FAQ & QUICK ACCESS LINKS

[macraven]

UPDATING LINKS.....1/5/2020
Corrections should be completed in a week


Always a work in progress



Main UO site: www.universalorlando.com



ANNUAL PASS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Annual-Passes.aspx

ANNUAL PASS BENEFITS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Annual-Passes/Benefits.aspx

Annual Pass Block Out Dates:

Blockout Dates Calendar


https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Annual-Passes/Preferred-Pass-Discounts.aspx


CITY WALK: https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/CityWalk-Tickets.aspx


www.citywalk.com
(includes restaurants, menus)


Contact info for UO and USH:


Call Us
General Information
(407) 363-8000

Dining/Character Breakfast Reservations
Please call us at (407) 224-FOOD (3663). Guest Services Representatives are available seven days a week, between the hours of 8:30 am and park close.

Merchandise Questions
(888) 762-0820

Guest Services
(407) 224-4233
Guest services@universalorlando.com

Vacation Packages
Main Number: (877) 801-9720
Deaf or Hard of Hearing TDD: (800) 447-0672

Lost And Found
(407) 224-4233, choose option 2

Ticketing
(407) 224-7840

On-Site Hotel Reservations
Main Number: (888) 273-1311
Meeting Attendees/Individual Call-in for Group Blocks: (866) 360-7395


Guest Services
Send us a message

Guest Services Coordinators are available seven days a week, between the hours of 8:30 AM until park close, to assist you with any questions, comments, or concerns you might have. Please feel free to email us using the form below. Please note that emails are limited to 2,000 characters, including punctuation and spacing.

We make every effort to respond to your email in 24 to 48 hours; however, due to the current high volume of emails we receive each day, please allow several days for a response to your email. If you require an immediate response, please call us at (407) 224-4233, option four (4).

Message Subject *
Your Name *
Email *
Daytime Phone *
Address *
You do not need to contact me about my message.


Dietary requests:

Send Us A Note
If you have venue-specific questions or questions that have not been answered here, you can e-mail FoodServiceCUF@universalorlando.com for dining locations within Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, or Universal CityWalk. Please allow 48 hours for a response. To make dining reservations at one of our on-site hotels, please visit the concierge desks located in the lobby of each hotel or call (407) 503-DINE (3463) for more information.





DINING ENTERTAINMENT AND DEALS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Restaurants/Evening-Dining-Experiences.aspx
Dining locations/call: 407-224-FOOD


Many of our popular dining locations book up quickly—especially during holidays and special events. Universal Orlando accepts reservations up to 180 days in advance to help you plan ahead.

To make dining reservations online, visit the restaurant page of your choice and look for “Make a Reservation”.

If you prefer to make dining reservations over the phone, call (407) 224-3463 for dining locations within Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida or Universal CityWalk.

To make dining reservations at one of our on-site hotels, please call (407) 503-DINE (3463).

While speaking with the dining reservation Team Member, let them know about any food allergies or intolerances you or any member of your party would like addressed. Universal Orlando guests under 18 must have their parent or guardian’s permission to call.


Dining menus for UO/City Walk: http://www.disboards.com/threads/wh...do-including-menus-updated-regularly.2681315/


We are pleased to provide kosher menu options for our guests at the following restaurants: Lombard’s Seafood Grille™ and Finnegan’s Bar & Grill™ in Universal Studios Florida™; Confisco Grille™ and Mythos Restaurant™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™.

Our kosher menu options include salmon, chicken, and Salisbury steak. The price is $29.95 plus tax per meal. Please be advised that quantities are limited, and 72 hours advance notice is required for preparation purposes. Please call Guest Services at (407) 224-4233 to arrange a kosher meal during your visit.



As you’re making plans to visit Universal Orlando Resort™, browse through the online menus for our theme park restaurants. Acquainting yourself with the available options ahead of time will give you a head start. If you have any further questions after viewing the menus, you can call (407) 224-3463and speak to a Guest Services Team Member.



Early Park Admission: ( updating)


EXPRESS PASS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Universal-Express/Express-Passes.aspx


Kennel info: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Parking-Information.aspx


GIFT CARDS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Gift-Cards.aspx




Monthly park hours:



Monthly Theme Park Hours



HOTELS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Hotels/Onsite-Hotel-Rates-and-Offers.aspx?flres=no


Events at hotels in the Universal Orlando Resort
(on site hotel events for 2018)



HOTEL RPH concierge: royalpacificconcierge@loweshotels.com
(contact )


(CHECK DELUXE STICKIES FOR DETAILED PROPERTY INFO)


LOCKERS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Rentals.aspx


Merchandise Questions?
Call 1-888-762-0820

ON LINE MERCH: https://www.universalorlando.com/Merchandise/merchandisehome.aspx

ONSITE HOTEL SHUTTLES FOR DINING: Learn More


PARK INFO:
RIDE restrictions: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Ride-Height-Requirements.aspx
RIDES for YOUNGER KIDS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Rides/Rides-For-Kids.aspx


