An Idiot’s Guide to UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT 2024

This is my updated and hopefully improved introduction to Universal Orlando Resort aimed for first timers, or those in need of a refresh. I’ll be doing a tour of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, including both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley Wizarding World of Harry Potter Lands. I’ll also be giving guides on tickets, Universal Express Passes, CityWalk Orlando, Dining, Halloween Horror Nights and all hotel resorts.
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UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PARK TOURS
Universal Studios Florida: • Universal Studios Flor...
Islands of Adventure: • Universal Islands of A...
WALT DISNEY WORLD PARK TOURS:
Magic Kingdom: • Disney’s Magic Kingdom...
Epcot: • Epcot RIDES & ATTRACTI...
Disney's Hollywood Studios: • Disney's Hollywood Stu...
Disney's Animal Kingdom: • Disney's Animal Kingdo...
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
0:38 - #1 What is Universal Orlando?
6:35 - #2 Park Logistics
8:13 - #3 CityWalk
10:17 - #4 Dining
14:04 - #5 Tickets & Events
19:51 - #6 Hotel Resorts
25:35 - #7 What’s Next?
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VIDEO LINKS:
Top 15 Restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort: • TOP 15 RESTAURANTS at ...
Guide to Annual Passes: orlandoinformer.com/universal...
‘Walk’ by Ikson
Download link: ikson.com/track/28/walk
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Contact: jjjack86@me.com

Пікірлер: 82

  • @jasonrichardson32
    @jasonrichardson324 ай бұрын

    Your videos are absolutely amazing - can’t imagine how much work / research goes into them. First trip to Universal in 15 years this August and your videos have been a godsend. Thanks for all that you do

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Very welcome, glad you’ve found them useful 😁

  • @thomaslarkin9414

    @thomaslarkin9414

    2 ай бұрын

    Ghh😅😅🎉the 😮🎉​@@TheFrugalBrit

  • @tomNONHDgaming
    @tomNONHDgaming4 ай бұрын

    The quality of these videos is unmatched and I really appreciate the effort that clearly goes into them. You’ve helped me so much.

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Great to hear! Yeah I stayed up to 6am to get this finished last night 🙈 Thanks for watching 👍

  • @IndriidaeNT
    @IndriidaeNT21 күн бұрын

    I love how Zhen from Kung Fu Panda 4 recently appeared alongside Po as a costume at Universal Studios just as Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Zooptoia appeared in costumes in DisneyLand, California.

  • @danielporter3922
    @danielporter39223 ай бұрын

    Universal doesn’t have to dethrone the house of mouse, disney is doing that all on their own 😂

  • @davidchapman3765
    @davidchapman37654 ай бұрын

    Honestly the best person to ever watch about Orlando

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks David 😁😁

  • @cathinieto39
    @cathinieto393 ай бұрын

    I love all of your videos, they are so informative! I also love your voice ❤️

  • @wrc5557
    @wrc55574 ай бұрын

    loving your work as always! Haven't made it to Orlando since pre-covid so great following your channel to plan our next trip!

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Awesome! Thank you! 😁👍

  • @voiceoverguyharris
    @voiceoverguyharris4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for this. Planning on a Disney trip this year with lots of our decisions based on your previous videos. Then for 2025, Will do something similar with universal. So this video is invaluable. Keep up the great content. Thanks

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching 😁

  • @voiceoverguyharris

    @voiceoverguyharris

    4 ай бұрын

    @@TheFrugalBrit All your films are great

  • @mehrit56
    @mehrit563 ай бұрын

    Nice work and lots of information 😊😊

  • @markbtelevision
    @markbtelevision4 ай бұрын

    Well done frugs. I’m a huge ambassador of your channel. I’m a power annual pass holder. Can’t wait to get back to Orlando

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you Mark, much appreciated 😁👍

