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Water Taxis at Universal

Hi

Staying at PB what time do the taxis start running and how long can the queues be in order to get in for early entry?

Thanks see it’s supposed to be a 15 min walk so is it better to do that first thing?

Staying at the Portofino Bay Hotel (PB) at Universal Orlando gives you convenient options to get to the theme parks, including water taxis, walking paths, and shuttle buses. The water taxis are a popular choice because they offer a scenic and direct route to Universal CityWalk and the parks.

Water taxis at PB generally start running around 7:30–8:00 AM, though exact times can vary depending on the park’s early entry schedule. During early entry, the water taxis can get busy quickly, especially on days with higher crowd levels, such as weekends or holidays.

Queue lengths can vary:

  • Early mornings, especially during early park entry, queues can form 15–30 minutes before the first boat departs.
  • At peak season, lines can be longer, but the hotel staff typically manages the queue efficiently.
  • Later in the morning, after the early entry crowd has cleared, wait times drop significantly.

Walking from PB to the parks is approximately a 15-minute walk. For early entry, this can often be faster than waiting for the water taxi, particularly if you are aiming to be among the first inside the parks. Walking also gives you flexibility and avoids waiting for multiple boats if you’re in a hurry.

Considerations for deciding between walking and water taxi:

  • If you want to be at the ride queues immediately for early entry, walking first thing is usually the fastest option.
  • If you prefer a relaxed start and don’t mind a slightly later arrival, the water taxi is scenic and convenient.
  • Combine both: walk some days for early entry and use the water taxi at other times when timing is less critical.

In summary, for early entry days, walking the 15 minutes from PB to the parks is generally the most efficient choice, while water taxis are convenient and enjoyable for regular park arrival times or after the early crowd has entered.

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