Learn from my missteps at Universal

Bring extra shoes, snacks and a lot of patience

I was not prepared for my most recent trip to Universal Orlando Resort.

I visited Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure numerous times growing up in Florida – and traveled there as an adult – but it had been a few years since my last trip. There was a lot I didn’t remember or expect – even as someone who covers parks for a living.

For anyone who has never visited the parks or hasn’t gone in a long time, please learn from my mistakes and pack these five things for a smooth ( and dry) trip. Your travel companions will thank you.

1. Pack comfortable shoes

Unlike Disney World, where guests generally have to take some sort of transit between parks ( you can walk from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT), you can easily walk between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Guests who purchase two- park tickets may find themselves traversing both parks multiple times in a day.

There’s quite a distance to cover before even getting to the parks, if you’re not staying on property. Universal CityWalk stands between the parks and the massive parking structure where guests either park or are dropped off. Unless you’re staying at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels, you have to walk through the entertainment complex to get to the parks.

I packed two pairs of shoes – sneakers and Crocs – but managed to get several blisters because neither pair were broken in enough. I didn’t pack nearly enough Band- Aids, but first aid is available at the parks.

2. Pack snacks and water

Food can get really expensive really fast. My family of five spent $ 110 on lunch at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Three Broomsticks and just as much ( if not more) on snacks.

I didn’t realize we could bring our own snacks. Picnic lunches are prohibited, so I mistakenly assumed other outside food would be, too. Guests are allowed to bring in small snacks and any foods required for special dietary or medical needs, baby food and formula.

I wished I had packed chips or cookies to curb my kids’ ever- present munchies between meals. Some treats, such as seasonal Mardi Gras beignets and Butterbeer, were worth the splurge, but a churro that cost as much as a fistful of them at Costco made me a little bitter, even with sugar coating and chocolate dipping sauce.

At least I thought to bring in a water bottle to save on drinks. Water bottles can be refilled at water fountains throughout the parks. Iced tap water is available for free where fountain drinks are sold.

3. Pack a change of clothes

There are ample opportunities for kids of all ages to get wet at both parks.

My kids are a little too old to splash around the fountains in Toon Lagoon and at Curious George Goes to Town in Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone. So I figured we would be fine without extra clothes.

I did not expect every inch of me to get soaked on Popeye & Bluto’s BilgeRat Barges, one of several water rides at the parks. Thankfully it was our secondto- last attraction of the day, but it was no fun feeling and looking like a wet rat afterward.

If you don’t want to slosh around, come prepared with a change of dry clothes or be ready to pay a premium for branded clothing at just about any gift shop.

4. Pack in one bag

A number of popular rides, including Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, do not allow any loose articles onboard. This includes cellphones, sunglasses, wallets, purses and backpacks. Guests must check these items into free lockers provided for the duration of the attractions.

I didn’t remember this, so anytime this was required, everyone in our party had to empty every pocket. It wasn’t a big deal, but we would’ve saved time if we had kept everything together in one or two bags that can slide in and out of lockers with ease.

It helps to start the day with extra room in your bag if you plan to buy souvenirs.

5. Pack your patience

There will be lines and crowds. There’s no getting around them, unless you have a Universal Express pass, starting at $ 79.99 per person unless you’re staying on property ( then it’s free), or pay for the VIP Tour Experience, which starts at $ 189 per person.

Time is money, especially at theme parks where waits can top well more than an hour per ride. But I was not paying $ 400 for Express Passes for our family of five.

Instead I maximized our time by consulting the Universal Orlando app to look up wait times on attractions throughout the day. When waits were too long, such as for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which my middle child pined for all day, I tried to spin it as something to look forward to next time. I made a point to celebrate what we were able to enjoy and tried to instill that gratitude in my kids.

The trip was a generous Christmas gift from my in- laws. My husband and I paid for our transportation, food and souvenirs. Everything was paid for outof- pocket. USA TODAY does not accept free press trips.

PHOTOS BY EVE CHEN/ USA TODAY Eve Chen and her kids snap a selfie in their 3D glasses on the way out of Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida.

Guests who aren’t staying on property must walk through Universal CityWalk to get to the parks. Bring comfortable shoes.

There will be lines and crowds. There’s no getting around them, unless you have a Universal Express pass.