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Want to know what is coming soon at Universal Orlando? How about some Universal Orlando inside tips on visiting the park, saving money and getting the most out of your stay? Tamara and Kim share tips from their recent visits and interview Brittany Baron from Universal Orlando to get all the inside scoop.
ON THE PODCAST
:30 Kim and Tamara describe the layout of Universal Orlando
3:45 Universal Orlando CityWalk
5:40 Tamara’s top 3 tips for Universal Orlando
7:56 Kim’s top tips for Universal Orlando
13:45 Brittany Baron from Universal Orlando
16:15 What’s coming soon to Universal Orlando
21:20 Volcano Bay waterpark
22:22 Hotels at Universal Orlando
25:32 Best time of the year to visit
28:15 Ticket options
30:45 Tips for Harry Potter fans
36:01 Eating at Universal
42:32 App of the week
44:55 Next week — flying with kids
ABOUT BRITTANY BARON
Brittany Baron is a Senior Representative on the Universal Orlando Public Relations team. Joining the team in 2010, Brittany has had the opportunity to launch annual events, new attractions and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Brittany is currently leading efforts to open the newly-enhanced The Incredible Hulk Coaster, opening in late summer, and Universal’s first water theme park, Volcano Bay, opening in 2017. You can follow Universal Orlando on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
TIPS FOR VISITING UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
- Stay on property to get into the parks and hour earlier than general admission (especially if you are a Harry Potter fan)
- Get to the gate early as they often open the turnstiles before it would open because the opening time is usually the time they start the rides. This gives you time to get back to your favorite rides
- Go to Ollivander’s wand shop early to not have a line and have a better chance of being selected to participate
- The Express Pass is a must-do for thrill-seekers, especially if you can get the unlimited Express Pass so you can ride attractions multiple times
- Child swap is available for parents of small children
- Bring a small day bag (not a large backpack) that will fit into the ride lockers
- The Harry Potter rides have a lot of storytelling that happens just in line so if you have a pocket that buttons, you may want to bring a phone or small camera to capture those moments, but even if you don’t, just take your time to enjoy those aspects of the ride
- The Minions ride is very popular so even the Express Pass lane is very long but if you want, you can go in the “no motion” line and that is generally very short. It is the same ride experience except the ride vehicle doesn’t move.
- Best times to visit:
- Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras (January-February) with parades and great performances
- Halloween Horror Nights — for those 13+ there are scare zones, haunted houses and special after dark events
- It is busiest when kids are out of school but it can get busy during special events also
- You can purchase Express Passes in advance or on-site (but the price will go up based on availability)
WHAT’S NEW AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
New details have been released about changes to The Hulk this summer:
King Kong also opens this year, see more details here.
Volcano Bay opens in 2017 and will be Universal’s first waterpark, located near the Cabana Bay Resort, which they promise will “completely redefine the waterpark experience.”
HOTELS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel — modeled after an Italian village
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort — themed after the South Pacific
- Hard Rock Hotel — looks like Hotel California from the Eagles album cover
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort — beach retro hotel
- You get unlimited Express Pass access when you stay at Loews Portofino Bay, Loews and the Hard Rock Cafe
- All hotels have early access to the theme parks, dining on property and free transportation to the parks
- In 2016, they are opening the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will be themed after the Caribbean with waterfalls and the largest pool on-site.
FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
- Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks (in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade) — Brittany likes the Great Feast at the Three Broomsticks
- Vivo Italian Kitchen — fresh made pasta daily and homemade mozzarella
- Cowfish — burgers and sushi
- NBS Sports Brew & Grill
- Hot dog Hall of Fame — hot dogs from ballparks across the country
- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen opening in 2016
FAVORITE PARK GEAR
Brittany always dresses comfortably with good walking shoes and clothes that are quick drying for the water rides. Kim likes using a sling bag when visiting amusement parks, like this one from Kavu.
APP OF THE WEEK
The Official Universal Orlando Resort app provides wait times, ride descriptions, maps, and dining information. You can also set alerts for rides to get a notification when the wait time goes below a certain time period.
MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST
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You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!
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