Grüße alle!
So I don't know if you know this about me... but I love Universal Studios Orlando.
Remember my last blog entry about it? If you haven't read it, here's my Universal Orlando Survival Guide for you to read! I've also written about Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, which is one of the many events Universal has every year but my absolute favorite, and you can read here about last year's Halloween Horror Nights 26!
Now, as I've said before, I could go on forever about Universal! My philosophy about Universal is that if you can go (and you want to love your vacation), you should go to Universal! 😜 Honestly, it's happiness on Earth! Disney is right next door if you wanna pop by, but Universal is my jam & jelly if you give it a moment it'll be yours!
Today though, I'm going to give you a small glimpse and some guidelines and survival tips for Universal, because an adventure requires preparation! Just ask Lara Croft! (I double pinky promise you don't have to perform her stunts, though. The rides will do that for you!) Without any further ado, read and be filled with knowledge! 😋
Now, as I've said before, I could go on forever about Universal! My philosophy about Universal is that if you can go (and you want to love your vacation), you should go to Universal! 😜 Honestly, it's happiness on Earth! Disney is right next door if you wanna pop by, but Universal is my jam & jelly if you give it a moment it'll be yours!
Today though, I'm going to give you a small glimpse and some guidelines and survival tips for Universal, because an adventure requires preparation! Just ask Lara Croft! (I double pinky promise you don't have to perform her stunts, though. The rides will do that for you!) Without any further ado, read and be filled with knowledge! 😋
Survival Tips for Islands of Adventure
-Fill your handy dandy rucksack & Trip Tips
-Fill your handy dandy rucksack & Trip Tips
Islands of Adventure: A Guide
-Fill your handy dandy rucksack & Trip Tips
-Restaurants & Freestyle Machines, Shops, & Pathways
-Restaurants & Freestyle Machines, Shops, & Pathways
Survival Tips for Islands of Adventure
I'll start with just general survival tips for the parks. My first tip to survival is to bring a bag. As I've said before: You can bring any bag you like, but my personal preference is this one... Outlander Lightweight Travel Backpack. Honestly, my biggest tip here would be to bring a bag that won't hurt your shoulders/back too much to carry around. Find something comfortable enough to carry around all day - it can make or break your back!
Fill your handy dandy rucksack...
1- Wallet
It's pretty obvious, but I'll say it anyways - you will need money at Universal! To eat, if you want to wave around Dumbledore's wand (or indulge in the wand interactive experience at Universal Studios), or upgrade your pass in any way, you'll need your hard earned plastic cards! You'll also need to show ID for various reasons in the parks - ex. wheelchair/scooter rentals, first park entry, some large purchases, etc.
2- Park Pass!
Do not forget this baby! Obviously you need it to get in, but if you have a park hopper pass and plan on riding the "Hogwarts Express," you have to scan it to do so. *Bonus - If you have a Preffered or Premium Pass, you get a discount at stores and restaurants (not including the stands on the streets).*
3- Portable Charger
If you plan on spending the whole day at Universal, it can be exhausting - for you and your battery life! When you're taking a break on your phone or playing a game while waiting in line, you'll drain your power pretty quickly. It's a good idea to have a backup! As I have said before: My personal favorite is the Anker External Battery. And it's a given, but don't forget the charger cord, either. Believe it or not, I've done it before. It's frustrating to say the least!
4- Camera & Batteries
If you plan on taking a thousand pictures and don't want them all on your phone, you'll need a camera! Bring batteries and backups for your batteries, because they drain faster than you realize when you're trying to get that perfect shot of the dragon spitting fire!
5-Map
If you've never been before, grab a map at the front gate. (They have plenty in English, and I know they also have Spanish & Portuguese. I think they are also available in Japanese.) It's a good idea to keep one with you so you know where all of the bathrooms and Freestyle Machine stops are.
6- Freestyle Cup (If you have one)
Freestyle cups are a system in place at Universal that I happen to love! On the first day you buy the cup, you get free refills all day long. You can choose from anything in the freestyle machines provided that you set down your cup on the reader first (it's where you would normally set your cup). You are allowed to get refills every ten minutes, but once you pick up your cup from the machine, that ten minutes starts. So make sure it's what you want when you pour! After your first day, if you bring back the cup to the park, you can recharge it for a few bucks anywhere that will do this (most restaurants do), and you're off!
7- Extra Clothes
If you're planning on getting wet and don't mind walking around wet all day, ignore this! If you get super soaked on Popeyes (which you definitely will, I promise) and don't want to walk around wet all day, it's good to have backup.
8- Ziploc Bags
This may sound strange, but it has been a lifesaver. Any time it rains and on every water ride, I put my electronics and anything else I don't want to get wet in gallon or quart sized ziploc bags, and poof! Your objects are now waterproof. Well, not for submerging. Don't try that.
