Sometimes it isn’t easy to find the answers to all your questions before your Universal Orlando Vacation. We have batched together a selection of your questions about Universal Orlando Resort which you will not find elsewhere on Modern Life is Good. Our Universal Orlando Useful Information will answer many of your queries.
We have updated this guide with all the latest information for 2021. However, remember that during 2021 Universal Orlando is undergoing a period of change following resort reopening, and advice will be subject to change. If you have a question about Universal Orlando, which you can’t find an answer to here on Modern Life is Good, please leave a comment below, and we can add it to a future version of this guide.
Universal Orlando Useful Information Contents
Do you have a question about Universal Orlando? The links will take you straight to the advice:
- Park Hours & Closures
- Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals
- First Aid
- Nursing Facilities
- Celebration Buttons
- Phone Charging
- Paying for Goods at Universal Orlando
- WiFi & The Universal Orlando Resort App
- Locker Hire
- Prohibited Items at Universal Orlando Resort
- Smoking at Universal Orlando Resort
- Car issues
- Tipping at Universal Orlando Resort
- Visiting Universal Orlando Resort with Disabilities
- Food Allergies at Universal Orlando
- Pregnant at Universal Orlando
- Lost and Found at Universal Orlando Resort
- Children’s Activity Centers
- Universal Orlando VIP Tours
- My Universal Photos
- Package Pick-Up and Delivery
- Pet care at Universal Orlando
Park Hours & Closures
During bad weather, many attractions at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will close. Also, certain attractions will close during the year for planned maintenance. While most attractions are currently open, there are a small number of closed attractions during the reopening period, including all playgrounds.
Park Hours vary by season and are at their longest during peak periods. Click here to learn the current park hours at Universal Orlando and the scheduled closures.
Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals at Universal Orlando
We always recommend bringing your stroller or wheelchair or hiring in advance for the length of your vacation. However, day hire is available. You can hire strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs inside both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The
ECVs are limited in quantity and are hired on a first-served basis. Universal recommends these are reserved in advance by contacting Guest Services on 407-224-4233.
ECVs and Strollers are not available to hire at Volcano Bay, but wheelchairs are available at concierge booths.
First Aid
Health Services & First Aid stations are available at all parks in Universal Orlando. They can be located on park maps, the Univeral Orlando Resort App, or ask any team member. All centers are fully staffed with paramedics and nurses.
Nursing Facilities
Nursing Facilities are available free of charge at all parks in Universal Orlando. They can be located on park maps, the Univeral Orlando Resort App, or by asking any team member. There are diaper stations in all restrooms.
Celebration Buttons at Universal Orlando
Just like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando wants to know if you are celebrating. Whether it is a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, or just your first visit, you can collect a Celebration Button from Guest Services. Once you are wearing your button, staff will warmly greet you, and you might even get the odd special treat!
Phone Charging at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando now sells FuelRod charging packs. These packs cost $30 and come with a mobile charger and adaptors for the most popular mobile phones and tablets.
FuelRod charging stations are now located at several locations in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Once your FuelRod is empty, you can replace it at the station for a fully charged replacement. However, there is a $3 charge for new packs.
Paying for Goods at Universal Orlando
Major credit cards are accepted throughout Universal Orlando. There are ATMs throughout the parks and at City Walk. ATMs can be located on park maps. There is also an ATM at every resort hotel. Currency exchange is available at all hotels and guest services inside the parks.
Recently Universal Orlando introduced a new payment option called Universal Pay. This new option allows guests to make hands-free payments using the Universal Resort App. Guests simply store their credit or debit card to the App. The app even allows you to control your budget by setting a maximum spend per day. Currently, Universal Pay is only available in Universal-owned premises.
WiFi & The Universal Orlando Resort App
Free WiFi is available at Universal Orlando. Park WiFi has improved in recent years and is available throughout Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay, and Islands of Adventure. However, overall we don’t think it is as reliable as the WiFi at Walt Disney World.
The Universal Orlando Resort App is available at both the Apple App Store & The Google Play Store. You should download the App before you visit.
