Each time we ramp up to the Orlando Informer Meetup, I have the opportunity to assist our guest-experience team by helping answer phone calls – which means I get to talk to you all, the readers and the podcast listeners and our guests. It’s actually quite a bit of fun, especially for someone who normally sits behind his keyboard all day with just his cats to keep him company.
And the very best conversations I get to have are with those individuals who have never been to Universal Orlando Resort before – not only do I get to live vicariously through these individuals, breathing in the excitement and anticipation of getting to experience all these wonderful attractions and restaurants and hotels for the very first time, but I also get to channel my inner vacation planner and help break everything down for them. It’s a wonderful feeling on both counts, and I delight whenever I get lucky enough to have it.
Which got me to thinking: why not take all those conversations and put them down on (digital) paper, to help benefit all of the first-timers? So here we go – the three biggest items to know about Universal Orlando, especially in regards to arriving for the OI Meetup.
1. Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel
The heart of Universal Orlando consists of Universal CityWalk, the dining/shopping/entertainment complex, and the first two parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; all three components are situated literally right next to each other, making it a bit like a compact-but-sizable downtown city block. (The parking garages are connected to all this concentrated goodness, as well.)
Right nearby are all the hotels that Universal operates. If you stay at one of these properties, you’ll be right in the middle of the action, and you can hop quickly back to your room at a moment’s notice if you need to change your clothes after getting soaked on the water rides or if you suddenly decide you need a mid-day break, swim, and/or nap (and who doesn’t?).
And all this isn’t to mention the theming that each of these resorts also features; from a Mediterranean stay to a nostalgic romp back to the 1960s, the different venues pretty much have something for everyone. When you also factor in the four different price categories (from Value to Premier) and the huge array of amenities (not only all the delicious restaurants, but also the likes of bowling alleys and, even, bocce courts), you have the makings of a terrific, fun-filled stay. This is the only way I, personally, experience Universal, and it’s easily the way I recommend for everyone else, too – especially the newcomers.
(You can find which Universal Orlando hotel is the best for you right here.)
2. CityWalk is your best friend
At 30 acres in size, and with a diverse gastronomical lineup, Universal CityWalk Orlando isn’t a place to simply zoom through on your way to the theme parks.
This just may be me, but my Universal day isn’t complete unless I’ve stopped at Voodoo Doughnut and picked out at least one colorful concoction. Additionally, I almost always seem to spend at least a little time at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, with its vast collection of beers and foosball-table seats; Bigfire has an excellent assortment of various smoked dishes (and drinks!); and one of my personal favorite stops is The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar, which has one of the craziest (and one of the most delicious) menus you’ll ever see. And, if I happen to have any first-timers traveling with me, I always make it a point to bring them to The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, which, quite simply, has to be seen to be believed – the whimsical theming, the stuffed-to-the-gills chocolate shop, and, of course, the towering signature milkshakes are all top-notch.
Need some other stops to help fill out your time either before or after the Orlando Informer Meetup? There’s much in the way of quick-service possibilities (burgers, sandwiches, burritos, and sushi), along with a few entertainment options, too, such as putt putt and a recently renovated movie theater.
In summation, let’s put it this way: CityWalk is a great additive to your Universal vacation, throwing in some solid opportunities for both family and down time in between bouts at the parks or nights at the OI Meetup. And it’s also where you’ll see all the signs for our registration, so be sure to follow the nice team members as they point the way for the adventure that is to begin.
3. Make the most of the theme parks
Universal Studios Florida is a faux movie backlot (although a production periodically makes its way into the theme park’s various soundstages and onto its movie set-esque streets, too). Islands of Adventure is a teeming collection of different worlds, ranging from Seuss Landing™, based off of the works of the beloved children’s author, to The Lost Continent, which is devoted to ancient mythology. Both feature more than enough experiences to keep you busy as you wait for the exclusive portion of the Orlando Informer Meetup to begin.
Yes, that’s right – you get at least a few hours of time to spend with the daytime guests before the parks close to the public and all the fun (and food!) begins for our invitees. While most of the attractions and restaurants remain open for the after-hours fun, there are a few that close along with the daytime operations – namely, some water rides at Islands of Adventure and a few stage shows at Universal Studios Florida. Make the most of your bonus park time by checking them out first (I even wrote a whole guide about that here).
Do you want even more extra time to spend exploring the theme parks? You’ll need to get a daytime ticket for that – just keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase the park-to-park upgrade in order to hop back and forth between the two destinations, which comes particularly into play if you want to ride the Hogwarts™ Express. (Just a few quick notes here: your OI Meetup admission already includes this park-to-park access during the evening of the Orlando Informer Meetup, but if you need it – and some extra theme-park time – for either before or after your big night, we can help you with procuring your tickets here.)
Now, let’s get back to the Hogwarts™ Express: with your park-to-park access, you’ll be able hop aboard the legendary train and travel from King’s Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida to Hogsmeade™ Station at Islands of Adventure. If that makes it sound like there are two different lands at two different theme parks, that’s because that’s exactly right: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ recreates a snowcapped wizarding village, while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ allows you to follow in Harry’s footsteps as you walk through the streets of London. Both are must-visits, and both could easily gobble up most of your time at Universal Orlando Resort (they always seem to do that to me!).
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time for the next (and most important!) step: procuring your OI Meetup tickets and discounted hotel-room stay early. Both usually sell out in advance – and, often, quickly.
We look forward to welcoming you to your first Orlando Informer Meetup!
Orlando Informer Meetup tickets are limited. Learn more and secure yours today.
Questions? Email meetup@orlandoinformer.com or call/text us at (855) 245-4636.
Orlando Informer Meetup tickets are limited.
Learn more and secure yours today.
Questions? Email meetup@orlandoinformer.com or call/text us at (855) 245-4636.
Universal Orlando is excited to enhance your experience with the latest local health and safety guidelines. Learn all you need to know by visiting www.universalorlando.com/safetyinfo.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21)
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. ©2021 Voodoo Doughnut, LLC. TM & © 2021 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved. The Cowfish and all related logos TM The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, LLC. All rights reserved. Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2021 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved. Hard Rock Hotel ® Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc.