Universal Orlando is a whimsical, immersive destination for the thrill seeker, the Harry Potter nerd and the ambience lover alike. The parks, resorts and the CityWalk truly have something for everyone. If you’re visiting for the first time or are looking for tips to help reach expert status, look no further! Below are 10 tips to help you crush your Universal vacation!

Stay on Property

Universal Orlando has a fantastic selection of hotels located just minutes from the parks that cater to a variety of preferences and price points. Staying on property helps your trip stay seamless with privileges like charging directly to your room, continuous (and free!) shuttle service, early park admission and much more!

Embrace the Fanny Pack

Many of Universal’s most popular attractions do not allow bags on board and do not have storage areas on the ride for even small items. They offer free lockers just outside of the ride entrances that you can open with your park pass, but make sure your bag is small enough to fit in the standard size (11x11x16 and up).

Wear a Lanyard

See above! You will need to access your park ticket more often than you think, and having it secured in a handy lanyard is a (hopefully) guaranteed way to keep it close by and accessible at all times. A lanyard with your ticket is the only external item allowed on some of Universal’s biggest attractions.

Pack for Success

Again, see above! While you will be required to store bags for major attractions, having essentials on-hand will help you have a stress-free day. A few must-haves: refillable water bottles, snacks and a first aid kid.

Arrive Early

The very beginning of the park day is the best time to knock out some of the most popular attractions – like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure), the Velocicoaster (Islands of Adventure) and Escape from Gringott’s (Universal Studios). If you’re staying at a Universal hotel, be sure to check if your stay qualifies for early park access!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Just like any amusement park, Universal Orlando will have you walking several miles a day. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes (and multiple options), and bring plenty of blister Band-Aids!

Tap Into your Inner Nerd

Universal has done a fantastic job creating an immersive experience for lovers of Harry Potter, Marvel comics, Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss and more! Make sure to take the time to explore and appreciate the impressive theming throughout the parks, on the rides and even in the queues.

Share the Butterbeer

This may be a hot take, but it’s just not that good. Butterbeer is essentially a cup of thick butterscotch liquid packed with sugar (it’s available cold, frozen or hot). While it’s definitely a must-try and a very Instagrammable moment, grab one and a few extra cups to share with the whole family! Saves money, reduces waste and prevents a tummy ache.

Have a Plan…

Research the parks before your trip and make sure you know what rides and attractions are musts for your group! Download the Universal mobile app to keep an eye on wait times and help you map out your perfect day. My recommendation is to start with the most popular attractions at the beginning of the day, then make your way through the rest of the park stopping wherever you please. Harry Potter areas in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will be the most crowded, followed by Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure. Be sure to check out my Can’t Miss List!

…But Go with the Flow

No matter how much prep you’ve tackled to create the perfect trip, you can never plan for it all. It’s important to give yourself plenty of extra time and flexibility to roll with the punches and enjoy those unexpected moments. Stop for the street performers. Take all the family photos. Pop in the cafe for an overpriced themed dessert. Long wait time? Try the single riders line. The most important thing about your trip is to HAVE FUN and MAKE MEMORIES!