Universal Orlando

Is the Orlando Informer Event at Universal Orlando Worth It?

If you’re someone who loves theme parks but dreads the long lines and crowds, the Orlando Informer Universal OI Meetup event might sound like a dream come true. From early access to unlimited food and minimal wait times, this event delivers a unique and exclusive experience. But with a price tag of $234 per ticket, is it worth it? Let’s break it down!

Event Highlights

Early Park Entry & Festive Fun

One of the major perks of the Orlando Informer event is early entry. Ticket holders can enter the parks as early as 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy some of Universal’s regular offerings before the exclusive event begins. For us, this meant catching the holiday spirit with the Christmas Parade featuring Macy’s Balloons and exploring the Tribute Store—all before the park closes to daytime guests at 7 PM.

Unlimited Food at Multiple Locations

Included in your event ticket are two standout food experiences. First, a buffet after check-in sets the tone with hearty favorites like mac and cheese, pot stickers, and nachos. Once inside the event, the real food adventure begins with 28 food locations scattered across both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. And when we say “unlimited,” we mean it—guests can enjoy as much as they want. With so many options, from sweet to savory, the hardest part was deciding what to try next.

Rides with Minimal Wait Times

One of the event’s biggest draws is the virtually non-existent ride lines. We were able to hop on popular rides like VelociCoaster with no delays and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure with a much shorter wait than usual—something unheard of during a regular park day. Most every ride was a walk on. If you’re determined, you could ride nearly everything in both parks multiple times over the course of the evening.

Exclusive Park Access & Holiday Atmosphere

Imagine having a nearly empty Universal park to take photos. This was especially beautiful at Christmas time. The twinkling lights, holiday décor, and peaceful atmosphere made it perfect for strolling around and snapping photos. The exclusivity of the event lets you skip the chaos of crowded walkways and properly enjoy the fun setting.

The Value Proposition

At $234 per ticket, this event initially might seem expensive. But when you break down the cost, it becomes clear how much value it offers. Here’s a comparison to what you’d normally pay for the same experience:

  • Regular two-park ticket for this day (no food included): $199 per person
  • Express Pass to skip lines for rides like Hagrid’s and VelociCoaster: $210 per person
  • Combined total without food = $435.58 per person

Now compare that to the $234 event ticket, which includes unlimited food, staff to backdoor you between both parks via backstage access, and shorter lines than an Express Pass would get you on a normal day. From a purely financial standpoint—and considering the extras like food and an exclusive atmosphere—it’s a no-brainer.

Our Personal Take

We had such an incredible time at the Orlando Informer OI Meetup in December that we’d do it again without hesitation. For theme park lovers, it’s one of the best ways to explore Universal Orlando with minimal stress and maximum fun. The extra touches, like festive lighting, low crowds, and endless dining options, make it worth every penny.

Whether you’re a Universal die-hard or someone who’s just impatient with long waits, this event feels like having the parks to yourself. The value is undeniable, especially if you want to experience both parks in one evening without missing out on rides or great food.

Should You Go?

Absolutely. If you’re planning a special trip or simply want to enjoy Universal without the hassle of typical crowds, the Orlando Informer OI Meetup at Universal is an experience you won’t forget. Book your ticket, show up hungry, and prepare for a night brimming with thrills, flavors, and festive vibes.


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Note: Tickets to this event were provided to us free of charge by Orlando Informer. While this does not influence our opinions, we share this disclaimer to ensure transparency and help you make the most informed decision about the event.




Amy Krieger

About Author

Amy loves Disney theme parks, resorts, and the beloved films. She and her husband, Paul, are originally from West Virginia (near Pittsburgh, PA). They now live in Central Florida with their Spanish galgos, Hermes, Cinders, and Emerson. As DVC members and WDW Annual Passholders, they visit Disney properties as often as possible. Amy is the Manager of Loan Origination for Monera Financial, a World of DVC company, where she helps buyers finance DVC contracts. Amy and Paul own DVC at some of their favorite resorts: BoardWalk, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian, and Grand Californian. Another passion for them is cruising. They love both Disney and Royal Caribbean cruises. It's a great way to travel and see parts of the world.

2 Comments

  1. Sue

    January 8, 2025

    We love the Orlando Informer after hour events at Universal – especially the December events when all the holiday decorations are in place. Can’t go wrong with unlimited butterbeer and no lines for most rides (Hagrids still had a 30-40 minute wait)!

  2. Joseph Matt

    January 8, 2025

    Great write up Amy! Just one note that Hagrid isn’t on the regular Express right now, improving the value prop a little.

Comments are closed.

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