The ULTIMATE Guide to Universal Studios Orlando

[@charitysmidutz498]

I've been saying for years that I wish there was a DFB version quality videos for Universal! I'm so happy you are doing this! Hope to see your restaurant reviews! I love Universal Studios

[@spimi381]

Preach, sister 😑🤞🏻

[@mandarinduck]

As someone who is not familiar with the franchise at all, the Bourne stunt show was kind of jaw dropping. They utilize a big projection with physical onstage props to create the most immersive sets I've ever seen. It's like watching a oner happen live in front of you.

[@shealynnmichelle]

We ALWAYS make sure to do 2 days at Universal with park to park tickets every time we take a trip to Disney World! I love the thrills that Universal offers as well as the nostalgic Disney magic, so we always do both!

[@travisvanalst4698]

That’s the only way to do the week. 5 days for Disney, 2 days for Universal. It isn’t very relaxing but it’s a jam packed vacation time!

[@KingDeuces22]

One of the biggest tips and tricks people fail to mention about the express pass/premier hotel option is that you get the express pass on days you check in AND out. For example, if your check in to Hard Rock is on Monday and your check out is Tuesday, you get the unlimited express pass for both days even though you’re only staying one night. It is almost ALWAYS cheaper to get the pass for two days (which is honestly as much as you need it) this way than buying it standalone. Just book a single day in a premier hotel.

[@jaydee-222]

And that is for up to 4 guests in the room. 8 unlimited express passes for the cost of one hotel night. And you also get a hotel room along with that :)

[@SuperMCModder]

My tip is to use the single riders line. Just went to universal for the first time and it cuts your wait time in half if you don't mind just riding with a random and meeting with your group after. I actually was seated with my group multiple times using the using the single rider line. Cut velocicoster wait time from over 2 hours to 45 minutes.

[@TrentonMatthews]

hats off to the editor for not editing the editing!🎉❤ in other words, this is the best video i have ever seen on this channel! whimsical, cute, and plenty of laughter! it's similar to the tokyo disney video. May everyone at dfb have a great rest of the week!

[@jennifermckinney799]

I'm so glad you guys are doing universal now too. I haven't found anyone that does them like you do Disney, which I love the info you give and how you do it.❤❤❤

[@MidnightsDeluxe]

most of us go to both Disney & Universal so I really appreciate this universal coverage!

[@tainadias1983]

Yeeees! Would love to see videos about best foods in Universal too!

[@lmdothager]

THANK YOU!!! Headed to universal next week and literally opened KZbin thinking I wanted to watch videos, but wished it was coming from DFB and here it is! ❤❤

[@johnnyargo8509]

Finally. I love your videos. The details and amount of work you put in is noticeable. Thanks for posting this.

[@jocelynsantiago7154]

I really like seeing you do the Universal parks too! I love both Disney and Universal. I don't think you have to love one hate the other like some do I think they are both great at different things and both lots of fun!

[@briana5957]

YEEESSS!! I've been waiting for this. I clicked on this video so fast. I absolutely love it. My favorite channel for all things Disney is now reviewing Universal Studios Orlando. This is awesome and I can't wait for more videos. 🥰

[@fugi6910]

I love that you're doing Universal now!!! This is great, please keep doing it! I'd love to hear tips to doing both Universal and Disney vacations :)

[@WDWMax]

Really love the Universal videos, DFB! Last time I was in Universal was May of 2022 and I cannot wait to go back. So many thrilling rides in Universal, Hagrids topping the list. Have a great Tuesday, DFB ☺️

[@lukeniles9339]

This!

[@largol33t12]

I love this theme park but am losing patience waiting for Epic Universal to open. They'll have the Ministry of Magic and Super Mario World! Yay!

[@dontdriveat88]

Please give us a video on the hotel restaurants. Would love to see if there's a quality sit-down down.