9- Poncho
Bring a poncho! Florida likes to have short rainstorms in bursts a lot, and people rush indoors, crowding indoor rides, restaurants, and stores to their brim. They also shell out a lot of money on ponchos. It's lightweight and can compact well, so I would recommend bringing one if you can!
10- Don't bring unnecessary items!
If your bag is too heavy, your back won't be happy. If your bag is too big, it will be hard to fit in the lockers. Try not to load yourself down!
Trip Tips!
1- Comfortable Clothes
Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting wet or a little dirty. Universal is a very clean park, but you're likely still to get dirty and sweaty from a long, hot day. Please don't wear something you're uncomfortable in or afraid to smudge!
2- Comfortable Shoes
I see a lot of women wearing heels in the park, and a lot of people that wear sandals and their feet get worn out quickly. Each person is obviously different, so you do you! But I do not recommend wearing heels all day - that can go south on your heels and toes real quick!
3- Stay Hydrated
Universal offers free water in their restaurants, and there are water fountains in many locations. So if you don't want to pay for drinks, please stay hydrated! My recommendation is to drink plenty of water, Powerade if you don't want water.
4- Take a seat, rest your feet!
You'll be walking - a lot. When you get a chance, get off your feet and savor the moment!
5- Sleep well.
Zzzzzzzz... what? I didn't hear you. I was too busy falling into my hotel bed and sleeping off the exhaustion of today. For reals, sleep well, especially if you plan on getting up early and/or staying out late!
6- Wheelchairs - Ankle Bites!
Remember that there are people in wheelchairs, too! It gets crowded, but try to stay aware of your surroundings. It's a lot harder to stop suddenly if you're in a wheelchair, and much easier to get out of the way (or suddenly stop) if you're bi-pedal. If you cut off a wheelchair, you're likely to get a lot of ankle bites, so try to be aware and nice! :)
7- Line Cutting
People do not like it when you do this. To keep the lines shorter at the lockers outside of each ride (lockers that are offered free for your line duration period), they ask you not to bring your entire party to the lockers. So if you want to get in line and wait for your designated locker person, that's fine! If you're just cutting to cut though, please don't! Don't be a beef jerky, please! ;)
8- NO SMOKING
Universal Studios Orlando is a smoke free place except for designated smoking areas, which you can find marked on park maps and at the locations themselves. Please don’t smoke outside of them! You never know what sensitivity someone around you has to the smoke, and there are always pregnant women and children around! As someone who has asthma, it can be very frustrating and painful to be around so much smoke, so please don’t smoke in the middle of the crowd! Go to a zone! This rule also includes but is not limited to E-Cigarettes.
9- For Disabilities - ADA Pass
Upon entry to the park, go to guest services and tell them that you need an ADA pass. You cannot get this pass just because you are in a wheelchair like their old policy dictated, now you must have a valid reason to need the pass even if you have a wheelchair. If you get the pass, it lasts for up to two weeks, and you can have up to 6 people on the pass to accompany you, but their passes must be scanned. This is how it works - If the line is under 30 minutes long at any given ride, go to the attendant standing in front of the Express Pass line, and they will send you down the Express Pass line right away. (For some rides, they will also send you to elevators.) If the line is over 30 minutes, hand them your pass, and they will write down a time for you to come back. (I believe it is the current wait time minus ten minutes.) Come back at that time, and they'll send you down the Express Line, same as before!
Islands of Adventure - A Guide
*Scroll down for a list of: Freestyle Machines Locations, Pathway Explanations, & Hidden Gems. This park map was taken and edited before King Kong, so some of the numbering is off of the newer maps and Kong is now up there by Jurassic Park!*
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Freestyle Machines - Where to Find Them
-At the end of the opening pathway (Port of Entry) at a stand
-Captain America Diner
-Comic Strip Cafe
-The Watering Hole
-Pizza Predatoria
-Burger Digs
-Doc Segrue's Kebab House (near the Mystic Fountain)
-By the bathrooms in Suessland (You'll know it when you see it, there will be a speaker on repeat that says "Q. Q is for Quan. Quan is for Quandry!")
-Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
Pathway Explanations
-Circle around Blondie's Quick Service (point F on the map)
This is the way to get to and from Toon Lagoon. Take the path to Jurassic Park or back to Marvel Super Hero Island. I have this included because of the dead end to the right that is super easy to take by accident.
-Dead End (by Popeyes)
This is a kid zone. So, technically, not a dead end if you have kids with you. If not, after you ride Popeye's, this area has nothing for you.
-Pathway leading around Seuss Landing (instead of going through it)
If you've never been to Islands of Adventure before, don't take this! It's not the scenic route, it won't take you by the Cat in the Hat of the Caro-Seuss-el... but it is a super nifty short cut. This will take you by some Freestyle Machines, restrooms, and a small cafe (that's almost never open), and it will take you around the huge crowd. It's a Frank Kincaid masterpiece you're welcome! (If you get that joke, I applaud you!)
