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45 (Quick!) Universal Studios Tips Perfect For Your First Visit

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Hold on tight (and take notes!) as we go over 45 Universal Studios tips that are absolutely essential to know before your first visit!

With Universal Orlando Resort being among the best theme parks in the world, it’s so important to know the tips and tricks necessary to maximize your visit and get the most from your experience.

You’re in for a treat as you begin to explore these Universal Studios tips and secrets while gearing up for the family vacation of a lifetime!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.   For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

Tips for Universal Studios Orlando

In case you’re confused like I was, Universal Orlando Resort consists of 3 parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay waterpark.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located in both Universal Studios (Diagon Alley) and Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade).

Each of the 3 parks has a separate ticketed entry, though park-to-park tickets are available if you’re looking to explore them all.

Our tips for Universal Studios Orlando are organized into the following categories that include tips for:

• Planning your visit
• Purchasing tickets
• Parking & arrival
• Touring tips
• Rides & shows
• Food & beverage
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips
• Universal Orlando on-site hotel perks

Each of the tips in these categories is meant to give you a brief overview (hence ‘quick tips’) of the fun and important things to know when visiting Universal Studios.

For more information, or for a deeper look into your visit, be sure to visit the Universal Orlando Resort homepage. Likewise, be sure to review their current safety guidelines regarding the ongoing pandemic.

Universal Studios Tips: Planning Your Visit

• Study the best times to visit. Crowds are highest when schools are on break (ie. Spring Break and Christmas). Find out how to beat the heat if visiting in June, July, or August, as the temperatures can be unbearable. Visit in September through January (minus holidays) for the fewest crowds and best prices.

2. Watch for ticket deals and special offers. The prices of Universal Studios Orlando tickets rise and fall based on season and demand, so it’s best to purchase them a few months early. Likewise, consider checking into the availability of discounted Universal Orlando tickets , as well as consulting with a travel agent for specials or promotions.

3. Decide on where to stay. This will largely depend on what perks you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. Choices range from Universal Orlando Premier Resorts (most expensive, many perks), Universal Orlando hotels (some perks), off-site hotels (affordable), or vacation rental homes (more space).

Our choice, Loews Royal Pacific Resort , a Universal Premier Resort that is a 7-minute walk from the theme parks!

4. Check the ride height requirements. Find out which rides are right for you and your family before you go. Prepare your smaller children for the rides that they are, and are not going to be tall enough to ride to avoid meltdowns once there.

5. Don’t stress about not having a stroller. There are single ($18) and double strollers ($28) for rent upon entering the Universal Theme Parks, or you can bring your own. Mark your stroller in order to recognize it and be sure to park it in the Stroller Parking at rides.

6. Watch the Harry Potter movie series before you go. Purchase the Harry Potter 8-film collection (like we did!) and be sure to watch the entire series before you go. Having an understanding of all things Harry Potter makes the experience so much better!

Universal Studios Tips: Purchasing Tickets

1. Know your ticket options. If you only want to visit 1 park for 1 day, get the basic (least expensive) 1 park ticket. If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and King’s Cross Station, you’ll need a Park-to-Park Ticket. When visiting multiple marks for multiple days, get Multi-Park, Park-to-Park tickets.

2. Buy your tickets in advance. Lines at the ticket counter are long at park opening. Pre-purchase your tickets online to save money and avoid standing in line at the ticket counter.

3. Children under 3 are free. Take notes that there is no park admission fee for children under 3 years old. Child prices apply to children ages 3-9, and adult prices ages apply to guests 10+.

4. Determine if you want to spend extra money to get Universal Express Pass. Universal Express Pass allows you to bypass the standard line at rides and attractions and get into a shorter, quicker, Express line. Universal Express Pass is a ticket add-on, meaning that it’s an additional cost to standard park tickets. The add-on can be purchased ahead of time, once you’re in the park, or comes free when you stay at a Universal Premier Resort (more on that coming up).

Read here to see if we think Universal Express Passes are worth it !

5. Purchase a lanyard. You will want the convenience of storing both your park tickets (for park-to-park access) and Express Passes (to be scanned at each ride) in a lanyard. They are not provided by Universal Studios or Universal hotels. Though they can be bought on-site, they are cheaper to purchase online ahead of time.

Arrival & Parking

1. Download the Universal Resort Orlando app. Be sure to download the free Universal Resort app from the App Store and Google Play before heading to the park. You can use it for mobile ordering, virtual line reservations, wait time alerts, and an interactive park map. (Don’t forget to bring a portable battery charger as you will use your phone quite a bit.)

2. Check theme park hours ahead of time. Universal does not release its daily theme park hours until approximately 1 month before any given date. Hours vary by month and day, so be sure to check their website before your visit.

3. Know if you qualify for Early Park Admission. Universal’s Early Park Admission allows all Universal Orlando Resort hotel guests and annual pass holders one-hour early entry to Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and a 30-minute early entry to Volcano Bay.

Not all rides open early. Be sure to check the Early Park Admission page (and app) a few weeks before your visit to determine which parks are offering this feature on what days, and for what rides. This varies drastically each week and is subject to change without notice.

4. Arrive early. If you don’t qualify for Early Park Admission, get to the turnstiles 45-60 minutes before the advertised park opening. Early arrival equals shorter lines and more rides! (Even with Early Park Admission, arrive at the gates 30-40 minutes before opening. i.e For 7:00 AM Early Admission, arrive at the gates no later than 6:30 AM.)

5. Allow at least 30 minutes for general parking and security. Once parked, escalators and moving walkways bring you into the transportation hub. Here, you will find security checkpoints, restrooms, vending machines, and souvenirs. It is a 15-minute walk to get from the hub to the entrance of either theme park.

6. Remember where you park. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay share the same two gigantic covered parking garages. Take a photo of the name and number of your parking section, as well as the level and row. It’s easy to forget.

Universal Studios Touring Tips

1. Bring your AAA card. Many of the restaurants around Universal will give you a 10% discount for showing your card when you dine.

2. Wi-Fi is free at Universal. Be sure to switch over to the free network once you get to the park entrance in order to save on your data plan.

3. Make a game plan beforehand. In order to maximize your time in the park, I absolutely recommend that you study the park layout, as well as have a general idea of the order in which you want to do the rides and attractions. Both our Universal Studios Touring Plan , and Islands of Adventure Touring Plan outline exactly how we tour the parks when we’re there.

5. Have an understanding of the Universal Studios lockers. Unlike visiting the Disney theme parks , most rides at Universal do not allow personal belongings (including backpacks) to be brought onto the rides. This is due to their high intensity.

Along with paid lockers at the front of the park, each ride has either free or paid lockers based on the size of your backpack or bag.

*After reading this article, come back and check out our complete guide to understanding the lockers at Universal Orlando!

6. Pack a modestly sized Universal day bag. If you’re looking to save money, only bring in a backpack or fanny pack that fits into the complimentary lockers. Here’s exactly what we pack in our Universal Studios day bag that is just enough, but not too much.

Universal Studios Tips: Rides & Shows

• Vist the best rides at Universal Studios Florida early in the day, as these are the rides that accumulate the longest lines as the day goes on.

2. A reminder about Hogwart’s Express: Remember that you must have a “Park-to-Park” admission ticket to ride the Hogwart’s Express attraction. For a full experience, ride Hogwart’s Express in both directions as it is different depending on which direction you are traveling.

3. Check showtimes. Use the Universal app to check the daily showtimes and figure out how to fit them into your daily itinerary. Likewise, check what rides have a Virtual Line option for that day and make reservations. Virtual Line reservations cannot be done until you’re physically inside the park.

Note: If you have Express Pass, you do not need to make Virtual Line Reservations for rides that qualify for Express. Hagrid’s Motorbike does not honor Express Pass, so be sure to make a Virtual Line Reservation if it is being offered.

4. Small kids? Do Child Swap. Each ride has a family room where one member of your party can wait with the little ones while the rest of your party rides. Once they are finished, switch places so whoever rode can stay with the kids, and the adult(s) who sat out can then go on the ride.

5. Take advantage of the Single Rider line. Single Rider lines are always shorter and move faster than the regular line. If you don’t mind being split from your group, or if you want to quickly repeat a ride, hop into the Single Rider line.

6. Be prepared for motion sickness. Much like the best rides at Islands of Adventure , the rides at Universal includes twists, turns, and intense motion simulation. I highly recommend bringing along both adult and child doses of motion sickness medication (or taking it beforehand) to prevent queasiness.

Universal Studios Tips: Food and Beverage

• Bring your own water bottle. Bring along these collapsible reusable water bottles  to save you tons of money from having to purchase bottled water inside the park ($5.50/bottle). Restaurants and quick-service counters will refill them at no cost.

2. Eat at the Universal restaurants and at CityWalk. The fun and unique food and beverage options at Universal Studios are part of the experience! Don’t miss out on getting a VooDoo Donut or going to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, two of the best restaurants in CityWalk . Also, be sure to get a Flaming Moe (orange soda with dry ice) found in the Simpson’s Springfield Fast Food Boulevard section of the parks.

3. Make reservations ahead of time. I highly suggest making online reservations for full-service restaurants at the parks and City Walk to avoid the lines during busy seasons. This can be done online, or by calling (407) 224-FOOD.

4. Consider if a Universal Dining Plan is worth it. Both quick-service and full-service dining plans are available at Universal. The cost per day does not include gratuities and only covers food from participating locations. Personally, we do not purchase a dining plan and have never regretted it.

5. Butterbeer comes in liquids and solids. We suggest trying them all!

• Butterbeer Fudge
• Cold Butterbeer
• Frozen Butterbeer (our favorite!)
• Hot Butterbeer
• Butterbeer ice cream
• Butterbeer potted cream (creamy custard)

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips

• Head to Diagon Alley first or last. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, is by far the busiest part of the park. Go there first thing in the morning, or later in the evening after 4 PM to experience smaller crowds. (We spent the full hour of Early Park Admission enjoying Diagon Alley with little to no crowds; it was the highlight of our trip!)

2. Watch the fire-breathing dragon. Stick around. The large dragon on the top of Gringotts Bank rumbles, then breathes fire every 10-15 minutes.

3. Exchange money at Gringotts Money Exchange. The best part about going into Gringotts Money Exchange is listening to the ‘crabby’ animated goblin banker. Here, you can exchange money for ‘wizard currency’ to purchase food and souvenirs etc. around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Any unused banknotes can be converted back to regular money at Guest Services.

4. Browse the shops and shop windows. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, browsing the shops in Diagon Alley will be a major highlight of your visit! The decor inside the shops and windows will make you feel as if you’re inside the books and movies. Plus, they contain exclusive Harry Potter merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else.

5. Be sure to stop in Ollivander’s Wand Shop. If you don’t want to wait in line to attend a wand-fitting demonstration, simply go into Ollivander’s, and the staff will assist you in picking out a wand. When purchasing a wand, opt for the ‘interactive’ wand that costs $10 more than a ‘learner’ wand. The interactive wand comes with a map showing 34 marked locations where you can cast spells around the parks.

Note: Small children will have a hard time executing the spells as the infrared tip of the wand needs to align perfectly with the censor in the window.

This can get frustrating for the littles, so be prepared and be ready to step in and help.

6. I’ll repeat. You MUST try Butterbeer. Head to The Fountain of Fair Fortune or the Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley to get Butterbeer. This butterscotch goodness is a Universal Studios must-try.

7. Catch a show. Throughout the day there are various types of shows in the Carkitt Market section of Diagon Alley. Check for showtimes on the Universal app. Celestina and the Banshees is our favorite.

Universal Orlando On-Site Hotel Perks

One of our best tips for visiting Universal Orlando is to stay on-site at one of the Universal Orlando Resorts.

Along with their close proximity to the theme parks (within walking distance!), these are the key benefits of staying on-site. These perks will make a world of difference to your family’s Universal vacation.

1. Early Park Admission . When you stay at an on-site hotel you get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 1 hour before the park opens, and 30-minutes prior to the Volcano Bay opening. (Worth it!)

2. Universal Express Pass . Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort offer free Universal Express Unlimited to resort guests. Your room key serves as the Express Pass to show to get on rides. (Worth it, in our opinion!)

3. Complimentary transportation . Enjoy free transportation to the theme parks from each of the hotels via either water taxi or shuttle bus. Cabana Bay and Aventura Hotel are by shuttle bus only. (Worth it, although you still have to pay for parking at the hotel, $28/night.)

4. Priority seating at restaurants. Guests staying at Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel, Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel, and Hard Rock Hotel receive priority seating at select restaurants. Show your room key to the hostess and see if priority seating is available.

5. Package delivery. Free merchandise delivery from Universal stores and ships to any Universal hotel.

6. Charging privileges. Charge purchases across the entire Universal Orlando Resort to your room key card when staying at any Universal hotel.

