We are proud to welcome you to OrlandoInformer.com’s Center for planning the adventure of a lifetime to Universal Orlando Resort. Please note that our site is not affiliated with Universal Orlando Resort or any other destination in Central Florida — we share our honest, first-hand experience and one-of-a-kind expert advice for the benefit of our readers!
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OI Universal Center table of contents
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How to use the OI Universal Center – new subscribers, please read
Universal Orlando crowd calendar
Ride wait times based on crowd levels NEW!
Best day of the week to visit Universal Orlando
Attraction refurbishments, openings & closings
Download our PDF files (depreciated)
The Script: TICKETS, PACKAGES & PLANNING
- Maps, Rider’s Guide & vacation brochure
- Universal Orlando ticket price comparison
- Top 12 easiest ways to save time & money at Universal
- Orlando FlexTicket & FlexTicket Plus
- Where to buy discount theme park tickets
- Universal Express Passes – a complete guide
- The secret to getting UNLIMITED Express Passes
- Universal Meal Deal – everything you need to know
- Dining reservations at Universal Orlando
- Parking & Universal’s transportation hub
- Universal vacation packages – an insider’s guide
The Set: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION
- Watch these movies before you “ride the movies”
- Top 5 thrill rides at Universal Orlando
- Visiting USF with kids – complete guide NEW!
- Visiting IOA with kids – complete guide NEW!
- Characters at Universal’s theme parks
- Child Swap at Universal’s thrill rides
- MIB: How to max out your score at 999,999
- Refillable souvenir cups and popcorn buckets
- Internet access at Universal Orlando
- Locker locations, sizes & prices – COMING SOON
- Universal Photo Connect
- Orlando average monthly temperatures
- Grocery stores, outlets & more around Orlando
- 20 ideas for free or inexpensive entertainment around Orlando
Insider’s guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- You really should see this before you go
- Only guaranteed ways to beat the crowds at WWoHP
- How to ensure your trip to the Wizarding World is a success!
- Early Park Admission at the Wizarding World – complete guide
- WWoHP reservation times & return tickets VERSION 2.0
- Forbidden Journey: Ultimate unofficial guide – book 1
- Forbidden Journey: Ultimate unofficial guide – book 2
- Forbidden Journey: Ultimate unofficial guide – book 3
- Forbidden Journey: Ultimate unofficial guide – book 4
- The very best way to experience Forbidden Journey
- Ollivander’s: What is it, how long is the wait, and is it worth it?
- Dragon Challenge: Secrets of the queue UPDATED!
- Three Broomsticks & Hogs Head: Drink in the details
- Top misconceptions about the Wizarding World
- Where to buy official WWoHP wands
Annual events at Universal Orlando
- Summer Concert Series 2012
- Rock The Universe 2012
- Halloween Horror Nights 2012
- Thanksgiving 2012
- Holidays 2012: Grinchmas, Holiday Parade & more
- New Years Eve 2012
- Mardi Gras 2013
Universal Orlando touring plans
- Universal Studios & Island of Adventure 1 day touring plan NEW!
- Ultimate Islands of Adventure 1 day touring plan
- Ultimate Universal Studios 1 day touring plan
- OI Wizarding World of Harry Potter touring plan
Universal Studios Florida – the full tour
Universal’s Superstar Parade DEBUTED MAY 8
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories DEBUTED MAY 8
- Production Central
- Shrek 4-D
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem OPENING SUMMER 2012
- Universal Music Plaza
- New York
- San Francisco
- World Expo
- Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
- Hollywood
- Dining options at USF
- Summer 2012 in-park dining experiences STARTS JUNE 15!
- Finnegan’s Bar & Grill (full-service)
- Lombard’s Seafood Grille (full-service)
- Louie’s Italian Restaurant (Meal Deal)
- International Food & Film Festival (Meal Deal)
- Mel’s Drive-In (Meal Deal)
- Beverly Hills Boulangerie (quick-service)
- Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe (quick-service)
Islands of Adventure – the full tour
- Marvel Super Hero Island
- Toon Lagoon
- Jurassic Park
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Lost Continent
- Seuss Landing
- Dining options at IOA
- Confisco Grille & Universal’s Character Breakfast (full-service)
- Mythos (full-service)
- The Burger Digs (Meal Deal)
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (Meal Deal)
- Comic Strip Cafe (Meal Deal)
- Blondie’s: Home of the Dagwood (quick-service)
- Captain America Diner (quick-service)
- Croissant Moon Bakery (quick-service)
- Three Broomsticks & Hogs Head (quick-service)
- Thunder Falls Terrace (quick-service)
Universal CityWalk
- Restaurants
- Clubs & lounges
- Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom (nighttime)
- CityWalk’s Rising Star
- the groove
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (nighttime)
- Hard Rock Live Orlando
- Pat O’Brien’s Orlando (nighttime)
- Shows & other entertainment
- AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX
- Blue Man Group
- Fat Tuesdays
- Hollywood Drive-In Golf NOW OPEN!
- Universal CityWalk Promenade – under construction
- Shopping
Our CityWalk section is under construction. Thanks for your patience! If you have a question about your dining and entertainment options at Universal CityWalk, please don’t hesitate to ask us in the OI Forum.
Accommodations in and around Universal Orlando
On-site hotels at Universal Orlando
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Your South Seas escape is waiting
- Hard Rock Hotel Orlando: Live the rock ‘n roll lifestyle
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Jet away to the Italian Riviera
- Comparing Universal Orlando’s three on-site hotels
Universal Orlando Partner Hotels
- Universal Orlando Partner Hotels within walking distance
- Walking from Holiday Inn or DoubleTree to Universal Orlando
- Walking from International Drive to Universal Orlando
OI Universal Center ARCHIVE









Dan is an Orlando destination specialist, former Universal team member, student at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and founder of Visitus Media LLC. Originally from St. Paul, MN, Dan lives in Celebration, FL with his wife Rosie and their new daughter Noa.
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