Top Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips

For the last several years we've taken our family vacation at Universal Studios in Orlando. We are huge Harry Potter fans.

Over the years, we've discovered a few tips that have allowed us to spend less time on lines and more time enjoying our activities. I've shared some below.

Child swap

This one is genius for parents with small children. Normally, having a small child who can't ride makes it difficult for both adults to go. Normally, since one adult must stay back with the child until the other comes back, this effectively doubles the time it takes. With child swap there is a room at the end of the line - right before you get on the ride. So everyone waits in line together till the end. Then, one adult waits in this room with the child while the other rides and you switch as soon as the first rider is back. It's brilliant!

Universal has 4 on-site hotels and the three main ones (Portofino, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific) have the following benefits.

Early park admission

You get into Universal Studios an hour before they open. Great for shopping without crowds or getting on rides. Only available to guests of the hotel.

Universal Express

You can pay for this one, but it is included with your room at the three main Universal hotels. Basically it is a separate line that allows you to avoid the regular line and you get on the ride or into a show faster. Note, the hottest rides don't have this, but most rides do and it saves a LOT of time.

Another option, which is free, is some rides have a single rider line so if you don't need to sit together, this separate line also gets you on the ride faster.

Bring your sunblock and sunglasses and spend less time waiting, more time having fun!