  • @IndriidaeNT

    @IndriidaeNT

    21 күн бұрын

    I hope that someday the heroes and protagonists and villains and antagonists from the Illumination franchises, the Sing, Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets franchises (Gru, Anges, Lucy, Edith, Margo, Stuart, Bob, Kevin, Dru, Vector, El Macho, Balthazar, Dr. Nefarious, Duke, Max, Gidget, Chole, SnowBall, Porsha Crystal, Nooshy, Clay Calloway, Ash, Buster Moon, Rosita, Gunter, Meena, Mrs. Crawley, Johnny, Suki Lane, Jimmy Crystal, Jerry, Klaus and Mike and Judith.) all make costumed appearances at Minion Land at Universal Studios and have the characters from The Super Mario Bros. Movie make costumed appearances at Nintendo Land too same for the characters from The Land Before Time, Balto, American Tail and Curious George franchises in the theme park in general just like how the main characters from all the DreamWorks Animation feature films and franchises (Shrek, Madagascar, Boss Baby, Megamind, The Bad Guys (2022), Captain UnderPants (2017) and Kung Fu Panda and Trolls.) and Indiana Jones, E.T. and Jurassic Park franchises appear in costumed appearances in DreamWorks Land and outside of it and many main characters and heroes and villains from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar feature films and franchises as well as Marvel superhero and Star Wars appear in costumed form in DisneyWorld and DisneyLand. (I hope Gazelle, Chief Bogo, Clawhauser from the Zootopia franchise and Baloo, Mowgli, Bagheera, King Louie, Kaa and Shere Khan from The Jungle Book franchise will appear in Animal Kingdom alongside Nick and Judy and all The Lion King franchise main characters this time.)

  • @neilrichardson5487
    @neilrichardson54874 ай бұрын

    Absolute quality video, I'll definitely check out your others. I haven't been for just over 20 years now....parking was even free for every park the last time I went 😂

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you Neil!

  • @ChrisUK27
    @ChrisUK273 ай бұрын

    Super helpful, many thanks!

  • @dylangobel2923
    @dylangobel29234 ай бұрын

    If you are planning ur very first ever trip to the resorts look at the premium hotels and go through the months certain days throughout the month they have Royal pacific and hard rock rooms going for under $300 for the night with the unlimited express pass and early park admission included and with them being so close to the parks ur able to get on hagrids super early and not a long wait time at all! I took my brother last month and paid $242 for Royal pacific(cheapest premium hotel) we got done with every ride at islands of adventure before 11:30 am making the rest of the day a nice chill relaxing day at the parks and with the express passes didn’t have to wait long for anything!

  • @leecrawley9862
    @leecrawley98624 ай бұрын

    Great video again mate 👍 Epic Universe is going to change Universal Resorts by making it an actual competitor for Disney in the stay n play market. With the 3 parks plus water park to be up and running next year it will definitely make it more inviting to stay, eat and do the parks all in your vacation.

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    exciting times 😁

  • @ericteneyck8691
    @ericteneyck86914 ай бұрын

    Wow, another fantastic video! I love your guides. So informative, but at the same time concise and in an easy to watch length. Looking forward to the next one.

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks Eric 👍😁

  • @edvaira6891
    @edvaira68914 ай бұрын

    Hadn’t been able to make it back to the Florida parks since late 2019…but will be coming back in mid-February 2026(yay, Mardi Gras!) as we’re taking a bucket-list Panama Canal cruise out of LA (close to our San Diego home) and ending in Miami..and my wife agreed to spend an extra week in Orlando before we head home (SO VERY EXCITED we’ll get to visit Epic Universe!)

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    That sounds like an incredible trip! My wife refuses to get on a ship as she gets very sick 😡

  • @WaterBug46
    @WaterBug464 ай бұрын

    I’m local and in the parks about once a week and I just love your videos. I’m still learning new things thanks to you. ❤

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome! Thanks for watching 😁

  • @GSingh-il3ru
    @GSingh-il3ru4 ай бұрын

    My fav chanel to follow! Love your vids mate, could you do one for best places to eat on idrive based on prices?

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    I did sort of make that video a couple of years ago. I also did a video at the end of last year but didn’t prioritise value in that ranking. The old one still relevant I think though.

  • @frankpadilla9712
    @frankpadilla97122 ай бұрын

    Cool 👍

  • @markcunningham597
    @markcunningham5974 ай бұрын

    Top video again stayed on site in October was a great experience very different from any other trip to florida but very expensive

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you Mark 😁

  • @eddiehayes7925
    @eddiehayes79254 ай бұрын

    Thanks for all your videos! 75 days to go!

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    So close! 😁😁

  • @khianemeksomphone8668
    @khianemeksomphone86684 ай бұрын

    Marylander here who has a sister living in orlando. So as a northerner going down to visit Florida anytime between May to september is absolutely torturous. Florida is hot almost all year around now but between those months to me is excruciating. Anyone coming from overseas should keep that in mind.