Here are the current Universal Resort Hotels to choose from (in order of Budget to Premier):

• Surfside Inn and Suites ( Book directly on Booking.com )
• Dockside Inn and Suites ( Book directly on Booking.com )
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com )
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Loews Royal Pacific Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Hard Rock Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com  )
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel ( Book directly on Booking.com  )

Tell me which of our Universal Studios tips surprised you the most, or that you found the most helpful! I would love to know 🙂 Jen

If you liked reading our Quick Tips for Universal Orlando, continue planning your Universal Orlando vacation here:

Universal Orlando Touring Plans:

• Universal Studios Touring Plan: 1-Day Itinerary
• Islands of Adventure Touring Plan: Complete 1-Day Itinerary

Universal Orlando Tips:

• What to Bring to Universal Studios (+Day Bag Tips)
• 9 Big Differences Between Disney World and Universal Studios
• Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando: 9 Reasons to Stay
• A Complete Guide to the Lockers at Universal Orlando
• Top 7 Best Restaurants in Universal Citywalk

Universal Orlando Rides:

• Top 7 Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
• Top 7 Rides at Universal Studios Florida
• Is Universal Express Pass Worth it? A Detailed Look!

* Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Hi! Thanks for your extensive research, we really appreciate it! We plan on visiting this spring and I was wondering if you have an opinion about when the park is the least crowded…Thanks!

Honestly, the best thing to do to avoid crowds it to get to the park before opening and stand in line to be one of the first ones in. Head straight to Diagon Alley upon opening. This is when you’ll experience the least crowds and have the area practically to yourself, compared to the crowds that come later. Have fun!!!

Thanks so much for the information. I have also read that the security line piles up and people get stuck standing an hour in security line to get in early in the morning. I don’t want to go that early anyway, but I’m asking what time are the security lines short? Is it after the initial rush is over at 9am? or later? thank you!

Hello! Yes, security lines to pile up in the morning if you’re not one of the first ones there. Security lines do not get short until about 2 – 3 hours after the park’s official opening time. Good luck and have fun!!

These are such great tips for Universal. This was overwhelming the first time I went there, as it is very different from Disney. But these helpful tips are great for navigating the parks.

Thank you! I agree that these are essentials tips! With theme parks being so expensive, I am a firm believer that it takes some planning before going 🙂

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The Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort — Including Everything to Know About the Theme Parks, Hotels, and More

Here’s everything you need to know before going to Universal Orlando.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

• Best Time to Visit
• Tickets and Annual Passes

Universal Studios Florida

Universal islands of adventure.

• Volcano Bay

Universal CityWalk

• Major Events

Itinerary and Budget Tips

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

In 1915, Universal Studios opened to the public in California. In 1964, the film studio introduced the now-iconic tram tours, which eventually inspired the creation of Universal Studios Hollywood, the movie-themed park. And in 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened in Orlando, mirroring Hollywood's attractions. Over the next 30 years, Universal Orlando has continued to expand and now includes two of the world’s most-visited theme parks (the original Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure), Volcano Bay water park, the CityWalk shopping and dining area, eight hotels, and the two groundbreaking Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands, introduced in the 2010s. And the resort isn't done yet. 

This summer, Universal Studios Florida will welcome guests to DreamWorks Land, a new family-focused section featuring a Trolls -themed coaster, a Kung Fu Panda play area, and a Shrek meet-and-greet. And in 2025, the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe will debut with five immersive lands like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. It's bound to be the decade's most significant theme park development. 

Ready to start planning your trip to Universal Orlando Resort? Here’s everything you need to know — from can’t-miss rides to the best places to stay — according to me, Travel + Leisure' s theme park expert and frequent Universal Orlando visitor.  

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Best Time to Visit 

The best times to visit Florida and its resorts depend on what you want from your vacation. Predictably great weather? Fewer crowds? You can expect the best weather in winter and spring (January to May) before summer's intense heat and humidity (June to September) and the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November). If you want to avoid hordes of tourists, time your trip outside school holidays like spring and winter breaks and summer vacation. Be aware that popular Universal events, like Halloween Horror Nights, can draw crowds of out-of-towners and local annual pass holders alike.

In the past, off-peak months offered a reprieve from the rest of the year’s long lines, but I’ve found that those truly low seasons don’t exist anymore. I've traveled to Florida’s theme parks every month of the year; my favorite times to visit for fewer crowds and pleasant weather are late January through February, early May, and late September to early October. 

Tickets and Annual Passes 

• One-day, one-park tickets to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure start at $119 for adults.
• One-day, two-park tickets, which allow you to hop between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure throughout the day, start at $174 per day (you’ll need park-to-park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express).
• One-day Volcano Bay tickets begin at $80.
• Universal Orlando uses a dynamic pricing calendar, so tickets are more expensive on busy days.

Remember, the longer you stay, the more you can save on the average daily ticket price, and Universal Orlando often offers special deals with discounts on multiday vacation packages. 

Express Pass

Universal offers skip-the-line passes for an additional fee (you can get these for free when you stay at select hotels — more on that later). You can purchase these passes in advance when booking your tickets or at the park (if they're still available when you visit). 

• The basic Universal Express Pass ranges from $79.99 to $289.99 per person. It allows you to skip the regular lines once per participating attraction at Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure.
• Universal Express Unlimited — $109.99 to $319.99 per person — allows you to skip the lines for participating rides as often as you'd like.
• A Volcano Bay Express Pass allows you to skip the virtual line once for every participating attraction.

Annual Passes 

Universal Orlando offers two- and three-park annual and seasonal passes, such as the UOAP Seasonal Pass, which provides the most limited access and fewest perks, and the UOAP Premier Pass, which offers no blackout dates, early park admission, discounts, and more. Annual pass holders can also score deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages. 

Universal Studios Florida is a movie-, television-, and entertainment industry-themed park inspired by the original park in Hollywood, and it has several lands influenced by backlot sets (including New York, Hollywood, and San Francisco), plus Minion Land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley , World Expo, Springfield U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons, and the upcoming DreamWorks Land. T+L has previously ranked all the Universal Orlando rides and attractions , so here are the highlights. 

Can’t-miss Rides and Attractions

Most guests head straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. With the thrilling Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts ride, Hogwarts Express at King's Cross replica, and Ollivander's wand selection ceremonies, it doesn’t take a spell book to understand why. The Revenge of the Mummy indoor coaster is another highlight, along with the classic, family-friendly E.T. Adventure dark ride.

Right at the entrance, Minion Land is a colorful kids land with a silly motion simulator ride — Despicable Me Minion Mayhem — and a new interactive shooting attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. The Simpsons Ride is fun if you're a fan, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a wild coaster where you choose the soundtrack, and the Men in Black Alien Attack lets you hunt for aliens.

During a recent trip, I stopped to watch Animal Actors on Location, a family-friendly animal show. It was downright delightful to watch adorable dogs, cats, birds, and more follow their “acting” commands. 

Where to Eat

Butterbeer and other British eats make the Leaky Cauldron a must-try in the Wizarding World; Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is a popular drink spot; Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour's butterbeer ice cream is a favorite; and Moe’s Tavern is a fun place for a photo op, with a Duff Beer in hand, of course. And bright and cheery Illumination’s Minion Cafe, a recent addition to Universal Studios Florida, pleasantly surprised me during a recent trip with its tasty salmon and cauliflower bowls, fresh salads, and sandwiches.

Universal Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 as Universal Orlando’s second theme park; today, it has eight themed lands, including the Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. While Universal Studios Florida captures the movie magic feel that started it all, Islands of Adventure is more action-packed. If you only have time for one, I recommend visiting this one (but ideally, you’ll get a park-to-park pass, so you don’t have to choose).  

Islands of Adventure is home to the resort’s two best roller coasters: the brilliantly themed Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the scream-worthy Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Try to rope drop these fantastic rides when the park opens before lines get too long, but if you can't, they're worth the (often lengthy) wait.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you inside Hogwarts and through iconic settings from the films. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is a twisting, turning thrill, and Seuss Landing’s charming Dr. Seuss -themed attractions are ideal for little ones.

Word to the wise: Don’t get on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, or Jurassic Park River Adventure unless you're prepared to get drenched (speaking from soggy experience). 

My top Islands of Adventure restaurant, and one of the very best dining establishments at Universal Orlando , is Mythos Restaurant, found in the lesser-visited Lost Continent land. Its fresh, Mediterranean-influenced dishes are a great break from theme park pizza and chicken fingers. I also like to grab a drink at The Backwater Bar (I had a delightful spicy margarita last time I was there), and Three Broomsticks is a classic spot for Harry Potter -inspired eats. Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous recently debuted a new menu in Seuss Landing.

Volcano Bay 

Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando’s tropical-themed water park, opened in 2017 and was the first of its kind built by Universal Creative. I’m not a huge water park person, but that changed once I visited Volcano Bay last year. It’s beautiful, with lots of space to splash and rip-roaring slides. To enhance your day, rent a cabana or premium seats.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a fast-paced water ride, plunges your raft up and down a thrilling course, culminating in a final splash. The Honu Ika Moana multi-person raft slides are fun, too, as is the whitewater TeAwa The Fearless River (don’t worry, there’s also a lazy river if you want to relax). More body and tube slides, a wave pool, and kids play areas offer an entire day’s worth of fun in the sun. 

Grab a bite between catching waves and zipping down waterslides at Bambu, The Feasting Frog, and Whakawaiwai Eats. Don’t miss the rainbow soft serve from Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona. Several bars around the park serve up tropical, fruity cocktails. 

Located just outside Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk, also known as the “Epicenter of Awesome,” offers shopping and dining, plus the new Universal’s Great Movie Escape experience. My favorite CityWalk restaurants are Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food and Cowfish for burgers and sushi, respectively. There’s also a Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, a Hard Rock Cafe, and a Universal Studios Store selling souvenirs. Voodoo Doughnut is a popular stop for a sweet treat either before you hit the parks or on your way out; you’ll notice tons of visitors carrying the iconic light pink boxes. 

Universal Orlando currently has eight resorts operated by Loews Hotels (more to come with the Epic Universe expansion) that fall into four categories based on amenities and perks: Premier, Preferred, Prime Value, and Value. Value hotels cost as low as $99.20 per night, while Premier properties typically start around $350, so there are options within a wide range of budgets.

I’ve stayed at four of the eight resorts, and they all offer outsized perks for their price points. A free Express Pass and easy access to the theme parks make Premier-level hotels worth it, while Prime Value properties offer comfortable, clean rooms and fun themes.

Courtesy of Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Premier Hotels

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort fall into Universal Orlando’s top-tier resort category, which includes perks like free Universal Express Unlimited passes (so you can skip the lines for participating attractions as much as you want), early park admission, priority seating at select restaurants, and complimentary transportation. I’ve stayed at all three.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is typically the most expensive on-property hotel. It's also the best-themed of the bunch, with architecture and decor inspired by Portofino, Italy, like a charming bay filled with little boats. The hotel has three themed pools, a spa, eight restaurants and lounges, and 750 guest rooms. Plus, you can get to the parks via complimentary water taxis, shuttles, and a walking path.

California mission-style Hard Rock Hotel is lively, music-focused, and great for families with teens. It has 650 guest rooms, a 12,000-square-foot pool with underwater speakers, four dining outlets, complimentary water taxis and shuttles, and a short walking path to the theme parks.

Tropically themed Loews Royal Pacific Resort has lush landscaping, several restaurants and lounges, and a lagoon-style pool. This is one of my favorite on-property hotels because it’s typically the least expensive Premier resort, yet it's a fantastic value thanks to the included Express Pass. During a recent stay, I loved that the park was a short walk away (so you don’t have to wait for the bus or water taxi), and I was impressed with the friendly, helpful staff and the beautiful, clean grounds. 

Preferred Hotels

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is in a category of its own as the sole Preferred-level hotel at Universal Orlando. This 1,000-room resort (also tropically themed) comes with perks like early park entry, complimentary water taxis, shuttle buses, and walking paths to the parks. It also has several on-site dining options and a pool with a beach. 

Prime Value Hotels

Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel are in Universal Orlando’s Prime Value resort category. Both come with early park entry, shuttle buses, and a walking path to the park entrance (though the walks are longer than others). I stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort in September 2023 and was impressed with the clean rooms and spaces (there are more than 2,000 guest rooms and suites), charming mid-century motifs, on-site bowling alley, and large pools. It’s a fantastic choice for families, thanks to plenty of on-property activities, the short walking path to Volcano Bay, and suites that sleep up to six. 

Universal’s Aventura Hotel is a 600-key resort with a pool, modern rooms, and several restaurants and lounges, including a 17th-floor rooftop bar. 

Value Hotels

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites and Universal’s Endless Summer - Dockside Inn and Suites are Universal Orlando’s least expensive accommodation options. The sibling properties still offer early park admission and complimentary transportation to the parks, plus pools, on-site dining, and family suites. Surfside Inn and Suites is a bit smaller, with 750 guest rooms, compared to Dockside’s 2,050 guest rooms.  