PARK MAPS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Theme-Park-Maps.aspx

Parking Garage Address
6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819

Please insert this Geocode into your GPS navigation system for directions to our parking garage.
Latitude: 28.47399
Longitude: -81.46228

Parking Garage info: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Parking-Information.aspx working on correcting link 6/13/18

General parking $25
Prime parking $

PHOTO CONNECT: https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Photo-Connect.aspx

MY UNIVERSAL PHOTO: https://presale.amazingpictures.com/UniversalFlorida.aspx
(update of Photo Connect)


POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Policies-and-Restrictions.aspx


RESTAURANTS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Restaurants/50-Great-Restaurants.aspx


SPECIAL NEEDS: www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Accessibility-Information.aspx



STROLLER/WHEEL CHAIR AND LOCKER RENTAL: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/Rentals.aspx


UO TRAVEL TIPS: https://www.universalorlando.com/Resort-Information/What-to-Bring.aspx


Various phone numbers:
General Information Main Number: 407-363-8000

Guest Services
Main Number: 407-224-4233

Need Help Buying Tickets?
Call 407-224-7840

Lost and Found
Call 407-224-4233, choose option 2

Vacation Packages
Main Number: 877-801-9720
Deaf or Hard of Hearing TDD: 800-447-0672




work in progress
Working on a sticky to include links for fast access info
plan to list subject and link.

post your quick access links and i will copy/paste here.

Many thanks to SCHUMIGIRL for getting us started.
i will be adding, changing, taking suggestions.
A SHOUT OUT to DAMO for all the work she did to start the menu sticky and keeping it current.





contact me on this thread or send me a pm if you have a link i can use.
or to ask is there a link that will help me do..........fill in the blank.

 

[schumigirl]

A WORK IN PROGRESS.

NEW FAQ SECTION........


As the older thread was a little long, we thought we needed a new FAQ section on this board.

This is for any general questions you have on the parks and Citywalk.



macraven has created the thread and above are links to almost everything you need to find out and investigate yourself aspects of Universal Orlando Resort Florida. These are kept up to date and any new info is added as needed.

Here we have included some of the common questions that are asked everyday on this forum. This thread deals with the Theme Parks only and Citywalk. Volcano Bay and the hotels have their own threads and are all kept in the stickies, and again, updated as best we can.


STUDIOS/IOA

There are 2 main theme parks. They can be accessed by the one main parking garage.....regardless of which park you are going to you will come in the same way unless you are onsite from the hotels. They have their own access points to the parks. You come in through Citywalk which has an array of shops, bars and restaurants and there you see the lagoon which separates both parks.

Citywalk has Guest Services points here too.


WILL WE LIKE UNIVERSAL?

The most common question we have is will we like Universal Orlando. The answer is probably yes.

Universal Orlando really does have something for everyone. It can be perceived as a thrill ride park only and really aimed at teens. This isn't the case at all.

By having a look at the park maps and layouts in the link in the first post you will get an idea of all the rides and shows that are available in both parks.

Universal Orlando are constantly and consistently adding amazing rides and experiences to their parks. It has evolved massively in the last 10 years and anyone who hasn't been for many years will see a massive change in the parks.



ARE THERE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS?

Yes there are.

On many rides there are clear height indications at the entrance to each ride. Not only are there height requirements, but there are health warnings if you have certain conditions that may be exacerbated by riding. The warnings are clearly visible.

Again, there is a link for height restrictions in the first post.



HOW MANY DAYS DO WE NEED TO SEE THE PARKS?

This will definitely vary from person to person.

We see people report they can do the parks in half a day, some can do what they want to do in a day or 2 days.

If you are limited with time and the amount of days you can spare then do as much as you can in the time you have. Most people on the Universal boards would say no less than 3 days to do the parks justice and not rush through them and miss half of the gems that are in the parks. There are so many little details that can be missed and the parks also have some wonderful theming that can be really appreciated.

Again, going through the rides available and what you want to see will determine how long you will spend there.

The other consideration is whether or not you will have EP. This makes a huge difference to waits for rides. There are different types of EP available.


WHERE CAN I FIND HARRY POTTER?

Both parks have a Potter area. IOA has the original area of Hogsmeade where you can see the castle, ride Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. There is a new ride still to be announced opening where Duelling Dragons (Dragons Challenge) was situated. There are food options and shops. Full details on the park map.

Studios has the latest area for Potter. Diagon Alley which is just the most amazingly themed area most have seen. You truly are absorbed into separate areas like Knockturn Alley and you can ride the quite tame Escape from Gringotts ride. Again there are a plethora of little shops and food options.

Both areas have a way of getting to the other park other than walking.