  • @katepalmer5630
    @katepalmer56303 ай бұрын

    Amazing video. I wonder what will happen if we book 3 park tickets for next year. Do you think there will then be an upgrade charge for epic universe?

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    3 ай бұрын

    That’s a great question! I think there’s a chance they would honour it for all parks. Otherwise it’d be very complicated for them. Only speculating though.

  • @leafall487
    @leafall48721 күн бұрын

    beauty

  • @bradcollier3040
    @bradcollier30404 ай бұрын

    Love your videos brother. You cover this stuff and are straight to the point. Do you ever plan on doing videos on resorts that aren’t universal or Disney owned?

  • @bradcollier3040

    @bradcollier3040

    4 ай бұрын

    Sorry. Also where did you get that specific crowd calendar from. I used to have a go too but it’s no longer available

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you! It’s unlikely I’ll be doing standalone videos for off site hotels anytime soon. I will be doing an I-drive hotels video soon though.

  • @bradcollier3040

    @bradcollier3040

    4 ай бұрын

    @@TheFrugalBrit Marriott cypress harbour is right near I-drive. It’s off of Westwood Blvd near sea world. It’s an absolute gem. Even if you don’t include it in a video. Take a stay there. It’s a great place. I’ve been there 30 plus times and won’t go anywhere else

  • @xaviertaylor-di5rj
    @xaviertaylor-di5rj4 ай бұрын

    Nice video

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks 😁

  • @darrenizzard7193
    @darrenizzard71934 ай бұрын

    This was great we go for our first Orlando trip in July so loads to look into. Any recommends regarding airport transfer from MCO - Disney?

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I tend to just use Uber or Lyft to be honest so not a lot of experience with the bus transfers.

  • @bryanthecelticsfan
    @bryanthecelticsfan3 ай бұрын

    hi, youre honestly my favorite youtuber. Do you know when your next upload would be? how bout a new vid on seaworld?

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you!! Yes I’ll be doing a seaworld video when the new ride is open. Currently working on an updated first timers guide to Disney world.

  • @xoxpascalle
    @xoxpascalle5 күн бұрын

    How much time goes into creating a video like this? Very well done 👍🏼✅

  • @ryanjones6445
    @ryanjones64454 ай бұрын

    Great video again, im going in mid-October this year. On the calender section, it showed it was red at that time...does that suggest it maybe busy?? Thank you

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Think it was ‘love the mouse travel’ 👍

  • @daxhausentraveller8488
    @daxhausentraveller84884 ай бұрын

    FB love love love . 👍😊

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    👍😁

  • @HarryGoesPlaces23
    @HarryGoesPlaces233 ай бұрын

    So I’m going to Orlando in October is march too early to plan?

  • @user-ct5vm3mn3f
    @user-ct5vm3mn3f4 ай бұрын

    I am staying at the Cabana Bay in mid April. I am also interested in knowing if I am allowed to take the water taxi and how far a walk it would be. Would it be faster than going through the bus security check point at City Walk? I know I am asking a lot, but are there any rides that should be avoided if I don’t want anything too bumpy or jarring? I really want to go on the Velocicoaster and the Hulk etc. Thanks for making awesome videos!

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    You can take the water taxi yes! You do have to get over Adventure way though which is a bit of a chore. I’m not sure it’d be that much quicker than the main security, but I suspect so. The main ride to avoid for being bumpy and jarring would be Rip Ride Rockit. Otherwise most other rides are pretty smooth.

  • @sarahcleary110

    @sarahcleary110

    4 ай бұрын

    Anybody can take the water taxis you don't have to be staying at one of the hotels that offer it. I'm not sure how long the walk from Cabana Bay to Saphire falls is (I've not done it) but I don't think it's too long. Taking the garden walk or water taxi will definitely save time at security verses taking the bus to the City Walk central hub. At the central hub you will queue with all the guests who take the bus as well as all guests who drive to the parks, the lines can get very long. If you walk or take the water taxi you'll have a different security line and they're usually much quicker. Velocicoaster & Hagrids are very smooth. Hulk can be a bit jarring, if that may bother you you might want to save that one for the end of the day, it's a great coaster so worth at least one ride.

