Universal Resort E-Book for Families

2016 Guru Travel – www.thewdwguru.com – [email protected] 1

Introduction As Orlando Travel Professionals we are experts in the area of planning travel for families. There are many misconceptions when it comes to traveling to Universal Orlando with small children. There are actually plenty of options in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures for children of all ages. Families with young children can truly enjoy a week-long vacation on property at the Universal Orlando Resort. The manageability of the Universal Orlando Resort makes it one of our number one choices when planning family vacations.

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Key Points for Families with Kids A common myth we debunk is, “there’s nothing for kids to do at Universal.” This could not be further from the truth. One of the things we encourage you to do is not to compare it to other Orlando theme parks. Universal Orlando stands on its own for what it has to offer. What they have to offer is a theme park experience that is manageable due to the lack of pre-scheduled activities. This in turn can actually make for a highly enjoyable vacation for everyone involved. Families that we work with tell us that they have been able to slow down, and play with their family and in some cases even ditch a watch. There is no need for time because you don’t need anything scheduled. Crowds tend to be lighter at Universal Orlando and streets are wider thus allowing for more roam space for families with strollers and other gear. While there is more movable space in the two parks, Universal Orlando’s park are much more compact, making them easier to navigate which again, makes it a very manageable option for families. Another huge hit is the proximity of the on-site resorts. I absolutely LOVE that I can be back in my room in as little as 4 minutes (if staying at Hard Rock) or a long as only 10 minutes if staying at Cabana Bay. When traveling with my kids, this feature is HUGE!



Last, Universal’s Express Pass is something to boast about. The Express Pass allows on property guests (staying at Loews Royal Pacific, Loews Portofino, and Hard Rock Hotel) UNLIMITED access to bypass the lines anytime and as often as desired. The best part is, this benefit is worth staying on Universal property as it significantly reduces your wait time therefore creating a highly stress free vacation for the family, no matter what time of year you decide to travel. Of course I have special touring plans for our booked clients. These plans will help you maximize your park time and give you time to enjoy some downtime back at the resort. Quick Tips:

• Children 42’ tall will get to experience most of the rides. • If you travel with a small child that is too short but brave enough to ride, make sure you have a

conversation before you arrive to avoid stress. • In a situation where a child wants to ride but cannot, offer up another alternative such as, a popcorn

treat, facepainting, or arcade time.



My Recommendations Per Park for Families with Small Children: Universal Studios: The attractions I am recommending eliminate rides/attractions that have a height requirement over 40 inches.

• Despicable Me: Minion Mayham • Shrek: 4D • Transformers:The Ride 3D • E.T. Adventure • The Simpsons Ride • Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl • Fievel's Playland- A great spot to relax. • Animal Actors on Location • Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster • A Day in the Park With Barney • Curious George Goes to Town-Have clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. • Universal's Superstar Parade • Ollivanders • Diagon Alley-Explore • Knight Bus • Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories



Islands of Adventure The attractions I am recommending eliminate rides/attractions that have a height requirement over 40 inches.

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man • Storm Force Accelatron • Pteranodon Flyers • Camp Jurassic • Me Ship, The Olive • Oh! The Stories You'll Hear! • If I Ran the Zoo • The Cat in the Hat • One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish • Caro-Seuss-el • The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! • The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad Stunt Show • The Mystic Fountain • Poseidon's Fury • Jurassic Park Discovery Center • Flight of the Hippogriff • Ollivanders

Quick Tip: With a park to park ticket you can ride the very magical Hogwarts Express Train. This is highly recommended.



Strollers Strollers are available for rent at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks. You can rent the following:

• Single Stoller $14.99 per day • Double Stroller $24.99 per day

You will be required to deposit $50 cash or credit. This will be fully refunded upon return. If you leave and switch parks or go back to the room for a break and come back, simply show your receipt and you will get a new one. Quick Tip:

• The strollers are large and uncomfortable. I like to bring my own or purchase a cheap umbrella stroller. • All airlines will allow you to roll your stroller to the gate and they will store it for you for free.

