Have a question? Text me!

Think waiting for a discount is the best way to save money at Universal Orlando? Think again. In this episode, Holli turns the key on the real strategies that keep more dollars in your pocket — without cutting corners on the fun.

From dynamic hotel pricing and why booking early really matters, to the difference between packages and stand-alone reservations, to the smartest ways to use Express Pass, Holli shares insider knowledge that most guests (and even some influencers) don’t explain.

Whether you’re planning for the holidays, spring break, or beyond, this episode will help you unlock the value in your Universal Orlando vacation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Universal’s dynamic pricing makes booking early the smartest strategy
• The advantages of booking a package vs. separate hotel + ticket reservations
• How longer stays stretch your ticket dollars further
• The flexibility of Universal add-ons vs. Disney’s “all-or-nothing” approach
• The best ways to save on Express Pass, including the ghost room trick and the 2025 multi-day Express test

Resources & Links:

• 🎧 Listen to Episode 18: Unlocking Express — Your Key to Shorter Lines at Universal Orlando for a full Express Pass deep-dive
• 🔑 Grab your free Express Pass Cheat Sheet ➡️HERE
  
  
• 📱 Follow along on Instagram: @unlocking_universal

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

The fog hasn’t lifted yet… it’s time for Part 2 of my HHN 2025 Hype Sheet! Brian’s back with me as co-host, and we’re picking up exactly where we left off—with my epic Jason Voorhees soapbox. 🔪

From there, we charge into my top hype category: the Pulse Pounders. Then we’re taking it to the streets for the ScareZones, shows, and street experiences that make HHN 2025 feel bigger than ever.

If you missed Part 1, go back and start there—we covered Last Call and Half-in-the-Coffin houses, plus most of the Potential Killers.

And don’t forget to grab your free HHN 2025 Hype + Rank Pack at unlockinguniversal.com or right HERE. 

✏️Fill it out, share it, and tag me on IG @unlocking_universal—I want to see your hype!

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

It’s HHN Hype Time! The fog is rolling in, and this year I’m not braving it alone—my husband Brian is joining me as co-host for this special 2-part hype episode. Together, we’re breaking down the HHN 2025 Hype Sheet.

Forget the tired 1–10 lists—this year I’m using my Hype + Rank Pack, with four categories that actually capture excitement levels: Last Call, Half-in-the-Coffin, Potential Killers, and Pulse Pounders.

In Part 1, we dig into my “Last Call” and “Half-in-the-Coffin” picks before stepping into the Potential Killers—right up to my (slightly unhinged) Jason Universe soapbox. That’s where we hit pause, and in Part 2 we’ll pick things back up with Jason, then dive straight into the rest of my top hype: the Pulse Pounders, scare zones, shows, and street experiences.

Want to make your own hype sheet? Grab the free HHN 2025 Hype + Rank Pack at unlockinguniversal.com—or head straight to the link below. Fill it out, share it, and tag me @unlocking_universal so we can compare hype!

HHN 2025 Hype + Rank Pack ➡️HERE

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

*UPDATE* As of August 22, 2025, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Mine-Cart Madness are participating attractions for the Universal Express Pass at Epic! 🥳

Ever stared at a list of Universal Orlando Express Passes and thought, “Wait… what do I actually need?” You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down every type of Express Pass—from the basic single-park add-ons to the multi-day options that (finally) include Epic Universe. We’ll talk perks, pitfalls, and the planning hacks that save you time, money, and sanity.

Plus, I’ll clear up a huge point of confusion around hotel perks, Epic access, and a special shoutout to my Premier Annual Passholders. And yes, Ygor makes an appearance. You’ve been warned.

🎁 Want the whole list—organized, printable, and meltdown-proof?
 Download my free Universal Express Pass Cheat Sheet here:
👉 unlockinguniversal.com/express

In This Episode:

• What Express Pass actually is (and isn’t)
• Key differences between 1-Day, Unlimited, and Multi-Day Express
• The Epic Universe Express catch for 2025
• Why your hotel might not unlock what you think
• How Premier Annual Passholders get a secret perk after 4pm
• The strategic case for using Express—and when to skip it
• My favorite tip for getting the most value for your vacation dollar
• A downloadable Express Pass cheat sheet to make it all click

Links & Resources:

📝 Download the FREE cheat sheet → HERE
🎧 Mentioned Episode #17: “Your Epic Questions Answered, Volume 1” → Listen now
📬 Have a question? Text me! → Link at the top of the episode notes

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

Confused about Universal Orlando’s refillable cups? You’re not alone! Between Coca-Cola Freestyle® cups, hotel refill mugs, and souvenir sippers, it’s easy to get turned around on what works where.

In this episode of Unlocking Universal, I’m breaking down all three drink programs — including where you can buy them, how refills work, and which ones are actually worth it. You’ll also learn a hydration hack you probably didn’t know (and it’s free!).

Whether you want to save money, stay cool, or just avoid Florida’s infamous “theme park dehydration,” this guide will help you sip smarter on your next trip to Universal Orlando Resort.

