Five Things to Know About Winter Visits to Universal Orlando
When planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, you should consider many factors. But, unfortunately, there’s plenty you may not realize about the parks.
Here are five things you need to know about a winter visit to Universal Orlando Resort (UOR).
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
Let’s Talk about the Weather
Photo: Universal Orlando
I’ve got great news, and I’ve got possibly surprising news. The glowing positive here is that Orlando tourists are enjoying 74-degree weather as I type this.
Since I have snow on the ground right now, that sounds like a lovely escape from cold weather. Of course, you may feel the same, depending on where you live.
Photo: Universal Volcano Bay
However, you shouldn’t believe that the heat is oppressive in Orlando during the winter months.In fact, Central Florida’s quite comfortable during the first quarter of the year. The average high temperatures for January, February, and March are 72, 74, and 79 degrees, respectively. Conversely, the average low temperatures are 51, 53, and 58 degrees.
You may feel a bit cool during early mornings and late evenings. Otherwise, it’s shorts weather for those who run hot, and pants weather for the rest of us.
Photo: pastapretzelsandpassports.com
Obviously, you’ll face the occasional bout of rain, as Florida is notorious for sudden showers.Those will drop the temperature a few degrees and could cause you to feel soggy and cold for a bit.
I suggest that you carry a rain slicker or umbrella to protect yourself and thereby avoid that fate. Overall, people dream about wintering in Florida for a reason, though. The weather’s just plain better than most other parts of America.
Closures Are a Thing
Photo: Universal Orlando
Do you stand outside when it’s snowing? Well, you probably do, but you wear several layers of clothing plus a thick coat and mittens, right? You do this because you don’t want to get cold. But, alas, as I just mentioned, Florida’s temperatures do dip some during the winter months.
Cold for Florida would qualify as a heatwave where you are, but that’s not the point. You still wouldn’t want to spend lots of time recovering from wet rides. Sure, maybe you’ll do one or two, depending on your mood, but the desire isn’t the same as it would be during the scorching summer months.
Image Credit: Universal
As such, Universal cycles through wet ride closures during the first quarter of the year.
As I type this, Jurassic Park River Adventure has gone down for annual maintenance. These renovations will last through January 28th.
Soon after this ride returns, Universal will close Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls on January 31st. It’ll remain shut down until February 25th.
Source: Universal Orlando
Finally, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges undergoes its yearly repairs from February 25th through March 18th.
Park officials always target completion dates by mid-March so that everything’s up and running by Spring Break.
Photo: Universal Orlando
However, one other attraction will remain offline for much longer. Universal is overhauling some of the sets for Revenge of the Mummy.
This beloved roller coaster has closed and won’t return until the second half of 2022. Yes, that’s a bummer.
Universal Features Three Distinct Parks
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
Something you may struggle to understand is that there isn’t a Universal Studios Orlando.
That’s a nitpick but an essential point as well. Instead, there’s a Universal Studios Florida (USF) and a Universal’s Islands of Adventure (IoA).
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
They’re two distinct parks with their own signature styles. USF is older, dating back to 1990. However, this park also features the newer version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Diagon Alley expansion. It’s the one with the flaming dragon. Islands of Adventure utilizes more theming.
Many former Disney Imagineers took jobs at Universal during the development of this project, and it shows. Each “island” tells a story that involves characters from Marvel, Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss, King Kong, and Harry Potter.
Photo: Universal Volcano Bay
The third park is the water park, Volcano Bay. It also features immaculate theming, arguably the best at UOR. All attractions at the water park include perspectives of the massive Krakatau, the volcano in the middle. There’s also a ride here, Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
Something you should know about Volcano Bay is that it will (understandably) close during especially cold weather.
Some Rides Require Longer Waits
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
Like most theme parks, UOR features some attractions that remain in greater demand. You won’t wait long in line for the overwhelming majority of attractions. However, you should be aware of the ones that require more time.
You’ll want to plan your park visit around them, and it’s easier during the winter. You’re visiting during the off-season at the parks. So, liners are generally less than 30 minutes for all but the top rides.
At Universal Studios Florida, those are:
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – 50-75 minutes
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit! – 40-60 minutes
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, those are:
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures – 80-120 minutes
- The VelociCoaster – 45-60 minutes
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – 40-50 minutes
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong – 40-50 minutes
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – 35-45 minutes
A children’s ride called Pteranodon Flyers sometimes creeps into this range as well, but it’s less consistent than the others.
Overall, the three Harry Potter rides and the VelociCoaster represent the ultimate in Universal theme park experiences. So build your day around them.
By the way, there are hidden ways to shorten your line time…
The Hotels Come with Benefits
Image Credit: Universal
UOR also hosts a slew of hotels, and you’re sure to find one that will match your vacation budget. You definitely get what you pay for here. The most expensive properties also come with the finest amenities.
When you stay at Hard Rock Hotel®, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you’ll receive the ultimate benefit. Each member of your traveling party receives a free Universal Express Unlimited. This pass entitles you to front-of-the-line access for many attractions.
Not every ride includes Universal Express access. However, on those that do, you’ll rarely wait more than 10 minutes in line!
Current USF participants in the Universal Express lane access program include Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit!, Transformers: The Ride 3D, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
At Islands of Adventure, you can skip the lines on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Photo: Universal Orlando
So, you can appreciate the benefit of this amenity. After all, I just listed several of these attractions as possessing some of the longest waits at the parks! With Universal Express, you can virtually walk right on them!
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Feature Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
