Splurges We Think Are Worth It - Universal Orlando edition
It’s easy for a Universal Orlando vacation to start to add up with all the add ons available- from photo packages to VIP tours and more. A travel advisor is equipped to help you decide which options will be best for YOUR vacation package, but here are a few splurges that we feel are worth it for almost every guest.
Staying on property, especially at a resort that is walking distance to at least one park. Universal Orlando has 11 resorts and 8 of those resorts are within walking distance to at least one of the 3 main theme parks. This gives you easier access to the parks and less time waiting on transportation.
Having a park to park ticket. Unlike some other Orlando parks, Universal Orlando has a main campus where there are 2 theme parks and a water park all within walking distance of each other. While the newest park, EPIC Universe is at a separate campus and it is harder to “park hop” from this park, the other parks are so close together that it just makes sense. Plus, if the Hogwarts Express is running, you must have a park to park ticket to ride between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Visiting Volcano Bay- if it’s open during your visit (scheduled to close late October 2026 for an extended period) this water theme park is worth a visit. With 2 different lazy rivers, an aqua coaster, drop slides and raft slides plus some of the best food at Universal Orlando, this is well worth your time.
The seasonal add ons like Halloween Horror Nights or Breakfast with the Grinch. If you are visiting during the fall, Halloween Horror Nights is a must try experience (please note that this experience is only recommended for guests 13 and older and can be very intense). Even if you are a scaredy cat like me, you can have an amazing time exploring the Scare Zones, watching the show and enjoying the snacks. And if you are there during the holidays, the line for the Grinch easy reaches 4+ hours long and that is never worth your time. Instead, enjoy a delicious meal where you get to meet the Grinch
Adding a skip the standard line feature like Express Pass or a VIP tour. Universal offers a few types of Express passes and even includes Unlimited Express passes to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for guests staying at select Signature resorts during their stay. But where Universal really excels is with their VIP tours. They offer a non-private option for guests 5 and older in parties of 6 or less which not only includes your guide and Express pass for the remainder of the day but also includes breakfast and lunch. This tour will be a shared experience though and the guide will follow a set schedule. So if you want to re-ride the same attraction over and over and even get to be in the front row, a private VIP tour is the way to go. Your guide will customize your day to exactly what you and your party want. All ages are welcome on this tour, and all 3 meals of your day are included as well.
While not every add on will make sense for every travel party or for every trip, your Goofy Getaways Travel Advisor can help you decide which splurges will be worth the cost for you.
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