If you’re planning your first ever trip to Universal Orlando Resort, then you need our guide! It contains everything you need to know about visiting Universal Orlando Resort, including top tips on where to stay and what to do when you get there.

You might not be quite sure what to expect from your trip to Universal Orlando Resort, so no matter whether you’ve already booked the holiday of a lifetime or you’re just considering a trip to the US, we can help to get you fully prepared.

This helpful beginner’s guide to Universal Orlando Resort will give you all the information you need to prepare for your visit, plus let you know how to make the most of your time once you’re there.

Before you set off on your epic adventure, there’s some pre-planning needed to ensure you have the best time. The first things to tick off your list are booking your hotel and park tickets. Then, it’s time to think about what to pack…

Universal Orlando Resort hotels

One of the most important elements of your holiday is where to stay when you visit Orlando. Well, we’ve got good news for you - Universal Orlando Resort even has its own hotels. Staying at one of these hotels gives you access to some fantastic benefits, including on-site activities such as bowling or rum tasting1 plus early entrance to the theme parks2.

There’s a lot of choice, with 11 hotels split across three different categories:

• Value Hotels (fun, affordable option)
• Prime Value Hotels (a great mix of comfort and affordability)
• Signature Collection Hotels (full-service amenities and immersive theming)

With so many options, it can be difficult to choose. We’ve put together this guide to Universal Orlando Resort hotels <ADD LINK HERE WHEN LIVE> to help you decide.

Our Recommendations

Universal Orlando Resort tickets

We recommend buying your Universal Orlando Resort tickets in advance of your visit to Florida. Buying before your visit can save you time, as you don’t need to go to the ticket office at the parks. You’ll also get the best deals when you book before you travel, with our tickets guaranteed to be cheaper than buying on the gate.

At AttractionTickets.com, we offer three options for Universal Orlando Resort tickets:

All three tickets include unlimited park-to-park admission, which means you can move between the Universal parks freely and visit more than one park in one day – if you have time, of course!

What to pack for your Universal Orlando Resort holiday

Now you’ve booked your hotel and bought your park tickets, it’s time to get packing! Here are a few things that we recommend you bring with you:

• Shorts and t-shirts
• Sun cream
• Sunhat or cap
• Trainers, closed sandals, or good walking shoes
• Umbrella, waterproof coat, or poncho
• Reusable water bottle
• Solar power bank

If you need more information, we’ve got some tips for packing for your Orlando holiday here. 

Top tip: If you want to do lots of shopping during your trip, we’d recommend bringing an empty suitcase with you. You can buy lots of clothing in the Universal Orlando Resort shops, so leave some outfits at home to save that space in your suitcase for the journey back.

This section of the guide will give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive in Orlando as well as some top tips for making the most of your holiday.

Universal Orlando Resort dining

There are many restaurants to choose from with a variety of different cuisines. There’s something for everyone, from fast food options to fine dining. Here are the different dining venues available throughout the resort:

Universal Orlando Resort tips and tricks

• Use Child Swap: If you’re travelling with small children, then make use of Child Swap. This means that younger guests can skip a ride, and everyone else in the party can go on it without having to queue again
• Use single rider lines: If you’re going on a ride on your own, use the single rider lane as you’ll usually get on it quicker. This line is used to fill up empty spaces, so it’s best for if you are riding alone or if you don’t mind not sitting with the rest of your group. You’ll be sat in any seat that’s free on the ride so you’ll need to be comfortable sitting next to someone you don’t know
• Make a plan beforehand: While you may not wish to plan your day down to the last detail, it might be helpful to have an idea of the rides that you want to do and where they are in the park. This will save you time travelling between the rides
• Arrive early: This is one of our favourite tips and is applicable to every theme park in Orlando. Get there early to make the most of your day and get on rides while the parks are quieter

If you’re ready to start planning your dream trip, get your Universal Orlando Resort tickets today and get ready to enjoy some epic adventures.

_{¹Additional charges apply}

_{²Universal Orlando hotel guests must present hotel key card and valid theme park admission; all other guests must show theme park ticket stating Early Park Admission benefit. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening to: (a) Universal Studios Florida and/or Universal Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando; (b) Universal Volcano Bay (weather permitting); and/or (c) Universal Epic Universe (Early Park Admission at Epic Universe to begin 5/23/25). Valid at select attractions at each park. Park-to-Park admission required to board the Hogwarts™ Express. Benefit is non-transferable. Parks, attractions, operational times, and offerings for the Early Park Admission benefit may vary and are subject to substitutions, change, availability, capacity and/or cancellation without notice, and not guaranteed. Additional restrictions may apply.}