Hidden Gems
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| Photo credit here |
-Point by "A" on the map:
Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe is a year round Christmas shop, and it's always stocked with awesome. If you want your daily dose of the Grinch, stop by!
-Point by "D"/ number point 4 on the map:
This is a comic shop that is near the exit of the Marvel Universe section of the park. It is full of comic book character merchandise and comic books as well! It's a wonderfully air conditioned haven for your inner nerd!
Restaurants - Where to Go
*Disclaimer: I haven't been to every restaurant in Islands of Adventure, so I can't review them all. Every opinion is my own. I also did not include things like Starbucks, which is not specific to only Universal.*
Cafe 4🍕🍝🌿
This is Universal's standard Italian eatery. As far as theme park food goes it's pretty good, and you can find some healthy options here too.
From the park map: Pizza, Salads, Pasta
Captain America's Diner🍔🍟🌿
Standard burger place - it'll be the same kind of burgers you'd find anywhere except here there's no salad bar like Burger Digs has got. It's got an awesome interior if you're a Marvel nerd though, so if you want to land yourself smack dab in the middle of the Marvel Universe and in some air conditioning, it's not a bad place to stop!
From the park map: Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches, & Shakes
From the park map: Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches, & Shakes
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
Comic Strip Cafe🍔🍟🍕🍝🍣🍜
I've never eaten here, honestly! I am usually just a passerby between Marvel and Jurrasic, as Popeye will always get you soaked. The American and Italian options are probably the Universal standard, but as far as the asian cuisine I can't say. This sounds a lot like the old International eatery that Simpson's took the place of though, and though this was many years ago, if that's the case then my vote is a no go on the asian cuisine.
From the park map: American, Italian, & Asian Cuisine
From the park map: American, Italian, & Asian Cuisine
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
Pizza Predatoria🍕🌿
I can't honestly say that I remember having eaten at this place specifically, but if it's true to the italian cuisine in the rest of the park, it's the standard you'll find over at Cafe 4. All of the seating is outside though, so if you're looking for a break in the air conditioning, this isn't the place for you! It's right near the raptor attraction, which is convienient if you'd like to grab a bite to eat before being the bite to eat! 😜
From the park map: Pizza, Salads, & Meatball sandwiches
From the park map: Pizza, Salads, & Meatball sandwiches
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
The Burger Digs🍔🍟🌿🍗
The Watering Hole🌭
The Burger Digs🍔🍟🌿🍗
I go here quite a bit when I'm in Islands for lunch, and my personal favorite is their chicken tenders. This is one of the changes they've made over the years, and it's fantastic. Plus, there's a salad bar here with tomatoes, onions, pickles, lettuce, sauces, & napkins. It's a pretty full package place to go whether you want a burger or chicken!
From the park map: Hamburgers, Garden Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Fingers & Shakes
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
From the park map: Hamburgers, Garden Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Fingers & Shakes
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
The Watering Hole🌭
This is just a standard stand at Universal that sells hot dogs, nachos, pretzels... that kind of thing. Their snack food is pretty much the same at any stand in Universal, so if you like one place you'll like the other. I like the snack food alright but I often get snacks from inside the restaurants, so I only frequent this stop for the Freestyle machines!
From the park map: Hot Dogs, Chili Nachos, & Full Service Walk-Up Bar
From the park map: Hot Dogs, Chili Nachos, & Full Service Walk-Up Bar
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
Three Broomsticks🍗🍖🌿🍦
*My personal favorite!*
This is my absolute favorite restaurant here. The food in this restaurant and the Harry Potter restaurant in Universal Studios is amazing, and not just for theme park food. The menu is varied and the items on the menu cannot be found in any other restaurants, and of course the scenery is completely awesome! Taste, service, atmosphere (including music that is always playing) are all two thumbs up!
From the park map: "Great Feast Platter", Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, Chicken & BBQ Ribs, Soup, Salads, Tasty Desserts, Pumpkin Juice™, & Butterbeer™
From the park map: "Great Feast Platter", Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, Chicken & BBQ Ribs, Soup, Salads, Tasty Desserts, Pumpkin Juice™, & Butterbeer™
*Note: Freestyle Machines are not in the Harry Potter section of the park at all.*
Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous🍗🍝🍕🍔🍟🌿
I must be fair here and say that I haven't eaten here in years, and Universal has since then (in my opinion) really stepped up their food game, but I very much did not like this place when I ate there. Perhaps it is now better being that the parks seem to have adjusted their food and menus since then, but if you'd like to try it out don't let me stop you!
From the park map: Fried Chicken, Pasta, Pizza, Cheeseburgers, & Salads
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
From the park map: Fried Chicken, Pasta, Pizza, Cheeseburgers, & Salads
*Freestyle Machines are found here*
Coming to you next about Universal Orlando: Mardi Gras!
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them here!
Bis zum nächsten Mal!
Ray Kay
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