7 Things You Need to Know About the Universal Orlando Resort App
By Katie Schmidt, Managing Editor of Universal Orlando Resort Blog
I like my phone like my parents wish I had liked my bedroom growing up — clean and void of clutter. If I’m going to download an app and let it live on a device I carry around with me everywhere I go, it needs to have purpose, utility, perks, and some sort of something I can use to pass the time.
Wouldn’t ya know it, the Universal Orlando Resort App is all of those things and I wouldn’t dream of heading to the parks without it. And you shouldn’t either!
Here are my top reasons you need to download the app right now.For real, feel free to stop reading for a second and click that link, I can wait for you to come back...
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…I mean did you do it yet or not? C’mon, I promise, you’re really going to want that app on your phone and STAT.
OK, cool. Now that you have it, let’s talk about all the things you can do with it and features you’ll love about it…
1. You can purchase and house your tickets in the app.
What percentage of the world even OWNS a printer these days? The app is a perfect option for you to secure your tickets for your vacation and have them on-hand when you arrive. Not even just your regular park tickets, but if you want to throw in any of the incredible extras available, you can purchase those in the app, too. Plus, purchasing your tickets before you arrive saves you money and time, so, feels like a win win here.
PRO-TIP: Get the Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup. Why not drink refills throughout the day?
2. Five words: Mobile. Food. And. Drink. Ordering.
This is one of those things that I can’t believe we, as a society, were ever functioning without. Mobile food and drink ordering is a quick, contact-less way to procure some of the delicious offerings throughout Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. Within the app you can select your dining location, peruse the menu, make your selections, pay for your meal, and let the kitchen know you’re ready to eat when you arrive at the venue. All in the palm of your hand. Plus, for you UOAPs out there, you can add your discount to your order with just a simple click during payment.
PRO-TIP: Set up your account and wallet in the app before you are in the parks! That way when your hangry levels are spiking and you just need to grub, you’re all set to push a few buttons and get your food. Trust me, having your account set up in the app before you arrive will be a game-changer to your in-park experience.
Learn more about how to use mobile food ordering.
3. The Virtual Line experience is the best kind of experience.
The app is a MUST-HAVE in the parks for lots of reasons, but the Virtual Line experience is a big one. In fact, some of our most popular attractions in the parks require the app and usage of the Virtual Line experience for you to even be able to ride! Check the app throughout the day to see what attractions are currently offering Virtual Line. Then, pick your ride in the app, join the queue for a time window that works for you, and when you show up, just show the Team Member your mobile device to scan and you’ll be whizzing around on your favorite ride in no time.
PRO-TIP: Use the wait-times feature to keep an eye on what attractions are busiest throughout the day. I’m also a big fan of the “Wait Time Alert” feature on the app so I can get notified if a favorite attraction is under a certain wait time.
Learn more about the virtual line experience.
4. You can plan your day around shows and character meet-and-greets.
One of my favorite things to do in the parks is to catch all of the exceptional entertainment opportunities through shows and chances to interact with characters. The app helps me see what’s happening and when so I can make sure I catch all my favorites!
PRO-TIP: Go see The Bourne Stuntactular. I know that isn’t about the app, but, man. Such a good show and you’re going to love it.
5. You get easy access to all the islandy food and drink options at Volcano Bay.
No one wants to have to put their phone in rice because they forgot to clear out their pockets before they jumped into water! The Universal Orlando Resort app offers you what you need to set up TapTu pay to use your TapuTapu for payments throughout the park. Or go digital pick up your phone at lunch to use mobile food and drink ordering for a more distanced ordering-experience.
6. You won’t get lost in the parking garage when the day is done.
Am I a fan of how easy it is for me to forget where I parked in a parking garage? Nope! BUT! I am a fan of the in-app parking reminder where I can take a picture of my spot and include my section, level, and row.
PRO-TIP: Not sure which attraction to start your day at? Let your parking spot be your guide! If the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park were kind enough to let me park in their area, the least I can do is swing by for a visit at Raptor Encounter.
7. The Chatbot and interactive map are your friends.
Use the in-app Chatbot to ask your questions and get real-time answers or connect daily directly with one of our Guest Services Team Members who can answer more complicated questions (like, “WHEN does my Annual Pass expire and how do I renew it?”). And the interactive map provides a detailed layout of all three parks. You can sort by ride names, types of rides, shows, dining, shopping, wait times, and restroom locations.
PRO-TIP: The map has helpful features like Express Pass enabled locations, height restrictions, and dietary options — which will serve incredibly helpful as you navigate the parks, so check the map and often.
Originally posted: https://blog.universalorlando.com/guides-and-tips/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-universal-orlando-resort-app/