Major Events 

Universal Orlando puts on three major annual events each year: Universal Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and Holidays at Universal Orlando. 

Universal Mardi Gras 

Universal Mardi Gras typically occurs in winter through early spring, and the over-the-top festival includes New Orleans-inspired parade floats (and yes, they throw beads), live entertainment, and Carnival-influenced eats. The event — which happens across Universal Studios Florida — is included with your theme park admission. 

Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights brings droves of scare-seekers to Universal Studios Florida during select nights throughout the fall. I had the chance to experience the cult-favorite, separately ticketed event for the first time this fall, and despite being a total scaredy-cat, I braved almost all of the 10 immersive haunted houses and scare zones and snacked on some of the themed eats available throughout the park. I would highly recommend the event to anyone who loves a scary movie or even just an immersive attraction (though it’s not recommended for kids under 13 due to depictions of violence, gore, and other frightening images). 

Holidays at Universal Orlando 

Holidays at Universal Orlando is a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays. Think Dr. Seuss -themed Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida, which is included with your park ticket. The halls are decked across the theme parks and hotels, and seasonal food and drinks are readily available.

Itinerary Ideas

If you plan to visit the two theme parks and the water park, I recommend spending at least three full days at Universal Orlando (with one day per park). If it fits your budget, book a Premier hotel to take advantage of free Universal Express Unlimited passes so you can skip lines and maximize your time. With an Express Pass, I've been able to ride almost every attraction I've wanted to within two days. However, you may still be able to check most rides off your list if you visit for a few days during a slower time of year.

If you want to squeeze in both parks in one day, I recommend getting a two-park ticket with Express Pass so you can breeze through the attractions that matter most to you. Also, be sure to download the Universal Orlando phone app to easily check ride wait times, entertainment schedules, and restaurant information. 

One Day at Universal Orlando 

For many thrill-loving parkgoers, one perfect day at Universal Orlando might start at Islands of Adventure with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Ideally, you're staying on the property and can take advantage of the early access hour, as Express Pass won’t work for this attraction.

Next, head to VelociCoaster. From there, bop back over to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and check out the rest of Hogsmeade before circling back around the park and hitting any other attractions on your list. Then, take the Hogwarts Express over to Universal Studios and use your Express Pass to bypass the lines for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Revenge of the Mummy, and anything else that appeals to you.

Families with small kids might want to rope drop Islands of Adventure's Pteranodon Flyers, a slow-loading kids ride that almost always has a long line. Universal Orlando’s theme parks sometimes close in the afternoon, so once you've seen everything you want to, you might want to head to an early dinner at a CityWalk restaurant. 

Budgeting Tips 

Theme park ticket prices keep increasing, but Universal Orlando offers great deals for travelers hoping to save a few bucks on their Florida vacation. Most special offers come in the form of free tickets and discounts on longer-stay packages; at the time of writing, they currently offer 25 percent off a three-park, five-night vacation package or two days free with a two-day, two-park ticket. Be sure to check the Ticket Deals and Special Offers section of the Universal Orlando website for up-to-date information and special offers for Florida residents.

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Universal Orlando guide: Tips from frequent visitors

When I was a kid, we went to an Orlando theme park at least once a year. You had to plan a few things in advance, but visiting an amusement park wasn't what it is today. With all the apps, reservation timelines and rules, planning the "perfect" trip to any major theme park has become a massive endeavor.

Just thinking about planning the trip is enough to give me hives. The stakes are so high — pricey admission, reservation deadlines for everything from character breakfasts to dinners at popular restaurants and all sorts of add-ons to get into the theme parks before the masses and skip the lines. There's so much to know.

However, we really wanted to visit Universal Orlando on a family vacation , so I needed to overcome my planning paralysis. I'm happy to say that — with some strategic decisions upfront — we were able to execute an awesome visit to Universal with a minimal amount of advance planning.

If you're a first-time visitor to Universal Orlando, here's what you need to know to plan your own vacation.

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When to visit

The date for your visit to Universal Orlando may not be entirely up to you.

If you're traveling with school-age children, you're likely locked into visiting during school vacations, long weekends and summer break. If that's the case, you'll probably visit Universal when it's at its busiest. That's not the end of the world, though, since there are ways to reduce the waits for lines. More on that in a minute.

You can check expected crowd levels at crowd calendars like the ones at Undercover Tourist, Touringplans or Orlando Informer .

The slower times of the year are Labor Day through the first two weeks of November (before Thanksgiving) and the first two weeks of December (before the holiday rush). Note, though, that if you visit close to Halloween, it will be busier because of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights .

Most of January, except for the first week, is also relatively quiet, as is the first week of February. But then it gets crazy with spring breakers. Crowds thin out a bit after Easter and through May, then ramp up again for the summertime. June, July and August are always busy. Always. And, as an added bonus, it's extremely hot.

For our first visit in a zillion years, I picked a quiet time in early November so any planning blunders on my part would be minimized by the lack of intense crowds.

Related: 10 things no one tells you about Orlando

Where to stay during a Universal Orlando vacation

Once you've ironed out when you plan to visit Universal, you'll want to determine where to stay.

You have a ton of options, from hotels right on Universal property and nearby points hotels to rental homes and Airbnbs . There are so many choices that TPG wrote an entire guide to choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip .

Let's recap the high points here.

Benefits of Universal hotels

If you only have a few days to explore Universal and don't mind the cost, an on-site property may be your best bet. That's because guests of all Universal hotels receive early entry into the parks for specific attractions.

Which parks open for early admission vary by day and only certain attractions are available. However, they tend to be the popular rides with lines that grow once the gates open to regular parkgoers. There's a helpful page on the Universal site to figure out what's available to on-site hotel guests. With some rides in each of the two parks available, that should also help spread out the crowds just a bit.

It's a nice freebie, and it's the best strategy if you have your heart set on riding Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure without spending hours in line. Currently, this ride does not participate in Universal's Express Pass skip-the-line program.

If you stay in one of Universal's on-site hotels, you can take advantage of the park's complimentary transportation options to get between CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and your hotel.

Some hotels, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel , Loews Royal Pacific Resort , Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offer complimentary boat shuttles.

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort , Universal's Aventura Hotel and the above-mentioned hotels have peaceful walking paths and all resorts, including Universal's budget-friendly Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites, have complimentary shuttle buses.

The downside of staying at a Universal hotel is often the price. Rack rates are usually relatively high, though Universal's Endless Summer Resort — Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites — have rates that start at $91 per night on off-peak dates.

The mid-tier resorts, Aventura and Cabana Bay, start at closer to $130 per night.

Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando

But if you prefer to stay at one of Universal's top-end Premier hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino Bay), you're probably looking at starting rates around $325 per night. However, you'll also get complimentary Universal Express skip-the-line passes for every guest staying in your room.

We'll explain that in more detail down below, but it's a huge timesaver and may be worth the extra per-night cost of staying on-site.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum® Card from American Express , a great way to maximize a stay at Loews Portofino Bay is to book via the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts collection .

This will get you not only the Express Passes for all guests of that hotel but also full daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, late 4 p.m. checkout and more.

Staying off-site

Universal is surrounded by plenty of points hotels, so if you'd prefer to stay off-site — on points or cash — you can easily do so. Some of TPG's favorite nearby points hotels are even within walking distance of Universal.

Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando

Here are a few points hotels within walking distance of Universal:

• Hyatt Place Across From Universal Orlando Resort (Category 2, from 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night).
• Hyatt House Across From Universal Resort (Category 3, from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night).
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (Around 30,0000 Hilton Honors points per night).

And some great points hotels that are just a short drive away:

• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (Category 4, from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night).
• Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld (From 34,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates).
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (From 52,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates).
• JW Marriott Grande Lakes (From 40,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates).
• Hilton Orlando (40,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (40,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando (63,000 to 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

Related: Choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip

All about Universal tickets

Visitors have a lot of options when it comes to buying Universal tickets, from the type of ticket to how you'll pay for them. Here's the skinny.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT UNIVERSAL VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S THEME PARK BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Universal ticket types

There's a variety of ticket types at Universal Orlando. You can buy tickets that get you into one, two or three theme parks (i.e., Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park).

You can purchase tickets for one, two, three, four or five days. The cheapest tickets allow access to one park per day. So, if you start your day at Universal Studios, you can't use the same ticket to get into Islands of Adventure in the afternoon. You're limited to one park per day. This sounds good but isn't always a great choice.

Alternatively, you can buy the pricier Park-to-Park tickets that allow you to bop between the theme parks as you wish. These tickets may be more expensive, but they give you the greatest amount of freedom to visit more than one park on the same day.

Related: From Butterbeer to magic wands: Everything you need to know about Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and Kings Cross Station, you need a Park-to-Park ticket or an Annual/Seasonal Pass.

There's no way around that requirement since Hogsmeade Station is in Islands of Adventure and Kings Cross Station is in Universal Studios. Basically, Universal's got you cornered on this one.

If you're going to visit for more than a couple of days or potentially twice in 12 months, consider a Universal annual pass .

When I planned our trip, Universal was running a promotion that would have given us extra days in the parks for free. But when I crunched the numbers, a Florida resident annual pass was only $8 per ticket more expensive than the tickets for one trip, so we went with the annual pass.

Buying direct from Universal

Universal Orlando almost always has ticket specials on its website. Read the options carefully to see if any of the promotions make sense for you. The special may throw in a free day at the park(s), an Express Pass or discounted admission to the Volcano Bay water park .

Related: How to get the most out of one day at Universal Orlando

Buying tickets from other vendors

You can also buy tickets from reputable vendors like Undercover Tourist . What's great about Undercover Tourist is that it often has some older tickets available so when prices increase each year, you can often still buy a cheaper ticket from them.

It's worth bookmarking their site to comparison shop. Purchases from Undercover Tourist code as travel for the purposes of using a travel credit card or earning extra points.

Related: Best credit cards to use for Universal Studios

And although you can't typically purchase stand-alone Universal tickets at Costco, Costco Travel does sell Universal vacation packages that include tickets and on-site hotel nights.

You'll even get a Costco Shop Card after your visit. Check out pricing for your dates to see if it represents a better deal versus booking through other methods.

Using points to buy Universal tickets

Historically, it was possible to use Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to purchase your Universal Orlando theme park admission , though our most recent searches didn't turn up any availability.

Upgrade to skip the lines

Like so many amusement parks around the world that have skip-the-line passes , Universal has its own version called Universal Express. There are a few ways you can get Universal Express passes.

Related: Is Universal's Express Pass worth it? TPG tested how much time it really saves you in line

The best way is often to get it included in your stay, as mentioned above. Guests staying at any of the three top-of-the-line Universal Premier hotels — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort — get Universal Express Unlimited for free as registered guests.

This is huge as the starting cost if purchased separately is more than $100 per day, per person. For a family of four, getting it with your room rate is almost certainly a better deal than buying it.

Note: The Premier level of the Universal annual pass includes Express Pass access beginning at 4 p.m.

Another option is to simply buy an Express Pass when you need it. How much you pay depends on the type of pass you buy and when you visit Universal, as passes cost more when crowd levels are high. Here are the three types of Express Passes you can buy:

Universal Express: This is the base version of the skip-the-queue pass. It allows you to skip the regular line one time per participating ride at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Prices start at $79.99 per person, per day for one park and go up from there — sometimes as high as $279.99 per day.

Universal Express Unlimited: The unlimited pass lets you skip the regular lines at participating rides as many times as you wish at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Passes for that privilege start at $109.99 per person, per day. Pricing for the unlimited passes seems to be running about $30 more per day than the normal express passes, which may make them the better value (assuming you can afford a second mortgage).

Volcano Bay Express: This pass is solely for use at Volcano Bay water park, where it allows you to skip the regular line one time per participating ride. The pass starts at $19.99 per person, per day, but you won't find that rate very often.

Participating rides and attractions are subject to change, so it's best to consult Universal Orlando's website before your visit.

When I visited, just about every ride we wanted was included in the Universal Express Unlimited, with the exception of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Hagrid's is an incredible ride that has also seen some incredible wait times since opening. Alas, unless you purchase a VIP tour, your anticipation of rides that aren't included in Universal Express like Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be rivaled only by your time waiting in line.

Take a VIP tour

Another way to avoid the lines is to take a VIP tour. There are small group and private VIP tours at Universal and both will help you cut the line.

Summer Hull, a director at TPG, took her family on a private VIP experience at Universal and it included walk-on ride access during the tour, as well as Express Passes and dining credit after the official tour was over.

A private tour will cost a few thousand dollars for the day for your group, but small group VIP experiences can be much less expensive, starting at less than $200 per person.

The primary difference between the two tours is the amount of access. The group tours are obviously less private but also only guarantee that you'll experience front-of-the-line access for eight to 10 rides. A private VIP tour is charged by the hour and operates at a faster or slower pace as you prefer.

