Don’t have much time, huh? We’ve compiled a list below that features what we consider to be the most important tips. If you have suggestions of your own, feel free to suggest them at our forums.

Buying tickets

Get them online. I’ll say it again. Get them online. In this day and age of using the internet for almost everything, I’m still not sure why people continue to use the ticket booths. It’s not necessarily and you can save yourself a bunch of hassle by ordering through the internet.

If for some reason you are unable to buy tickets through the computer, you can always resort to their automated ticket machines. These are located on the far left of the entrance, so they usually aren’t too occupied.

Arriving at the park

Parking Prices - Preferred Parking vs Normal Parking

Parking is expensive. I know it sucks. I’m not a fan of it and you shouldn’t be either. Have a twenty dollar bill on hand so you don’t spend three minutes looking for change. Suffice to say, preferred parking is an absolute sham.

Don’t be a lazy ass. You can afford to walk four minutes longer. If you can’t, you really shouldn’t be going to a theme park.

Park Entrance

If you’re carrying a large bag, prepare to have it searched. Don’t carry anything that your grandmother wouldn’t.

Have your ticket ready and be aware that they’re going to get your fingerprint. If you’re returning for a second day, write your name on your ticket. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent watching families stress out over tickets. Also, please be sure to remember which hand you used and give a clear print while you're at it.

Rides and Attractions

Wait Times

Generally speaking, the newest rides will have the longest wait times – but that’s a given. If you’re serious about getting all the attractions down in one day, I’ve been told by employees to always head to the Studio Tour first, followed by shows and then rides. The sequence might be odd, but the reasoning behind it makes sense. As our forum member Chris writes…

Shows

If you want to see a show, get there at least twenty minutes before posted show time. Don’t be an idiot and attempt to run across the park.

Getting wet

You’re probably going to get wet in WaterWorld, Jurassic Park, and on Studio Tour if you pick your cards right.

Food

Universal’s theme park food is actually pretty decent. They have a few fast food chains in there, but it’s still general theme park fare. If you’re like me and you’re not a fan of park food, try getting your hand stamped and taking a bite over at CityWalk. It’s cheaper and it should taste better too.