Universal Orlando: Front of the Line

The Revenge of the Mummy "dark ride" coaster is lots of fun, and kids as young as six can enjoy the ride (depending on their stamina -- and height.) But will you have to stand in line for hours? Well, Universal now has three different ways to side-step line-ups -- see below. (Hint: staying at a Universal Orlando resort does best.)

For those who don't know, Universal Orlando has two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, with movie-based rides such as E.T., Back to the Future, the Mummy, etc. Meanwhile, Islands of Adventure has thrill coasters for teens, Seuss Landing for kiddies, wet rides for anyone who wants to get soaked...

• Check out the highlights for different ages at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando: avoid line-ups at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure Theme Parks

There are several ways to side-step line-ups for popular attractions at these two Universal Orlando theme parks.

Universal Express Plus
Universal Express Plus passes go on sale at both theme parks one hour after opening, and only a limited number are sold. (See photo at right.) Cost is $20, and buys you one-time access to popular rides via a special Express queue that is lightning-fast.

Stay On-Property, Get FOTL Access
A cadillac form of ride access is available to all guests at any of the three Universal Orlando resorts: the Hard Rock Hotel, the Portofino, and the Royal Pacific.

As with the Universal Express Plus pass, park guests head to a special line-up at popular attractions. Simply present your room card (i.e. hotel key) for scanning, and you're on your way to the front of the line. Even better, you can use your preferred access for the same ride again and again.

As for the hotels: all have free water-taxi shuttles to the parks, and all three have large "beach pools"; two of the pools have waterslides, and one has a play zone with water squirters. In other words, these properties are great for kids.

The Hard Rock is the lowest-priced, with promotional rates starting at about $200. Check for Specials and packages; sometimes free park admission passes are tossed into the deal. Many guests think that the FITL pass makes their stay.

VIP Tour
Be squired around one or both theme parks in a small group with a personal guide, and you'll get priority entrance into rides as part of the deal. Cost is at least $100/person.

Finally: at some attractions, single riders can slip ahead; tell an attendant if you're willing to ride single.