Whether you decide to purchase an Express Pass or take a VIP tour will likely be determined by how crowded the park is during your visit, as well as your budget.

If it's off-season, you may be able to get away without a skip-the-line pass. But if you're visiting during a holiday week or school vacation, be prepared for long lines without a pass. On those dates, having an Express Pass will allow you to ride more attractions in less time.

Universal's child-swap policy

If you travel as a family, you know that not everyone will want to go on every ride. And some of your kids may not yet be old or tall enough to ride some attractions that your other kids are dying to try.

Universal solves the problem of the entire family having to choose between experiencing a ride or not with its child-swap program.

In fact, Universal's child swap is the best in the business as there are (air-conditioned) waiting areas in some key attractions. Most even have televisions showing whichever movie the attraction is based on.

This allows one member of your party to watch over small children while the rest of the gang waits in line and rides. Then you can swap places so the other member can enjoy the ride too, without another long wait. Just ask the attraction attendant to point you toward the designated waiting spots.

What's at Universal Orlando?

Although it's not as large ( yet ) as Walt Disney World , Universal Orlando has plenty for your family to see and do for several days. There are two theme parks, a water park and an entertainment, dining and shopping complex.

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk are arranged in a triangle around a small lake. The Volcano Bay water park is separated a bit from these three destinations.

Universal Studios

One of Universal's two theme parks, Universal Studios has eight sections. You enter through an impressive arch and, if you walk straight, are immediately in Production Central with attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Transformers: The Ride-3D.

If you take a right after you enter the park, you're in Hollywood, where you'll find the NBC Media Center, Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, the Bourne Stuntacular and the Character Party Zone.

A lot of the attractions in both Production Central and Hollywood are better saved for when the day starts getting hot. You get to sit in blissful air-conditioning at these shows: Minion Mayhem, the Bourne Stuntacular and the Horror Make-Up Show.

If you've got little kids, turn right upon entry and walk through Hollywood so you can start immediately at Woody Woodpecker's KidZone.

From there, enjoy Springfield: Home of the Simpsons. I'm no kid, but I loved Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl ride!

If your kids are older, bypass those kid-centric areas and make Men in Black Alien Attack in World Expo your first ride of the day. After you ride, you are perfectly positioned to enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley first thing in the morning.

Get in line for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts before the line gets too long.

Then, explore Ollivanders and Gringotts Money Exchange and see a few shows (we saw The Tales of Beedle the Bard and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees). Kids love talking with Stan and the Knight Bus conductor. Don't miss a meal at the Leaky Cauldron or ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour.

If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, you can decide to take the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station (next to Leicester Square) to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure.

If you have a one-park ticket, you won't be able to ride the Hogwarts Express and will instead continue your exploration of Universal Studios.

As you depart The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, keep to the right to enter San Francisco.

If you didn't opt for a butterbeer in Hogwarts, this is a fantastic spot to stop for lunch or a snack since most of what you'll find here are restaurants, including the city's famous seafood restaurant, Lombard's. There is also one ride here: Fast & Furious — Supercharged.

From San Francisco, continue on to New York, where you don't want to miss Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (another great get-out-of-the-heat, rest-your-feet experience) and Revenge of the Mummy. Hang around, too, to see some shows like the Blues Brothers or Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas.

Once you've had your fill of the Big Apple, continue back along the main thoroughfare to Production Central and Hollywood, if you skipped those in the morning.

In the evening, don't miss Universal Studios' nighttime extravaganza. Called the Cinematic Celebration and centered at the theme park's lagoon, it combines music, films, water and light.

You can also see a daytime fountain and music show at this same lagoon. Check the daily program or official Universal Orlando app for times.

Islands of Adventure

The second Universal theme park is Islands of Adventure. Your best call here is to arrive as soon as the gates open and walk quickly to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Both are at the opposite end of the park from the entry gates, so it will be a walk but enjoying the busiest rides in the park without crushing crowds is worth it.

If roller coasters aren't your thing (and you aren't prone to motion sickness), get in line instead to see Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This is where you'll ride a broomstick and it really is a fantastic attraction.

After that, ride Flight of the Hippogriff, a gentler roller coaster. (If you can ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World, Flight of the Hippogriff will be no big deal). Or you can simply walk around Hogsmeade for some fun photos without throngs of other guests in the background.

After you've done the ride, explore Hogsmeade itself and see some shows (we saw the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally) and watch a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders (if you didn't see the same experience at Diagon Alley already).

Grab a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks or adjacent Hog's Head and then continue on to the other lands of Islands of Adventure.

When you leave The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can go in either direction. For our purposes, let's pretend you walk to Jurassic Park first. Here you'll visit Camp Jurassic where kids will enjoy the Pteranodon Flyers. You can also take the Jurassic Park River Adventure and have a "raptor encounter."

There are plenty of places to pick up fast food here, from pizza and ribs to burgers and nachos.

Next up, you can ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong before hitting Toon Lagoon, where your kids can cool off in some sprinklers, or you can all ride Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls flume (warning: you will get very wet).

As you dry off from that heart-pounding experience, head to Marvel Super Hero Island, where you can meet Marvel characters and ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster (it's an intense one).

If you have some daredevils in the family — or Marvel fans — you'll spend a good amount of time here.

Beyond the Incredible Hulk coaster is the entrance to the park. Continue from there to Seuss Landing.

Even though we didn't have any kids in tow, we still enjoyed walking through this bright and cheery land and we even rode the Caro-Seuss-el merry-go-round and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.

There's also a Seuss character zone and plenty of other rides and attractions that are specifically designed for the little ones.

The Last Continent is just beyond Seuss Landing. There's a neat interactive experience called The Mystic Fountain. Seriously, start talking to it and you'll be mesmerized.

You can also take on Poseidon's Fury in a special-effects guided tour or stop to dine on Mediterranean-style food at Doc Sugrue's Kebab House, Fire Eater's Grill or Mythos Restaurant.

Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is Universal's water park. This park can close because of chilly weather or during lightning storms. Check Universal's schedule to see if it is slated to be open during your visit. Volcano Bay has everything you'd expect of an exceptional water park, like Waturi Beach with a fantastic lagoon for swimming and Kopiko Wai Winding River.

There are also some incredible waterslides and drops and the Ko'okiri Body Plunge that features a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet of what Universal calls "white-knuckle fun."

Thrillseekers love the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, where you plunge right through a waterfall, and TeAwa The Fearless River whitewater ride through churning rapids and waves.

COVID-19 restrictions are pretty limited at Volcano Bay. Masks are required when entering and exiting the park, as well as in restaurants (when you're not actively eating) and in retail locations. They're not permitted on the water rides themselves.

As if two theme parks and a massive water park weren't enough, Universal also offers CityWalk.

This complex of restaurants, shops and clubs is open during the day, but it really heats up at night with free self-parking after 6 p.m. You don't need tickets to enter, but you can buy tickets for shows at the Hard Rock Cafe.

You'll also find restaurants such as Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom and Pat O'Brien's that offer live (and recorded) music. There's a movie theater (free parking with the purchase of two movie matinee tickets), karaoke club (CityWalk's Rising Star), miniature golf and the Red Coconut Club and The Groove for dancing.

There are plenty of spots to dine too. You can grab snacks like pizza, hotdogs and Panda Express Chinese food and sweets from Voodoo Doughnuts.

Or you can have a more substantial meal at restaurants like the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, VIVO Italian Kitchen, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and more.

We had a fantastic dinner at Bigfire, where the pork chop was the juiciest I've ever eaten.

Universal's boat shuttles that take you back to its resorts are right at CityWalk so it's convenient to spend the day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure and then have dinner at CityWalk and go shopping before heading back to your hotel for the night.

And a third park coming …

Universal Orlando announced a new theme park, a third gate at Universal Orlando, back in 2019. A massive 750-acre tract of land located not far from the two existing theme parks was to be the site for the new park.

Dubbed Epic Universe , the new park is rumored to house franchises like Fantastic Beasts, a Harry Potter spin-off, Super Nintendo World and Universal Classic Monsters. Construction was delayed due to the pandemic, but the new park is on track to open sometime in the summer of 2025.

The best credit cards to use at Universal

Now we get to a hot topic for points-and-miles travelers who are planning a trip to Universal Orlando. Which credit card should you use? That depends.

For example, how and where you purchase your theme park tickets will dictate how the charge will be coded. Historically speaking, Universal theme park tickets and VIP tours purchased directly from Universal have coded as "entertainment."

However, tickets purchased at an on-site Universal hotel and charged to the hotel have coded as "travel." Depending on how you purchase your ticket, you'll want to select either a card that rewards you for entertainment spend or travel purchases.

If you think your purchase will code as entertainment, two good credit card options are:

• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — 4% cash back.

If, however, you know your charge will code as travel, you're better off using:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve — 3 points per dollar spent.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — 2 points per dollar spent.
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card — 2 points per every dollar spent.

The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Universal is packed with rides, attractions, character meet-and-greets and more. Yet it's compact enough for you to cover a lot of ground in just a few days.

Universal Orlando can be a pricey but incredible adventure for your family. If it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience you're seeking, you may be best waiting until the pandemic restrictions are lifted.

However, if you're more "go with the flow," Universal Orlando has plenty to offer for fans of Harry Potter, Marvel and so much more.

Additional reporting by Edward Pizzarello.

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A First Timer’s Guide to Universal Orlando

Jun 15, 2015

See recent posts by Gina Vercesi

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort is exciting, but daunting, even for the savviest of travelers. This guide will streamline the process by answering a first-time visitor’s most common questions about accommodations, ticket options, timing and more.

What’s the Difference Between Each Park?

Universal Orlando Resort is comprised of three theme parks — Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park. Another component of the resort is CityWalk, an expansive entertainment, shopping and dining promenade.

Universal Studios Florida Movies and television come to life at this action-packed theme park. Universal Studios Orlando features seven distinct areas, and each one feels like a film set with rich detailing. Diagon Alley, part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is the most popular area here — obviously.

Islands of Adventure Islands of Adventure caters to the young bunch with attractions featuring favorite super heroes and cartoon characters. Little ones will especially love Seussland, while Potter fans will delight in the snowcapped village of Hogsmeade. Make no mistake, though — Islands of Adventure still caters to teens and tweens with iconic thrill rides. The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall are at the top of the list.

Volcano Bay Opened in 2016, Volcano Bay might as well be an island in French Polynesia. The water park features rides and attractions for all ages — including the now-famous Krakatau Water Coaster, a waterslide inside the park’s centerpiece “volcano.”

When Should We Go to Universal Orlando?

School vacation times dictate the crowd levels at Universal Orlando Resort. The resort’s location in Florida means many looking to escape the cold will flock to the parks during the winter and early spring, with mid-February through April seeing higher crowds and pricing. The summer months see similar crowd levels and rates, with the addition of heat and humidity. Visit September through January for the fewest crowds and best prices.

Where Should We Stay at Universal Orlando?

Offsite Accommodations Several Orlando hotels are considered Universal Partner Hotels and many of these are located just a mile from the parks. Some of these offer complimentary shuttle service to the parks, but will probably not get you to the parks as early as you’d like. Booking a stay at a Universal Partner Hotel directly through Universal as part of a package that includes park tickets entitles you to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter an hour early on select days.

However, the complimentary transportation to the parks will not begin running early enough to allow you to take advantage of that benefit, requiring you to drive to the parks or take an Uber or taxi. Also, booking a package via Universal may not always be the most cost-effective option, and staying at an offsite hotel may not actually save you money in the end.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (Moderate/Value)

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (Moderate/Value)

Hard Rock Hotel Orlando (Deluxe)

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (Deluxe)

Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Deluxe)

Without question, the biggest perk of staying at one of the onsite hotels is early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which allows guests to enter Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village an hour earlier than the general public.

For guests of Universal Resort’s Deluxe Hotels, Universal Express Unlimited Passes are included in the price of the stay; guests of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort do not receive this benefit. If you are considering a stay at an offsite hotel at a similar price point, this perk alone can make it worthwhile to opt for one of these hotels instead. The proximity of the onsite hotels to CityWalk and the theme parks is another benefit of choosing to stay at one of these properties. All five hotels provide easy access to the CityWalk promenade.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around Universal Orlando?

Everything at Universal Orlando Resort feels centrally located, and getting from the parks to the hotels and everywhere in between is a breeze. From the entry point of CityWalk, both theme parks are only about a 5- to 10-minute walk. A water taxi transports guests from the Deluxe Hotels and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort to a dock in CityWalk. Cabana Bay provides its own shuttle bus to CityWalk’s main entrance. Shuttles are also available to transport guests between the Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

How Much Time Do We Need at Universal Orlando?

The answer to this question largely depends on how much you want to see during your visit. Ideally, three-day park-to-park tickets will allow you to experience most of what the parks have to offer while leaving room for much needed down-time to relax by the pool or enjoy a leisurely meal. Of course, you can also visit the parks in one day — just know that you’ll need a play-by-play strategy, particularly for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. See 24 Hours in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for our best tactics.