The Universal Orlando Resort App allows you to store tickets, access wait times, join Virtual Line Experiences, access showtimes, and more. There are handy interactive maps, and the app will even save where your car is parked. You can now preorder food from select restaurants using the Universal Orlando Resort App. Free Wifi is available throughout Universal Orlando so that you can access the App anywhere! Also, consider setting up Universal Pay for hands-free payment and easy budget watching.
Locker Hire at Universal Orlando
Lockers are available to hire at the entrance to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, Florida. These cost $10 a day or $15 for a family-size locker. Family-size lockers are only available at Universal Studios.
There are compulsory lockers available free of charge at attractions you cannot take loose items on to. These lockers are tiny, measuring just 14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9. There are larger lockers available to hire, but these are expensive. Also, short-term hire lockers are available near the wet rides at Islands of Adventure, but these are not cheap.
There are 3 sizes of locker available at Volcano bay and cost either $9, $13 or $16 depending on size
Prohibited Items at Universal Orlando Resort
All bags are subject to inspection before entering Universal Orlando Resort. Also, all guests must pass through a metal detector.
The following items are prohibited inside the park:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Picnic lunches, although small snacks, water, and food for a medical need are allowed.
- Food that requires heating or refrigeration
- Glass containers
- Hard-sided coolers
- Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep
- Suitcases and bags with wheels
- Folding chairs
- Power-driven devices such as Segways., Hoverboards, Drones, or any other radio frequency controlled device.
- Clothing with offensive language or content
- Clothing that represents someone as emergency personnel or as a Universal employee
- Weapons of any kind
Also, Universal will prohibit and additional item which the consider inappropriate, disruptive or harmful.
Smoking at Universal Orlando Resort
Unlike Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando has not prohibited smoking completely inside its parks. However, smoking areas are strictly limited.
All restaurants and bars that serve food are smoke-free areas. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. These small areas can be identified on park maps.
Car Issues
There is one gas station on Universal Orlando property. The Hess Express is located at 5981 Turkey Lake Road.
If you should be unlucky to suffer a breakdown in the parking lot, Universal offers complimentary vehicle assistance. If you need help, ask a parking assistant.
Tipping at Universal Orlando Resort
Tipping when visiting Universal Orlando, or anywhere in the US, can cause guests confusion especially for those guests visiting from countries where tipping isn’t customary. However, tipping is expected in several situations and should be budgeted for in your vacation planning.
Tipping is not expected & will be refused by:
- Counter service restaurants
- Park ride attendants
- On-site transportation
- Hotel reception staff
Tipping is generally expected in the following situations:-
- Housekeepers. $1-2 a day a person is the usual rate and should be left daily as your room attendant will change.
- Bar staff should be tipped $2-3 a drink or 15-18% of the total bill.
- Anyone who touches your luggage should be tipped $1-2 a bag.
- Table Service Restaurants 18-20% of the total bill. If service is included you do not have to give an additional tip.
- Salon & Spas 10-15% of the total bill.
- Valet parking $2-5
- Personal services 15%
Visiting Universal Orlando Resort with Disabilities
Universal Orlando Resort provides extensive support for guests visiting with disabilities. You can get the latest information for guests visiting with hearing and vision impairments, cognitive disabilities, and those using wheelchairs, prosthetics, oxygen tanks, and service animals here.
Universal have created Guides for Rider Safety and Accessibility which you can print out before you visit:
Remember during the reopening of Universal some services will be subject to change. Changes will be to ensure guests are kept continually safe.
Food Allergies at Universal Orlando
The majority of dining locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort can cater to food allergies. We have found that staff at some sites are not as knowledgeable as staff at Walt Disney World. However, it isn’t challenging to get a safe, good-quality meal at most locations.
Many restaurants have allergy-friendly menus available on the Universal Orlando website. However, we recommend speaking to a member of staff before ordering at all locations. There are often additional dishes available that are not on the menus. Unfortunately, Universal does not have separate food preparation areas, so there is always a cross-contamination risk.
If you have additional queries you can email Guest Services at [email protected] before you visit.
You are also able to bring your own food into the parks. If there are any queries from security staff, just let them know that a party member has a food allergy/intolerance.
Pregnant at Universal Orlando
Being pregnant is not a reason to stop a visit to Universal Orlando. However, there are only a limited number of attractions you will be able to ride. Signage posted at every attraction highlight if the attraction is unsuitable for expectant mothers.
