Maybe you already knew that Universal Orlando Resort has an official app, but did you know there are some sensational ways that it can save you hassle and headaches during your vacation? Well, there are and I’m here to share some of my favorite tips for using the Universal App to hack your vacation.
Tip 1 – Add your tickets to your mobile wallet
My dad refuses to forgo paper tickets. He prints out airline tickets, hotel confirmations, and even directions “just in case”. And I get it!
But paper tickets and wallets can get lost, especially if you forget to secure them as you board Jurassic World VelociCoaster for the eighth time. So, my first tip is to make sure you upload your tickets, Annual Pass, Express Pass, and any extras to your wallet on the app. It couldn’t be easier; you’ll just scan your tickets and — voila! — you are making a decision that is eco-friendly, convenient and will make your day so much smoother.
NOTE: If you purchase your tickets through the app or Universal’s main website and chose the Mobile Ticket delivery option, your tickets will be automatically delivered to your mobile wallet and ready to use!
How to upload your tickets: (after you’ve already set up and logged into your Universal Orlando account in the app)
1.) Open the app and click ‘Profile’
2.) Click ‘Wallet’
3.) Click ‘Scan Tickets and Passes’ and you’re all set to go.
Tip 2 – Chat with Universal
This one is for all the introverts out there who would rather spend all day on Revenge of the Mummy than ask a Team Member for the closest bathroom. The Universal App has a feature where you can talk to a virtual assistant that can help you with almost anything you need. It also speaks Spanish!
You can find this chat feature in two places. The first is on the app’s homepage under ‘Helpful Tools’. You can also find it under the ‘Profile’ tab.
You can have most of your questions answered immediately. Such as “Where is the closest bathroom?” “How long is the wait for Fast & Furious – Supercharged?” and “How can I find the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley?”.
Tip 3 – Mobile order your food
These days, this tip is — thankfully — less of a hack and more of the norm for dining at Universal Orlando. Use your app to utilize Mobile Food and Drink Ordering from your table. This table delivery option is currently being implemented throughout most of Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk and even Universal Volcano Bay. Don’t forget to scan in your Annual Pass to make sure you receive your deserved discounts on Mobile Food and Drink orders.
PRO TIP: While I love that this option is in many restaurants throughout the theme parks, I want to share my super specific, favorite hack because I like you. I love doing this in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Any time not spent taking in the sights of the wizarding world is time lost in my book. So, my all-time favorite hack is walking through the alleyway between Dogweed and Deathcap and the bathrooms to find a spot on the back patio. On some of these tables, you will find a QR code. Once you’ve claimed your table, you can pull up your app and order for food (and Butterbeer!) to be delivered directly to you versus waiting in line! Try this for dinner around sunset to get a beautiful view of Hogwarts.
Tip 4 – Filter the map to find your fun
It can be a little overwhelming when trying to navigate all the options Universal has to offer. If you read this Discover Universal blog about using the official app, you already know that there is a feature to set wait time alerts for your favorite rides.
But did you know that you can filter by wait times, as well? Actually, you can filter by almost anything!
Picture this: You want to get in another ride before your reservation at Lombard’s Seafood Grille. You have just enough time to ride one more ride before you have to make your way to the restaurant. But which ride should you choose? You could wander around the park hoping to find a ride with an appropriate wait time, but depending on where you are, you may spend all your free time walking. Instead, you can use the app!
How to filter the map:
1.) Open the app and click ‘Map’ on the bottom banner.
2.) Initially you will see pins for every option Universal Orlando Resort offers. Click ‘View Park Maps’ and choose the park you’re exploring. This will focus your map to only what you want to see.
3.) To find all the filters you can choose from, click the funnel on the top right.
After clicking the funnel, you can refine your search based on what your heart desires: child swap availability, Universal Express Pass acceptance, and even rider height requirements for the little ones.
PRO TIP: Be sure to explore the specific filters for Shows and Dining. There, you’ll be able to discover things like when the next show will start, and what dining options sound most appealing to you and your crew.
Getting back to the example above, instead of hoping to find a ride on your own, you can slide the Maximum Wait Time filter to the amount of time that you are willing to wait and, once you hit ‘Apply’, you’ll be able to see the ride options that will have you in and out in time for that Lombard’s Lobster Roll!
Finally, if you are looking for essentials such as Lockers, Restrooms, First Aid, or Service Animal Rest Areas, these options can be filtered for by choosing the ‘Change Category’ button on the map view.
Those are some of my favorite app tricks. What are yours? Any I missed? Let me know and I’ll see you in the parks!
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