Universal help needed for a Disney mama!

[RoseMom]

We are wanting to plan a trip to Universal, possibly over Christmas break. We are Disney people and have never ventured over to “the other park” lol. However, I now have an almost 6 year old son who I think would like Universal. Their website seems kinda confusing to me. Any tips, websites to use for planning, people to follow on YouTube would be helpful. We are DVC so would probably still stay onsite at Disney for part of the trip but it looks like it may be worth staying at a Universal preferred resort for at least a night to get the free Express Pass (if I’m understanding correctly). Also, is one day enough time to do both Universal and IOA or would 2 days be best?

 

[BOST99]

We did a trip when my son was the same age and have become such huge fans (and now season passholders). We have stayed Preferred for all our visits to get the Express Pass. We really liked Royal Pacific for the location and price. Loved Portofino for room size and atmosphere.

At first it seemed odd not doing all this pre-planning but Universal just makes it so easy with the express pass and being able to join the express line at any time. As the vacation planner in my family, I enjoyed these trips much more since I didnt feel like I had to be constantly checking my phone for the next fast/genie pass.

We like to watch Molly at the Mammoth Club. She's great for food, tips, tricks and secrets. She's such a genuine fan that their videos are just fun.

Last year, we went the week before Christmas to see Grinchmas and the crowds were picking up as we were leaving. I think with the holiday season you will need 2 days. Even with express pass, I would still prioritize what are absolute musts due to the crowds.

My kids love getting green eggs and ham. It is now a must-do each trip!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I would definitely say 2 days for a first visit. You could probably zip through most of the rides quickly in 1 day with EP. If you want a more enjoyable time and the chance to see shows, run around the kids play areas, explore details, meet characters, breathe, etc you will need that second day. I hate to feel like I can't slow down & take time to check out something neat, because we "need to get stuff done." And I don't want to rush a traveling companion away from something that catches their fancy, either.

There are a lot of "first time" threads with a lot of good advice.

Even with the EP, I would suggest downloading the Universal Orlando App for show times & mobile ordering, the map, etc.

 

[Erica H]

We are wanting to plan a trip to Universal, possibly over Christmas break. We are Disney people and have never ventured over to “the other park” lol. However, I now have an almost 6 year old son who I think would like Universal. Their website seems kinda confusing to me. Any tips, websites to use for planning, people to follow on YouTube would be helpful. We are DVC so would probably still stay onsite at Disney for part of the trip but it looks like it may be worth staying at a Universal preferred resort for at least a night to get the free Express Pass (if I’m understanding correctly). Also, is one day enough time to do both Universal and IOA or would 2 days be best?

Hi! Fellow Disney Mom here! We are DVC as well, and our last big trip was to stay at AKL and do Universal, I wasn't sure what to expect, and we went over Thanksgiving so it was definitely crowded and crazy. We didn't do any express passes, just waited on lines, but were mindful that it would take longer to do Universal that way. We had passes for the week, so we were able to do a little bit each day and I would say by Day3/Day 4 we felt like we had finally done enough. I would look up the height restrictions for some of the rides though, there might not be enough for your 6 year old to ride to make it longer than 1-2 days.

 

[namelessoracle]

My kid loved universal at 6.

My tips.

*Preferred gets 4 people express passes for the day you check in and also the day you check out. Portofino is the best hotel on site to me. Some people prefer Hard Rock. Some people get a room just for the express passes.

*if he can handle lines he may be big enough for Hagrids. My 6 year old at the time loved Hagrids.

*Get the Christmas tour package. You will get 1 on 1 interaction time with your 6 old and the Grinch guaranteed.

*A 6 year old who is dressed up in Harry Potter robes is very likely to get picked for the Wand show. A 6 year will really enjoy the interactive wands and they have good discounts and deals on them so they can clear stock for the new wands for epic universe.

 

[FoxC63]

Their website seems kinda confusing to me.

It is confusing and it's nothing like you're use to.​

TIPS:

• Try wearing pants, capris or shorts with pockets to hold your stuff. There are a few rides handbags and other items like souvenirs are not allowed so you might have to get a locker. Best bet is to wear three pronged fanny bag. Yes, THREE prong.
• Honestly I wouldn't overly plan your first visit. There's so much to look at and enjoy.
• Take a look see at the Updated Disney Gift Card and More thread. The More aspect includes Park Tickets (Universal), Universal Gift Card Information and Landry's Select Club (Bubba Gump).
• Don't use old information - things change, add 2024 in your search title.
• YouTubers: Paging Mr. Marrow We really enjoy his quirkiness and wholesome demeanor.
• Planning Websites
  • Undercover Tourist (crowd calendar)
  • Orlando Informer (up to date information)

 

[Kit Jackson]

I would say 2-3 days is better, especially if you want to take breaks (this is where having an onsite room is fantastic, because it is incredibly quick and easy to get from the parks to the room). Getting a room at Preferred Resort is absolutely worth it. Express Pass is fantastic. You get into the ExpressLine, show your card, and that's it.

