Universal Studios
With Kids
Quick Guide
- Number of Parks: 2 (New Epic Universe Opening in 2025)
- Suggested Time: 2-4 Days
- Average Walking: 8-11 Miles per Day
- Best Time to Go: First Two Weeks of December (Christmas Decorations are up, but crazy crowds won’t show up until the 3rd week). Also, Late Jan/Feb, May, Sept/Early Oct for slower crowds
- Overall Best Park: Islands of Adventure
- Favorite Rides: VelociCoaster, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts & Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Favorite Restaurants: Mythos, Leaky Cauldron, Pizza Predatoria
- Must Have Drink: Butter Beer
Universal Vacation Packages
Planning a trip to Universal may not be as daunting as organizing a Disney escapade, but it still demands thorough preparation. Here are two options that streamline the process and save you serious cash:
Costco Travel: This one’s a no-brainer for hassle-free booking at unbeatable prices. Our last trip booked through Costco saved us a bundle. Universal’s regular tickets alone were over $1,000, but by bundling them with the Universal Cabana Bay Resort, we scored everything for just $1,300, including a Costco and Universal gift card. That’s a scorching deal!
Universal Travel Agents: For maximum ease, consider booking through a Universal travel agent. These pros offer insider tips, tailor itineraries to your budget, and simplify your planning process, making your trip stress-free and unforgettable.
Express Passes
Traveling to Universal Studios with the family, especially during busy to semi-busy seasons, can be a thrilling yet challenging experience. The magic and excitement are often overshadowed by the dread of waiting in long lines. We’re talking about wait times ranging from 40 minutes to a brutal 2+ hours. With kids in tow, this can turn a dream vacation into a patience-testing marathon. Trust us, we’ve been there, and it’s not fun.
The Game Changer: Express Passes
Our top tip to turn the tide in your favor? The Express Pass. This little magic ticket can transform your visit from a waiting game to a whirlwind adventure. We visited right before Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year, and the Express Pass was an absolute game changer. We breezed past the lines and enjoyed more of the park’s attractions without the hassle.
The Catch
However, there’s a big but – and it’s a hefty one. The busier the season, the pricier the Express Passes. For a family of four, you could easily be looking at a bill of $1000+ for just one day. It’s a steep price, but it begs the question: is there a more affordable solution?
The answer is a resounding yes! Our next section delves into the luxurious Universal Hotels and how staying at the right one can save you big bucks on those coveted Express Passes. !
Universal Luxury Resorts: Worth the Investment (Pro-Tip)
A glance at the price tags (ranges between $350-$950) for these resorts might make your heart skip a beat. But their luxury extends beyond opulent accommodations: they offer early park admission and unlimited express passes, saving you $100-$400 per day per person. Book at the right rate, and these resorts are a gold mine for comfort and convenience:
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: We’ve stayed here twice, enjoying the plush accommodations and significant perks from Amex Platinum’s FHR program. At $540 per night, we scored a room upgrade, $200 cashback, complimentary breakfast, $100 food credit, and those invaluable express passes for the whole family. Pro tip: You can use the passes on both your check-in and check-out days.
Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel: This music-themed resort offers vibrant rooms and rockstar amenities, along with express passes that get you straight to the front of the ride lines.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort: A tropical paradise with Polynesian flair, complete with sandy beaches and lush gardens, offering express passes and early park admission for added luxury.
*So if you’re looking to splurge, these resorts ensure your Universal trip is not only comfortable but also time-efficient and packed with value.
Universal Value Resorts
For an affordable yet enjoyable stay, these resorts offer great value and include 30-minute early entry to the parks:
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Slightly pricier than the others listed here, but its boat shuttle to the parks is a standout feature many guests appreciate.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: We booked this one through Costco and had a blast. The resort’s expansive grounds, decent food, and fun-filled pools and lazy river were a hit with the kids.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites: Both properties provide budget-friendly accommodations with a laid-back beach vibe. Guests can enjoy surf-themed decor and spacious rooms, making these resorts ideal for families and travelers looking for value without sacrificing style and comfort.
Universal Hotels with Credit Card Points
For those planning a trip to Universal Studios and looking to book with points, there are several fantastic options across major hotel chains:
- Hyatt: Right next to Universal, you’ll find Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, offering great convenience for park visitors. Additionally, a new Hyatt House is set to open on International Drive. These locations are quite reasonable with point costs ranging from 6.5K to 12K.
