By Kate Cohen
June 11, 2025

 

Universal Orlando Resort is home to incredible action-packed theme parks.  

Every year, tens of millions of visitors from all over the world come to Central Florida to experience adventure, thrills, and fun that can only come from immersive worlds and exciting attractions.  

Rosen Hotels & Resorts has been a part of Orlando’s hospitality industry for over 50 years, and we’re experts in everything Orlando – especially theme parks.  

 

 

Here are our tips for visiting Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Universal’s Epic Universe.  

Key Takeaways 

• 1. Consider Park Hopping
• 2. Prioritize Self Care
• 3. Use the Universal Resort App
• 4. Order Food Ahead of Time with Mobile Ordering
• 5. Bring a Portable Charging Bank
• 6. Pack Your Poncho
• 7. Prioritize Your Must-Do's
• 8. Anticipate Extra Time for Parking and Security
• 9. Stay at a Universal Partner Hotel

 

1. Consider Park-Hopping 

 

 

Two of Universal Orlando’s theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, are right next door to each other.  

Connected by Universal CityWalk, it’s easy to leave one park and enter another without even having to move your car.  

This makes Universal Orlando one of the easier park hopping options in Orlando.  

While you can absolutely spend a full day at each theme park, if you are trying to make the most of a single day, park hopping is a great way to see Universal’s greatest hits.  

And a bonus! Harry Potter fans and air conditioning enthusiasts will love an exclusive park-hopping ride aboard the iconic Hogwarts Express.  

The train is an immersive four-minute ride between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You can only experience the Hogwarts Express with a park-hopper ticket or a pass with a park-to-park feature. 

At the moment, Universal’s Epic Universe is not included in park hopping passes.  

Even when the option to park hop to Epic is available, it’s worth noting that Epic Universe is on a separate property that will require a short drive from the other theme parks.  

 

2. Prioritize Self-Care  

 

 

A day in the Florida sun can test even the most heat-resilient person faced with waiting in long queue lines.  

Make the most of your day at Universal theme parks by prioritizing self-care: stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and make sure you’re eating.  

Universal allows guests to bring in reusable water bottles and small snacks. There are plenty of places to refill your water around the park. Nibbling on snacks between meals provides energy and will help you maintain your theme park stamina.  

While there are indoor attractions and shady areas scattered throughout the parks, expect plenty of sun exposure.  

Apply (and consistently reapply) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on overcast days when the sun’s rays are misleadingly hidden.  

Wearing a hat and sunglasses can also help keep you safe from harsh UV rays.  

Taking care of yourself means you’ll have more energy and stamina for a full day of entertainment and fun at a Universal theme park.  

 

3. Use the Universal Resort App 

The Universal Resort App puts helpful information right at your fingertips – literally.  

The app offers interactive maps with attraction wait times, so you can navigate your itinerary with even more ease.  

Select experiences offer a virtual line option, allowing you to secure a limited spot and return at the designated time. All of this is managed through the Universal Resort App.  

If you drive, use the app to keep track of where you parked your car (or skip the parking fee and take a complimentary shuttle ride when you stay at a Rosen Inn hotel).  

You can also unlock immersive gameplay experiences with the app throughout the park, turning your phone into the ultimate theme park accessory.  

 

4. Order Food Ahead of Time with Mobile Ordering  

 

 

When it’s time to stop and refuel, you can use the Universal Resort App to order food ahead without having to wait in line.  

Through the app, you’ll be able to browse menus, including prices and ingredients, to customize an order that will be ready when you are.  

Believe us, by the time you’re ready for a hearty snack, you’ll be glad you don’t have to wait in another line to order.  

If you prefer a sit-down restaurant experience, reservations can also be managed through the Universal Resort App.  

 

5. Bring a Portable Charging Bank 

With all this helpful app activity, you’ll want to make sure your phone stays ready for action all day long.  

Plus, prepare for a lot of picture-worthy moments throughout either theme park, which can also drain a phone’s battery.  

Be sure to pack a reliable charger and a charging bank so you can keep your battery full and your phone at full capacity for the moments you need it most.  

Having a charging bank with you means you won’t be tethered to an outlet wasting precious theme park time. Just make sure it’s fully charged before you leave for the park that day. 

 

6. Pack your Poncho 

 

 

Preparing for anything also means preparing to get wet.  

In the summer months, Orlando is known for its rainy weather, particularly afternoon thunderstorms.  

While many storms come and go, they can easily put a damper on outdoor attractions, uncovered queues, and making your way through the park.  

Pack a poncho, raincoat, and maybe even a lightweight change of clothes in case you get caught in the rain.  

Universal Orlando is also home to some awesome water attractions like Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barge and Jurassic Park River Adventure.  

Having a poncho on hand can help keep you from getting soaking wet while navigating choppy rapids and thrilling drops.  

 

7. Prioritize Your Must-Do's 

 

 

Each Universal Orlando theme park is packed with exciting adventures, themed experiences, and thrilling rides.  

Unfortunately, it’s hard to pack seeing, doing, and riding it all into a single day.  

Make the most of your time by prioritizing the things you really want to experience. This ensures you can use your time wisely to check wait times and plan your itinerary accordingly.  

 

8. Anticipate Extra Time for Parking and Security  

Getting to the park early is always a great way to ensure you have as much time as possible to explore the theme parks.  

Whatever time of day you plan to arrive, be sure to anticipate the extra time it takes to park your car, walk to and pass through security, and make your way through Universal CityWalk to each park entrance.  

Plan on taking at least an extra half hour just to get to the gates of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure from the moment you arrive on Universal property.  

While you don’t have to traverse through an area like Universal CityWalk to get to the entrance of Epic Universe, you should still anticipate taking extra time to park, get through security, and enter the park. 

 

9. Stay at a Universal Partner Hotel  

 

 

Staying at a Universal Partner Hotel definitely has its perks. Luckily, most of our Rosen Inn properties are Universal Partner Hotels, meaning there are even more reasons to enjoy your stay. 

First, you’ll get to stay close to the theme parks for an incredibly affordable price, saving you more money to spend on food, park upgrades, and souvenirs. We also offer complimentary shuttles to and from all three Universal theme parks, saving you time, money, and the hassle of parking.  

Guests staying at a Universal Partner Hotel can also enjoy perks like discounts on merchandise, food, and non-alcoholic beverages at select Universal CityWalk and theme park locations. 

Plus, when you stay at a Rosen Inn, you’ll save even more money because you’ll never pay a resort fee.  

Make the most of your Universal vacation by staying at a family-friendly Rosen Inn.