Go Informed Podcast, Theme Park Touring, Universal Orlando

Lessons From My June Universal Orlando Trip – Go Informed Podcast Episode 031

July 9, 2018
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Hulk Roller Coaster at Universal Islands of Adventure

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June Universal Orlando Trip Report

On this episode I discuss some of our touring challenges, new hacks, and other things we learned on our recent Universal Orlando trip. You’ll find out what it’s like to visit Universal Orlando in June, and how to handle the weather and other challenges that go with a summer vacation in Florida. The notes here are for quick reference. Be sure to listen to the episode to hear all the details.

These are the show notes for episode 31. Listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

Or listen on your favorite podcast app! Just search for the Go Informed Podcast.

Tips From My June Universal Orlando Trip

The Weather Really Does Affect Your Visit to Orlando

We experienced extreme weather a lot on this trip, with heavy rain that lasted over an hour several times. From this, we observed a few weather cues that can help you figure out when rain is imminent.

Watch for black clouds. Those puffy white clouds are just a precursor. When you see the dark clouds that’s a sign that the rain is getting close. Usually within a half hour or so.

Notice the wind. It suddenly gets windy right before the downpour starts. When you feel that wind, it’s time to cover up and get inside.

Here are my other episodes and posts about Orlando weather:

Top 5 Orlando Summer Weather Tips – Go Informed Podcast Episode 028

Disney World and Universal Orlando Summer Gear Guide – Go Informed Podcast Episode 024

Weather at Universal Orlando: 5 Cool Tips for the Heat and Rain

Disney World Weather Tips and Why August is a Great Time to Visit Orlando

This is my post about what to do if you experience extreme weather on your trip, including soaking wet shoes.

Here’s a link to the video of the rainstorm we experienced on our ride to the Orlando airport.

Get This Shirt

Club Ride shirt perfect for Disney World or Universal Orlando vacation — Me wearing my Club Ride shirt. Obviously this is not at Universal Orlando. Check out the show notes for episode 32 to see who I’m sitting with on that bench.

I mentioned this shirt on episode 28. After testing it out in the Orlando heat, I can absolutely recommend it for your trip. It was comfortable, it never wrinkled, and it never got sweaty or stinky. Plus it looked better than just a t-shirt. To see who’s sitting on the bench next to me, take a look at the shownotes for episode 32.

It’s called the Club Ride Bandara Plaid Bike Jersey and you can find it on Amazon here.

Yes, they make shirts like this for guys too. Here’s a link.

Watch the Universal Orlando Early Admission Schedule – It Can Change!

Double-check the Universal Orlando early admission park schedule to make sure it hasn’t changed. We ended up going to the wrong park on our first morning!

Make Sure You Have the Touring Plans Lines App on Your Phone

Here’s a post about some of the apps I recommend you use for your trip to Universal Orlando.

What To Do If a Ride Malfunctions at Universal Orlando

Be aware that some of the rides at Universal Orlando are prone to breakdowns. Especially the Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts attraction.

If a ride breaks down when you’re in it, stay calm. We were stuck on the Gringotts ride for around 20 minutes one morning. It was inconvenient and not the first time this has happened to us.

If you get stuck on a ride or if there’s any kind of glitch that affects your enjoyment, be sure to talk to a ride attendant as soon as you get off. They will often let you ride again without going back through the line.

Make sure you’re courteous to the park employees. They are trying their best to get you on your way.

Listen to the episode for more tips about what to ask for when you get stuck on a ride at Universal.

Booking.com

Universal Express Pass Updates

If you are staying at an Express Pass hotel (Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific), your hotel room key is now your Universal Express Pass. No more going to a kiosk to print a separate pass.

When you go through an Express Pass line at Universal Orlando, the attendant will scan the bar code on your room key and you will be photographed by a facial recognition camera. Universal is using facial recognition to make sure you are the person who belongs with your Express Pass.

The facial recognition system is fast and seems to be really accurate. I never had to have it take my picture more than once, and it just takes a few seconds to get through this extra step.

Park Entry Procedures and Tips

Here’s Universal’s official page about what you can and can’t bring into the parks.

When you get to the park gates early in the morning, don’t get in the longest line just because there are people in it. Go to the shortest line or an empty turnstile. The people who started those long lines don’t have any more information about where to stand than you do. Pick an empty line and be first in the park.

Get Free Water at Universal Orlando

Make sure you’re staying hydrated in the Florida heat. You can get a free cup of water from any quick service restaurant or kiosk that has fountain soda drinks. Just walk up and ask.

Listen to a Secret Song on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster

There is a secret song menu on the Rip Ride Rockit with about 40 extra songs you can choose from. Choices range from Led Zeppelin to Barry White to Muse, and even a few classical selections.

Here is the website where you can find out how to access the Rip Ride Rockit secret song list. Make sure you read the instructions so you know how to access the menu when you get on the ride.