🦇Watch Nightshades be awesome HERE!

💧Snag a Free Refillable Cups Guide HERE 🍺

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

What do you get when you mix spring break ticket strategy, a slightly mysterious refillable cup, and a first-timer heading into Epic Universe without Early Park Admission?

You get this episode of Unlocking Universal—Volume 3 in the listener-favorite “Your Epic Questions Answered” series!

I’m breaking down:

• Whether you really need a rest day during a weeklong Universal Orlando trip
• Why five park days might be more valuable than you think (and the surprising ticket upgrade math)
• The truth about reusing your HHN souvenir cups
• The best move when visiting Epic Universe without early entry
• A rapid-fire answer about Early Park Admission at all four parks

Have a Universal question of your own? Use the Fan Mail link at the top of the show notes—or email me directly at [email protected]. I’d love to feature you in a future episode!

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

The haunted houses may be the main event at Halloween Horror Nights, but the bonus experiences are where the real horror nerds thrive—and today, I’m breaking them all down.

In this episode, I dive into:

• Unmasking the Horror Tours (including the new 6-house buffet lunch!)
• Premium Scream Night and its nostalgic, staggered-entry glory
• What we know—and expect—from this year’s 10th Anniversary Tribute Store
• The return of the Death Eaters in Diagon Alley
• A look at the family-friendly Scavenger Hunt and its Lil Boo legacy

Plus, I share a shoutout to one of my favorite theme park YouTube channels, Wicked Thrill Seekers—because their 10 Hours In... Epic Universe series is the best out there.

Whether you're a first-timer looking to level up your HHN visit or a longtime fan itching for the extras, this one's for you.

👻 Want help planning your HHN trip or Universal Orlando vacation? Keep scrolling down...

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

 Planning how to get from the airport to your Universal Orlando hotel—and maybe over to Disney or Port Canaveral too? From airport confusion to rideshare sticker shock to missed shuttle pickups, things can go sideways fast if you’re not prepared.

In this episode, I’m walking you through every official transportation option connected to Universal Orlando Resort—so you can get from the airport, between hotels, to Disney, or even to your cruise with total confidence. We’ll talk about SuperStar Shuttle, private cars, rental hacks, and how to avoid booking a transfer that won’t even show up (hi, Sanford).

 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Florida Car Seat & Shuttle Cheat Sheet 👉 HERE           Know exactly when a car seat is required—and when it’s not. Save this PDF for peace of mind! 

✈️ Airports: What you must know about flying into MCO vs. Sanford
🚐 5 ground transportation options broken down clearly
🧸 Florida’s car seat laws (and how they apply to each mode of transport)
🎢 Day trips to Disney and split-stay solutions
🚢 Land & Sea Transfers for Port Canaveral cruises

Plus: I’ll share a free printable resource to help parents stay compliant with Florida’s child restraint laws—and avoid last-minute panics in baggage claim.

🎧 Ready to start your vacation feeling calm, not clueless? Let’s go.

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

Planning more than one night at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights? This episode is for you.

I’m breaking down the multi-night ticket options—commonly referred to as Frequent Fear Passes—and how each one works, plus who gets the most value out of them. We’ll also talk about the Scream Early add-on, a budget-friendly upgrade that can give you a serious head start inside the fog.

Even though 2025 Frequent Fear Passes haven’t been released yet, we’ve got last year’s pricing and this year’s dates, which means you can start planning now. I’ll also share a smart strategy that can help you lock in the lowest hotel rates before ticket prices go live.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning fan, this episode gives you the tools to make the most of HHN—and your budget.

🎧 Mentioned:
 – Episode 19: Single-Night Tickets & Express Pass Strategy
 – 2024 Frequent Fear pricing (for planning reference)
 – The difference between Scream Early and Stay & Scream
 – When and how to book your HHN trip early without losing flexibility

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Have a question? Text me!

From sprained ankles to sneaky bathroom tips—I'm tackling another round of listener questions about Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe!

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between facial recognition and photo validation? Whether Epic has lockers (and which ones to use)? Or if that boot on your foot means you qualify for an Attraction Assistance Pass? I’ve got you.

Plus, yes—I'm naming names when it comes to the best (and busiest) bathrooms at Epic Universe. Spoiler: there’s a themed mirror involved.

Grab a Butterbeer (or maybe a giggle bottle of water if we’re talking bathroom breaks), and let’s unlock some answers together.

🎇Grab ALL my freebies HERE🎇

🌟 As a senior travel consultant and trainer with The Magic For Less Travel, a top U-Preferred agency, I specialize in Universal Orlando vacations—When you're ready to go from dreaming to doing, I'm here for you. My services are free, my excitement is contagious, and your countdown to Epic could start faster than a VelociCoaster launch.

🎆Get a No-Obligation Quote HERE!

💌 Let’s Connect:

📧 Email me: [email protected]

📲 Instagram @Unlocking_Universal

📺 YouTube @Unlocking_Universal

Let’s unlock your best Universal Orlando vacation together!

This podcast is fan-created and not affiliated with Universal Destinations & Experiences.