What you need to know to organize a trip to the theme parks

For fun with friends or family, Universal Orlando Resort is one of the favorite destinations in Orlando, United States, especially for movie and theme park lovers.

The complex has Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and the aquatic Universal Volcano Bayas well as the CityWalk shopping and dining promenade and hotels that offer free transportation to the parks and other benefits for their guests.

But before planning the trip, we can start by breaking some myths that surround the imagination about the Universal world and, although it is not entirely clear how they arose, they can change the experience in the place.

1) Universal Orlando Resort can be visited in one day

Minion Land en Universal. Foto Universal Orlando Resort

Reality: To enjoy all three theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay) at Universal Orlando Resort, it’s best to reserve one day for each park.

There are so many attractions to enjoy and the shows are unique. Also, the areas of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” are very extensive, with presence in two parks and it is worth traveling on the Hogwarts Express train to have a complete experience of the magical world of Harry, Hermione and Ron.

Hogwarts Express en Universal. Foto Universal Orlando Resort

The CityWalk offers additional entertainment and is a walk in itself, with escalators, numerous shops, restaurants and bars.

2) Universal is a park focused only on teenagers and adults

The Jurassic World VelociCoaster roller coaster. Photo Universal Orlando Resort

Reality: Universal parks are for all ages and tastes.

Choose from family-friendly roller coasters, simulators, interactive zones, parades, character meet-and-greets, live shows and high-quality restaurants.

And of course, there are numerous attractions for adrenaline and vertigo lovers.

3) Universal Orlando is only for Harry Potter fans

The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter en Universal. Foto Universal Orlando Resort

Reality: In addition to the Harry Potter-themed areas, the parks feature zones that refer to other fantasy worlds and films, such as Jurassic Park, Minion Land, Marvel Super Hero Island, Dreamworks Land, Simpsons and much more.

All areas offer unique and exciting experiences for very diverse tastes and ages.

4) There is no solution to avoid queues

Curves at full speed with a view of the Krakatau volcano.

Reality: Some popular attractions may be in high demand, so Universal Orlando Resort offers options like the Express Pass, a pass that allows you to skip the lines at select rides.

Guests at the parks are encouraged to download the Universal mobile app, which allows them to view real-time wait times and plan their day more efficiently.

5) Buying at the park ticket office or on the official website is cheaper

The new Universal Epic Universe theme park will open in 2025. Photo Universal Orlando Resort

Reality: Buying at the box office often means paying the last-minute price, with the risk of possible availability limitations, especially during days of high demand.

The advice is to buy tickets in advance through agencies, which often offer discounts and promotions that are not available at the park’s ticket office.

Additionally, this allows visitors to choose from a variety of offers and secure their entry without having to wait in long lines.

6) Universal Orlando only has luxury hotels and they are all the same

The view of Volcano Bay water park can be seen from the Cabana Bay room. Photo Universal Orlando Resort

Reality: Universal Orlando Resort offers more affordable hotels with fast food options and family-friendly entertainment, such as Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort.

At the same time, it has premium hotels such as Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel. And each hotel has its own theme that guests love.

7) The hotel is only for sleeping and there are no major advantages to staying at the resort.

The Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Photo Universal Orlando Resort

Reality: Universal Orlando hotels feature exclusive amenities and benefits, including complimentary intra-resort transportation to the parks, advance park admission and convenient dining offerings.

Additionally, staying at the resort’s hotels allows for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience throughout the trip.

8) There are only fast food options at CityWalk

The City Walk at Universal Orlando Resort. Photo Diana Pazos

Reality: In addition to the restaurant options within the parks, there are also those at CityWalk in Universal Orlando, offering a wide variety of culinary options that go beyond fast food.

There are restaurants offering international cuisine, steak houses (grills), seafood restaurants, Italian food establishments and creative cuisine options, among other things.

Select restaurants at Universal Citywalk also offer reservation options through www.universalorlando.com or the official app.