18 Suggestions for Common Orlando So You Have the Finest Time Ever (Har…
You’ll in all probability by no means see your youngsters extra excited than if you first stroll by the gates to Common Orlando.
And particularly into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter if they’re huge Harry Potter followers like our eldest daughter.
I’ll always remember the look on Kalyra’s face as we entered Hogsmeade on our very first day at Islands of Journey. She’s learn all of the books and watched all the flicks, and I feel she may have cried.
In truth, all of us couldn’t imagine how magical all of it made us really feel.
It was like we had been moving into the film. Common has executed an unbelievable job bringing the Harry Potter collection to life.
Watch our video, then proceed studying this weblog publish for all our Common Orlando suggestions:
However Common Orlando Resort is way more than Harry Potter!
On this publish I’m sharing our prime suggestions for Common Orlando that will help you plan for essentially the most memorable and magical trip you’ll be able to have!
We had an unbelievable three days exploring the whole lot that Common Orlando Resort has to supply, and writing down these Common Orlando suggestions introduced again cherished recollections!
To begin with, in case you’re confused like I used to be earlier than visiting, Common Orlando Resort consists of three parks:
- Common Studios Florida
- Common’s Islands of Journey
- Common’s Volcano Bay
After which there may be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is situated in each Common Studios (Diagon Alley) and Islands of Journey (Hogsmeade).
No, it isn’t referred to as Harry Potter World, or Harry Potter theme park, or Common Studios Harry Potter World as I stored calling it pre-trip. However I quickly acquired that out of my system.
So you might have three Common theme parks plus Metropolis Stroll.
We visited Common Florida in mid-November 2017, shortly after the craziness of Halloween and it was a comparatively quiet time on the parks and at our lodge.
Learn this Information to Common Orlando so that you be taught all of the issues it’s essential to know earlier than you go to Common Common Orlando Florida.
18 Suggestions for Common Orlando
1. Plan for Three Days, Minimal
This could be one in all our prime suggestions for Common Orlando.
We spent three days exploring all the Common Orlando Resort parks, and I feel that was an ideal period of time.
Coming from a household of 4 with youngsters aged 10 and 6, I extremely advocate you additionally plan for at least three days!
Basically we spent someday at every of the three parks!
Our children have totally different ranges of bravado in the case of what rides they’ll go on, and our 6 12 months previous was restricted resulting from peak necessities for some rides as effectively.
So three days gave us ample time to cowl all of the rides and points of interest for everybody to get pleasure from.
You already know what theme parks are like, they are often lengthy and tiring days, particularly in case you are dragging younger youngsters round with you, so don’t attempt to do all of it in a dash.
We spent our first full-day at Common’s Volcano Bay, which was superior and the perfect water park we’ve ever been too.
Then we had two days hopping between Islands of Journey and Common Studios on a Multi-Day Move (see suggestions down under).
2. Get a Multi-Day Move
We had a Three-Park Three-Day ticket which allowed us to go to Volcano Bay + Islands of Journey + Common Studios at any time every day!
There are a number of choices out there for Multi Passes from 2 to five days in length. So when you plan on visiting all three parks, I like to recommend you select one in all these passes.
Three. Experience Hogwarts Specific
Our eldest daughter Kalyra is a MASSIVE Harry Potter fan, our youngest is getting there, and one in all our children favourite Harry Potter experiences at Common Orlando was using Hogwarts Specific.
By getting a Park-to-Park ticket, it means that you can trip the Hogwarts Specific between Hogsmeade Station (Islands of Journey) to King’s Cross Station in London (Common Studios) limitless occasions in both route.
It’s a enjoyable and handy approach to transfer between the parks. We park hopped a number of occasions utilizing Hogwarts Specific and it labored out completely.
I received’t spoil it for you, however you by no means know who – or what – you would possibly see out the trains window throughout the journey. And it’s a distinct expertise going from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, and vice versa. So do each!
However you’ll want a park-to-park ticket.
