Planning a Trip

Getting to Universal By Car

Universal Orlando is a half-mile north of I-4 exit 75B, Kirkman Road/Hwy. 435. There may be construction in the area, so follow the signs directing you to the parks.

Parking -- If you park in the multilevel garages, memorize the theme and row in your area to help you find your car later. Or, do it the old-fashioned way: Write it down. Parking costs $12 for cars, light trucks, and vans. Valet parking is $20. Universal's garages are connected to its parks and have moving sidewalks, but it's still a long walk.

Ticket Prices

A 1-day ticket costs $75 (plus 6.5% sales tax) for adults, $63 for children 3 to 9. At press time, Universal was also offering a 1-day 2-park pass for $84.99 (all ages), as well as a 7-day/two-park Unlimited Admission ticket good for unlimited admission to USF and IOA with park-hopping privileges for 7 consecutive days ($99.99 for all ages -- the best bargain by far), among several others (both require advance purchase). Using the print-at-home option, while adding $2.15 to your ticket, can be a real time saver. Note that the type of tickets offered (and the various special offers associated with them) often come and go, so be sure to check Universal's website (www.universalorlando.com) when planning your vacation -- and, more importantly, your budget.

All multiday passes let you move between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Multiday passes also give you free access to the CityWalk clubs at night. Because the parks are within walking distance of each other, you won't lose much time jockeying back and forth, which is not the case at Disney. Nevertheless, it's a long walk for tykes and people with limited mobility, so consider a stroller or wheelchair.

See the Attractions section for Orlando for information on the FlexTicket, which provides multiday admission to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and Wet 'n Wild.

There are also 5-hour VIP tours at either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, which include a guided tour, free valet parking, refreshments, and line-cutting privileges at a number of high-profile attractions among other perks, for $100 to $120 per person. A 7-hour, two-park VIP tour covers both parks and costs $150 per person. Prices for both tours do not include 6.5% tax and do not include admission to the parks! For more information on the VIP tour, call tel. 407/363-8295 or send an e-mail to viptours@universalorlando.com. Tours start at 10am and noon daily. If you plan on visiting during peak season, money isn't an issue, and you aren't staying at one of the Universal resorts, this is a good way to experience the best of the park without having to spend most of your day in lines.

Money Saver -- You can save 10% off your purchases at many Universal Orlando gift shops and restaurants by showing your AAA (American Automobile Association) card. This discount isn't available at food and merchandise carts or on tobacco, candy, film, collectibles, and sundry items.

Hours

The park is open 365 days a year, usually at least from 9am to 6pm, though it's open as late as 8 or 9pm, sometimes later, in summer and around holidays. The best bet is to call before you go so that you're not caught by surprise.

Shorter Days -- Like Disney, Universal juggles park hours to adjust for varying attendance due to seasonal shifts and holidays. The hours listed in this section are generally accurate, but sometimes the parks close earlier, or some rides or shows open later. To avoid disappointment, check the park's website at www.universalorlando.com, or call tel. 407/363-8000 for up-to-the-minute schedules.

Making Your Visit More Enjoyable

You can get information before you leave home by calling Universal Orlando Guest Services at tel. 877/801-9720 or 407/363-8000. Ask about travel packages as well as theme-park information. Universal sometimes offers a promotion that adds additional days free or at a deeply discounted price. You can also write to Guest Services, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819-7601.

Online -- Find information about Universal Orlando at www.universalorlando.com. Orlando's daily newspaper, the Orlando Sentinel, also produces OrlandoSentinel.com. Additionally, there's a lot of information about the parks, hotels, restaurants, and more at the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau site: www.orlandoinfo.com. Two unofficial yet thorough sites worth a peek are www.travel-insights.com and www.allearsnet.com.

Create an Itinerary -- Pick three or four things that you must see or do and plan your day along a rough geographical guide. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are both relatively small, so walking from one end of the park to the other isn't as daunting as it is at some of the Disney parks.

Choose Age-Appropriate Rides/Shows -- Here, as in Walt Disney World, height and age restrictions aren't bent to accommodate a screaming child. Even where restrictions don't exist, some shows have loud music and pyrotechnics that can scare young kids. Check the attraction descriptions that follow to make sure your child won't be unduly disappointed or frightened.

Overall, Universal Studios does a much better job in the way of entertaining their guests while they wait in line for the attractions. Many have preshows or TV screens with previews or introductions to the attractions. They've also got it all over the House of Mouse when it comes to beating the sun -- many of the attractions here have waiting areas under some sort of cover or, in some cases, indoors (unless the line is so long that it extends beyond these areas, which it sometimes does in the busiest seasons). It is also exponentially easier to get from your car (or resort) to the parks. From the parking lot, if you have kids and all of the gear that comes with them, pack your stroller and bring it along -- you will be able to walk directly to the parks, but it can be a long haul for small feet (and there are no trams from the parking decks to the theme parks). Elevators, moving sidewalks, and covered walkways will take you up to the entrance of CityWalk. And, if you're staying at a Universal resort, you'll be glad to know that all three resorts are relatively close by and are serviced by a water taxi (and the Hard Rock is within walking distance) that'll drop you off in CityWalk. I'm not saying that you will not have to wait at all -- it can take several minutes -- but not nearly as long as some trips at Disney can.