If you are staying in an onsite hotel and have the privilege of early entry, start your day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — either Hogsmeade Village or Diagon Alley. After riding the Forbidden Journey (in Islands of Adventure) and/or Escape from Gringotts (Universal Studios), head to the parks’ other headlining attractions — substantial waits tend to build early and quickly at Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Transformers the Ride: 3D, Revenge of the Mummy, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in Universal Studios Florida, and at the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk Coaster, and the Toon Lagoon water rides (Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges in Islands of Adventure.

Which Ticket Options Are Best at Universal Orlando?

Tickets are available for one to four days of admission and come in three forms:

• Multi-Day: These tickets allow guests entry into one park, two parks, or all three parks over the course of four days (or less), depending on your preference.
• Single-Park: These tickets allow guests entry into one park or all three parks for one day; they can be upgraded at any time.
• Volcano Bay: This ticket provides one-day access to the water park.

The price difference for a park-to-park ticket over a single-park ticket is about $50 regardless of how many days of tickets you have. It is highly recommended that you purchase your park tickets in advance. Doing so through Universal’s website offers you a savings over the gate price, as well as time savings. Tickets purchased online can be printed at kiosks located at all of the Universal Orlando resorts and theme parks.

Note: A ride aboard the Hogwarts Express requires that guests purchase park-to-park tickets. Multi-day park-to-park tickets are available, too.

Is Universal Express Pass Worth It?

Unlike lines at Disney World, front-of-the-line access at Universal is a perk that typically comes at a price. There are two types of passes available — the Universal Express Pass, which entitles guests one express queue entry per participating attraction, and the Universal Express Pass Unlimited, which entitles guests unlimited access to the Express queues at participating attractions. Guests staying at Universal’s Deluxe Hotels receive Unlimited Passes as an added benefit. Guests at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort other area hotels may purchase the passes a la carte.

If you are staying at either of the park’s Moderate hotels, have access to early park entry and are willing to arrive at the park’s turnstiles prior to park opening, you will stay ahead of the masses and the Express Pass will only be of minimal benefit, even during peak periods. If you are staying at an offsite hotel or would prefer to sleep later in the mornings, Express Passes will reduce your wait times significantly.

Volcano Bay offers Tapu Tapu bands that automatically help families avoid waits with technology that notifies them how long lines are so they can plan their next move accordingly. Anyone with tickets to the water park receives a Tapu Tapu (to be returned upon departure).

More Hacks for Universal Orlando

Don’t Prolong Breakfast To save time, plan on eating breakfast in your room before heading to the parks. If this is too early for your stomachs, plan a breakfast break after your first attraction.

Rent a Stroller To lighten your load, strollers can be rented in both parks immediately after you pass through the turnstiles. Family Services areas are centrally located and provide everything caregivers need for diaper changing and bottle warming. Rocking chairs are available for nursing moms or for resting quietly with a tired toddler.

Take Advantage of Rider Swap If you’re traveling with young children who don’t meet the height requirement for an attraction, or someone in your party isn’t interested in coming along for the ride, Universal’s Rider Swap program is for you. Rider Swap allows the whole family to go through the attraction’s queue together. At the loading area, one parent takes the non-riding kids to a special waiting area while the other parent boards the attraction with the other kids. After the ride, the family is reunited and the other adult may ride without having to wait in line. Any member of the family may ride again so the second adult doesn’t have to ride alone.

Download the Universal Orlando Resort App Be sure to download the resort’s official app, which is free. The app provides wait times, which are very accurate, lists of attractions with detailed descriptions, park maps, dining and hotel information and show times.

Know Which Foods You Can Bring The parks allow the following items: bottled water; small snacks; any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements; any food for special dietary needs; baby food/baby formula; and soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5 inches wide, 6 inches high and 6 inches deep. Full picnic lunches and food that requires heating or refrigeration are not permitted.

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

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21 Top Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Orlando [2024]

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After a week in Orlando, Florida and three days spent at Universal Studios Orlando I am already planning a return trip. This was an absolutely magical place and perfect for all ages.

Universal seems to be a mixture of Walt Disney World which is perfect for children and Busch Gardens which is great for thrill-seekers. It’s for sure one of the best theme parks in the US !

I didn’t do quite enough research before my trip so I feel like my time wasn’t used as efficiently as it could have been. And I don’t want that happening to you!

So here are my top Universal Studios tips for 2023.

13. Buy Tickets in Advance

21. how much money do you need in universal studios.

Disclaimer: This post ma y contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going!

What to Know Before Going to Universal Orlando in 2023

There’s no way you’ll have it all figured out before your trip, but it’s great to have a head start! These Universal Orlando tips and tricks will hopefully help you create a plan and know what to expect on your trip.

1. Get to the Parking Garage by 8:30

We got there at multiple times during our stay and by far the easiest time to get in the park was at 8:30.

Since the park opens at 9 it seems like everyone wants to get there right then and there is a bottleneck effect.

When we arrived just after 9, it took us 40 minutes from the time we drove into the park to when we scanned our ticket since the morning rush hadn’t cleared out.

When we got there at 8:30 we were scanning our tickets into the park at 8:50. We were some of the first people in the park and first in line at the rides.

2. Make a Game Plan

Look at the park maps before you get there and figure out which rides you want to get on. Once you figure out your top rides, figure out which ones are close together.

You can group the rides together that you’d like to visit and then make a plan of which you’ll visit first.

You can also make a plan based on the region of the park you want to visit. Maybe you want to visit Harry Potter World first (like we did). I highly recommend this if you’re a big Harry Potter fan.

If you are spending one day in each park then this won’t be as big of an issue. A day gives you plenty of time to see everything in one park depending on how long the lines are and what all you want to ride.

3. Buy the Express Pass

Okay the Universal Express Passes are EXPENSIVE. In the app it kept saying starting at $99 for the Express Unlimited Pass well that’s on a weekday in the off-season.

On Friday April 23, 2021 they were $262 including tax. (That’s for only one.)

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Well, the Express Pass was, but maybe not the Unlimited. They have one pass that lets you skip the line at each ride only once and if I had it to do over again I would get that one instead of the Unlimited.

We didn’t have time to ride many things more than once. Try buying your pass ahead of time to see if you can get a cheaper price instead of buying it on the day of.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but if I had it to do over again I think I would buy the Express Pass on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Those were the cheaper days. There will still be crowds so it’s worth it but it’s cheaper.

We did not have the Express Pass on Thursday and only rode four rides… Yes, four rides because we were standing in line so long. On Friday we got the Express Pass and rode eleven different rides and two of those twice.

So compare getting to ride four things to riding thirteen and you’ll see why it’s worth it to me.

I absolutely hate waiting in line – I’m really not patient at all – and yes, I know that’s a terrible trait. So the Express Pass made my day infinitely better and purchasing it is one of my biggest Universal Studios tips for 2023.

Only you can decide if the price is worth it to you though.

You can buy the Express Pass cheaper on Undercover Tourist sometimes so be sure to check them out!

Just a note – I don’t always recommend buying the Express Pass for theme parks. Especially when you visit places like Dollywood or Busch Gardens .

4. Bring a Fanny Pack (Small Backpacks Work)

You may be thinking “Anna there is no way in heck I am wearing a fanny pack, you are insane.” Well when you see how functional they are at Universal you might just change your tune.

Fanny packs are allowed on almost all the rides at Universal which means you don’t have to waste time with the lockers before the ride and you can keep your phone or anything else with you.

The lockers can get very congested and it takes up valuable time trying to stuff your backpacks or anything else in them. More on lockers in a minute.

If you don’t have a fanny pack and are absolutely boycotting them then a small backpack (like this Kavu bag ) is the next best thing. Just note that these will have to be stored in the lockers.

5. There are Lockers for Most Roller Coasters

The locker situation is awesome for groups that don’t have a person who isn’t riding the coasters. There are standard-sized lockers available for free at many of the roller coasters that measure 5.5” tall, 14” wide, and 16.9” deep. This fits a small backpack or miscellaneous items.

They have larger lockers available for $2 if your things don’t fit in a standard size. These would be regular size backpacks or large souvenirs. These single-time use lockers are only good for a certain time frame – maybe an hour but don’t hold me to that.

If you are bringing items in that you won’t need all day then Universal also offers all-day locker rentals. There are lockers for $10 at Islands of Adventure and $15 at Universal Studios Florida. You’ll have unlimited access to these lockers during the day.

At the Popeye water ride you must pay for the lockers because they offer a covered place on the “barge” for you to place your things. However, they will definitely still get wet so if you have anything that can’t get wet definitely buy the $2 locker.

On Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the Hulk Coaster you have to pass through a metal detector before you can go on the ride so you are required to put everything you have in a locker or with someone not riding.

6. Download the Universal Studios App

You can do so much with the Universal Studios App. You can get in the virtual lines for any attraction with that capability. You can order food and drinks on the app. The app holds your tickets, maps, show times, wait times for attractions, and general park info.

At many of the sit-down restaurants, you can mobile order – at least the ones in Harry Potter World. Then at restaurants with walk-up windows you can mobile-order and pick it up at a specific mobile-order pickup spot. It’s actually super efficient and you don’t have to wait in the long line.

Some rides go to virtual line only when the parks are at capacity. The Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure had a virtual line the first two days we were there and the third it was virtual until the afternoon.

On our third day there the Revenge of the Mummy was virtual and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon was virtual all three days.

Honestly, this is one of the top tips for visiting Universal Studios. The app is so helpful.

7. Virtual Lines Open Before the Park

You can get a spot in virtual lines through the Universal App. It gives you the option to get a spot in line within a certain timeframe so all you have to do is show up at the ride and show the attendant your phone.

The Race Through New York ride opened by 8:30 everyday so you could get a spot. On the day we finally got there early enough to get a spot on Hagrid’s ride the virtual line for it opened at 8:45.

Hagrid’s ride always ran out of virtual spots so we were so excited to get in. By 9 all the spots were always gone and we never could find an opening throughout the day. Until the third day when they opened the line so you could physically wait in it instead of having to use the app.

Moral of the story is that if you want to ride something really bad, make sure to get there early and check the virtual line.

8. The Crosswalk Isn’t Always Open

There are three ways to get between the two parks – Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This is only if you have a Park-to-Park ticket for the day.

First – You can walk out the exit of either park and through CityWalk by the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Hard Rock Cafe and into the other park. The walk is about 15 – 20 minutes depending on where you’re at in the park.

Second – There is a crosswalk between the two parks, but it is not always open so not an option all the time. It wasn’t open during any of the three days that we were there.

Third and my personal favorite – Take the Hogwarts Express! This is definitely the most fun way to get between the parks. However, the line gets incredibly long as the day goes on. If you’ve already been on this ride then I wouldn’t recommend waiting over 30 minutes on the train.

9. Many Restaurants on Universal CityWalk Require Reservations

 We made the mistake of not making a dinner reservation on a Friday night and were out of luck when it came to eating on CityWalk.

Every restaurant either had an hour and a half wait or was reservation only. I’ve already told you how impatient I am so you know I’m not waiting that long to eat.

For those of you who exercise your patience daily, you can grab drinks and appetizers at little kiosks around the CityWalk while you wait.

10. Express Passes Get You In Regardless of Virtual Lines

If you couldn’t get in the Virtual Line, but still want to ride something you can use your Express Pass if the attraction has an Express Line.

Not everything has an Express Line, but most do. One very popular ride that doesn’t is Hagrid’s.

11. Wear the Right Clothing and Shoes

One of the most important Universal Studios tips for 2023 by far. I wore a dri-fit t-shirt and shorts that dried quickly because I knew that we would be getting on the water rides.

I also wore my Chacos ZX3 sandals . They’re comfortable and do so well with water.

Comfortable shoes are a must. If you don’t plan on riding the water rides then I would go with sneakers. I’ve actually put together a whole list of the best shoes for theme parks if you need some new ones!

My Chacos are super comfy and did well when we walked 6 miles. Our last day we walked 12 miles though and my feet were hurting pretty good at the end of the day.

12. You Can Bring in Some Food

Here is one of the ultimate budget tips for visiting Universal Studios. You can bring in snacks and food that you don’t have to heat. What you cannot do is bring in a picnic lunch with a main course and sides.

I would highly recommend bringing some snacks and if you really want to watch your budget then take sandwiches for lunch. A good ol PB&J will always do the trick.

You are also allowed to bring up to two liters of water into the park. We brought in two water bottles each and that was plenty for us.

If you buy tickets in advance you’ll save a bit from what you would pay at the gate. It won’t be huge savings but everything adds up. Again, check with Undercover Tourist to buy your Universal Studios park tickets .

You can also see if Express Passes are discounted if you buy them when you purchase admission tickets.

I loved having my tickets on my phone in the Universal App. It was super convenient and I didn’t have to keep up with any extra pieces of paper.

More Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks 2023

14. you must have the 2-park ticket to ride the hogwarts express.

If you want to ride this then be sure you purchase the 2-park ticket! Honestly, if you want to save money you can purchase the 2-park ticket for one day only and do individual parks for the rest of your stay.

The Hogwarts Express is a must for any Harry Potter fan. Be sure to take the train both ways as the video is different depending on which station you come from.

15. Choose the Right Accommodations

Staying on the resort property would be nice, but it’s very expensive. Sometimes the included perks are worth it though. Undercover Tourist also sells hotel packages where you can sometimes find a deal!

For example, I’ve heard that one of the hotels within Universal Orlando Resort will include Express Passes for your whole family if you stay on their property. Depending on the size of your family this might be worth it.

We stayed at Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort which is on the Walt Disney World Campus. It isn’t part of the Disney Resorts though so the weekly price is much cheaper.

I’ve also written a complete Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Review if you want to know what to expect. This is sometimes an overlooked Universal Orlando tip!

16. Universal has Free WiFi

This will save your data plan if you connect to the free WiFi. It doesn’t require a password but if you don’t have an Xfinity account you’ll have to enter your email and zip code.

There is good coverage throughout both parks and most of CityWalk.

17. Buy Souvenirs Before You Arrive

This is mainly for Harry Potter World but can apply to other sections of Universal.

Many people love wearing Harry Potter shirts and cloaks. You can buy these on Amazon before your trip for much cheaper.

There are also necklaces, scarves, and so much more sold in the park. The prices really are outrageous so if you can buy them ahead of time I would do that.

The one thing I would buy in the park is the interactive wand if you want that. It is really cool to do the magic in the park.

My sister got Snape’s wand for $58 but I didn’t want to pay that much.

18. You Don’t Have to Buy Your Wand at Ollivanders

Everyone wants to visit Ollivanders to buy their wand which can make the line incredibly long. There are so many other places to buy a wand though.

In Diagon Alley you can visit Wands by Gregorovitch when they are open. You can also go to Knockturn Alley into Borgin & Burke’s if you want a dark wizard’s wand.

In Hogsmeade you’ll find a cart between Hogwarts and the shops where you can buy wands. You’ll also find wands at Dervish and Banges.

19. How Many Days Should You Spend at Universal Studios Florida?

I would say three at the very least. It takes a day or two just to get your bearings – especially if you haven’t made a plan. We didn’t make a good plan and we spent most of the first two days walking around figuring stuff out.

If you can make it on Tuesdays or Wednesdays those are the best days to visit too. Weekends are absolutely horrendous for crowds. I would hate to see the place when they weren’t limiting access.

Hopefully these Universal Orlando tips and tricks will help you take advantage of all your time there!

20. Visit During Shoulder Season

Unless you have to visit during the school breaks, I would make it a point to avoid those. You’ll spend your whole vacation waiting in line.

According to the Undercover Tourist, the best times to visit Universal over the next couple years will be weekdays during September through December with September being the best.

Our visit was in April and I’m sure the crowds weren’t bad compared to the summer months when school is out.

This is totally dependent on your preference. Do you plan on bringing a picnic and re-entering the park? Do you plan on buying souvenirs? Playing arcade games? Alcohol?

Another thing to think about is the CityWalk. Will you eat or shop here? The main extra expenses that you’ll have inside the park are food and souvenirs.

I would budget $60 per person per day especially if you’re doing two meals in the park. That will likely get you a snack too.

For souvenirs, I recommend setting a budget before you go. For example, I knew the only thing that I wanted was a refrigerator magnet and possibly a Christmas Tree ornament so my budget was around $25 for souvenirs.

Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Orlando for 2023

Okay here are some new things to do at Universal Studios plus some oldie but goodie memorable experiences that we had.

Number one – the Jurrasic World Velocicoaster is open! This looked like an absolutely epic ride so if you are a big coaster fan then check it out.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure TM , Escape from Gringotts TM , Revenge of the Mummy, Rip Ride Rockit TM , and the Hulk Coaster were our favorite rides. Again, these are for the big roller coaster fans!

Check out at least one of the shows while you’re here – they do a great job! Universal keeps a list of all the current shows.

Make sure to allow some time to explore city walk. It really is an attraction to itself. Grab some doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnuts where you can skip the line if you order on the Universal Studios app.

Do you love seasonal events? Then plan a trip to Universal around Halloween, the Holidays, or Mardi Gras! Check out their event list for other things throughout the year.

For Harry Potter fans, make sure you visit Hogsmeade at night if they are doing the light show at Hogwarts TM . They don’t do this every night though so ask an employee when you visit.

Oh and make sure you check out the Knight Bus TM right outside of Diagon Alley. Across from the bus, you’ll see 12 Grimmauld Place and if you hang out a bit you can catch Kreacher peeking out the window.

Make sure you eat all the Butterbeer in as many different ways as you can. Check out the Three Broomsticks for the atmosphere and Mythos is an award-winning restaurant in the park.

How to Get to Universal Studios Orlando

If you live in the southeast then you may consider a road trip to Orlando so you can drive to the park. Depending on where you live, Orlando is also a cheap place to fly into.

You can either fly into Orlando and rent a car or contact your hotel to see if they have a shuttle service from the airport. This will save you money, especially if you are staying at a Universal hotel.

Ubers are plentiful around Orlando in case you need to go somewhere other than the park. If you aren’t staying on property, many local hotels have a shuttle service that will take you to the park.

This just means you are at the mercy of the shuttle schedule or you’ll have to take an Uber depending on when you want to arrive and leave the park.

Other Things to Do Near Orlando

Here are a few fun things to do in Orlando or for day trips!

Museum of Illusions Ticket

Kennedy Space Center & Everglades Safari

Helicopter Night Tour Over Orlando Theme Parks

Crystal River Manatee Swim

Wekiva River Guided Kayak Tour

Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Where to Stay in Orlando

If Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek isn’t what you are looking for then check out the other Orlando hotels at the link below!

✅ Orlando Hotels on Booking.com ✅

WRap Up: Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando

I know that was a lot of info but I hope even one of these tips will help you! The most important tips for Universal Orlando are to figure out how to skip the crowds whether that is planning your vacation in the off-season or getting the Universal Express Passes and make sure you remember these budget tips!

I hope you’ll have a fantastic trip in Orlando and you’ve found these Universal Orlando tips for 2023 helpful.

Do you love theme parks? Here is a list of the best theme parks in the US !

Pin for later!

Anna is a North Carolina native who grew up traveling the southern US with her family. Now she is a full-time travel blogger who road trips the US and shares about outdoor adventures and epic things to do. Want to know more? Read her full story here.

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There are some really handy tips here! I visited a few years ago and we had tickets that lasted for 2 weeks as part of our holiday package and I really enjoyed the park.

Oh wow! That is really nice. It is such a fun park to visit.

Great tips! I heard they’re doing awesome deals on season passes too! I really want to go to Volcano Bay!

Thank you! Yes, they have some really good deals going right now. We didn’t make it to Volcano Bay but I’m sure it’s great!

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Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

April 4, 2024

29 Incredible Universal Orlando Tips [Save Money & Time]

We just returned from a jam-packed whirlwind trip to Universal Orlando and it was absolutely incredible!!! One of the reasons the trip went so smoothly is because we have visited Orlando more times than I can count and over the years we have collected a lot of Unversal Orlando tips & tricks to help us avoid crowds, save money and have fun.

So, today I am sharing those secrets with YOU!

Read on to learn our best Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks for 2024. We love these parks as much as Disney World , if not more. This is truly a world-class resort.

Universal Orlando Tips

1. Stay on Property at one of these 3 Resorts! My Favorite Universal Secret

This is one of the best tips for visiting Universal Orlando (in fact, I have a whole post about it ) I have because staying on property makes all the difference in the world and is worth EVERY penny.

Let me explain. At first glance, you might notice that you can find cheaper hotels near the Universal Resort in Orlando. But, if you want Express passes, stay at these three resorts, because they come for FREE!

The three resorts on property ( Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort and the Hard Rock Hotel specifically) include FREE Universal Express Passes for each hotel guest (which gives you front of the line access to the most popular rides in the parks), early park admission, priority seating at many restaurants in City Walk and FREE transportation around the resort.

The Universal Express Passes alone would cost you a minimum of $89.99 per person and can go up to $379. With 4 guests in a room you can save $360 – $1200 per day in express passes

So, the $100 you are saving a night on your room is NOT worth it!

Staying on property at Universal Studios Florida also means you can take advantage of the beautiful walkways and boat rides available to hotel guests. It’s a convenient way to get around!

****Pro Tip**** Book your Universal Vacation with a Travel Agent Like Best Day Ever Vacations! They offer the same prices as booking direct but have extra incentives to make your trip even better!

2. Use a Travel Agent knowledgeable about Universal Orlando

When I first used to travel, we always booked everything ourselves, than I found out that a lot of travel agents work don’t charge a thing.

There is a lot to figure out when it comes to planning a Universal trip:

• How to get to the parks from the airport
• What are Express Passes
• How to travel from Park to Park
• Which hotels to stay at
• Where should you have dinner?
• Is the dining plan worth it?
• What about character breakfasts?

It’s honestly endless.

We reached out to Best Day Ever Vacations (they are seriously the best!) for our Disney Vacation and they did such an amazing job we asked if they handled Universal Orlando. Sure enough, they have Universal Orlando specialists who know everything about the parks, hotels, city walk and more. It made planning a vacation so much more fun! Pretty much 90% of the tips I have are from them.

3. Arrive Early & Leave Late

Another great tip for Universal Orlando is to take advantage of the early park entrance in the morning offered solely to guests staying on property.

But, even if you are not staying on property you will want to plan on arriving prior to the park opening hours and that is because they begin to allow guests to enter the parks early (up to a certain point) before the park officially opens.

If you are one of the folks who enter early you will be able to breeze through several wait times on the most popular attractions before the crowds arrive.

That said you will also want to stay late. Both Universal Orlando Parks tend to die down around 4pm.

Guests who stay later enjoy much shorter wait times which is why we like to get in early, then take a midday pool break at the hotel and return to the parks around 3-4pm. An easy schedule when you are staying on property.

Take a Peek Inside the Parks by watching our YouTube Video below.

Give us a thumbs up & subscribe for more great family travel videos!

4. Book the Concierge Level as it may save you money

I have a lot of kiddos, so when we stay in a concierge room, it is worth it. This means complimentary breakfast for the entire crew, snacks to take in the park, and some appetizers when we get back, so a large dinner isn’t quite needed. It is so worth it!

5. Plan for 4 Days Minimum

Now that  Volcano Bay  has opened we decided to up our recommended minimum number of days to 4 instead of 3.

You will definitly want an added full day to check out Universal Orlando’s amazing new water park. Volcano Bay has some of the BEST water attractions & slides we have EVER experienced.

The park itself is immaculate, the food is wonderful, they have two lazy rivers (one is a thrilling experience), and the kids splash areas are the best we’ve ever seen!!

I believe that 4 days is enough to conquer Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, AND the NEW Volcano Bay Water Park. That is ‘IF’ you have the Universal Express Passes for the dry parks.

If you do not have the express passes then you will want at least 5 days at the parks to be able to hit all of the popular attractions.

But, again notice that you need one less night at a hotel when you have the Express Passes which are included in the price of your stay at the on-site properties that I mentioned above. Another reason why it is actually cheaper and much better to stay at one of the hotels on the property!

6. If you are going to buy Express Passes Consider the VIP TOUR because it might be cheaper and includes A LOT MORE!!!!

People don’t know this but the Universal Orlando VIP Tour is the best deal in town. You get to the front of the line on every ride (including the ones Express pass does not cover) + it includes breakfast, lunch and valet parking and even more! Check out the details here!

7. Dates to Visit to Avoid Crowds

Avoiding the crowds is one of my favorite Universal Orlando Tips. There are three times a year where I feel like you can count on avoiding large crowds at the Universal Orland Resort.

One is the entire month of September as everyone is back in school and either just visited over summer or is planning to visit over the holidays.

The second is visiting between Dec 3rd- 15th. The closer it gets to the school winter breaks the more the traffic picks up.

The 3rd Date is the one week after January through the first week of February. Everyone has visited from the holidays and the next holiday is not til Presidents day weekend.

But, visiting Universal during the holidays is extra spectacular! In Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can see The Grinch musical show which is a wonderful performance.

And, in Universal Studios you can witness authentic balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Plus, both parks are decked out with holiday lights too. It’s my favorite time of year to visit!

8. Use Child Swap

One way to breeze through the crowds when traveling with infants and toddlers is by utilizing the “child swap” program at Universal. The “child swap” allows families traveling with little ones to wait in the queue together once while allowing both adults a turn to ride.

How this Universal Orlando Tip works is one parent stays off the ride and waits in the designated “child swap room” with the child who is not tall enough to ride. While the rest of the family hops on the ride.