[@lukeniles9339]

Yes! I need more Universal content! Esp for the Mardi Gras food festival coming up. It was actually the best food festival in 2023, even over EPCOT food and wine (that surprised me)

[@gabriellacorrea5846]

I agree the food was delicious

[@mattstorace9985]

Awesome that you are covering Universal now

[@luma4902]

I would love more content about universal parks especially about the food like you do with disney

[@mertcanhacfazloglu4862]

I wasn't expecting this video. Planning a 5 day Disney, 2 day Universal trip to Orlando this year and this will help

[@themeparkamusement2214]

It was only a matter of time. The competition has heated up, and with a new Universal park coming. It's time to consider Universal on par with Disney world. That is what Disney gets for refusing to sell the annual passes they are not begging us to buy. We were taken for granted with their silly reservation system.

[@spiked7663]

Yeah universal is definitely going at a way better rate at the moment universal is for sure gaining on Disney

[@vintageoriginallegit]

Disney has 4 huge parks and attention to detail that can’t be beat. Not to mention a whole other theme park on the other side of the nation

[@m.s.r.1795]

Universal is definitely better. Disney used to be good 10+ years ago but the changes they’ve made to the parks have ruined it.

[@spiked7663]

@@m.s.r.1795 universal is not better then Disney lol what. Universal is gaining on Disney though Disney is more then just themed rides it’s not just theme parks and a couple resorts it’s 4 theme parks tons of amazing resorts and it has tons more parks across the globe universal is not better then disney sorry bro

[@mylastbesthope]

​@@vintageoriginallegitproblem with Disney is it's going downhill fast. Rides getting old and the park is getting dirty. The parks are so disjointed with random things being dropped in. Hopefully Disney turns it around, but they are REALLY dropping fast.

[@wesdavies2455]

Fantastic to see dfb and yourself a j covering these parks, you and a few others has taught and assisted, helped, and educated us so much over the years on our vacations in Orlando, so we are so happy to see you moving away from Disney finally and applying your outlook and assistance elsewhere, hope to see you cover all the other parks please.. Thankyou..🙏🏽👍🏼🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@luma4902]

16:58 I really like the fact that in a highly themed are there are only appropriated foods there for the theme(of course with essencials like water and a good enough variety to satisfy most diets which seems to be the case) especially when you can go to any other part of the park to get another item like a soft drink

[@zrally2107]

Pro tip- if you're in Orlando for a week and 1 of your days looks to be a complete Wash out. Save this park for that day as 90% of the activities are inside

[@megsongrey]

You guys should do a weekly update like you do for Saturdays for Disney. Espically since Epic Universe is coming and new food, shows, rides, etc! There's not alot of information and straight to the point guide like your channel and it would help alot with our Florida plan coming up soon!

[@PandaLiz91]

We LOVE Universal!!! We have a vacation in 23 days that is split between Disney and Universal and I’m just giddy with joy!! My 13 year old and I are OBSESSED with everything Harry Potter so we will be in our element! ❤️❤️ So glad to see you branching out with Universal videos, too! Love it!!!

[@markbtv11]

I’m there in 9 days

[@GTNover]

I was waiting for the day you made this. Universal just has so much to cover. -Hollywood Drift in CA -Regional park in TX -Universal Studios getting Pokémon -Universal IOA getting Zelda -Epic Universe which has 4 themed lands and a central hub -Potential parks in the UK They are making such big moves at the exact time Disney is floundering. Time to buy Comcast stock for me.

[@timothyferrelli8274]

The train is a good relaxing method of going from park to park.

[@lorimetzler1173]

Love that DFB is going to be doing Universal info too! Great video, AJ!

[@danilyons2367]

This guy s really cool to see, would love to see more universal videos in the future!

[@DFBGuide]

They are on the way!

[@yesorlando05]

Would love to see an ultimate guide to Islands of Adventure.

[@DFBGuide]

It’s on the way!

[@nikkibee5608]

I did a split D/U holiday for Halloween last year. Disney needs to keep on their toes. My stay at Universal was amazing and once they build another land there…

[@elainehill5931]

We ate at Minions cafe multiple times back in August. Loved everything we got and the atmosphere and team members were awesome! Also, the refillable cups are large and we took full advantage during the summer heat blast. Thanks AJ!