Here is a book that was helpful when I planned a trip to Universal Orlando.

https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-G...l+guide+universal+orlando+2024,aps,189&sr=8-1

 

[FoxC63]

I would say 2-3 days is better, especially if you want to take breaks (this is where having an onsite room is fantastic, because it is incredibly quick and easy to get from the parks to the room). Getting a room at Preferred Resort is absolutely worth it. Express Pass is fantastic. You get into the ExpressLine, show your card, and that's it.

Love this post! I know when my son was 6 years old, he still needed naps. While staying onsite, we always left the park so he could unwind from all the overstimulation. Kids need that quietness during naptime.

 

[disneyfam1986]

We did 5 days of park passes last year for thanksgiving and it was way too much! My 4yo son made us ride Kong about 6 times over the 5 days. We stayed at the hard rock and will again this year but will only do 3 days of park passes!

 

[HopperFan]

Orlando Informer

Orlando ParkStop

 

[Skywalker3]

yay! Universal is so fun! We're also DVC, will be at our 'home' BWV in October, but have a night booked at Royal Pacific for HHN, and to enjoy Universal for a couple days.
Definitely measure height, so you'll know ahead of time if there are rides your 6 year old wont' be able to do.
Universal thrill rides are quite a bit more thrilling than Disney. What all do y'all like to ride at Disney? But there are great non-thrill options too.
Anyone HP fans? Those lands are fabulous. Even with my Star Wars obsessed self and family, who LOVE Galaxy's Edge and all thing Star Wars, Diagon Alley is the best themed, most immersive area of a theme park I've experienced. Just doing the wand experiences can be super fun, even if your son is not all that familiar with HP. And Florian's ice cream is a must!
Like others have said, I'd try and do 2 days if possible, just to not rush, really take it all in, enjoy the atmosphere, meet/greets, shows, etc.
The app is.....different. I still don't love it, and it takes some getting used to, but it's very helpful in the park, for wait times, etc. . Mobile order is usually good on the app. it has its days though.....
I watch a fair amount of youtube, and always appreciate anyone doing Universal, those are much harder to find than the millions of Disney vloggers. I also agree for some basics, introductions, how tos,
check out Molly from Mammoth Club.
There are others whom I watch for more specific info, like SuperEnthused, Paging MrMorrow, the DIS Universal show, RiXFLIX, , but Molly has lots of great, basic, how to info.
Happy planning. SO, SO much good info here in this forum!!

 

[greeneyedchick]

Just a note on lockers...Universal makes you put your stuff in a locker for most rides. The basic lockers are FREE and right next to the ride. A big backpack will not fit in the basic lockers. If you bring a back pack, you'll have to pay for a locker. If you bring one of those canvas sacks with the strings as a back pack, they do fit in the lockers along with a small backpack purse and water bottle. I do not recommend bringing in a large backpack. Cargo pants with lots of pockets are easiest. Have a lanyard for your express passes. Don't over think your universal trip. Have a list of must-do rides (and check minimum heights ahead of time) and then head to the park. The best thing is that you don't have to plan like Disney. I would recommend 2 days.

Make sure to go to the Bourne Stunt Show and the Monster Make-up show at Universal. They aren't scary. The Bourne one is cool and the make-up one is funny. It's nice to sit down in the AC in the middle of the day. Also don't miss ET. It's hidden in the back of the park.

Be aware that the "free" wand that you get for purchasing over a certain amount is not an interactive wand. You'll want to buy a "real" wand for your child to interact. And there IS Harry Potter lands in both parks. If you can't find it in Unviersal, ask. It sounds silly to say this but I recently had some visitors who went to Universal. I gave them a list of must-do rides. At the top was Escape from Gringott's. They never went on it. They said that they couldn't find the Harry Potter world and assumed it was in Islands of Adventure. They finally asked someone where it was right before leaving. They walked around Diagon Alley for a few minutes but were too tired at that point to wait for the ride. I was disappointed for them to miss the best ride in that park.

Be aware that Hogwarts Express is usually a slow line that takes longer than the posted wait time. It's a fun thing to do once but it's not a great way of getting between the parks. It's faster to walk between the parks.

 

[wendlle]

def check out Jackie on youtube under Super Enthused. She goes to Universal a lot and I really enjoy her videos.