- IHG: Close to Universal, IHG boasts the Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express, along with another Holiday Inn Express on International Drive. These properties are excellent value picks that come with complimentary breakfast. Plus, IHG sweetens the deal with a 4th night free when booking with points, which range from 14K to 25K.
- Marriott: Options include Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, and Townplace Suites, with points ranging from 29K to 39K, which may seem a bit steep. They also offer the newer Hotel Landy at a more attractive 23K points per night.
- Hilton: Like Marriott, Hilton’s options are on the pricier side, with point costs between 29K and 39K per night. Their lineup near Universal includes Double Tree, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn.
Flights
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) is your main gateway with a wide array of flights. If you’re looking for a quieter arrival, consider Sanford Airport (SFB), just a short drive away.
Don’t overlook Tampa (TPA) either; it’s only an hour’s drive and often offers competitive fares. Whether you’re paying cash or using points, these airports provide plenty of flexibility to snag a great deal on your journey to the magic.
- For tips on finding the best flights, be sure to check out our flight booking guide.
*For our last trip, We transferred 15,000 points per person from our Amex to Virgin Atlantic and snagged return Delta flights
Parks Strategy
1. Book a Stay + Spread Out Your Park Days
- Our Approach: We scored a four-day ticket and Cabana Bay resort package through Costco. Spreading out our park days with rest days in between was a lifesaver—no one wants tired, cranky kiddos (or parents!).
- Why It’s Awesome: Having extra time to enjoy the resort’s pools and lazy river kept everyone’s energy up. Plus, Early Park Admission was included, which is a huge perk.
2. Early Entry = VelociCoaster Gold
- VelociCoaster vs. Hagrid’s: When gates opened, we headed to VelociCoaster while everyone else sprinted to Hagrid’s. If your crew loves big coasters, you can ride VelociCoaster twice within the first hour. Our older kid, Raynuv, couldn’t get enough—meanwhile, Mom and Dad’s hair stood on end.
- If You Really Want Hagrid’s: Be prepared for an equally long line if you wait until the park opens for everyone. If it’s on your must-do list, hustle there first on another day.
3. Shows & Low-Wait Rides for Mid-Day Magic
- Our Favorite Shows:
- The Bourne Stuntacular: Big stunts, big screen—completely worth it.
- Horror Make-Up Show: Surprisingly hilarious and interactive (no gore to scare the little ones too much).
- Skip the Monster Lines: We checked the Universal app for wait times and hopped on rides with shorter waits, so we weren’t stuck in 60-minute queues.
4. One-Night at Portofino for Express Pass
- Why We Switched Hotels: After four nights at Cabana Bay, we moved to Loews Portofino Bay for a night to get Express Pass for two days (the day you check in and the day you check out). So worth it.
- Express Pass vs. Disney’s Lightning Lane: Way simpler—no racing around for timed reservations. We just strolled from ride to ride, flashing our passes, cutting wait times by at least half.
5. The Final Push: Hagrid’s or Bust
- Early Mornings Again: On our last day, Dad and Raynuv got up at the crack of dawn for Hagrid’s. Even with Early Entry, we waited around 75 minutes. It was awesome, but waiting that long definitely gave us second thoughts—VelociCoaster twice in the same time, anyone? Still, Hagrid’s is iconic if you’re a Potter fan.
- Mom & Youngest Kid Slept In: Our younger one, Aryan, couldn’t ride anyway, so Mom stayed back at the resort for some chill time. Then they joined us later, and we tackled the rest of the rides with our trusty Express Pass.
6. Child Swap: A Family Game-Changer
- No One Misses Out: We stood in line together; one parent stayed with the younger kid in the waiting room while the other rode with Raynuv. Then we switched.
- Double Rides for the Older Kid: Raynuv got to ride each coaster twice—once with Mom and once with Dad—without any extra waiting. He loved it (and it’s a great solution if you have a kid who’s the perfect height but a sibling who isn’t).
7. Our Quick-Hit Tips
- Plan Around Wait Times: Use Early Entry or Express Pass for the headliners.
- Enjoy the Resort: Your kiddos (and you!) need those pool-and-pizza days.
- Hotel-Hopping for Express: Even one night at a Premier resort gives you two days of line-skipping bliss.
- Child Swap: Doesn’t just help with younger kids—older ones get bonus rides!
- Show Love for Shows: They’re great for resting your feet and still having fun.
Ticket Purchases
- Tickets: While discounts on Universal tickets are scarce, buying them as part of a package from Costco can save a bit. Undercover Tourist might offer a modest $10-20 off multi-park tickets, but purchasing directly from Universal is often the best route to avoid complications.