From Hogsmeade:
To trip from Hogsmeade to London in Common Studios, head to Hogsmeade Station inside Islands of Journey. While you arrive in London, pop across the nook to seek out the key entryway into Diagon Alley.
From Diagon Alley:
To trip to Hogsmeade, head to London in Common Studios and board the prepare at King’s Cross Station.
four. What If You Solely Have One Day?
Should you solely have someday at Common Studios Orlando Resort, take advantage of it with a Park-to-Park ticket – one other one in all our prime suggestions for Common Orlando!
This ticket offers you entry to Common Studios and Common’s Islands of Journey together with each lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
You’ll additionally have the ability to trip the Hogwarts Specific connecting these two parks.
Ticket Data:
See all ticket choices and costs for Single-Day tickets and Multi-Day tickets on the Common web site ticket web page.
5. Get a Common Specific Move
What’s a Common Specific Move?
First off, a Common Specific Move is an Add-On ticket. They don’t really provide you with entry to any of the parks.
You continue to have to purchase your theme park admission ticket first, then add-on a Common Specific Move!
Principally, these Common Orlando Specific Passes will let you skip the common strains at many of the rides and points of interest – now together with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
So that you get “specific entry”.
You could be accustomed to these kind of passes from different theme parks who name them Quick Passes and many others. At Common, they’re referred to as Common Specific.
Relying on the time of 12 months and day you go to, as a substitute of standing for hours within the common queue, with an Specific Move you can solely be ready 5-15 minutes (or much less).
Common strains could be something from 45+ minutes, and Common Specific Passes will let you go in your favourite rides a number of occasions and maximize your time.
There are various kinds of Specific Passes:
- Common Specific Move – Skip the common line ONE TIME PER TIDE at taking part rides and points of interest every day that your go is legitimate.
- Common Limitless Specific Move – Skip the common strains an UNLIMITED NUMBER OF TIMES at taking part rides and points of interest.
- Single Park Common Specific – You purchase one in all these Add-On passes just for both Common Studios, Islands of Journey, or Volcano Bay.
- 2-Park Common Specific – use at each Islands of Journey and Common Studios.
- 2-Park Park-To-Park + Specific Limitless – admission to Common Studios and Common’s Islands of Journey, plus Common Specific Limitless entry.
- Three-Park Park-To-Park + Specific Limitless – admission to Common Studios Florida, Common’s Islands of Journey, and Common’s Volcano Bay, plus Common Specific Limitless entry.
Taking part Rides & Sights:
Questioning what rides and points of interest you should utilize your Common Passes at to beat the lengthy strains?
There are 18 taking part points of interest at Common Studios, 18 at Islands of Journey, and 10 at Volcano Bay. See the complete lists right here.
Are Common Specific Passes price it?
I imagine so. I don’t like standing in lengthy strains, particularly with youngsters, and particularly within the warmth, and also you all know Florida!
Clearly the additional prices of those passes on prime of your admission tickets and lodging provides to your price range, particularly in case you are a household of 4.
But when your price range permits, and that is your dream journey, having these passes can dramatically enhance your general expertise at Common so you might have the holiday of a lifetime!
Severely, I don’t know what number of occasions we stated to one another as we walked previous the lengthy common strains that we had been so glad we had these passes.
With out these passes there would have been a number of treasured time wasted, and stressed and annoyed youngsters.
Discover a approach to reduce in different methods in your journey price range to release cash for Specific Passes. What are your priorities?
- Staying in a 5 star lodge?
- Flying enterprise class?
- Consuming out thrice a day?
- Buying on the retailers?
- or having the perfect Common expertise?
While you actually take a look at your bills and contemplate your priorities, you will discover a method. And I’ve extra tips about accessing these passes for higher worth down under!
Extra Data:
See all of the choices and costs for Common Specific Passes on the Common Orlando web site right here.
6. Keep On-Web site at a Common Resort Resort
One among our greatest suggestions for visiting Common Orlando can be staying on-site at one of many Common Orlando Resorts.
There are key advantages to staying on-site as I’ll clarify under, and these advantages could make a world of distinction to your loved ones’s Common trip.