Universal Orlando’s Rider Switch/Family Room I have personally traveled to the Universal Orlando Resort with and without my family. I understand the importance of managing parties of all ages and sizes and appreciate convinces when I see them. Very unique in theme park travel Universal Orlando has a wonderful Rider Switch/Family Room area on their attractions that allow your party to stay together. Rider Switch / Family Room Parties with a small child may take advantage of Universal Orlando’s Child swap program. This allows one member of a party to wait with the child while the rest of the party rides. They then change places so all may enjoy the ride. This amenity is located at most major rides within Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios have a waiting area which parties with small children, seniors, or customers who wish to not ride the attraction may take advantage of. Rider Switch / Family Rooms are available at all rides that have a minimum height requirement. How it works: For parties with small children, one member of a party can wait with the child while the rest of the party rides, then the adults change places so all may enjoy the ride. The second adult and party are not required to re-enter the beginning of the que line. Most Child Swap/Family Rooms are indoors, air conditioned, with seating and some offer



video entertainment. The service is complimentary and allows all guests to enjoy as much time with family and friends while they experience the storytelling that occurs while walking through the queue lines of the attractions. When the guest reaches the ride, they can choose to sit-out the ride and wait for their group to complete the ride.

Universal Orlando Characters When venturing out into the parks make sure to take note of the following locations where you might find your favorite characters for a photo opportunity:

• In Universal Studios Florida be on the lookout in Hollywood and in the KidZone • In Islands of Adventure – take notice in Marvel, Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon

It is important to know that if you are used to character meet and greets at Walt Disney World, this is going to be way different. Characters are not as well sought out as they are at Walt Disney World. The meet and greets are very relaxed and even can be so relaxed that they don’t happen. Quick Tips

• Get a copy of the 2-park guide map. They have a printed schedule of character locations.



• Superstar Parade characters appear in the “Character Party Zone” they do a meet and greet and mini show.

• Some extra exciting characters to meet are; Shrek meet and greet with Donkey, and the Transformers photo-op,

• Don’t forget to bring an autograph book and pen.

Character Dining Character Dining is another item that is briefly touched on as it is not as popular at the Universal Orlando Resort as you may be used to. While we always recommend our Clients are prepared for dining, it is not always necessary to schedule your dining in advance. Character Breakfast

• Universal's Superstar Character Breakfast - Share a delicious breakfast at Universal Studios Florida® with some of the characters from Universal's Superstar Parade®. Breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, yogurt, muffins, croissants, and more. Opportunity for photos and autographs with characters from Nickelodeon's hit comedy Hop and Universal's Despicable Me.

• Hard Rock Hotel Character Breakfast Join us in The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel every Tuesday morning for our Character Breakfast featuring some of your favorite theme park characters! The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel-Tuesday’s 8:00am-11:00 am

• Loews Royal Pacific Resort Character Breakfast Every Sunday, experience an island twist on the traditional breakfast with your favorite theme park characters at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. You'll enjoy: A full buffet of breakfast favorites, plus an omelet station. Opportunity for photos and autographs with your favorite theme park characters Island's Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Sunday’s 7:00am-12:00pm

Character Dinner On select evenings at our participating on-site hotel restaurants, you and your family will be visited by some of your favorite Universal Orlando® Resort theme park characters during your meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy great food and good times together including: Dinner at one of the below on-site hotel restaurants. These are great opportunities for photos and autographs with your favorite theme park characters.

• Trattoria del Porto Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on Friday nights from 6:30pm - 9:30pm

• The Kitchen Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday nights from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

• Islands Dining Room

Loews Royal Pacific Resort on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:45pm - 9:15pm

Your Guru Travel Professional will make all of the reservations on your behalf.



Refillable Snacks I love a good snack but feeding a family at a theme park can be pricey. Don’t miss out on these refillable snack options at the Universal Orlando Resort. “Classic” Refillable Souvenir cup and Refillable Souvenir Popcorn Bucket

• Available at over 50+ locations throughout the park and CityWalk – permanent beverage counters, quick service restaurants, or full service restaurants inside the parks. All locations with red collectable beverage cup logo.

• Not valid at any on-site hotel • Popcorn bucket costs $5.99 plus tax – Regular Popcorn machines located at four locations at each theme

park. Not valid for flavored popcorn. • Classic Refillable Souvenir cup costs $8.99 plus tax • Discounted Refills at participating locations • Popcorn $1.29 plus tax • Soda .99 cents plus tax (also some discount applies for refills on slushies, ICEE’s) • CityWalk Participating locations are: Cinnabon, Red Oven Pizza Bakery and the concession stand in the

parking rotunda • Water – free tap water refills • Not valid for Butterbeer refills, Pumpkin Juice, or Pumpkin Fizz, or Simpsons specialty drinks Buzz

