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Budgeting

How to navigate Universal Studios theme parks on a Budget and Like a Boss

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If you read my FinCon18 recap, you know I went to Universal Studios during the conference.

I had to recharge my batteries. I was just so exhausted. I needed some me time.

Therefore, I purchased tickets online to go to Universal Island of Adventure and Universal Studios: Halloween Horror Nights 2018 or #HHN28.

Buying the tickets online is a good idea for Halloween Nights as they offer a discount online.

I got one ticket to go to either park for 1 day for $115. And For Halloween Nights, I got a Flex ticket for $81.99, which allowed me to go any night Sunday – Friday.

This ended up being a good idea because I was unable to go on a specific night (as you can buy a specific date ticket for cheaper $50-60).

I had an absolute ball. It was so much fun. This is the most fun I have ever had at a theme park.

Every hour something new would happen. I walked in circles around the park all night long. I had to finally force myself to leave because it was after midnight.

This is how I was able to do everything I want at Universal on a budget and have a blast!

UNIVERSAL HERE I COME

First, I decided to wait until noon to go. I saw no reason to get there when the park opens because I knew I did not want to be there all day in the heat walking around.

After, I got dropped off by the Resort taxi, I went straight through CityWalk and when to the gate. I printed out my paper ticket, but was told I would need to get a park ticket because it was a digital ticket I had and needed to be on a device (cell phone).

I waited in line at customer service, which was oh so slow.

Finally, I got my turn and had to show photo ID. I then received both of my tickets to each park and was able to get into the park.

Park tip 1: To avoid this aggravation, simply download the ticket to your phone.

OFF TO SEE ISLAND OF ADVENTURE

I got park maps of both the Adventure Park and Halloween Nights and mapped out a plan.

I would do this park for 6 hours from noon until about 630 pm when Halloween Nights started.

At that time, I would do the other park for Halloween for about 4-5 hours as it did not close until 2 am!

First, I got on the Incredible Hulk Coaster. It was so much fun. I had to use my ticket to open the locker for the ride.

Please note, you need to have pockets or a ticket holder to keep your ticket with you while on this ride because you need it to re-open the locker.

I was also able to go in the single rider lines. Since, no one wanted to ride single these were the shortest lines. Therefore, I was able to get on every ride in both parks within 5-20 minutes!!!

Park tip 1: Go in the single rider lines. They are faster and anyone can use them. You can still end up riding with all or most of your party on the ride, but without the long wait in line.

MARVEL ISLAND

Then I walked over to Marvel Super Hero Island and got on the Spiderman 3-D ride.

While in line, I saw lots of people with lanyards and clear ticket holders around their necks.

I asked two gentlemen standing in line where they got it from. They said the front of the park, but I could buy one at stores around the park for about $10-12 bucks.

The first thing I did when I got off the ride was buy a lanyard. It cost me $10.65.

Park tip 1: Get the lanyard. You can tuck it inside your shirt while you ride. The holder keeps your tickets safe and dry from water rides.

Park tip 2: Put a credit card inside the ticket holder with your park ticket and then you can pay for food and locker rental without needing to carry your bag around the park.

Park tip 3: I asked if there was a place close by to get water and was informed that every place that offers food and drink provide free ice water. Including all the food stands or carts. Drink it! I asked like every hour for cold water.

Park tip 4: I also asked what the gentlemen were asking for when asking patrons if they could speak to them. She said it was a timeshare. They say it will be a 90 minute tour, but it turns into four hours. Stay away from these folks! It’s a high pressure sales pitch. Don’t fall for it.

On a side note: I did this before and they try to pressure you to buy all day. They ask for personal information. Don’t give it to them. They especially want your credit card or bank account number. Don’t do it!

I decided on a whim to sign up, but then looked these people up online before the tour. By sheer happenstance, I clicked on the reviews. They were horrible. So, I did what any sensible person would do. I backed out.

