Planning a Trip

Ticket Prices

Currently a 1-day, one-park ticket costs $85 for adults, $79 for children 3 to 9. A 2-day, one-park-per-day ticket, good for admission to either of Universal's major theme parks (either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure) on each day your ticket is valid, runs $115.99 for adults, $105.99 for children. As the number of days increases, so does the ticket price. A 1-day park-to-park access ticket (allowing you to park-hop between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) costs $120.99 for adults, $114.99 for children 3 to 9. A 2-day park-to-park ticket costs $135.99 for adults, $125.99 for children; again, as the number of days increases, so does the ticket price (up to a 4-day park-to-park access ticket at a cost of $155.99 for adults, $142.99 for children) -- but the bonus is the cost per day goes down substantially as the number of days your ticket is good for increases (a 4-day park-to-park access ticket averaging less than $40 per day). Tickets purchased at the gate run $20 higher.

The Flexiticket -- The most economical way to see the various "other-than-Disney" parks is with a multiday pass that counters Disney's Park Hopper add-on. With the FlexTicket, you pay one price to visit any of the participating parks as many times as you want during a 14-day period. A five-park pass to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Wet 'n Wild, Aquatica, and SeaWorld is $274.95 for adults and $254.95 for children 3 to 9. A six-park pass, which adds Busch Gardens in Tampa, is $314.95 for adults and $294.95 for kids. Both passes also include entrance to Universal CityWalk. The FlexTicket can be ordered through Universal (tel. 407/363-8000; www.universalorlando.com), SeaWorld (tel. 407/351-3600; www.seaworld.com), Aquatica (tel. 800/363-2559; www.aquaticabyseaworld.com), or Wet 'n Wild (tel. 800/992-9453 or 407/351-1800; www.wetnwild.com). Note: There's a round-trip shuttle available to Busch Gardens that's free for FlexTicket buyers (it's $10 for other guests).

Some Practical Advice for Island Adventurers

1. The Shorter They Are . . . : Currently some 13 of the 15 major rides at Islands of Adventure (including those in the Wizarding World) have height restrictions. The Dragon Challenge and the Incredible Hulk Coaster, for instance, deny access to anyone shorter than 54 inches, and unless you're at least 48 inches tall you can forget about Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. For those who want to ride but have come with kids, there's a baby or child swap at all of the major attractions, allowing one parent to ride while the other watches the tykes. But sitting in a waiting room isn't much fun for the little ones. So take your child's height into consideration before coming to the park or at least to some of the islands. Think about splitting up for a while, and then meeting up again a bit later.

2. Cruising the Islands: If you hauled your stroller with you on your vacation, bring it with you to the park. It's a very long walk from your car, through the massive parking garage and the nighttime entertainment district, CityWalk, before you get to the fun. (Universal, however, does a good job of disguising just how long it is thanks to all of the covered walkways near the parking area.) Carrying a young child and the accompanying paraphernalia, even with a series of moving sidewalks, can make the long trek seem even longer -- especially at the end of the day.

3. The Faint of Heart: Even if you don't have children, make sure you consider all of the ride restrictions. Expectant mothers, anyone prone to motion sickness, and those with heart, neck, or back trouble will be discouraged -- with good reason -- from riding most primo attractions. There's still plenty to see and do, but without the roller coasters, Islands of Adventure is far less adventurous.

4. Beat the Heat: Some rides require that you wait outside without any cover to protect you from the sizzling Florida sun, so bring some bottled water (freeze it the night before) for the long waits (a $1.25 free-world bottle costs $2.50 or more if you buy it here), or take a sip or two from the fountains placed in the waiting areas. Also, beer, wine, and liquor are more available at the Universal parks than the Disney ones, but booze, roller coasters, and hot weather can make for a messy mix.

5. Cash in on Your Card: You can save 10% on your purchases at any gift shop or on a meal at Islands of Adventure by showing your AAA card. This discount isn't available at food or merchandise carts. And tobacco, candy, film, collectibles, and sundry items aren't included.