Ways to Beat Long Lines at Walt Disney World and Universal

Standing in a long line waiting to ride the hottest new attraction at the theme parks is not the most comfortable way to spend an Orlando vacation, which is why skipping the standby lines is the best way to enjoy a day at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure or any of the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Both Universal and Disney offer ways to bypass the long lines. Disney’s FastPass enables visitors to insert their admission ticket to receive a FastPass for the most popular rides and return during a designated time. There is a one hour window of opportunity to use the FastPass and it is the best option for Orlando area residents who are not staying in local hotels.

For visitors who are staying in an Orlando area hotel, choosing a hotel on either Walt Disney World or Universal property will be the best way to get to the front of the line. On-site Loews Hotel guests staying at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will receive free Universal Express ride access to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. The only other way to bypass the lines is to purchase Universal Express PLUS Passes, ranging in price from $19.99 to $55.99 + tax per person, per day.

Disney offers their resort guests something called Extra Magic Hours. Each day one of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular Park closing, so Disney Resort Guests can enjoy easy access to the most popular attractions. Purchasing a Magic Your Way Base Ticket with a Park Hopper option will ensure that visitors can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours at any of the four theme parks.