Universal Studios + Epic Universe Trip Planning Guide for Families
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post..
Planning a Universal trip with kids — especially tweens and teens — can feel overwhelming fast.
Between flights, hotels, ticket options, Express Pass decisions, and now Epic Universe, it’s hard to know where to even start.
This guide brings everything together in one place.
Below you’ll find my complete Universal planning series, written specifically for families traveling with tweens and teens — with real numbers, real examples, and the exact strategies we use to make these trips affordable.
Quick note
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. I don’t publish direct credit card links on my blog. If you’re interested in applying for any card I mention, please message me on Instagram at @pointsandmilesteachers so I can send you the correct link.
Using my links is how I get paid and allows me to continue providing free trip planning content and support for families — thank you for being here.
Start Here: Universal Trip Planning for Families
If this is your first time planning a Universal trip, I recommend reading the posts below in order.
Each one builds on the next and helps you plan your trip step by step.
Step 1: Flights to Universal
How We Fly Our Family to Universal Studios Using Points and Miles
Flights are often the most stressful and expensive part of planning a Universal trip — especially during school breaks.
In this post, I walk through:
• how we usually fly using the Companion Pass
• what we do when that plan doesn’t work
• how we use flexible points to cover flights
• real examples from our own trips
Step 2: Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure Itinerary
Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure in One Day With Tweens and Teens
If you only have one day at Universal, wandering without a plan can ruin your experience.
This ride-focused itinerary covers:
• rope drop strategy
• Harry Potter priorities
• thrill rides teens actually want
• how to avoid walking in circles
👉 Read the one-day itinerary here
Step 3: Where to Stay Near Universal
Where to Stay Near Universal With Tweens and Teens (Including Free Express Pass Options)
Where you stay at Universal can completely change your trip — and your budget.
In this post, I break down:
• staying on points
• when Express Pass hotels are worth it
• how families can save $1,000+
• booking hotels with credits or portals
👉 Read the hotel strategy guide here
Step 4: Planning for Epic Universe
What to Know About Epic Universe Before You Take Tweens and Teens
Epic Universe is changing how families will plan Universal trips.
This guide covers:
• what Epic Universe is
• lands and rides to expect
• how it affects ticket pricing
• how to plan ahead with flexible points
👉 Read the Epic Universe planning guide here
Step 5: The Real Cost Breakdown
How Much a Universal Trip Really Costs for a Family of 4 (and How We Got a 70% Discount)
Seeing the numbers side by side is where everything clicks.
This post breaks down:
• what our trip would have cost in cash
• what we actually paid
• how points reduced flights and hotels
• which strategies made the biggest impact
👉Read how much this trip actually cost for our family of 4!
Why I Share This Information
I’m a public school teacher and a mom who wanted to travel with my kids without going into debt.
We don’t fly business class.
We travel during school breaks.
We plan carefully and use points intentionally (most of the time), and other times I wing it :).
Everything in this series is based on trips we’ve actually taken — not theoretical examples.
My goal is to help families see that travel doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.
With the right strategy, it becomes possible.
Want help planning your own Universal trip?
If you’re planning a Universal trip and want help deciding which flights, hotels, or points strategies make the most sense for your family, message me on Instagram at @pointsandmilesteachers before you apply for anything.
Using my links is how I get paid and allows me to continue providing free content and planning support — and I’m always happy to help you think it through. Thank you!
Bookmark This Page
This hub will continue to grow as Universal expands — especially with Epic Universe opening and new hotel options coming online.
If you’re planning a future trip, bookmark this page and check back as new guides are added.
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
I found out about points and miles accidentally.
I was researching index funds and happened upon the points and miles community through creators who also post about budgets, financial independence, and investing.
Points and miles allowed those people to travel and work toward financial independence simultaneously.
Thank goodness I got started when I did. The past almost two years of travel have been something we will never forget.
Earning points and miles through credit cards is only a good choice if you have the financial discipline to use them, like cash/debit cards.
Since we started traveling with points and miles, we have had more money going into our investment and savings accounts than ever.
Now I'm excited to teach you!
Welcome
I am excited you are here
New to points and miles? START HERE!