Staying on-site could be one of the simplest ways to expertise all that Common Orlando Resort has to supply.
Listed below are the 5 present Common Resort Accommodations to select from (so as of Price range to Luxurious):
Plus, Common’s Aventura Resort opens in August 2018.
I do know, determining the place to remain on any household trip could be hectic, particularly in Orlando the place there are infinite choices!
Three Key Advantages to Staying at an On-Web site Common Resort
The Common Orlando Resort Accommodations are conveniently situated and include some good perks:
- While you keep at any on-site lodge you get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay one hour earlier than the theme park opens.
- Visitors who select to remain at choose Common Resort Accommodations get FREE Common Limitless Specific Passes! (be taught extra down under)
- Free transportation to the theme parks from every of the accommodations through both water taxi or shuttle bus. Cabana Bay and Aventura Resort are by shuttle bus solely!
Observe:
You even get these advantages the day you check-in and the day you check-out. Cool.
Is Staying On-Web site Definitely worth the Cash?
Properly, you would possibly discover cheaper lodging elsewhere in Orlando, however one essential truth to remember is that three of the Common Accommodations include FREE Common Limitless Specific Passes!
These being:
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Onerous Rock Resort
- Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Cabana Bay Seaside Resort and the newly to open Aventura Resort DO NOT include free Specific Passes!
In case you are a household of 4 like us, Common Specific Limitless passes begin from $89.99 per individual, per day x four company = $359.96.
In order that $100/$200 and even $300 per night time you assume you’re saving by staying in a less expensive lodge off-site, will not be price it in any case when you plan to purchase Specific Passes!
Each visitor in your room will get a Common Specific Limitless go. However the restrict is 5 per room.
Do the mathematics on the scale of your loved ones to see if it is sensible!
Observe:
You DO NOT should guide instantly by the lodge when staying at one of many Common Studios Orlando accommodations to qualify for the free Common Specific Passes.
You get these passes even when you guide through a 3rd social gathering!
Simply by staying on the qualifying lodge will get you these passes.
When you test in at every lodge you’re given your passes, or every lodge has a piece of their foyer the place you are taking your room key to entry the Specific go card.
Contact every lodge to confirm!
The place Did We Keep?
We stayed at Cabana Bay Seaside Resort and cherished the retro 50’s vibe right here – tremendous colourful and vibrant.
Cabana Bay is correct subsequent door to Volcano Bay (some name it the Volcano Bay lodge) and there’s a delegated strolling path from the lodge direct to the park which takes about 2 minutes.
We loved the truth that this lodge has household suites with kitchenettes. The place attainable, we prefer to make our personal meals to save lots of on the price of consuming out thrice per day.
It additionally has a lazy river and bowling alley.
So when you plan to spend so much of time at Volcano Bay, this lodge is a good possibility.
Observe:
While Cabana Bay Seaside Resort is the most cost effective of the Common properties, and also you get early admission to the parks, you DO NOT get the free Specific Passes by staying there!
For extra info on every Common Resort, go to the official Common Orlando Resort overview web page right here.
Disclaimer: we obtained a reduced media charge to remain at Cabana Bay, and complimentary Specific Passes.
7. Make Use of Early Park Admission (and keep late)
As talked about, by staying at a Common Resort you get early park admission, one hour earlier than the theme park opens to different common paying company.
As quickly as we entered Volcano Bay utilizing early admission, we discovered solar lounges and a spot to base ourselves for the day.
Then we made us of early entry and headed for the most well-liked slides:
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Ko’kiri Physique Plunge
- Kala & Tui Nui Serpentine physique slides
- and Honu of the Honu Ika Moana
At Common Islands of Journey, we headed straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade) to trip Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
That is the most well-liked trip on the park, and common strains could be a lengthy wait, so head straight there.
At Common Studios we headed straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Diagon Alley) to trip Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Then we headed to Ollivanders to purchase wands (this retailer will get actually busy). See down under for extra tips about shopping for wands.