You can take the Hogsmeade Express either from King`s Cross in the Studios over to Hogsmeade in IOA. Both rides are different each way so if you can see the journey in both directions.

**** You do need a park to park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express****

More information and pictures on the Potter areas are available on the website and on many threads and trip reports.



DO WE NEED EXPRESS PASS?

It makes a huge difference.

At busy times it will be a godsend. Even on so called quiet days it can make a difference to certain rides. But, you can also take advantage of single rider lines.

These are not always open, but can make a difference to wait times in certain rides.




ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXPRESS PASS?

Yes.

When you stay at one of the three deluxe hotels, Portofino Bay, Hard Rock and Royal Pacific Resort you AUTOMATICALLY have Unlimited Express Pass as perk of staying there. It doesn't matter who you book your hotel stay through.

The ones you can buy at the parks or online are date and park specific. We never recommend buying these ahead of time. Inclement weather can make the parks very quiet, and these are non refundable.

There are also different types you can purchase. Price varies by season and day so please check the link in the first post for up to date prices for your park days.

You can buy an EP for one park only or for both parks.

The Universal Express pass allows you to bypass the regular lines one time per participating attraction. The Universal Express Unlimited pass allows you to bypass the regular lines an unlimited number of times per participating attraction.

Present the Express Pass at participating attractions at either Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure to bypass the regular lines. Express ride access is a separate line with a shorter wait time at each valid attraction.

As of today Universal Express access is not valid on Fievel’s Playland or Pteranodon Flyers.

In addition to EP from the 3 top hotels, all hotels get Early Entry which allows you to enter a specified park an hour early. Your hotel and the website will have this information.



IS THERE AN EXPRESS PASS AVAILABLE FOR HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS?

Yes, there is a Halloween Horror Nights Express pass product available for Halloween Horror Nights. The regular Universal Express passes are not valid at this separately ticketed event.

The link in first post has details of all types and prices of EP.



WHAT ARE THE PARK HOURS?

Again this varies by day and season. Link in first post takes you to a page where you can move forward to see a few months ahead.



WHERE CAN I FIND RIDE REHAB DATES?

The calendar for park hours in the link mentioned above has any rides that are down in any particular month. Universal doesn't normally announce well in advance, but they are listed as soon as possible.



DO I NEED TO MAKE DINING RESERVATIONS?

Not usually. However, if you are going during a holiday or peak times at weekends it may appeal to you to make a reservation.

You don't need to make them months ahead, usually the same day is suggested or a few days before is usually plenty of time. Some places take reservations up to 30 days out. There is a booth in Citywalk to make reservations if that was convenient for you.

There is a Dining plan, and details of that are in the link in first post and also in damo`s food sticky which is an amazing source of information a sit contains menus from all restaurants and food options in the parks, hotels and Citywalk.



DO I HAVE TO PAY EXTRA FOR SPECIAL EVENTS?


Yes, for some you do. Halloween Horror Nights for example is a separate hard ticket event that you need to purchase separately. Rock the Universe is another.

If the event is taking place during normal park hours like Mardi Gras, it`s included. However be aware some Annual passes have blackout dates for concerts during this event.


IS HHN BUSY?

Yes.

The event starts mid September and runs now till early November. Some nights can be quieter than others particularly towards the beginning of the event. However as years have gone on it just gets busier every year.

If you are not interested in Horror nights, during the day you will NOT see anything gory or scary. Anything like that is covered up and the larger items unable to be covered will not be scary in any way.

There is a separate thread for information on this event nearer the time. It lists all ticket prices, dates and also cost of separate EP options.

The lines can and do get extremely long at this event. But the HHN thread has tips to alleviate this to an extent especially by doing Stay and Scream in the holding areas. This thread will start soon.

Universal Studios closes for day guests not staying for HHN at 5pm. You do have to leave the park as they prepare the park for horror nights ahead. IOA stays open usually till 7 or 8pm on these nights.


DO THEY DO ANYTHING SPECIAL FOR CHRISTMAS?

Yes they do.

Studios has The amazing Macy`s Parade. Watch the fabulous Minions as they join other characters and ultimately Father Christmas as he magically lights up the Christmas tree near The Mummy area.

Diagon Alley and London are transformed with festive décor and brilliant lighting. There are special holiday treats and drinks, and the atmosphere is brimming with excitement. King's Cross Station features buskers singing holiday favorites and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion.

Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World in IOA as Hogsmeade is transformed by festive décor and special entertainment. And as the light slowly dissipates, a stunning projection wraps the castle in spectacular holiday spirit. This is a beautiful show to see.

Hogsmeade was made for this time of year. The shops look so festive decorated in garland. The Frog Choir has prepared a special show for the holidays and there are special seasonal treats and drinks to share.