[@patriciaromero5347]

So happy you are doing a universal guide! The express pass is sooooo worth it, I prefer to stay in the premium hotels to get it as part of the perks, it is obviously a more expensive hotel, but I did the math and the difference in staying on property in a notpremium hotel and buying the express pass is relatively small, in a low time. The food, well, typical fast food, there are good restaurants, like a lot Lombards, and the crepe’s are really great. Went 3 days in january 2022, got park to park tickets, did both parks twice and rode many times a lot of rides. Ah the Cowfish had the best fries I have ever had! For most of the restaurants in Citywalk you have to have reservations, that I didnot do, so we had not a lot of options as walk-ins.

[@kevinmartinczak]

You guys missed Rock the Universe weekend they host here annually. It’s a 2 day Christian rock concert taking place inside the park featuring multiple performances each night during extended evening hours. Disney used to do something like this years ago, but universal still does and is coming up soon on the weekend of 1/26. Fun fact it’s the largest Christian concert in FL.

[@franciscomendezlacomba3856]

Thank you DFB Guide love this new content 😁😊

[@kmart014]

Ultimate family vacation. Disney, Universal, then go down to Miami and get on Icon of the seas. 2.5 weeks of vacationing! Cha Ching

[@PancakeJustice]

Minions Cafe is reason enough for DFB to get into the Universal game but overall a lot Universal eats go wildly underrated. Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park is a great and rarely busy lunch spot

[@kaspertillae6893]

The chicken here is MOUTH WATERING

[@Michael-fs5ct]

We need more videos like this!

[@knik7029]

Can’t wait for all of your new universal content!

[@Raistlin12341]

Wow! 😊 you guys are amazing for doing this! Yes thank youuuuu

[@thetigertalks]

yayyyy thank you so much! I love that ur doing an universa orlando video!

[@Earthslittlesecrets]

I would like to hear more about Universal’s hotels.

[@KatieG-pr8kv]

Thank you for the very comprehensive guide! This was so informative, we are planning our first US & IOA this spring. I know so much about Disney but so little about Universal Studios. Please do more videos!!!

[@RikkiReeseCup24]

I went to Halloween Horror Nights for the first time in 2021. I love horror and had wanted to go since I was young. The production quality was incredible. Amazing sets, costumes, special effects and actors. My personal favorite was the Beetlejuice house. Side note: still sad that the Beetlejuice show is gone!

[@apenner1121]

YAY!!! I am soooo glad you are in Universal/IOA parks, AJ!!! Thank you!! I love frozen butterbeer the best; but, hot is a close second. Also, you get Express Pass for the Premiere Annual Pass, too. It is one time use per ride after 4:00 p.m. But, it is still worth it!! Also, you can get the Coke free style drinks special. Universal/IOA has 4 tiers of annual passes, too. I hope you come back to our world more often, too. We enjoy WDW and UO/IOA parks. We love Toothsome; but, it is a hit or miss. You must try the Philly Cheesesteak spring roll appetizer!! It is amazing!! Our favorite place to eat would be Big Fire Grill, actually. Also, you have to try Voodoo Donuts, too. I hope you can visit Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, too. Now, you can wear a fanny pack on most rides. The only rides that you can't wear them is the ones with a metal detector. We really think the Coke free style cups are worth the price. We purchase one and just share the cup/drink. There is a 10-minute time between drinks; but, that's okay as we can't guzzle a soda that fast anyway. lol Again, thank you for visiting this park and am looking forward to other visits here.

[@marie41789]

This is extremely helpful thank you so much!

[@mike9147]

How nice to have a laid back, no rules, no Jeannie-plus, no phone needed, no schedule vacation!

[@hplovinmama631]

Yesss I've been waiting for this+!!

[@WimpyChronicles-iv4ix]

Me and my family are heading to Orlando Soon and I was wondering if you could make a video about best days of the week to go to every park, both universal and disney world. Also amazing video!!!! Keep it up!

[@RikkiReeseCup24]

Antojitos on City Walk is delicious! Their fresh margaritas are on the stronger side, and you can choose between lots of different flavors made with fresh fruit. The blackberry was amazing!

[@leonardtompkins5197]

Thanks for the helpful videos. Going to universal in September and I fell more informed after checking out you videos.

