To start your Universal Studios touring plan, either visit the theme park website or purchase a guide book with descriptions of the rides and shows. Multiple online sources also offer information about Universal's attractions, including details about the attraction, how long you can expect to wait and restrictions such as height or age requirements.
Let everyone in your group explore the attractions and choose the ones that appeal most to them. Unless you are touring for multiple days, chances are you won't have time to experience everything in the park, so start your plan with each person's top priorities. Once you have a list of attractions that are "must-sees," research the average wait times for those attractions, and use a park map to plan a route that will maximize your time. For example, plan to experience an extremely popular attraction such as the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" first thing in the day when the lines are not as long.
Live-action performances make up a large percentage of the attractions at Universal Studios, and the theaters generally seat large numbers of park visitors. In general, you should design your tour plan around the major attractions that usually have long lines, and save the shows for later in the day or in between rides. Add a few shows to the plan throughout the day to give your feet a rest from walking or to let your stomach settle after a meal.
Some of the attractions, such as Street Scenes or Fievel's Playland, are open all day and generally do not have lines, so plan to see some of those less-popular attractions after the major rides or during the crowded afternoon hours.
When you're making your Universal Studios touring plan, take note of the attractions that allow Universal Express or Universal Express Plus passes. Available to guests who pay an extra fee and those who stay in the on-site hotels, Universal Express allows you to use the express lines on major attractions, drastically reducing your wait times. If you have a pass, you have a little more flexibility in your touring plan, because you do not have to base your route around wait times.
Another option to avoid lines is to plan your visit around the lowest attendance periods. Several websites offer information on crowd levels and average wait times, which can help you plan your visit.
Having a plan is necessary when you visit any theme park -- especially one as large as Universal Studios -- as it keeps you from wandering around and wasting valuable (and expensive) time. However, use your plan as a guideline, not as marching orders. If you spend all of your time checking things off a list and running from ride to ride, you may miss some of the fun of Universal.
Consider the touring plan a framework for your day, and build in time for spontaneity -- a second ride on a favorite coaster or an unexpected street performance, for example. Don't forget to include rest periods to use the bathroom, eat a meal or just stop and take in the atmosphere for a moment.