Grinchmas is rather special and so cute. Explore Seuss Landing, the Christmas charm and cheer of Who-ville. Delight in The Grinchmas Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic holiday tale starring The Grinch. Plus, meet the master of mischief himself for an autograph and photo.

Manheim Steamroller appear at selected dates too. This is an amazing show not to be missed.





More to come.........

 

[schumigirl]

WHAT IS CITYWALK AND DO I NEED TO PAY TO GO THERE?


Citywalk is an awesome venue full of fabulous shops, restaurants and many simple dining options for quick and easy service.

The plethora of options will find something for everyone. Cowfish, Bubba Gump, Margaritaville, NBC and Hard Rock Café are among a few of the options you have to choose from.

Stores include a large universal Orlando store, Fossil and Element are just a few of the retailers available. Quiet Flight Surf Shop has a giant wave photo op outside which is incredibly popular with everyone!

There is a fabulous AMC Universal Cineplex 20 as you enter the complex which shows a variety of family friendly movies and others.

HOLLYWOOD DRIVE IN GOLF is 2 wonderful interactive pitch and putt courses. Each is 18 hole and one is themed from 50`s Sci Fi and the other is comically horror themed. There are so many little special effects to keep an eye out for as you would expect from Universal Orlando. It`s an exceptionally fun way to spend an afternoon or evening. It is particularly spectacular at night when all the light effects are in place.

BLUE MAN GROUP........IS wonderfully confusing mix of Theatre, comedy, shows, concert or just downright fun. It really needs to be seen to be enjoyed fully.

NIGHTCLUBS.......There are a few options for more adult entertainment. The Groove, Red Coconut Club and for aspiring would be artists there is the incredibly entertaining Rising Star for Karaoke........are just a few options. There is a charge for some of these places unless you have the Citywalk Party pass.

CITYWALK is open until 2am every day. There is a charge to park during the day, but it is free after 6pm. The exception to this is when events like HHN are on. No free parking then.

Regular parking before 6pm for cars in the Universal garages currently is $25, and there’s a prime parking option for $35. There’s also valet service that costs up to $50, depending on length of stay. Again full info on the Universal Orlando website.

There is so much more to Citywalk.......it`s very family friendly so no worries about bringing young children there. There is more an adult vibe much later in the evenings and during HHN, but there are still plenty of families there. It`s well worth a visit.


DO I NEED AN ANNUAL PASS........

An annual Pass has many advantages.

There are four types of pass and all have varying perks. You also get varying perks throughout the year, again check the website for seasonal perks available.

A Season Annual Pass is the most basic option, Power Annual Pass, then Preferred Annual Pass and ultimately the Premier Annual Pass.

The Universal Orlando website has a list of perks available for each type of pass and also lists the blackout dates where that is applicable.

You can buy and Annual Pass and it is only activated on the first day of use.

The link to full Annual Pass information is in macraven`s first post.



more to come.........

 

[macraven]

park hour thread worked once before but didn't recheck it since
thanks to tinyD for that info.




Just found out they are changing the info
Removed the link for now until UO revises new info

Link has been restored and back on the list.

 

[macraven]

if you have a link that is not listed, will you share it with all of us?

i have added 5 more links and hope to increase the listings.

i'm reading lots of threads and looking for questions that are asked frequently
then trying to get links listed here to help more readers.

 

[macraven]

park hours, early entry, dining deals, city walk links added

 

[schumigirl]

Bumping for folks to see and check out.........

Loads of excellent info contained in this sticky.

 

[macraven]

Thanks schumi
Easier to find the helpful links with the sticky closer to the top of the page



If anyone has links that I have missed, list them and they will be included

 

[schumigirl]

Bump......again!

 

[schumigirl]

Bumping......again.

 

[schumigirl]

Bumping again for folks new to Universal to read..........

 

[schumigirl]

Bringing back up to top again........

Excellent read for folks who haven't been before.......

 

[schumigirl]

Bumping again........

Hopefully this will be of use to newbies posting.......

Some incredibly handy information on here..........

 

[macraven]

Working on the Contact link for guest services.
Use the service button to reach UO services until I can streamline the email contact section.

 

[schumigirl]

Made a start on updating the FAQ.........

 

[macraven]

Please be patient as trying to obtain current info

The sticky will be a constant work in progress
Added FAQ which will be helpful to our readers

 

[schumigirl]

Just bumping this as we have had a load of new posters seemingly not being able to find any information about Universal Orlando.

This sticky covers links to everything you need to know.

This sticky and all the others answer just about everything new posters need to know about all things Universal Orlando.......

Please have a read through as it may answer your basic questions.

 

[macraven]

The info in the sticky is updated regularly

 

[schumigirl]

Bringing this thread back to the top again.........

 

[GoldmanTrust]

Hey guys,

We just bought 3 annual passes. Do we need to pick them up at Guest services at the parks or can we get our tickets at Cabana Bay?