Are the kids jonesing to get out of the house? Fall is the perfect time of year to head to Florida and explore Universal Orlando Resort with the entire family. Not only are the temperatures cooler, crowds smaller – you and the family can rest assured that Universal Orlando Resort has taken all the necessary safety precautions to ensure the well-being of your loved ones while visiting the parks. From temperature checks to hand sanitation requirements before getting on each ride, there are several precautions in place to ensure that you are focused on the fun while resort staff focus on your health and safety. 

That said, we would like to share 10 tips for saving time and money during your visit:  

Plan for 3 Days or More 

Plan to spend at least 3 days at Universal Orlando Resort. This provides you and your family a day to spend at each of the 3 parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay.

Buy Your Theme Park Tickets in Advance to Save $

Save up to $20 off the gate price on multi-day tickets when you buy in advance online.

Get the Universal Express Pass (an add-on to theme park admission that is worth the extra cost!)

When you add Universal Express access to your theme park admission, you get to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions.  

Tip: Stay at one of the Universal hotel properties: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort or Hard Rock Hotel and receive  FREE Universal Express Passes.

Get Early Park Admission 

Stay at a Universal Hotel and you get early park admission - one hour before the theme park opens to other regular paying guests.

Download the Universal Orlando app to:  

• See the latest wait times for rides
• Find show times and dining venue hours
• Set alerts for when wait times are low and for show start times.
• Locate restrooms
• Access maps
• Purchase and redeem select theme park tickets and Express passes

Take Advantage of the Child Swap Program

If your kiddos are too small, or unwilling to go on a particular ride that you want to experience, try the "child swap" program. Each ride and attraction have a family room where one member of your party can wait with the kids while the rest of the group rides. Once they are finished, switch places so whoever rode can stay with the kids, and the adult (plus up to three more people) who sat out can enjoy the ride. It is easy, walk to the front of the line in the “child swap” designated area and enjoy the thrill of the ride without having to wait in line AGAIN. 

Plan Your Visit in the Fall

Crowds will always be smaller outside of the summer months, so if your schedule allows, try visiting then. September, when kids go back to school, is a particularly enjoyable time to book your trip. November is also quite nice with lesser crowds and added holiday décor around the park. 

Bring Your Own Food & Drinks 

If you have a food allergy or looking to save money, Universal allows guests to bring their own food and beverage. The parks allow: bottled water (no glass containers!), small snacks, food required for medical purposes or special dietary needs.  Soft-sided insulated bag size: no larger than 8.5 inches wide, 6 inches high and 6 inches deep.  

Tip: To store your belongings (with or without food), Universal offers free lockers at many of the rides for about the amount of time it should take you to get through the ride.

Try the Single Rider Lines to Save Time in Line

If you do not mind riding alone, checkout the single rider lines which tend to move along faster than the normal line. 

Universal Orlando’s Package Pick-Up & Free Package Delivery

Package pick-up sends your souvenir to the front of the park so you can pick it up on your way out. They will be ready for you within three hours, at the same park where you left them. Or, if you are staying at a resort hotel, they will deliver your items directly to your Universal Orlando on-site hotel. Simply let the cashier know you would like to take advantage of this free service when you are making your purchase.

Pro-tip for flying with kids on Airstar – many of our routes offer ‘kids fly free’, 14 & Under, with a one-time yearly Discount Den purchase. Learn more at flystarline.com. 

Happy Travels!