Each Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley is a a lot nicer expertise when you get there earlier than the crowds. Their outlets are a lot calmer and it’s simpler to take pictures and video.
On the flip aspect, the crowds on the parks are likely to die down later within the day shortly earlier than closing which suggests shorter wait occasions for rides and fewer crowded outlets.
At Volcano Bay, most individuals disappeared earlier than closing so we had the beautiful Volcano and Waturi Seaside nearly to ourselves. It’s fairly at sundown, particularly with the volcano lighting up in rainbow colours.
Seize a cocktail, or elderberry cider from the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar and let the children swim and loosen up with the views.
Sizzling Suggestions:
Even when you determine to not keep at an on-site lodge, one other one in all our essential suggestions for Common Orlando can be to nonetheless plan on arriving on the theme parks early earlier than opening time.
Site visitors in Orlando could be unpredictable and congested, so that you don’t need to be delayed and get there after park opening occasions.
Get there early so you will get the perfect out there parking spot, so that you simply aren’t rushed, and so that you could be near the entrance of the strains!
And typically, they really open the park gates 15-minutes early and you can be using the favored rides earlier than the plenty flip up!
Don’t begin off your dream go to flustered and irritated – stand up and get going!
Common Orlando Opening Occasions
Rise up so far opening and shutting occasions for all three parks on their yearly calendar right here.
Observe:
Early Park Admission occasions and the points of interest which might be open varies by park-to-park based mostly on operational and climate issues.
To stand up so far info on your dates of journey go right here.
eight. Purchase Tickets On-line to Save Cash & Time
I don’t assume there may be such factor as low-cost Common Orlando tickets, however a number of suggestions right here to save cash and time:
- While you purchase your admission tickets on-line by Common Orlando you save $20 off the entrance gate value on multi-day tickets!
- And purchase your Specific Passes on-line as effectively.
- Print your tickets at residence and go straight to the entrance gate to save lots of time!
- While you buy any multi-day ticket on-line, you get a Coupon Ebook with as much as $150 worth in financial savings at choose in-park eating places, outlets, on-site resort accommodations, and free admission to pick Common Metropolis Stroll venues.
By buying tickets on-line, you’ll keep away from ready in line on the gates to buy tickets. And typically Common presents particular reductions on-line too!
I like saving cash AND time.
Sizzling Tip:
Are you an American Specific Card proprietor?
American Specific is the official card of Common Orlando Resort, and AMEX Card Members get pleasure from particular in-park privileges.
If you buy your Common Orlando tickets with an AMEX card, you get entry to the AMEX Lounge inside Common Orlando if you purchase any Multi-Park Ticket or Annual Move with any AMEX Card at UniversalOrlando.com or on the Common Orlando Resort ticket window.
Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from complimentary gentle snacks, drinks, a full-time concierge and extra.
How’s that for nice Common Orlando suggestions?!
The American Specific Lounge is open seven days per week from 12–5 pm and topic to availability. Entrance to the lounge is throughout from Shrek’s Ye Olde Memento Shoppe
Current your affirmation web page or authentic receipt plus your AMEX Card to realize entrance. Good perk!
See all the present AMEX presents right here.
9. Take Benefit of the Little one Swap Program!
This was superior! And one other nice approach to skip the lengthy strains.
Our children are aged 10 and 6, and while our eldest daughter Kalyra went on each trip, 6 12 months previous Savannah was both too quick for grownup rides, or not courageous sufficient.
So, in case your youngsters are too small or don’t need to go on a selected trip, reap the benefits of the “youngster swap” program.
The way it works:
Every trip has a “youngster swap room” the place one dad or mum (or member of your social gathering) can wait with the little ones, whereas the opposite dad or mum and older youngster goes on the trip.
As soon as they’re completed, the adults can merely swap roles.
The designated youngster swap space is often a room (or an space) proper close to the place you really board the trip, so that you don’t should go exterior and are available again in once more.
You merely stroll to the entrance of the road within the “youngster swap” space.
The kid swap room sometimes has a film taking part in to maintain the youthful ones entertained. Win-win!