  • @brad548ye
    @brad548ye3 ай бұрын

    Hi, have you ever used orlandoattractions for universal tickets before? States they issue a voucher as opposed to ticket. Just wanted to know how much hazel is involved. Thanks

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    3 ай бұрын

    Yeah I’ve used them. There’s lots of sites with similar names so make sure you have the right one. When using the voucher I pickup from the hotel lobby. You might also be able to use the ‘will call’ machines outside the entrance.

  • @brad548ye

    @brad548ye

    3 ай бұрын

    Ok, I’m happy it’s the same site as you mentioned in the video. I’ll be staying in a Disney hotel you can pick up the tickets from the hotel ? Sounds good. Can you tell me what the will call machines are please. Thanks for your help and as many have already said, your videos are amazing and so helpful.

  • @Arvak
    @Arvak4 ай бұрын

    I'm planning my first ever trip to Orlando for 2025 - we want to prioritise Disney World over Universal, but it feels like a waste to travel all the way to Orlando and not visit both parks! With that in mind, how many days would you recommend spending at each if we're looking at a 2-week trip? We may be able to extend that to something like 16 or 17 days, just curious how long you would suggest we go for and how we should split that between the two resorts. Thanks!

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    I’d recommend 7-9 days at Disney, and the rest at universal. But it really depends whether or not you feel like you’ve got everything done by the mid point in the trip 👍

  • @Arvak

    @Arvak

    4 ай бұрын

    @@TheFrugalBrit okay perfect, thanks!

  • @edvaira6891
    @edvaira68914 ай бұрын

    Calling your videos “An Idiots Guide” does your work quite a bit of a disservice, Good Sir! I realize it’s part of your brand, but your Guides are concise, breezily presented and very cheerful…about as far from the work of an “idiot” as I could imagine (more like a “wise friend”)!…Yet another half hour well spent enjoying your video!

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Much appreciated! Yeah it’s not the best branding to be honest but if it aint broke.

  • @jenniferv3219
    @jenniferv32194 ай бұрын

    Have you ever walked over to the water taxi from Aventura? Is that possible?

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    4 ай бұрын

    Yes I’ve done it many times 👍😁

  • @barry888
    @barry8884 ай бұрын

    If Disney keeps on the way it’s going with trying to change all the classics then universal will definitely catch up , especially with epic universe

  • @Michael-yb5md
    @Michael-yb5md3 ай бұрын

    how thin are the walls at surfside inn? like can you hear normal conversations or hear people sneeze? or only if people are just loud when coming in late at night etc... thank you

  • @TheFrugalBrit

    @TheFrugalBrit

    3 ай бұрын

    They are very thin to be honest. You’ll be able to faintly hear conversations and sneazing.

  • @metsphan1023

    @metsphan1023

    3 ай бұрын

    @@TheFrugalBritI’d wonder if a noise machine would work when sleeping. Or maybe just spend the upgrade to cabana bay?

  • @SamMink-oi6kg
    @SamMink-oi6kg17 күн бұрын

    Can you make a idiot's guide to universal with kids?

  • @Jakefrommaine1
    @Jakefrommaine13 ай бұрын

    We Want cody

  • @Trailblazers323
    @Trailblazers3234 ай бұрын

    It's Creole cuisine, not Cajun.

  • @stuee_mk1stuee_mk169
    @stuee_mk1stuee_mk1693 ай бұрын

    Great informative videos, but please in future can you change the tone of how you speak, I know it's an odd request but can you just talk normally like you would do in a normal conversation instead of extenuating, it's really really annoying, no offence

  • @stquatro

    @stquatro

    2 ай бұрын

    I couldn’t pinpoint what it was at first that sounded different to my ears, but I think it’s the inflection. Once he chooses a pitch/intonation for a phrase or sentence, he’s not changing it by going up or down; the inflection stays flat all the way through the end of the phrase/sentence, giving the sensation of the thought being incomplete even though the phrase/sentence has ended. I don’t know if this is intentional to keep viewers listening, or just his normal way of speaking, but I found it interesting.

  • @Dannyhoyle710

    @Dannyhoyle710

    2 ай бұрын

    I disagree 100%. His voice is much better than annoying American accents, pronouncing everything incorrectly 🤣

  • @Joh_290
    @Joh_2904 ай бұрын

    TRASHVERSAL sucks The studio of it's okay, but there are movies. Animation movies are completely shit and lame Between studio universal. OK, but Between movie wise Disney. Warner brothers Sony Paramount Text my vote.