If you are thinking about a vacation to Universal you will not want to miss this helpful information! This article is packed full of tips to make sure you avoid these top 5 Mistakes on your Universal Vacation (you won’t believe number 5 on the list!).
Mistake #1 – Not Buying Park-to-Park Tickets
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is divided between the two main parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Hogsmead is located at Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley is at Universal Studios and the Hogwarts Express is the most direct path between the two worlds.
Having the Park-to-Park tickets not only gives you the ability to go between Islands of Adventure and Universal Orlando on the same day but this ticket is also the ONLY way to ride the Hogwarts Express.
But keep your eyes out, you never know who (or what) you might encounter on your journey between Hogsmeade and Kings Cross Stations.
Mistake #2 – Not Having the Refillable Drink
I HIGHLY recommend that you add the Coca-Cola Freestyle Refillable Mug to your vacation package. The Coke Freestyle refill program entitles you to unlimited free refills at any Coke Freestyle station at any of the three parks for the day. Purchase one cup and the cost is $17.99 plus tax. Buy two cups and the cost is $15.99 plux tax and if you purchase three or more cups the price is $13.99 plus tax. You do have to purchase all the cups at the same time. If you already have a cup, extra days are $10.99 plus tax.
INSIDER TIP: It’s important to know that these mugs ONLY work in the parks and do not work at your Universal Resort Hotel.
Mistake #3 – Not Eating at Toothsome’s Emporium
This is one of the top restaurants at Universal Studios! The full name is Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium and Savory Fest Kitchen and they live up to every bit of that name!
The meals are reasonably priced and in many cases portions are large enough for two people, especially to help save room for dessert! You should know that desserts are the high point of this meal! From giant oversized sundaes to fanciful milkshakes you’ll want to be sure you grab at least one meal here!
Mistake #4 – Not Planning Enough Time to Explore The Wizarding World
From the moment you arrive in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you are completely immersed in everything you’ve loved from the books and the movies. There is something new to see at every turn. It’s almost too much to see in just one visit!
There are so many details to see and enjoy from the Knight Bus to catching a glimpse of Kreature peering out the window at 12 Grimmauld Place. You will want to be sure you allow time to not only ride all the attractions but also walk around and explore the ins and outs of the Wizarding World! If you want to have extra fun, be sure to purchase a wand while you’re there to make your own magic in the Wizarding World!
Mistake #5 – Not Getting the Express Pass….for FREE!
This is probably the favorite Insider Tip for Universal Studios: if you stay at any of Universal’s Premier Resorts the Unlimited Express Pass is FREE for everyone in your party! This means you can bypass the standby lines at many of the most popular attractions and shows at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios!
The Unlimited Express Pass price depends on the number of parks and the date you visit. Prices range from $99-$349/person.
So which resorts include this amazing benefit? Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, and Portofino Bay all include this benefit. While these are top-tier resorts, the Unlimited Express Pass almost always makes these resorts a better value for your stay!
I hope this guide helps you avoid the top mistakes at Universal Orlando. But… to make the most of your next vacation you’re not quite finished yet! You’ve already discovered how to get the Unlimited Express Pass for free which is a great start! Now it is time to get your plans in place. Don’t get overwhelmed with all the details of planning your Universal Orlando vacation. Reach out to me and I will help you design the perfect vacation for your family. Contact me at natalie@castleandcruiseadventures.com.