While you head to any trip, simply inform the attendant on the entrance of the rides entrance you need to use the “youngster swap” and they’re going to level you in the appropriate route.
We used this program many occasions all through the day, and Kalyra cherished it as she acquired to “double dip” and go on every trip twice, as soon as with mommy, as soon as with daddy.
Nobody misses out!
10. Attempt ALL the totally different Butterbeer choices
Whoever created the recipe for Butterbeer is a GENIOUS!! Speak about addictive!!
And simply in case you don’t know, it’s non-alcoholic so your youngsters, and also you, can have a Butterbeer or three and it comes with a obligatory foamy mustache!
What’s Butterbeer?
Properly, it’s a very talked-about wizarding beverage that tastes a bit like butterscotch, or ice-cream soda.
The drink is drawn from a faucet, identical to a beer, and the dense, whipped topping is added from a separate faucet.
Apparently two of the substances are in fact butterscotch and marshmallow cream. Unsure what else is in it, however I’m guessing an excellent serving of sugar – be warned!
Earlier than our journey to Common Orlando, I had no thought you can have Butterbeer in so many alternative types!
You may get:
- Chilly Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Sizzling Butterbeer
- Butterbeer ice-cream
- Butterbeer potted-cream
The place are you able to get Butterbeer?
While you enter Hogsmeade you’ll see a big wood barrel that bears the phrase “BUTTERBEER” and you should purchase it from the road cart.
Different locations you will get it in Hogsmeade:
- Hog’s Head (Hogsmeade)
- Three Broomsticks (chilly or frozen is $6.99, as ice-cream it’s 45.49, and as potted cream it’s $5.29)
In Diagon Alley:
- The Hopping Pot (walk-up counter)
- The Fountain of Truthful Fortune
- Leaky Cauldron $6.99
- Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlor (Butterbeer ice-cream in a cup $four.99, in a Waffle Cone $5.99, in a Memento Glass $10.99)
My favourite model was chilly (on a sizzling day) and sizzling (when the climate acquired cool. Kalyra cherished it sizzling, Savannah and mommy frozen!
11. What Time of Yr is Finest?
We visited in mid November 2017, simply after the craziness of Halloween had died down at Common.
The employees at Cabana Bay Seaside Resort stated they went from being utterly full over Halloween to one in all their quietest occasions to go to Common Orlando.
Mid-January is seemingly a much less crowded time to go to too, however in fact it will likely be cool when you’re contemplating Volcano Bay!
Clearly the parks might be crowded round major holidays and college break occasions.
Traditionally, September is among the higher months to go to Common Orlando as a result of the children have simply returned to high school and households have both visited Orlando over summer season, or have plans to go to throughout the Thanksgiving or Christmas vacation interval.
Talking of Thanksgiving, we had been instructed the worst time to go to is the weekend straight after Thanksgiving, and it’s simply nuts.
However it all comes right down to your wishes and tolerance for crowds degree.
I’m certain visiting Common over one of many major vacation durations like Thanksgiving and New Years can be spectacular with vacation lights and parades and many others.
However in fact peak durations imply excessive costs for flights, lodging and different journey associated bills.
12. Obtain the Official Common Orlando App
In case you are a fan of utilizing apps, obtain the Common Orlando app which may help you propose your journey, and while you’re contained in the park:
- See the most recent wait occasions for rides
- Discover present occasions and eating venue hours
- Set alerts for when wait occasions are low and for present begin occasions.
- Find restrooms
- Entry maps
- Buy and redeem choose theme park tickets and Specific passes
- and extra.
Obtainable on Google Play and within the App retailer.
13. Take Time to Discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Like I stated, Common has executed an AMAZING job with each sections of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Each Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are magical and the element they’ve gone into creating them makes it really feel like you’re a part of the film.
And I say that with out having even seen all the flicks but, or learn the books!
Disgrace on this daddy, I do know! However I too was blown away with how particular all of it was, and acquired impressed seeing households dressed up in the home gear.
So when you, or your youngsters are huge Harry Potter followers, you need to allocate loads of time for these lands. I’m certain my youngsters may have spent all day simply in right here.
