Universal Orlando Resort's app is a great for making the most of your time. You can access park maps, check out wait times for the rides, schedule times for shows and book your place in virtual queues.

In addition, you can order food, add meal plans, book VIP experiences and secure tickets for the Blue Man group.  It contains an abundence of extra information from guest services and it has an option for you to record where you parked your car in the parks huge parking lots.

With free Wi-Fi accross the resort, there's no need to worry about roaming charges either.

Many of the shows and character meet and greets within the parks have multiple times throughout the day, so plan your day to be in the right area for one of these. Generally a good option for after lunch, as opposed to a thrill ride...

The parade and Universal's Cinematic Celebration happen once a day and people will get the best viewing spots early, so leave enough time to get a good location.

In addition, queues will increase in size as the day goes on, so start with the bigger rides further away as most people tend to start with the ones closer to the entrance. Alternatively, take advantage of some of the shorter queues as everyone rushes to the thrill rides.

Universal Resort Orlando have implemented a virtual queuing system which means you're given a time to go to the ride and get on, as opposed to spending up to an hour in long lines. This system is used throughout their latest park Volcano Bay, and with some of the rides within the Universal Studios park.

Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious Supercharged: both these attractions utilise virtual queuing, and it's best to book your slots in the queue early to make sure you can get on the rides at your preferred time. The virtual queue can be booked by either using the Resort's app or at the ride itself.

For the rides that don't use virtual queueing, there are ways to reduce queuing times. If you're happy to go on a ride seperately from your travelling party, some of the rides have single rider queues. The park uses these to fill in gaps on rides from odd numbered parties to keep the rides full and the lines moving.

The single rider lines won't move as quickly as the regular line, but they're generally shorter and most of the time you'll get on the rides quicker - you just won't be sat next to your friends/family.

For parents with young children who are too small or unwilling to do the bigger rides, Universal operate a child swap policy. This allows families to only queue up once; one parent will then go on the ride while the other waits with the child, and then swap over without having to queue again.

To take full advantage of the park, it's best to pre book your tickets. The Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket is by far the best value, giving you 14 consecutive days access to all three parks including the Hogwarts Express, which links Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios through the Hogsmead and Kings Cross areas of each park respectively.

Seasonal Events like Universal's Halloween Horror Nights have become hugely popular at Universal Resort Orlando. Running from mid September to Halloween itself, this event requires an extra ticket for entry. Your standard admission tickets will not get you into these events, so either book these in advance or factor them into your budget.

Some events like Christmas and Mardi Gras do not need an extra ticket, and instead see seasonal theming around the park and specfic themed parades. These times of year can also be very busy in the resorts and lead to longer queue times for rides.

Staying at one of Universal Resort Orlando's six hotels comes with extra benefits, including early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Volcano Bay. This enables you to beat the crowds and take advantage of the free transportation to the parks from your hotel.

Some of the hotels have more inclusions than others. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Loews Royal Pacific all include Universal Express Passes, allowing you to skip the queues on the rides. Halloween Horror Nights also uses Express Passes; however, these are extra tickets that must be purchased seperately.

Universal Resort Orlando has many merchandise outlets located around the parks, selling everything from cuddly Minions and Transformers toys, to wizard robes and superhero memorabilia. While these are excellent souvenirs and memories of a great holiday, they're not always things you want to be dragging around a theme park.

Guests at the resorts hotels can have their purchases sent to their room, so all your new items will be waiting for you after a fun day jumping on and off rides.

When looking for specific items, most themed rides have a gift store that you'll pass through as you exit the ride, as well as the larger general resort stores at the entrances to the parks and in CityWalk.

One of the added extras you can book at Universal Resort Orlando is a meal with your favourite character. From breakfast with the Minions to dinner with Marvel's Superheroes, this is a truly memorable added experience.

Seasonal meals are available as well, such as the Grinch at Christmas and Monsters during Halloween Horror Nights. These dining experiences are extremely popular and are quick to book up, so make sure you book your place early to avoid disapointment. It's also worth noting that the exact character lineup can be subject to change.

If you're not staying in one of the Universal Resort hotels, and have had a day off out at Kennedy Space Centre or shopping at one of Orlando's outlet malls, you can still take advantage of CityWalk's Restaurants and Entertainment venues.

Parking is free after 6pm, as opposed $20 during the day, allowing you to eat at one of CityWalk's restaurants, play a round of mini golf or catch the Blue Man Group without adding an extra charge to your evening.

For more inspiration, visit our Florida Holidays pages.