When they are finished the parents swap roles and the parent who initially stayed back is given a chance to ride without having to wait in line again. Instead, they simply walk to the front of the line in the “child swap” designated area.

*Pro-Tip-Another added benefit of using the “child swap” is the second parent can take up to 3 guests with them. So, several people in the family get to ride twice!

9. Single Rider

Guests 10 years or older, also have the option of a shorter wait by being a “single rider”. Since most people ride in groups of two or more, if there is an extra spot available the attendants will ask for a single rider and you’ll be able to skip ahead in the line.

At some queues, there is even a special line reserved just for “single riders”.

10. How to Make the Most of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

Tip #1 : Avoid the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the AM!

I know this sounds contradictory to every other thing you might read BUT trust me. The first place every person heads to is the Harry Potter area in each of the parks making both of these lands complete madhouses in the morning… even for guests with early entry.

Unless you are going to be one of the first people in the park and you are going to run straight to one of the Harry Potter rides forget it.

You will have much better luck heading into these lands around 4 pm when everyone else in the park has already ‘been there, done that’.

Check out the photo above. That is my kids walking into Hogsmeade during early park entry on a non-holiday visit. Can you see the crowds in there- INSANE!!! I mean for good reason of course.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (both Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley) are the MOST INCREDIBLE themed lands I have ever visited.

Absolutely, spectacular in so many ways. However, if you can be smart and avoid the crowds I promise the experience will be even that much better.

11. Take Time to Really Explore the Harry Potter Lands

As I just mentioned, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is absolutely amazing. And, I am not just talking about the main attractions. I urge you to really explore these lands as there are magical elements hidden all around you.

If you buy an interactive wand at Ollivander’s you can actually cast spells around Diagon Alley and make magic happen right before your eyes!

On our recent visit to Universal Orlando we waited in line at Ollivander’s for the Wand Chooses the Wizard  experience and Shea got picked!!! Check out his face in our YouTube video here .

*Pro Tip-   You can also ask the goblin in the Money Exchange any question and he will respond. Ask him about the dragon in Gringotts next time you visit 😉

Head inside the stores in Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade !

Our kids got a kick out of the crazy jelly bean flavors (some are actually really gross) and the chocolate frogs.

*Pro Tip- grab your Harry Potter costume supplies before leaving home. Capes at the park are really pricey. Find ones much cheaper on Amazon here.

12. Try a Butter Beer + Secret Menu

You can’t visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without getting your kids a Butter Beer. Who can blame them with that tasty marshmallow topping?

But, if you really want to impress your kids, head to The Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head Pub and order a Pumpkin Fizz.

*Pro Tip- It won’t be on the menu because it is a secret item.

And, knowing that will make you the coolest parent alive!!

Don’t miss the Butter Beer Flavored Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Fountain of Fair Fortune, and at select street vendors throughout Diagon Alley.

13. Take the train in between the parks

Don’t miss riding the Hogwarts Express between the parks. Not only is it a super convenient way to get around, but it is also one of my favorite Harry Potter experiences too!

I am not telling you why because I don’t want to spoil any surprises. You’ll just have to trust me on this one.

*Pro Tip- make sure to take the train from BOTH parks. The experiences are totally different.

14. Get a Coffin Full of Donuts to Start the Day

As I mentioned in our best things to do in Orlando Voodoo Doughnuts offers up one of the best fried creations in all of Orlando, at least that’s my opinion.

One of their six locations in all of the world is at Universal Citywalk in Orlando, meaning you won’t have many other opportunities to try one of these tasty and colorful pastries.

Trust me, these are not your average doughnuts. They are both extravagant in looks and in taste. You will find their shelves filled with raised yeast donuts, cake donuts, and specialty donuts of all kinds.

If you like peanut butter, you cannot miss out on the Old Dirty Bastard. Name aside, this doughnut is what dreams are made of. You can check out the full menu here!

And yes, like we said this involves a coffin. You can purchase a 3-foot wooden coffin filled with three We Pick ‘Em Voodoo Dozens.

It is a fun way to celebrate a special occasion or just do something unique while on vacation. Plus, you can never have too many doughnuts! 

15. Tips for Toddlers (height requirements)

We did notice that many of the rides had a 40-inch height requirement as our youngest is not quite that tall yet. But, that doesn’t mean there is not a ton of rides and shows available for smaller toddlers.

I recommend checking out Seuss Landing where multiple rides have lower height requirements, Shrek 4-D, Fievel’s Playground, Camp Jurassic, the Curious George Water area and a day in the Park with Barney- a live show and playground area. And, don’t forget to take your littles to hang out with the characters too!

Youngsters 34-inches tall can ride E.T. the ride which happens to be a favorite in our family. I was so sad when our CA park got rid of it and so I make sure we hop on it every time we visit the Orlando parks.

Once kids reach 36 inches tall they can test their thrill-seeking skills on Woody the Woodpecker’s Rollercoaster (above), Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Flight of Hippogriff & more.

Little ones who hit the 40-inch height requirement can ride the Seuss Trolley Train, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Simpson’s Ride (although it is a little frightening), Transformers, Spiderman, and more. And, once youngsters reach 42 inches tall they can also ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Men in Black, Popeye and Bluto’s water ride, and Jurassic Park… The Ride just to name a few. Check out our experience on Jurassic Park below:

16. Buying souvenirs

It’s unavoidable your kids are going to want to take home a treasure to remind them of their incredible vacation at Universal. Be smart and use Universal Orlando’s package pick-up & free package delivery to on-site hotels.

Package pick-up sends your souvenir to the front of the park so you can pick it up on your way out versus lugging it around all day. If you are staying on-site they take it a step further and deliver it right to your hotel. Just one more reason staying on property is such a smart idea!

17. How to Save on Food… Dining Plans!

Universal offers several different dining plans that can help you save money and make life a little easier too. Choose from full service or quick service plans. With up to 100 dining locations to choose from inside both parks and in City Walk your family will have plenty of options to choose from.

The full-service plan includes two of our favorite restaurants at the Universal Resort- Mythos Restaurant and The Cowfish (yes sushi + burger fusion is a thing).

But, we do find the quick service plan a little easier on the pocketbook. View the plans, list of participating restaurants and pricing here .

Family Style- Louie’s Italian Restaurant

One of the munchkins’ favorite Universal Orlando tips is heading to the back of the park at Universal Studios for the BEST theme park pizza we’ve ever had. Feeding a large family at a theme park can cost an arm and a leg.

One way we save at Universal is by ordering a whole pizza pie from Louie’s Italian Restaurant. While a single slice will run you about $7 bucks, a whole pie so roughly $30 and comes with 8 slices.

*Pro Tip- Don’t forget ice water is always complimentary so drink up.

Cheap Shareable Treat- Lad Lard’s Pink Donut

Growing up The Simpson’s was one of those shows I would watch with my dad. Most jokes went right over my head but that didn’t stop me from laughing. Walking through the Simpson’s area brought back so many memories.

So, I was a complete sucker when my kids requested an enormous pink sprinkled donut from Lad Lard’s. Luckily, it was under $5 bucks and easily shareable! Don’t take our word for it check out this article from USA Today’s 10Best.

The Tacos at BumbleBee Man’s Taco Truck is a delicious, quick, and easy on-the-go lunch or snack too!

Just for fun… Moe’s Tavern

Not really a savings tip BUT something fun to do while in the Simpson’s area is to while in the Simpson’s area is to head to Moe’s tavern to try a Duff Beer. While you are there order the kids an alcohol-free, orange-flavored Flaming Moe. The dry ice makes it smoke and the kids will get a kick out of it!

18. If You are an annual passholder, turn your soda into a delicious slush.

If you are an annual passholder, there is a wonderful lounge to relax and cool off. The best part, you can buy a soda and turn it into a delicious slush.

19. Head to City Walk

Another Universal Orlando tip I have found that works well is to leave the parks and head into City Walk for lunch. Here you will find better tasting options in my opinion and a wider variety of eateries.

It may not save a lot of cash but at least you get better quality food for your money and at lunch its a ghost town so very little wait times too! 

I personally loved the Bread Box which serves delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads. It was a healthier option and the kids loved the bench swings  located at some of the booths.

The NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a favorite amongst the kiddos in our family. Who doesn’t love a working foosball dining table 😉

City Walk also has some fun photo opportunities and great shops and because it is so quiet during the afternoon you can get a bunch of fun shots.

*Pro Tip- if you stay at one of the hotels I mentioned previously your room key will also help you get priority seating at many of the restaurants in City Walk.

20. Skip dinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Wait what?? You read that right. Dinner here includes a ridiculous wait time and your room key does not grant you priority seating at this hot spot.

However, the specialty here is clearly dessert and you can skip the long wait and head right inside and order your tasty treats at the counter.

Make sure you try at least one of their INCREDIBLE Artisanal Milk Shakes. Hands down the BEST flavor is Salted Caramel Pretzel but Chocolate Peanut Butter comes in close for second.

* Check out my top 10 foods you have to try at Universal

21. Don’t Miss These Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

You most likely know about all of the most popular attractions. But, there are a few things that most people are unaware of that we think are absolutely worth your time.

Live Raptor Photo Opportunity- I mean where else can you get a photo with a live raptor- ha! What makes this so incredibly fun is the employees are steadfast in the delivery of their character.

The kids were actually starting to question if the dino was going to be real. Check out the video:

Jurassic Play Area-  After you ride the Jurassic Park River Adventure, you can go to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. Here you can relax in the air-conditioned room while kids check out all the cool dinosaurs. Make sure to wander over to the eggs. If you’re there when a baby dino breaks out of its shell, your kiddo might be lucky enough to name the newborn and get an official birth certificate!

Character Meet & Greet with Shrek & Donkey- who wouldn’t want to spend time with this hilarious duo. Make sure to check the guide for times so that you can hang out with these totally awesome and funny characters. Check out our experience below:

Fievel Playground- stop by this awesome play area to give the kids a chance to run wild. There is plenty for both little and big kids to do and it’s also a nice break for mom & dad. Liv loved playing in the ball pit and the older ones enjoyed the water slide and swinging from the giant rope.

Hello Kitty Shop – if you have young girls (or teens) they will LOVE the adorable Hello Kitty Shop located inside Universal Studios. They have every type of Hello Kitty product imaginable PLUS an adorable bakery/ candy shop too!

Free Coloring Station in Seuss Landing- little ones will love cooling down in the air conditioned stores in Seuss Landing. We found a coloring station in the store near the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

22. Take a photo of your park passes

If you lose your park passes it can be a pain, but if you take a picture they can easily reprint them 

23. Pack some Ponchos

It’s Central Florida, which means there is a good chance of rain. Also, there are some very wet rides. So, pack some ponchos and save yourself the exorbitant costs of paying for a poncho at the parks.

24. GET A BIRTHDAY BUTTON (READER SUGGESTION!)

Here is one of the comments that I thought was a great idea.

“If it’s someone’s birthday, get a birthday button. When I went with my sister, we got backdoor access to a couple of rides and they sang Happy Birthday to her over the intercom at Men in Black!” -Crystal

25. There are 2 Lazy Rivers at Volcano Bay and one is absolutely not Lazy!

If you decide to hit up Volcano Bay you will for sure find yourself in the Lazy River, however some people do not realize there are actually two rivers.

One nice and mellow river and one that is more of a fast paced rapid ride. Everyone in the fast paced river is required to wear a life vest as the water does move quite fast, but it is super fun!

26. Download the Universal app beforehand

You can then link your tickets and credit card to the app. When you are in the water park you can use their special Tapu Tapu Tapu to pay for items. The app also gives wait times for the 2 main parks.

27. Save Hundreds of Dollars by renting a Stroller from an offsite vendor!

The strollers at Universal are expensive and not very comfortable. Kingdom Strollers has been around for over 20 years and they will save you a ton of money plus they deliver the stroller to your hotel or Airbnb!

You simply place your order and then meet them at your hotel at one of their 5 daily meetup times and grab your stroller.

It couldn’t be any easier Check em out here! In fact now you can pick up your stroller at the Orlando Airport. It is pretty convenient

28. Universal Tips for Adults – Visit During Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is one of the best times to visit the parks with or without kids, but especially without kids since Universal’s Mardi Gras events are going on.

You will enjoy, live concerts from top artists, amazing food, and plenty of celebratory drinks and parades. You can check out all the Mardi Gras details here.

29. Take the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios and Disappear into the Wall!

Ever wanted to disappear into a brick wall like they do in Harry Potter. If you take the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure you will enjoy all the whimsy of Hogsmeade station including an illusion which makes it seem like you disappear into a brick wall (check it out in the video above). 

Map of Islands of Adventures

Universal Orlando Tips FAQ’s

How do i get the most out of universal studios.

Stay in an onsite hotel for FREE Express Passes Arrive Early Go to Harry Potter’s World later in the day Allow 45 Minutes for Parking & Security Use Rider Switch Pass if you have kids that are too small

How can I save money at Universal Studios Orlando?