I called the salesperson 2 hours before my scheduled tour and said something came up.  The conversation went something like this:

ME: Hello. Good morning. Something has come up and I am not able to make the tour. I’m checking out my hotel and flying home ASAP. So, you can cancel the tour. Hope you have a good day.

SALESPERSON: (sad voice) No problem…they continue to talk, but I hang up.

I then immediately blocked that number and anyone that called from that out of state area code.

My gut instinct was that they would try to contact me and I had someone call me 3 times at the time I was supposed to be picked up for the tour.

Nope. I blew them off.

I kept the conversation short (per my phone it lasted 20 seconds) and controlled the entire situation.

Do I feel bad?  Absolutely not.  I followed phone etiquette. If you say goodbye, have a nice day or I’m hanging up now, it’s not hanging up on anyone, right?

My motto is sometimes you just have to be aggressive. Be, be aggressive. But I digress. Let’s get back to the fun.

JURASSIC PARK

I went on my third ride: Jurassic Park River Adventure.  It was not scary at all and the park is definitely family friendly as many of the rides were not thriller roller coasters, but still fun.

Then after, this ride I was tired. I took a break and got a grilled chicken salad from Captain America Diner. It cost $11.50.

Park tip 1: Take breaks after 2 or 3 rides. The sun and all the walking really wear you out.

Park tip 2: Wait at least an hour to an hour and a half to start riding again to give your food a chance to digest and body a chance to rest and recover from all the movement of the day.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Next, I got on the Harry Potter ride. You can keep your stuff in the lockers they provide. You will need to place your index finger on the pad until it says remove finger and verified. Then you will be assigned a locker number.

Park tip 1: Some lockers ask you to create a six digit passcode for you to re-open your locker. Keep it simple so you remember.

This ride is decent. Great visuals. Lots of jerky movements.

The Lost Continent

I went to Poseidon’s Fury.   Waited in line for a while as they grouped all riders together. The ride was okay. Again, great visuals here and atmosphere.

After riding all the roller coasters I wanted, I decided to do the water rides.

Park tip 1: I suggest you do the water rides last. The other park does not have any. And the Volcano Bay park where it is nothing but water, think inner tubes and lazy river (no rides), you have to be bused to. No thanks.

Park tip 2: If you want to get wet, either do it during the day when the suns out or bring a change of clothes. And I mean a whole change of clothes including socks and undergarments as you are going to get soaked.

Park tip 3: Bring sandals to wear on water rides. I put my sneakers in the locker and did all the water rides in sandals so I wouldn’t have to walk around the park in wet sneakers!

Toon Lagoon

The last stop in this park for me.

I got on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripshaw Falls. You get pretty wet here. My pants were soaked but my hair and shirt were not too terrible. I even found a partner to ride with here.

Next up,  Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges.  YOU GET WET. Absolutely soaked, from head to toe.  They have waterfalls that just drench you. And oh yea, dryers cost $5 a cycle!

I had a blast, but it’s time to get to the real action. Halloween Nights!! Yea baby!!!

Universal Studios Florida

This is where the action is. Huge crowds have formed outside the park and everyone is buzzing to get inside. I walked over from Island Adventure in my wet clothes so I could take care of everything all at once while inside the park.

Once inside, I immediately make my way into the ladies and change clothes. Feeling refreshed. I go over to a locker at the front of the park, by the entrance and pay $10 for all day and unlimited access.

I also brought a thin strapped bag to wear over my clothes like a cross body that was similar to a fanny pack to walk the park hands-free. I was able put my cell phone, lip gloss, and any receipts into it.

Since, I kept my cell phone on me in this park, I texted myself the locker number that I stored all my stuff in at the front of the park to make sure I wouldn’t forget.  (small productivity hack there)

Park tip 1: They will let you ride with the fanny pack as long as it’s around your waist for all the rides I went on except Harry Potter.  Just FYI.

Then I was on my way. I was off to the next ride.

NEW YORK

I rode the Revenge of the Mummy. It was pretty cool. It also had a surprise drop and was super creepy inside the dark caves. It was awesome!