Universal requires almost no planning like WDW so just go and enjoy!!

 

[kbelle8995]

a small sling bag is great as well. I love Christmas at Universal. The hotels are beautifully decorated and they have great things planned as well. Do check out the new Dreamworks area in the studios and Also Camp Jurassic is fun as well. Just some great play areas to get some energy out. I also like Rix Flix as a youtuber who goes to Universal a lot. I also recommend Tim tracker especially since they have young children and they could point out good places for the young in Universal. You will find the Universal hotels much more chill. I love them.

 

[RoseMom]

Hi! Fellow Disney Mom here! We are DVC as well, and our last big trip was to stay at AKL and do Universal, I wasn't sure what to expect, and we went over Thanksgiving so it was definitely crowded and crazy. We didn't do any express passes, just waited on lines, but were mindful that it would take longer to do Universal that way. We had passes for the week, so we were able to do a little bit each day and I would say by Day3/Day 4 we felt like we had finally done enough. I would look up the height restrictions for some of the rides though, there might not be enough for your 6 year old to ride to make it longer than 1-2 days.

We just got back from AKV! It’s one of our favorite even though we don’t own there. How did you all get to and from Universal when staying on Disney property? We generally fly into MCO and I’m trying to decide if we should rent a car, use a ride share, or just have Cast and Crew (who we typically use) to transport us from Universal to Disney after our Universal stay.

 

[RoseMom]

Just a note on lockers...Universal makes you put your stuff in a locker for most rides. The basic lockers are FREE and right next to the ride. A big backpack will not fit in the basic lockers. If you bring a back pack, you'll have to pay for a locker. If you bring one of those canvas sacks with the strings as a back pack, they do fit in the lockers along with a small backpack purse and water bottle. I do not recommend bringing in a large backpack. Cargo pants with lots of pockets are easiest. Have a lanyard for your express passes. Don't over think your universal trip. Have a list of must-do rides (and check minimum heights ahead of time) and then head to the park. The best thing is that you don't have to plan like Disney. I would recommend 2 days.

Make sure to go to the Bourne Stunt Show and the Monster Make-up show at Universal. They aren't scary. The Bourne one is cool and the make-up one is funny. It's nice to sit down in the AC in the middle of the day. Also don't miss ET. It's hidden in the back of the park.

Be aware that the "free" wand that you get for purchasing over a certain amount is not an interactive wand. You'll want to buy a "real" wand for your child to interact. And there IS Harry Potter lands in both parks. If you can't find it in Unviersal, ask. It sounds silly to say this but I recently had some visitors who went to Universal. I gave them a list of must-do rides. At the top was Escape from Gringott's. They never went on it. They said that they couldn't find the Harry Potter world and assumed it was in Islands of Adventure. They finally asked someone where it was right before leaving. They walked around Diagon Alley for a few minutes but were too tired at that point to wait for the ride. I was disappointed for them to miss the best ride in that park.

Be aware that Hogwarts Express is usually a slow line that takes longer than the posted wait time. It's a fun thing to do once but it's not a great way of getting between the parks. It's faster to walk between the parks.

Thanks for the heads up on the locker situation. Our teen daughter is a type 1 diabetic so we tend to have a few extra things in our backpack that most don’t. However, it sounds like we would not be as far away from the resort as we would be at Disney. Hopefully that would allow us to take less into the park.

 

[RoseMom]

Thank you to everyone for all of the helpful responses! I never thought I’d cheat on Disney but here I am looking forward to our next trip to Orlando that will hopefully include Universal!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

If you have medical supplies that you need to have in line (particularly a longer line), you can chat with the team members at the line entrance. I believe many rides have medical lockers near the loading area for this situation. You can also bring food/drink in line, and either finish it before riding or packaged goods can ride if they fit in your pocket.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Thanks for the heads up on the locker situation. Our teen daughter is a type 1 diabetic so we tend to have a few extra things in our backpack that most don’t. However, it sounds like we would not be as far away from the resort as we would be at Disney. Hopefully that would allow us to take less into the park.

Something to clarify about the lockers. As long as it is not a giant backpack/diaper bag, it will probably fit in the regular lockers. I use the same crossbody bags in the park that I use in my regular life and they have always fit.

 

[Keladry84]

The free ride locker sizes at Universal are:

• width: 14 inches
• Height: 5.5 inches
• Depth: 16.9 inches

Easiest just to know in advance

Also, as a PP stated, if your daughter needs to keep the medical supplies with her in line, all she needs to do is explain to the CM that it's a medical need. If they see someone with a bag enter the line, they usually ask this while directing them to the lockers.