Planning a Trip

Getting to Universal by Car

Universal Orlando is a half-mile north of I-4 exit 75B, Kirkman Road/Highway 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, remember 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 $11 for cars, light trucks, and vans. Valet parking is $18. 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. When this guide was published, Universal was also offering a 1-day/two-park pass for $83.99 (adults) and $73.99 (kids ages 3-9), as well as a 3-Park Unlimited Admission ticket good for unlimited admission to USF, IOA, and Wet 'n Wild with park-hopping privileges for 7 consecutive days ($99.99 for all ages -- the best bargain by far), among others. Using the print-at-home option, while adding $1.19 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 beginning of this chapter 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 $125 to $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.

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 chapter 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 Orlando Sentinel Online at www.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.