Currently, the following attractions are suitable for expectant mothers:
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Caro-Seuss-el
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Poseidon’s Fury
- Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade™ Station
Universal Studios Florida
- Animal Actors On Location!
- Curious George Goes to Town
- FEAR FACTOR LIVE
- Fievel’s Playland
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- The Blues Brothers Show
- Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station
- Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
During the reopening of Universal Orlando not all attractions will be open.
Lost and Found at Universal Orlando Resort
Items are commonly lost at Universal Orlando, but amazingly they are often found.
Chargerback, a third-party specialist, handles Lost and Found queries for Universal Orlando Resort. Once you have completed the Lost Item Report, you will receive a notification indicating the status of your lost item. Chargerback will keep you informed if your item is found.
To complete a report click the Universal Orlando website.
Children’s Activity Centers
Want a night without the kids?
Children’s Activity Centers are available for Universal Orlando Resort Guests only. The centers have experienced trained staff, and there are nightly games, movies, arts and crafts, snacks, and other activities.
The following centers are available:
- Campo Portofino® — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Call (407) 503-1200 for reservations and information - Camp Lil’ Rock® — Hard Rock Hotel®
Call (407) 503-2200 for reservations and information - The Mariner’s Club — Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Call (407) 503-3200 for reservations and information
Children ages 4–14 can access the centers, but reservations are necessary. There is a fee for this service. Remember, during the reopening period, services might not be availbale.
Universal Orlando VIP Tours
If you want the Ultimate Universal Orlando Experience, and money is no object, then you can’t beat a Universal Orlando VIP Tour.
There are 2 types of VIP Tours available:
- VIP Experience your party(maximum 6 people) are paired with another party to tour the park. Your group will consist of a maximum of 12 people. Your tour will last between 5-7 hours, and you will experience a minimum of 8 attractions if doing 1 park or 10 if touring 2 parks.
- Private VIP Experience lasts 8 hours and is the ultimate experience. You set your own plan and start time. Your private guide will make sure you have the Ultimate Universal Orlando VIP experience. If your group contains more than 6 guests, you are only able to book the Private Tour option.
In addition to your guided tour, you will get a number of perks during your visit. The regular VIP Experience includes:
- Priority Front of line access during the tour.
- Behind the scenes experiences
- Valet parking
- Reserved show seating
- Complimentary lunch and breakfast
- Universal Express Unlimited to enjoy after your tour
- Universal CityWalk Party Pass
- Discounts in many shops
In addition, the Private VIP tour comes with the following additional perks:
- My Universal Photos 3-Day Photo Package
- Two full-service meals at one of Universal Orlando’s popular restaurants
Universal Orlando VIP Tours are fantastic, but they are not cheap. A one-park non-exclusive tour starts at $189 in the off-season. During peak season, expect to pay $329 for 1 park and $349 for 2 parks. Also, you must still purchase a park admission! These tours are available to book online.
Private tours start at $2899 for five guests in 1 park. This rises to a staggering $5199 for a two-day two-park experience during peak season. Additional guests attract an additional fee. Plus, you still have to buy a park ticket! You can not book a Private Tour online but must contact Universal Orlando on (866) 346-9350 for more details.
My Universal Photos
Universal Orlando sells various photo packages which are cheaper to buy before you visit. All My Universal Photos packages include unlimited digital downloads, plus discounts on photo prints. Current costs are $69+ tax for 1-day and $89 + tax for 3 day.
Package Pick-Up and Delivery
Complimentary Package Pick-Up is available at all parks. Package Pick-Up avoids you having to carry your packages all day. When making a purchase, ask the staff member to deliver your item to package pick-up, and it will be available for you t collect as you leave the park.
Guests staying in a Universal Orlando Resort are able to get their purchases delivered to their hotel room the next day.
Pet & Cat Care
Universal Orlando provides day kennels for pet cats and dogs. However, during the reopening of Universal Orlando the service is currently unavailable. Check the Universal website for the latest information.
Read More
Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort updated for 2021 has information on all the attractions available at Universal Orlando Resort. We have useful information and tips, hacks & tricks to plan your vacation.
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