Cola and Flaming Moes • Refill cups CAN be brought back to parks on other days for discounted refills. Cups have printing on them

indicating valid for only day of purchase. • Other themed souvenir cups available at the gift shops and the souvenir Butterbeer Mug also qualify for the

discount refill prices excluding the souvenir Hogs Head mug • Not valid for Butterbeer refills, Pumpkin Juice, or Pumpkin Fizz, or Simpsons specialty drinks Buzz

Cola and Flaming Moes



Universal’s Coke “Freestyle” Cup

• Guests use the super soda fountain machine by Coke • Coke Cup costs $11.99 plus tax • Unlimited free refills at any Coke Freestyle station at either theme parks for the day they purchased • Guests must wait 10 minutes before using the coke machine again • Or you guests can use the Coke Freestyle Cup at Classic Refillable Souvenir cup locations as listed

above for a .99 a refill • Extra Freestyle Days are $9.99 • Locations – Quick Service areas and other locations throughout the park excluding the Wizarding World of

Harry Potter, The Simpsons Fast Food Blvd, or any Universal full-service restaurant.

Pictures We are huge fans of capturing vacation memories with your family and friends. This is why we highly recommend Photo Connect when you book your Universal Orlando vacation. Photo Connect StarCard allows you to be in the pictures with your family! Best yet, these pictures will be captured by professional photographers throughout the parks while you vacation. You simply present your Photo Connect StarCard to a photographer/photo counter (cards are free at all photo locations). We love this tip; you are actually able to crop the ride photos so that only your travel party is in the pictures!! Be sure to have your Guru Travel Professional add Photo-Connect StarCard to your vacation package today! Here are the initial prices for the StarCard: (prices do not include tax) $39.95, for 1 day $59.95, for 3 days $89.99, for a 14-day package



Where can it be used? Universal Studios Florida® Locations:

o On Location (Park Entrance Photos) o E.T.’s Toy Closet & Photo Spot o SpongeBob SquarePants Meet and Greet o MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™ o Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™* o Shutterbutton’s™ Photography Studio* o Revenge of the Mummy® o Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® o Donkey Photo Op (near Shrek 4-D) o TRANSFORMERS In-Queue Photo Op o The Simpsons™ Photo Op o Roaming Universal Studios Florida® characters where applicable o Despicable Me Super Silly Stuff Store Photo Op

Universal’s Islands of Adventure® Locations: o DeFotos Expedition Photography (Park Entrance Photos) o Spider-Man™ Photo Op in Marvel® Alterniverse o In-Queue Photo Op at The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® o The Incredible Hulk Coaster® o Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls® o Jurassic Park River Adventure® o T-Rex Automated Photo Capture in Jurassic Park® o Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ o The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™ In-Queue Photo Op o Roaming Islands of Adventure Characters where available

The Grinch™ Seasonal Photo Op Separate theme park admission is required. *Locations not included as part of the Universal’s Photo Connect Star Card. Tips If you are familiar with Disney’s Memory Maker and the abundance of photographers that come with it, just know that this program is not run exactly the same. There are not always photographers at all locations. Just be sure to bring your camera with you for the extra photos that you want to add to your collection. Lockers I truly believe that it is very important to go into a theme park vacation well-educated on everything. With the Universal Orlando Resort this is not different. Any time you are staying on site and traveling to a park for more than one day, you should be well planned. One tip I like our Clients to know is about lockers at Universal. Just like anywhere else…. Lockers are available within each of the theme parks for guest rental for $8.00 per day, with family size lockers available at Universal Studios Florida for $10.00 per day. Guests have unlimited access to these lockers during the course of the day. Additional lockers are available at Universal’s Islands of Adventure for $2.00 per hour, with a $14.00 per day maximum. Guests have unlimited access to these lockers during the course of the day. Here is what you NEED to know…. In addition, loose articles are not permitted on select attractions. The following attractions have free lockers available during a visit to the attraction to store all loose articles:



•The Incredible Hulk Coaster® •Dragon Challenge™ •Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ •Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® •Revenge of the Mummy® •MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™ Additional lockers are available at select attractions inside Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for $4.00 for the first 90 minutes; $3 for each additional hour; with a $20.00 per day maximum (prices subject to change). These lockers are available at the entrance of the following attractions: •Jurassic Park River Adventure® •Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls® •Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges The tip you have to know is that Universal means business when they say that they DO NOT allow loose articles on attractions. You have to have all items in a locker when you visit the attractions listed above. For those traveling with Express Pass, it will be very rare that you ever have to pay for a locker. If you are without Express Pass, expect to pay. Celebrations While visiting Universal Orlando Guests celebrating should stop by Guest Services Department and get their birthday buttons and team members throughout the parks will wish the Birthday guest a Happy Birthday while in both theme parks. Guest Services can also arrange for a photo opportunity with the Guest’s favorite characters, like a minion or Sponge Bob! If you are staying on property be sure to let your Guru Travel Professional know if you are celebrating. We are able to let your resort know in advance so that you can get the following depending on your resort: Cabana Bay Beach Resort Upon check in the birthday boy or girl will receive a birthday hat along with a birthday voucher they can redeem at the Bayliner Diner. The voucher can be redeemed for an ICEE or a slice of cake! Onsite Deluxe Properties Hard Rock Hotel posts the birthdays of Rock Star’s at the drum set area within the lobby. The Hard Rock Hotel will include the individual’s Birthday name within the list so they too can have a Rock Star Birthday! All Deluxe properties acknowledge the known birthdays of our guests by offering them a Birthday Drink or slice of cake.



BONUS! As I mentioned earlier, our Travel Professionals are die-hard theme park travelers and even more knowledgeable in traveling with family. I believe that education on your travel destination is everything. I present you with “4 Basic Universal Orlando Tips You Need to Know!”

1. Time • Time is money! From time of year to length of stay you need to know how to properly spend your time

when visiting the Universal Orlando Resort. • One of the most common questions we get is, “How long should I stay at the Universal Orlando

Resort?” • Long gone are the days of touring Universal parks in 1 day. After extensive time in the parks, training

and research we recommend that you have a minimum of 2 full days in each park, Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure. If you would like to take full advantage of all that the Universal Orlando Resort has to offer and take things at a more manageable pace, we recommend an on-site stay of four days or more. This is going to allow you to enjoy the parks at a more relaxed pace as well as enjoy CityWalk dining, and Universal Orlando Resort Hotel amenities.

• Tip: Touring each park will take a good 10-12 hours. Please be sure to take advantage of the early morning hours which is available to on-property guests only.

2. Selecting a Park • Due to the most recent addition to Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley, we would like to

recommend that you plan to visit both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. • It is very important to know that Universal Studios Florida has many more simulator/screen rides and

shows, while Islands of Adventures has more roller coasters and thrill rides. This is not to say that there is not a mixture of both types of attractions at both parks but that is the general idea.

• Tip: Be sure to book a park to park ticket so that you can ride the Hogwarts Express. Without a park to park ticket, you will not be permitted to ride.

3. When should you go? • There are so many variables that you need to take into account when picking a time of year to travel.

The rule of thumb is, if the kids are in school then it is a lower travel period. With that being said, we are not at all suggesting that you pull your kids out of school, nor are we telling you not to. We are just saying that if you want to travel during a lower crowd and cost time then during the school year is when you should do it.

• Tip: We have seen crowds at their lowest during the first 3 weeks in September.

4. Park Hours • We would like to point out that Universal Orlando does not have the same long operating hours as

the Walt Disney World Resort. It is very important to know the hours before you travel. • Tip:You can find the updated park hours here or by calling 407-363-8000.


https://www.universalorlando.com/travelagent/ThemeParkHours/Theme-Park-Hours.aspx


Why do you need us to help you plan? Our agency has an outstanding working relationship with the Universal Orlando Resort. In addition, our Travel Professionals actually train on property so that they are fully educated to help you make the most informed vacation decisions. Rest assured you will vacation with a purpose including all of the inside information and tips you need to know to stretch your vacation dollar. Every Universal Studios client is a unique Guru designed program that is jam packed with everything you need to reduce the stress and make your vacation memorable. And, it’s all FREE for all GURU TRAVEL clients who book a minimum 3 night stay with ticket package at a Universal Orlando resort.

• A dedicated travel professional to help you make informed decisions and guide you along the way. Your Guru Travel Professional will take care of everything so all you have to do is pack your bags and enjoy!

• Mo's Universal Tips, a series of tips to help make your trip magical.

• Special custom lanyard to carry your cards in style. Let’s chat!

• [email protected] • 877.825.6146 • www.thewdwguru.com

We would love to give you a free, no obligation quote for your trip to Universal Orlando. We look forward to helping you plan your magical trip!


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Documents

Universal Resort E-Book for Families