Sometimes it isn’t easy to find answers before your Universal Orlando vacation. We’ve batched together helpful, hard-to-find tips you won’t see elsewhere on Modern Life is Good. This 2025 update now covers all four parks, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and Volcano Bay, plus CityWalk.
If we’ve missed something, drop a comment and we’ll add it in the next update.
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
- Universal Orlando VIP Tours
- My Universal Photos
- Package Pick-Up and Delivery
- Pet care at Universal Orlando
Park Hours & Closures
Park Hours vary by season and are at their longest during peak periods. Check the Universal Resort App for the latest information.
During the autumn and winter seasons, Volcano Bay is closed on selected dates. However, Universal Volcano Bay will begin a seasonal closure on 26 October 2026, with a current planned reopening on or before 24 March 2027. It is unclear whether this prolonged closure will become an annual occurrence.
Many attractions, including most outdoor attractions, will close during bad weather. Additionally, certain attractions will close periodically for planned maintenance throughout the year.
Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals at Universal Orlando
We always recommend bringing your stroller or wheelchair, or hiring one in advance for the length of your vacation. However, day hire is available.
You can hire strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs just inside the entrances of Universal Studios Florida, Epic Universe, and Islands of Adventure. ECVs are limited in quantity and are hired on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are recommended via Guest Services before you visit.
ECVs and Strollers are unavailable to hire at Volcano Bay, but wheelchairs are available at concierge booths. ECVs are prohibited in lines within Volcano Bay, and guests must transfer into a wheelchair.
Tip: Many attraction queues don’t permit ECVs. Team Members will provide a transfer wheelchair where applicable.
First Aid
Health Services & First Aid stations are available at all parks in Universal Orlando. They can be located on park maps, the Universal Orlando Resort App, or by asking any team member.
Nursing Facilities
Nursing Facilities are available free of charge at all parks in Universal Orlando. They can be located on park maps, the Universal Orlando Resort App, or by asking any team member.
There are diaper stations in all restrooms.
Celebration Buttons at Universal Orlando
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 wear your button, the staff will warmly greet you, and you might even get the odd special treat — not guaranteed!
Phone Charging at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando now sells FuelRod charging packs. These packs come with a mobile charger and adaptors for the most popular mobile phones and tablets.
Buy once, then swap for a fresh battery at kiosks (small swap fee applies). Bringing your own power bank remains the cheapest option.
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.
Store a card in the Universal Orlando Resort app and use Universal Pay for hands-free payments. You can set spending limits and share access with family members. Most locations accept Universal and Apple Pay, and we find these more convenient.
While cards have generally replaced cash, it is still accepted in most locations.
WiFi & The Universal Orlando Resort App
Free WiFi is available throughout Universal Orlando.
The Universal Orlando Resort App is available at 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 the location of your parked car. Using the Universal Orlando Resort App, you can now preorder food from select restaurants.
Locker Hire at Universal Orlando
Lockers are available to hire at the entrance to all parks. Sizes available vary by park.
There are compulsory lockers free of charge at attractions; you cannot take loose items on. The lockers in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are tiny, measuring just 14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in. Larger lockers are available to hire, but they are expensive. Short-term hire lockers are available, for a fee, near the wet rides at Islands of Adventure. At the time of writing, fees are between $15-$20.
There are three locker sizes available at Volcano Bay, all of which incur a fee. Current fees: $14 small / $20 medium / $25 large.
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.
Prohibited items include: weapons, illegal substances, glass containers, hard-sided coolers, large soft coolers, drones/RC devices/hoverboards, folding chairs, wheeled suitcases, and impersonation clothing. Small snacks and food for medical needs are fine; picnic meals are not. Also, Universal will prohibit any additional items they consider inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful.
Policies can change, so check the Universal Policy page before you go if you are unsure.
Smoking at Universal Orlando Resort
As of May 15, 2025, there are no smoking areas inside Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Epic Universe. Designated smoking areas are outside the park exits (and in CityWalk). E-cigarettes follow the same rules.
Volcano Bay keeps a designated smoking area in Wave Village (East) for now.
Car Issues
There is one gas station on Universal Orlando property at 5981 Turkey Lake Road.
Universal offers complimentary vehicle assistance if you should be unlucky enough to suffer a breakdown in the parking lot. 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 guests visiting countries where tipping isn’t customary. However, tipping is expected in certain situations and should be taken into account when planning your vacation.
We have created a Guide to Tipping at Walt Disney World, and most of the advice is the same for Universal Orlando.
Visiting Universal Orlando Resort with Disabilities
Universal Orlando Resort provides extensive support for guests 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 has created Guides for Rider Safety and Accessibility, which you can print out before you visit:
- Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
- Universal Volcano Bay
- Universal Epic Universe
Food Allergies at Universal Orlando
Most dining locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort can cater to food allergies. We have found that staff at some sites are not as knowledgeable as at Walt Disney World. However, getting a safe, good-quality meal at most locations isn’t challenging. Always speak to a Team Member (and a chef at table service locations) before ordering.
Kosher and Halal meals can be arranged in advance (typically 72 hours’ notice) by emailing guest services.
You may bring your own food for medical needs. If asked at security, explain that a member of your party has an allergy/intolerance.
If you have additional queries, email Guest Services at Food.Allergy@universalorlando.com before you visit.
Pregnant at Universal Orlando
Being pregnant is not a reason to stop a visit to Universal Orlando. However, you can ride only a minimal selection of attractions. Signage posted at every attraction highlights if the attraction is unsuitable for expectant mothers.
Check the Universal Resort App for the latest information.
Lost and Found at Universal Orlando Resort
Items are commonly lost at Universal Orlando, but amazingly, they are often found.
Lost & Found is handled online via Boomerang. File a report and you’ll receive status updates by email. You can also call (407) 224-4233 with questions.
Universal Orlando VIP Tours
If you want the Ultimate Universal Orlando Experience, and money is no object, you can’t beat a Universal Orlando VIP Tour.
Two options are available: VIP Experience (non-private, you’re paired with other guests) and Private VIP Experience (your group only). Both require separate park admission.
Perks typically include: priority entry to included attractions during the tour, behind-the-scenes moments, reserved show seating, select meals (varies by tour), and often Express Unlimited to use after your tour that day (check inclusions when booking).
Pricing varies by date and option, plus there is no child discount. Expect higher rates for Epic Universe and peak seasons. For exact pricing and availability, call (866) 346-9350. Some tours can be booked online.
My Universal Photos
Universal Orlando sells various photo packages. Packages include unlimited digital downloads for the chosen duration (1-day, 3-day, sometimes 5-day) and cover the three theme parks. Volcano Bay has its own option.
Buying online in advance is cheaper than in the parks.
Package Pick-Up and Delivery
Universal discontinued complimentary same-day pick-up at the CityWalk store in 2024; please plan to carry items or use lockers.
Guests staying in a Universal Orlando Resort can get their purchases delivered to their hotel room the next day.
Pet Care
Universal Orlando no longer offers day kennels for pets.
Several Universal Resorts are pet-friendly (fees and policies apply). For daycare, use an off-site provider near I-Drive/Turkey Lake Rd.
Read More
Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort has information on all the attractions available at Universal Orlando Resort. We have useful information, tips, hacks & tricks to plan your vacation.
