Universal Orlando
5 mistakes I made visiting Universal Orlando: How to save more time, money than me
![Universal's iconic logo serves as a popular backdrop for photos outside Universal Studios Florida.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2022/03/18/USAT/611d0da9-d95c-4034-b260-b7fd1e97a5f7-IMG_2149.jpg?width=980&height=646&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
![Portrait of Eve Chen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/34af2495920adb7bc5715fcfe0ae5a6232856b31/c=70-1-574-505/local/-/media/2019/03/18/USATODAY/USATODAY/636885016713644316-Eve-Chen.jpg?width=48&height=48&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
USA TODAY
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 five things for a smooth (and dry) trip. Your travel companions will thank you.
CAN I GET A REFUND ON THEME PARK TICKETS:Not usually, but here's what you can get.