14. Get Your Youngsters a Wand
Kalyra had her coronary heart set on getting a wand. She’s a BIG Hermione Jean Granger fan and so needed a Hermione wand.
And Savannah needed a Luna Lovegood wand.
They bought their very own distinctive wands at Ollivanders in Diagon Alley, makers of high quality wands since 382 BC.
Ollivanders is a cool store with towering partitions full of 1000’s of packing containers of wands stacked to the ceiling, however it will get tremendous crowded inside with not a number of room to maneuver!
You should buy character wand replicas or purchase an Interactive Wand for $50 like our children and forged spells like a wizard to create superb magical experiences all through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
This was one in all our children favourite issues to do at Common Studios, as they introduced facets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter park to life.
There are plaques on the bottom spaced out across the park displaying how you can forged the spell and the place to intention your wand, plus useful park wizards on to assist – a number of of them had been a little bit difficult!
Get your wand very first thing on the primary day, so you might have time to play.
15. What Ought to I Convey?
Cozy Footwear
Should you do all three parks, you’ll be spending a number of time in your ft strolling from trip to trip and ready in strains. Heels are in all probability not a good suggestion, and it could be greatest to put on sneakers that may deal with getting moist.
Gown for the Climate
Florida climate can change usually, relying on time of 12 months. It may very well be heat throughout the day, then you definately encounter a day bathe within the spring and summer season. Or a night chill within the fall and winter.
Should you plan on getting moist on rides, or doing Volcano Bay, or hanging by the lodge pool, don’t overlook your swimwear. You possibly can even put on your swimsuits beneath your garments on the parks.
And when you plan on eating out at a pleasant restaurant, or sneaking away to a membership in Metropolis Stroll, pack one thing a little bit dressy.
Solar Safety
It’s Florida. They get a number of solar down there. Don’t overlook your hat, sun shades and solar lotion.
Are you able to convey meals into Common Studios?
Acceptable gadgets you’ll be able to take inside embrace:
- Bottled water
- Small snacks that don’t require heating
- Meals required for medical functions
- Meals required for particular dietary wants
- Child meals/child system
16. Have a Plan, However Keep Versatile
Your youngsters might be stuffed with vitality and pleasure if you stroll by the gates they usually’ll need to race round and do EVERYTHING without delay.
I do know our children did. And it’s onerous to include their pleasure and know what to do and when.
So have a tough plan of what you need to do.
Prioritise the rides and points of interest you MOST need to do and give attention to these first.
- Use the Common Orlando app to keep watch over wait occasions and to determine the place to go subsequent
- Buy Common Specific Passes
- Have a plan, however be versatile
17. Our Prime 10 Sights at Common Orlando
Listed below are our suggestions for the Common Orlando parks so that you don’t miss among the greatest rides and points of interest!
- The Unimaginable Hulk Coaster (Islands of Journey)
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Islands of Journey)
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Common Studios)
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster (Volcano Bay
- Butterbeer (each parks)
- Revenge of the Mummy (Islands of Journey)
- Ko’kiri physique plunge, Kala & Tui Nui Serpentine Physique Slides (Volcano Bay)
- Rip Experience Rockit Coaster (Islands of Journey)
- Shopping for wands and being a wizard (each parks)
- Flight of the Hippogriff (Islands of Journey)
18. Why You Ought to Not Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
As we at all times say…“Should you can’t afford journey insurance coverage, then you’ll be able to’t afford to journey”. It’s that straightforward.
Not having journey insurance coverage will not be definitely worth the threat, and that is one in all our essential suggestions for Common Orlando.
What occurs if:
- That you must cancel your journey unexpectedly
- A hurricane damages your vacation spot
- There’s a terrorist occasion
- You get sick or injured in your journey
- Your baggage is misplaced or stolen
Journey insurance coverage is designed to cowl sudden medical emergencies and occasions equivalent to these.
Something can, will, and typically goes fallacious. If it does and you aren’t insured, you could be up for some huge cash AND inconvenience.
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