Feb 22, 2019
8 min. read
Universal Orlando Resort is one of the greatest times you will have in your life. The state-of-the-art theme park brings your favourite m ovies to life and offers fun for everyone. There’s just so much to see and do! And it’s even better when you book a Universal Orlando Resort vacation with CAA Travel.
To help you avoid getting overwhelmed by all the amazing experiences and get the most out of your time at Universal Orlando™, we created this insider guide to the ultimate Universal Orlando Resort vacation.
Download the app.
First of all, download the app. The Official Universal Orlando Resort App is free to download and offers everything you need to plan your visit. This includes detailed, interactive maps of the theme parks, Universal CityWalk™ and the on-site resort hotels. It allows you to check ride wait times and show times, find restaurant menus and locate washrooms (important!). It also helps you find your car and hold your spot in Virtual Line™ (more on those in a bit). You can set it up as a virtual wallet to make purchases, use it to create lists of your favourite rides and attractions and stay up to date with in-park notifications and schedule changes. This is your key to a seamless and fantastic Universal Orlando experience.
Stay at an on-site hotel.
When you stay onsite at Universal Orlando Resort, there are definite perks. These include closer proximity to all three theme parks and to Universal CityWalk. But that’s not all. Guests of the on-site accommodations are allowed to enter the theme park a full hour earlier than everyone else. The on-site hotels are uniquely themed, adding even more fun to your stay. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites (opening July 2019) for example features sunny, beach-themed rooms, while Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a vibrant, retro themed hotel inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. Best of all? Those staying at select hotels can skip the regular lines at most popular attractions with free Universal Express Unlimited™. And when you book with CAA Travel, you’ll receive a $50 Activity Credit2 through *CAA Vacations® *for stays at any Universal Orlando Resort on-site hotel, to be used towards vacation add-ons redeemable at your hotel’s Attraction Ticket Center. You’ll also receive a $25 Activity Credit when you stay at a Universal partner hotel.
Enjoy your time in line.
Universal Orlando has been a trailblazer in their move towards eliminating lineups entirely. They even have ‘Virtual Lines’ at some Universal Studios Florida™ attractions that allow guests to select a return time and spend less time waiting in lines. At Universal’s Volcano Bay™, the TapuTapu™ wearable allows guests to ‘tap-in’ to hold their place in line while they go enjoy another activity. Even when lines can’t be avoided, Universal Orlando actually makes the experience of lining up as awesome as it can be with some lineups being integral parts of the ride experience.
For example, the *Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ *ride begins with a walk-through of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. On your way to the ride you’ll encounter characters and see familiar places like the dungeons and Dumbledore’s office. You’ll also find items from the books and movies, including the sorting hat, the Pensieve and the talking portraits.
Make the most of The Wizarding World of Harry™.
There are two lands in the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley™ and the village of Hogsmeade™. Visit Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ to explore both! Be sure to head to Gringotts™ Money Exchange to exchange your Muggle money for wizard currency which you can use for purchases within Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and at select locations throughout the rest of the resort. Dine at the Leaky Cauldron™ or the Three Broomsticks™. Visit the infamous Borgin and Burkes™, in the dark and dusty Knockturn Alley, for all your Death Eater™ needs. And witness the amazing spectacle of a wand choosing its wizard at Ollivanders™ Wand Shop. Here you can also purchase your own interactive wand. A witch or wizard’s most essential wizarding item, your wand allows you to cast spells throughout the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. And don’t forget to take a ride on the Hogwarts™ Express with your park-to-park ticket.
Meet your favourite characters.
There are so many characters around the park putting on shows and waiting to interact with your family. Don’t miss the opportunity to hang out with them! Have breakfast with those banana loving champions of evil, the Minions, at the Despicable Me Character Breakfast. Then spend the evening eating dinner with Marvel superheroes, like Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue at the Marvel Character Dinner. The kids will never forget the time they met their heroes.
Book with CAA Travel.
For almost 60 years, we’ve been planning trips for our Members. Travel with confidence, trust and peace of mind. Our experienced and dedicated travel team is on hand to make your vacation experience as effortless and satisfying as possible.
Visit us online or through your local Travel Consultant at any one of our 35 CAA Stores: 1-855-660-2294.
Terms and Condition
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)
All prices, package inclusions & options subject to availability and to change without notice and additional restrictions may apply. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Universal Orlando and Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations reserve the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, whether such error is on a website or any print or other advertisement relating to these products and services.
Exclusive Member Benefits valid only for AAA & CAA members booking with Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations on select packages of three (3) nights or more. Benefits are not valid for limited time promotional packages.
1 Package purchase required; one “A Universe of Savings” coupon book per package. Other restrictions may apply. 2 One $50 Activity Credit per package for Universal Orlando Resort™ hotel bookings OR one $25 Activity Credit per package for Universal Partner Hotel bookings, values cannot be combined. Activity Credit is not valid for the purchase of Universal Orlando Gift Cards. This offer is non-transferable, and may not be reproduced, reprinted or combined with any other offer, promotion, coupon or discount. Activity Credit value must be used in a single transaction and no remaining unused balance will be retained or returned to the AAA/CAA Member. Activity Credit valid on new purchases only and must be redeemed at the Vacation Planning Center located in the Lobby of the hotel. Vacation Planning Center hours vary and are subject to change.Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations is registered with the State of Florida as a seller of travel. Registration number ST-24215.
Universal elements and all related indicia ™ & © 2019 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© 2019 MARVEL.