10 Things to Know About Your First Trip to Universal Studios

  Universal Studios Florida is a popular theme park located in Orlando, Florida, USA. It is part of the larger Universal Orlando Resort, which also includes Universal's Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay water park, and various hotels.

Universal Studios Florida is known for its immersive attractions and experiences based on popular movies and TV shows produced by Universal Pictures and other studios. Visitors to the park can enjoy rides, shows, and interactive experiences featuring characters and themes from franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Transformers, Despicable Me, The Simpsons, and more.

The park offers a mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and dining options, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists visiting the Orlando area.

1. Plan Ahead: Research the park's layout, attractions, shows, and dining options before your visit to maximize your time and experience. You can do this by doing on their website or finding maps. 
2. Get Park Tickets in Advance: Purchase your tickets online to save time and potentially money. Universal often offers discounts for purchasing tickets in advance.
3. Arrive Early: Arriving at the park early can help you beat the crowds and experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. We stayed on site so we could get into the park an hour early. 
4. Use Express Passes: Consider purchasing Universal Express Passes to skip the regular lines on select attractions. This can significantly reduce wait times, especially during peak seasons. We did not do this because they are expensive but we wish we could afforded it. 
5. Download the App: Universal Studios usually has an official app with maps, wait times, show schedules, and more. Download it to stay updated throughout the day. This app was even helpful to find bathrooms. 
6. Single Rider Lines: If you don't mind riding separately from your group, single rider lines can drastically reduce your wait times. Sometimes they allow two riders to go at the same time when you wait in these lines. 
7. Hydrate and Snack: Florida can be hot, so stay hydrated and carry some snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day. They do sell things if you don't want to carry a bag. I recommend a very small bag and you will need to put these in a free locker. 
8. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: You'll likely do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Breathable cotton worked best for me. 
9. Plan Rest Breaks: Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This will help you avoid burnout and keep enjoying the park. I found that eating at the park was expensive but we did not have to waste time leaving and coming back in. 
10. Catch the Shows: Universal Studios offers a variety of live shows and entertainment. Plan some showtimes into your itinerary to add variety to your experience. We thought this was some of the best things we did while at the park. 

Bonus 1: Visit Harry Potter Attractions Early or Late: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions can get crowded. Consider visiting these areas early in the morning or later in the evening for shorter lines. Since we got in early, we walked to the back of the park and did this the first thing when we got htere.
Bonus 2: Stay for Nighttime Entertainment: Universal Studios often has spectacular nighttime shows and events. Stay until closing to enjoy these experiences. We enjoyed the parade and fireworks. Sometimes we went back to our room mid day so we could stay til the end of the night. 

Links: 

https://www.universalstudios.com/

http://czykpublishing.com (Travel Guide Information)