[@reytech1786]

I bet universal studios videos are way way easier to make than Disney videos 😂😂😂❤❤

[@Ms.TrinaASL]

I look at islands of adventure and Universal Studios as two different parks and the waterpark is the third park so the new park is fourth…

[@adamcordell7750]

Staying on-site is the best deal for Express passes… MUCH better deal to stay at a premier resort (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portofino Bay), because you get 2 days with 1 night. The day you check in and the day you check out gives you unlimited express pass. BUT I only stayed at those places when I was a passholder (discount). So it definitely made it a better value than purchasing express for every single person in your party. Paying $130 for 4 people = $520 + tax. 1 night at premier ~$520 = everyone in your party gets an express pass for 2 days.

[@GinIchimaru31]

Thanks for this. With WDW being to expensive I was planning on going here instead.

[@PancakeJustice]

The rumored dining options coming to Epic Universe are also very exciting

[@TheWuffball]

A true Disney trip includes Universal :3

[@uncharted_adventures-z6d]

Me and my family are already planning! Thanks so much for this AJ!

[@Foxes_fan4life]

I’m going in February and staying in the Cabana bay resort. Super excited, only 10 days to go!! 🥳

[@karinna3w528]

I really enjoyed the frozen and cool butterbeer. We got an extra glass and did a 50:50 mix which was the BEST. Florian Fortescue's is great too. Also Green Eggs and Ham has amazing options. Seriously hard to pick a fave there but we loved it! Cowfish we did twice because we enjoyed it so much!

[@strwabery]

going on friday for gradventure, definetly taking note of this

[@kittykathy9532]

I LOVE Universal! Had the BEST time there and plan to go back this year and again next year to visit EPIC UNIVERSE ❤❤😊😊😊

[@Its_lilly_shorts]

I’ve ate at the chocolate emporium. It’s very good and I definitely recommend eating there

[@yobyonruolf]

I really watched this entire video! Great job

[@anthonykp25]

Will you cover any of the announcements for Epic Universe?

[@DFBGuide]

We plan to!

[@EmilyCheetham]

I’d LOVE if they did do a 3rd wizarding world. Be it the ministry of magic , Macusa (the American ministry), or nocturn alley -so we can skull around and visit Borgia and Burke where they could be the hand of glory + a vanishing cabinet.

[@KATFORTY]

That kids area had Gabby’s Dollhouse images which is my six year olds entire world at the moment!?!?!

[@thomasrose7924]

Even DFB is off the Disney train

[@subzippo]

I'm glad to see you give more attention to Universal, because I'm done with Disney, at least outside Japan.

[@cloismagic]

for me, it's ripride that saved universal 🙌 but I do love more intense rides lol even tho I don't find it that intense anymore. Also, I would say pack a poncho. You never know when it will rain and while the stores sell them, sometimes they run out. And don't rely on the weather channel app- Florida rain is unpredictable lol

[@stephennewton2223]

Frozen butterbeer is just unbelievably good.

[@juliewilliams2038]

Is there a “2-park” express pass option, like Disney? Or if you buy the regular Express Pass, is it good at both US and IOA in the same day?

[@ScotConway]

TOOTHSOME's ... totally recommend... but, in my world, Steampunk is a thing (I have a whole set of photos of taking my Steampunk Girl all dressed up in her Steampunk - corset, hat, and all - to meet Penelope and enjoy the ambiance, eat, and shop. The food is a lot. I haven't been able to have both a full meal AND one of the finer desserts. I can split one meal and split one sundae... and we did a little shopping and took friends some of the finer treats from the case as a gift. Love it! Edison at Disney Springs is another we like for the era-theming even if it's not strictly Steampunk. Late-1800s/early-1900s Industrial will do when full-on steampunk isn't quite available. We didn't go in the parks... but it was worth the dress-up and special trip for Toothsome's, and the visit to Disney Springs for some more dining and a little shopping. I still hope to craft a larger family two-week trip to Orlando ... maybe in 2025.

[@shawnkellie]

Consider more Universal Content!!! Maybe even a subchannel or something.

[@andrewlehr123]

Also, a UOAP Preferred or Premier pass (As well as Seasonal and Power if you avoid the blockout dates) can ride the Hogwarts Express because they will have a Park to Park Admission in their Pass.

[@janetacook1375]

Wow, this came out just in time. Planning a trip down the road and hoping to stay at Universal. Thanks for all your info. You are darn awesome. Could you do a blast out about hotel at Universal at some point please!!!

