to fill the empty seat.)

Just a note - some folks who are there in a group think they can play the system a little by getting into the Single Rider's Line, which is usually much, much shorter than the stand-by line or the FOTL line. But if you are a group in the Single Rider's Line, when you get to the boarding area, your group WILL be split up into singles, no exceptions.

If you're riding solo, or if you're in a small group and you don't mind being split up, the SRL can be a nice option to get through the line quicker.

stravels - did you do a trip report?

I'm going with my best friend to celebrate my milestone birthday in late May. Two adult females, no kids. Same type of itinerary as you - Harry Potter on Monday, we think.

Would love any additional insights you may have to add now that you've travelled.