10 Orlando Theme Park Secrets Only Locals Know
Must-Know Tips for Orlando’s Theme Parks
Orlando theme parks are amongst the largest in the world, with spine-tingling rides, eclectic dining, quirky characters, and electrifying live performances drawing in the crowds. With so many things to see and do, planning your way around these theme parks can seem rather daunting.
Save time and money with our guide to Orlando theme park secrets that only locals know. With so much to enjoy, and only a number of hours to fit it all in, our advice is intended to help make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
What are the top Orlando theme park secrets that only locals know?
1. Visit on overcast days
Make use of the grey weather
Many visitors choose to skip theme park outings during rainy periods, which makes wait times much shorter than they might be on a typical day. Cloud coverage also means a more comfortable time running around the parks since the weather isn’t as hot and humid. Bring a rain jacket though as Florida weather is infamous for its sudden sporadic downpours.
It’s also important to keep in mind that all outside attractions shut down when lightning is within 15 km of the theme parks. All indoor attractions remain open if it’s just a little rain, meaning you can fit in more rides.
2. Join the single rider line
Gain easy access to attractions
These under-utilized queues aren’t always signposted, so many people don’t know how to use them. The single rider line is a special queue designated for people traveling solo or willing to be temporarily separated from their party.
These are a big time-saver on rides, as the wait is usually a fraction compared to a regular queue. The parks’ benefit from this because it allows them to fill single spots left empty. In rare occurrences, parties of two or three can end up being placed together.
3. Download theme park apps
Stay ahead of the curve with real-time info
Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have smartphone applications that allow you to make ticket reservations, look up attraction wait times, and review restaurant menus.
Disney’s app also allows you to instantly locate yourself on their interactive and GPS-enabled map. You can also find ‘Character Greeting’ locations and times. With Universal’s app, you can look up showtimes, locate nearby restrooms, and make dining reservations.
4. Visit popular rides during non-peak hours
Beat the masses to the magic
Orlando’s most popular attractions such as Disney’s Frozen Ever After and Universal’s Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey often have wait times of one hour or more during the early afternoon. Avoid the large crowds by visiting in the morning or during parades and fireworks shows.
It’s also a good idea to plan for an early or late lunch. This not only allows you to benefit from smaller crowds at the attractions but to also avoid the lunchtime rush at the theme park’s many restaurants. If you stay at a resort, you’ll have the advantage of entering both theme parks one hour before opening, giving you extra time to check out the more prominent attractions first.
5. Universal stays open later than Islands of Adventure
Night-owls take note
If you have a park-to-park pass, don’t head straight home when Islands of Adventure closes without checking Universal’s operating hours. On several days of the month, the closing times are staggered by up to 2 hours, meaning you can spend extra time exploring Diagon Alley or getting up to mischief at Minion Mayhem!
Check Universal Orlando’s official website for further details. Here, you’ll learn more about opening times that are aligned with special events, as well as seasonal fluctuations and extended holiday hours.
6. Take advantage of credit card perks
Discover dazzling discounts
Many credit card companies offer perks across Orlando’s theme parks including Chase and American Express. A Disney Visa Card allows guests the opportunity to meet Disney Characters in a private location, away from larger crowds. It also enables a 10% discount off merchandise and select dining locations. There’s special financing for guests purchasing Disney tickets too.
American Express cardholders can take advantage of various perks at Universal Orlando. This includes dining and merchandise discounts, as well as specially-priced photo packages. Universal Studios boasts a designated American Express Lounge, providing cardholders with complimentary snacks, drinks, and a concierge-service.
7. Pack a lunch
Skips the restaurants and save money
Theme park dining can be very expensive, especially if you are visiting on consecutive days. Bringing food and drinks can save you a lot of money throughout the week, given that a bottle of water can cost up to $5 in certain parks.
Orlando’s theme parks are fairly lenient with the amount of food you can bring in, but it’s important to note that outside coolers and alcohol are not allowed. Alternatively, make use of the various theme park dining plans. These are prepaid and allow two meals per day and unlimited drinks. For a large family, this is often a great money-stretching option.
8. Keep your eyes peeled for the finer details
Tiny delights are in-store!
Theme parks go to great lengths to showcase minor touches which will be missed by the less astute, such as Disney’s Hidden Mickeys and Universal’s Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter restrooms. In Disney’s Tomorrowland, the futuristic metal palm trees subtly fold their leaves at night. In Frontierland, there is a winding brown sidewalk in the middle of the path—few know that this represents the raw sewage that the US dealt with during colonial times.
Magical details can be found throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. Certain wand movements made with a special wand purchasable throughout the park, make curtains flutter, lanterns light up, and flowers bloom. You will also find understated details throughout Diagon Alley, such as billboards that were only briefly mentioned in the Harry Potter novels.
9. Plan in advance for water rides
Get ready to make a splash!
Ziploc bags and rain ponchos are two great options for keeping you and your cellphone from getting soaked during water rides at Orlando’s theme parks. Swimsuits are allowed on most rides but you must wear shoes at all times.
Both Walt Disney World and Universal provide paid-for lockers to guests wanting to bring towels to the park, or an extra set of clothes. Plastic ponchos are sold throughout the parks and cost up to $12 each. Alternatively, bring a raincoat.
10. Remember where you parked!
Use the app or jot it down
Many Orlando theme park visitors forget to make a note of where they left their car (and the parking lots are usually as big as the parks themselves). Often, the venues have various ways to help their guests remember this, such as colored posts, character pictures, or quirky names, which helps.
The Universal app has a clever parking reminder feature, where you can set the level and row to show where you left your car. Remembering this small detail is a big part of ending your visit on a high note. After all, no one likes to search through infinite levels of vehicles.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.