[@andrewjames1817]

Nothing beats the miami vice stunt show

[@RollerCoasterKitchn]

Just a sidenote, they do have a length of stay activation for those freestyle cups that ends up being cheaper than the 10.99 per day. When I was there in February 2024 it was 18.99 for seven days.

[@brittanyr613]

We went to Universal Orlando back in October 2017. We had a great time!! We got the whole vacation package when we booked; we got a room at the Sapphire Falls resort, we got tickets for the theme park itself that let us access both the main park and Islands of Adventure, we got those refillable mugs you mentioned, they had shuttle rides to and from the airport, etc. They also had a boat that would take guests from the resort to the park and vice versa. The only thing we didn’t do was the Halloween Horror Nights because that sort of thing just isn’t our cup of tea and I think you have to pay separately for it? Anyway, I’d love to go back there once Nintendo Land is up and running ❤️🍄👑

[@xshelleybelly]

The express pass is worth the money, we never waited more than 30 minutes to get on anything and most rides were almost walk on

[@anarizmoore]

Your money goes a lot further at universal studios and more perks at on-site hotels. Better tides for thrill seekers! I love Disney but I equally love Universal. Just because Disney's be around longer doesn't mean that have to upcharge on everything, with the exception of water...

[@NDHat]

You can't call the portions of Epic Universe "unconfirmed" when we've all seen them... They all have their Beacons up lol

[@charitysmidutz498]

They are unconfirmed because Universal hasn't officially announced them. Even though it's so obvious looking at those air shots we've seen

[@spiritedreviewexc]

I freaken love LOVE Cowfish! City walk (as far as i know i haven´t been there since 2016) its free its like Downtown Disney or whatever we call it in FL

[@1pt21gw]

Universal is the best park in Orlando.

[@natalies136]

Can you do any videos regarding theme parking with food allergies like gluten.

[@RustamLifts]

Universal Studios is opening in the UK soon!

[@krystalgroshans9129]

I went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Nov 2019 and got the unlimited express pass. It wasn't insanely busy when I was there, but I was only there for 2 days and skipping the lines was DEFINITELY worth it. I got to ride Rip Ride Rocket, the Mummy, and Hulk many times (skipping the line on the Hulk alone makes the pass worth it)

[@adamcordell7750]

Okay, so you mentioned this later on in the video lol… 17:14 I think this comment about soft drinks is overdramatized. The souvenir cup is a great deal as opposed to anything Disney has to offer. If someone wants something different to drink before going into the Wizarding World, there’s a drink station right across the entrance next to the bathrooms. Or swing by a goodwill, use bleach and elbow grease, and reactivate it to save some coin. It’s been almost a year, but I think it’s $9.99 to reactivate a cup for all you can enjoy Coke freestyle beverages. (And your cup will work at both parks)

[@rosemaryj]

I don't go to the Halloween Horror Nights per se, but when they had the three haunted houses they didn't have the regular HHN. I went through one of the houses since they had the plexi glass in between me and the scare actors.

[@jeremyearsalert]

Thanks

[@yoshigirl5760]

does universal recquire a reservation 2 enter the park or is it just Disney?

[@Aaleyahjones2014]

Pmg you are the first person who I can relate to about having nightmares after watching I am legend. That was the last scary movie I watched.

[@meherteli450]

Im almost going, and I was wondering what is the best land, Islands of Adventures or Universal Studios?

[@valeriemendez7110]

I myself prefer islands of adventure but you can’t go wrong with either or 😊

[@fredstrainandbusvids.]

I’m going to universal this summer

[@JD-wn3cc]

Did a D/U split in 2023. Fun fact, the universal logo globe out front was sponning when we got there and stopped a few days later. I beleive its never spun again

[@justinfusco6121]

AJ, you know that smell in the line of the ET ride?? Amazon sells a candle of that smell!!

[@Rflowers89]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@boognewsnetwork7620]

Thank you for the warning about the bananas at the Minions restaurant! I’m allergic to banana; so, probably a dinning spot I’m going to want to avoid. Which is too bad because the minions are cute☹️

[@chanted5242]

Will there be a new channel UFB Guide?