Park tip 1: I played no games because I did not want to carry any prizes or spend unnecessary money on souvenirs. I just kept my park maps as one.

Park tip 2: Like with the other park, I zipped inside shops and cafes. I was in and out because if you stay too long, you will spend money.

San Francisco

I got on the Fast and the Furious. Prepare to wait for this one. It gives a long tour. However, the ride makes you feel like you’re a part of the action in the movie. So it’s not too bad.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

This place is straight out of Hogwarts. It is really cool. I zoomed in and out of shops because again you will spend. That quiddich outfit or wizard uniform is pricey. The school uniform tie costs $30 bucks!

As I said above, you must put all items in a locker.

Then off you go. The ride is pretty cool. After every ride, it just so happens to exit into a shop of the character attraction you just got threw riding. A coincidence? I think not. Nope, I don’t need a wand to sit in my closet at home. I’m good.

World Expo

Men in Black (MIB) Alien attack. This is pretty fun. You shoot aliens. Just shoot everything!

Now, it’s gotten dark. All of the sudden chainsaw sounds are going off and people are in monster make-up and costumes. Zombies jump out at you and you get chased by people out of dark alleys. Let the fun begin!

I am also hungry. I go to Richter’s in San Francisco and get a grilled chicken sandwich for; you guessed it, another $11.50 like my lunch salad. And a small sundae from Ben & Jerry’s for $8 dollars! I bought no drink as water was free everywhere.

I walk around and take my customary break of at least one hour before riding.

At this point, the park is in full swing. The Killer Clowns from Outer Space are walking around, people are on stilts in full costume, and lighted jack-o-lanterns are hanging from the trees.

A life size Chucky from the movie Child’s Play box is in the middle of the street and inside is Chucky! He is talking to the crowd. It was one of the most bizarre things to see, but it sure was cool. He drew the largest crowd.

Every hour the park gets wilder, crazier, more fun, and crowded. It was sheer pleasure.

Sights and  sounds were everywhere. In every corner, there was something going on. I just kept walking in circles to see what would happen next. They just kept adding characters and shows.

An impromptu performance on the front stage started right before midnight of dancers doing the choreography in Michael Jackson’s thriller while the song played.

I took a short video of the performance. In this short clip, you could feel the energy of the park. It was crackling. It was electric. It was live. People were laughing, joking, dancing in the streets and just having a good time.

Imagine being in this energy for 6 hours like I was. It was the most fun I have ever had at a theme park hands down. Universal does Halloween big!!

I also got my face painted. So much fun. People kept walking up to me asking for help. They thought I worked there! But I guess when you’re wearing all black and costume makeup that can happen.

LAST RIDE OF THE NIGHT: TRANSFORMERS 3-D

This was another short line and the singles line was super short.

Park tip 1: Do not waste your money on a fast pass. You can get on most rides within 20 minutes.

Park tip 2: Pay attention to the monitors throughout the park. They tell you the wait times of rides.

Transformers were my favorite ride at the park. So, I guess I saved the best for last. It was like being in the movie with them. It was just so much fun and so cool.

Do not pass this ride up as I almost did. I thought it was going to be kind of slow like the other 3-D rides, but I was wrong.  This ride was more than meets the eye!

 

 

THE END OF THE NIGHT. MIDNIGHT.

I walk over to the lockers and get my stuff out. I head over to voodoo donut, but the line is wrapped around the corner so I leave and catch a cab back to the resort.

Park tip 1: There is a pick up and drop off area at the park. This includes cabs, Uber, and Lfyt. Cabs are also available all day at the park like an airport.

I get back to the hotel by about 1 am. I am fully recharged. I head up for bed. As I headed into my last day of FinCon, I felt like Rory Gilmore in the season 5 episode of Gilmore Girls, You Jump, I jump Jack, in ominous paratus, that’s Latin for “ready for all things.”

Well, that is the end of my Universal Studios adventure. Hope you had fun and thanks for coming along for the ride (pun intended).