Pre-Purchase Tickets from Discount Ticket Sites Like Undercover Tourist Bring your own water Get Free Express Passes by staying at an onsite hotel Get a whole Pizza for the Family at Louise’s Visit during the off season for the best deals

What rides to go on first at Universal Studios?

Hollywood Rip Rock it Transformers Mummy the Ride Harry Potter Escape from Gringots

Is Express Pass worth it at Universal?

It depends on how much time you have to spend at the parks. If you are short on time, yes! The cheapest way to get Express passes is staying at an onsite hotel. You get 5 for 2 days for 1 night at a hotel.

Pin for later- 29 Amazing Universal Orlando Tips

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Reader Interactions

November 30, 2016 at 12:46 pm

You definitely need inside tips when you visit places like this! It can make all the difference for a trip! Great share!

November 30, 2016 at 4:03 pm

The concierge level sounds like a game changer! Will try next time!

November 30, 2016 at 9:27 pm

I love posts like these! I have never spent time in Orlando but it’s on my list. Pinning this for when I get to cross it off because it will come in handy with planning. Thank you!

December 13, 2016 at 1:10 pm

So many awesome tips! We stayed on site on our last visit and it was totally worth it! I’ll definitely pay with my AMEX next time to get access to the lounge.

February 19, 2022 at 6:25 am

I must have missed the benefit of using AMEX. Can you please fill me in?

December 13, 2016 at 7:21 pm

Man! You really are an expert! Great tips lady.

December 14, 2016 at 6:22 pm

I had NO IDEA about these great tips. I especially like the Child Swap scheme and analyzing hotels for whether they include passes! Brilliant.

March 9, 2017 at 4:51 pm

This helped me out a lot! We plan on going to City Walk for lunch, because I *need* to try that shake at that Chocolate place. I don’t even care if the food is crap. I told my kids we’re going because Mommy needs a gigantic shake.

March 10, 2017 at 10:22 am

I love that about you. You totally deserve the milkshake taking the kids by yourself. You won’t need to worry about the food at all. That shake is a meal on it’s own anyways.

April 20, 2017 at 5:13 am

I love the am ex tip & staying on property perks! Had no idea! Also love the moes tavern!

July 14, 2017 at 3:45 pm

Very detailed post! I didn’t realize that you get express passes staying at the resort, great idea!

July 15, 2017 at 7:11 pm

Yes, and those express passes are EVERYTHING! Makes the park experience SOOO much more enjoyable.

July 15, 2017 at 4:56 am

We always stay at the resorts in Orlando. Even though it can be a little more expensive at times, it’s worth it to maximize on time. A lot of the resorts we’ve stayed at come with snacks twice a day and you can grab an apple or orange to take into the park to make it stretch even longer! I can’t wait to get back to Disney and Universal! I haven’t seen any of the newer part of Wizarding World of HP.

July 15, 2017 at 7:10 pm

Exactly! And, yes you have to go back. Diagon Alley is SOO cool. The dragon is amazing.

July 15, 2017 at 3:33 pm

Great tips! My parents love Disney World and Orlando Studios. They go every couple of years and have a trip planned in the Fall. I will pass on these tips!

July 15, 2017 at 7:09 pm

Awesome, thank you!!

August 7, 2017 at 10:19 pm

Great tips for a first timer. One question, and maybe I missed it, did you mention anything about a pass that lets you park hope? I am using almost every one of your tips, thanks again!

August 8, 2017 at 6:50 am

There are multi-park tickets that allow you to go between parks in the same day. And, there are express passes that allow you to get to the front of the lines. Express passes are included when you stay on property at most of their resorts too.

September 29, 2017 at 11:04 am

Volcano Bay is a no-no as far as I could see from endless horrible reviews. Too crowded and bracelet system doesn’t work. Better off going to Disney’s or Sea World’s aqua parks.

September 29, 2017 at 11:30 am

Thank you for the comment. I definitely agree that Universal needs to limit the amount of people they allow in and work on their bands. But, now that it’s a quieter season (as opposed to a brand new park in the summer) I’m guessing things are slowing down. And, if that’s the case I don’t think the park itself with the rides it has can be beat by any of the other Orlando water parks. In fact I can confidently say that Volcano Bay had the best rides, slides, play areas and was the cleanest water park I had ever visited. They also had the best food. So when they get all the tweaks worked out I think it will be unstoppable ?

May 7, 2018 at 5:44 pm

We just went in April and the bracelet system was fantastic! They must have gotten all the hiccups worked out because it was flawless. We rented chairs too. Our attendant brought us our food and refilled our water bottles all day long. It was a great experience.

May 8, 2018 at 6:16 am

That is wonderful news!!! I absolutely LOVED the park and was only concerned with the lines. I figured they would learn and improve. Great news!!

July 9, 2018 at 6:11 pm

We have never been to universal, but would you say it’s a full day in each park? And how may parks are there?

July 9, 2018 at 9:00 pm

Hey Mandy, There are three parks. If you don’t have the express pass, it is definitely a full day in each park. If you do have the express pass you can possibly hit up two parks in one day. The parks are a good size and a ton of fun.

December 12, 2019 at 8:17 am

Also a fun tip: outside of Diagon Alley at Universal studios, if you knock on the door of 12 Grimmauld Place, you can see Kreacher peak out through the curtains.

August 20, 2019 at 6:41 am

Thanks Lucy for the sweet comments. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about your trip.

December 11, 2019 at 8:34 am

The BEST Universal Orlando Tips from a Pro [Over 20 Amazing Tips] – Great site. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your effort!- calator.tel

February 9, 2020 at 5:57 am

If it’s someone’s birthday, get a birthday button. When I went with my sister, we got backdoor access to a couple of rides and they sang Happy Birthday to her over the intercom at Men in Black!

February 13, 2020 at 8:36 am

The pictures of your children in the park really made this list special. Thanks for sharing.

September 11, 2020 at 3:19 pm

I was surprised by the difference in the daily rates of a common hotel to a hotel in the Universal complex. Actually, even though it is a little more expensive, the advantages far outweigh the difference. Thank you for all this information.

June 6, 2021 at 5:45 am

We just visited the end of may and the parks we’re super crowded,that being said we purchased the unlimited express pass and it may be pricy but my family never had so much fun,we had no wait times and that makes a high difference compared to the other people I saw waiting over an hour on some rides. Also they do have a medical assistant pass for people with conditions that make waiting in line difficult , very helpful with two children with conditions that make it hard to wait in the heat. Can’t wait to go back ,I think we will definitely stay at one of the big three hotels to get express pass

June 6, 2021 at 6:23 am

Glad you had a great time. Yes, when it is crowded, those express passes are a game changer.

February 15, 2023 at 11:19 am

ANYONE HAVE A STRATEGY FOR ONE PERSON, AGE 20, WHO ONLY HAS ONE DAY, WANTS TO DO BOTH PARKS IN EARLY MARCH 2023 ? I SEE SINGLE RIDERS OPTIONS, SHOULD I STILL GET EXPRESS PASS? PLAN TO BE THERE WHEN PARK OPENS AND STAY UNTIL IT CLOSES! THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR INPUT!

February 24, 2023 at 5:44 am

With Single Rider you should be able to get on almost all the major rides in one day.

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Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando: The Best Park-to-Park Guide

@wannabephotographer33

This article was originally published in February of 2022 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in September of 2023 to remain current and relevant.

As a loyal Hufflepuff , a front-row sitter at those mid-90’s afternoon acapella performances at Mel’s Drive-In , and as a child who would always think she had a fever from all the crying she did at the end of E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial , Universal and I go way back. And over the past three decades, I’ve had many opportunities to perfect my guest experience.

Normally, I would dedicate an entire day to each theme park (I am very meticulous). But recently I took on a one-day, park-to-park venture. It was my wedding anniversary and the first time away from my now 2-year-old son. So, I went all in. Turns out I had the time of my life and, trust me, as a new mom I do not take this feeling lightly.

So, whether you are in town for a couple of days, have a lot on your itinerary, managed a quick escape from real life for some real fun, or are just looking to feel like your old self again, here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your park-to-park experience at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure .

1. Purchase Tickets in Advance — and Get There Early

When you’re on a two-park mission, every line counts — but save the waiting time for after the turnstiles. Arrive a little before the gates open and factor in 30 minutes for parking and security screening. With The Official Universal Orlando Resort App you get the Parking Reminder feature, so you can find your way back to your car after a long day (you’ll thank me for this one later). Since most days the crowds start picking up an hour or so after opening time, take advantage of these quieter morning hours. By mid-morning, you could probably have ridden Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit twice (if you dare, cause I certainly don’t).

PRO TIP: If you really want to get a great head start on your day, book a stay at one of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels and get Early Park Admission , which allows you to access the theme parks prior to the scheduled opening time.

Either way, buying tickets online and redeeming them from your phone is convenient as it gets you right through the gates quicker. You can purchase them on the Universal website as well as on the mobile app. Speaking of…

2. Download The Official Universal Orlando Resort App

Make sure you download the app before heading to the park. The perks come in handy; aside from saving you time at the entrance since you can buy and manage your tickets with the Wallet feature, it also helps you organize your day with the Interactive Park Map that gives you the attractions’ wait time and showtimes (so important). It also allows you to join Universal’s Virtual Line Experience to reserve ride times for you and your party at certain attractions. By the way…

3. Join the Virtual Line Experience ASAP

At Universal you can be in two places at once. OK, it’s not exactly magic, but it’s technology at its best. So, while you’re catching a show or catching your breath, you can also be in the queue for other attractions, such as the unmissable Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade . Keep in mind that this feature is available for select rides at select times, and you can only make same-day reservations, one at a time, and only while you’re on Universal Orlando property. Guaranteeing your place in line as soon as you hit Universal CityWalk in the AM is not too soon!

4. Don’t Wing It

I love a good to-do list — although at the theme parks it’s more like a must-do list. It helps me walk through the gates ready to hit the ground running. So, consider picking out your must-do’s in advance as it helps you prioritize your experiences and ensures you cover all your non-negotiables. With the app you’ve got that at your fingertips since you can also research and favorite the rides, shows, and restaurants you’ve had your eye on, so you don’t waste time wandering around. Or DO wander around! Especially if you…

5. Consider Adding Universal’s Express Pass Unlimited to Your Budget

You’ve got a full day ahead, so skipping lines helps you experience more (with repeats!). If your goal is to hit as many rides as possible, this tip is for you. Don’t worry if you haven’t purchased your pass yet, you can change your mind at any time and get them at either park — but keep in mind that on busier days they may sell out.

PRO TIP: When you stay at a Universal Premier Category Hotel , Express Pass Unlimited is included free.

6. Eat on the Go

Who has the time to eat when they’re having fun? I do. Even if it’s a quick stop at TODAY Cafe for a chocolate croissant (or any of their pastries, really). But if you’re looking to dine in and are afraid of missing out on all the fun, you can use Mobile Food and Drink Ordering in the app. Set up an account ahead of time, so that at any point during the day you can choose a restaurant and place your order. Then just hit “Prepare My Order” when you’re at the venue and, voila, a hot and tasty meal in no time. An invaluable time-saver when you’re on a two-park mission.

7. Travel on the Hogwarts Express

If you’re also a Harry Potter fan, you’ll most definitely want to explore both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during your visit to Universal Orlando Resort. And sure, with the lands being located in separate parks, you could exit one land and walk to the other, but why would you do that if you can stay in the magic and board the Hogwarts Express to travel between the lands? With a 2-park ticket, you can board the train at Platform 9¾ (after running through the brick platform in King’s Cross Station, of course). Or, board at Hogsmeade Station and back travel to London for a completely different adventure. As I love trying to relive my favorite moments from the film series, I usually board the Hogwarts Express in London, by Diagon Alley, for that iconic and familiar journey to Hogwarts.

8. Save the Best for Last

Whether your all-time fave is in Seuss Landing , Jurassic Park , or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , keep your cool and get more done before the grand finale. Chances are your favorite spots are most people’s favorite spots, which means you could be waiting in queues for hours while you could have covered A LOT of ground. I chose to start my day at Universal Studios and although my impulse was to rush over to Diagon Alley as soon as I went through the park gates, I decided to save my ultimate Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts for last. That way, I was able to hit all the great attractions in Universal Studios by early afternoon and then enjoy my favorite ride with a shorter line. A great way to end the first half of my park-to-park day before heading to Islands of Adventure.

9. Don’t Dismiss the Classics

Sure, we can’t wait to ride the breath-taking Jurassic World VelociCoaster . But don’t go skipping treasures like The Revenge of The Mummy , E.T. Adventure (sobs), and Men in Black: Alien Attack . Aside from being unmissable classics, I can tell you I always have an exceptionally good time, especially at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges (note to self: bring an extra pair of socks next time). 

10. Time to Go

Well, not quite yet. Although you might be feeling somewhat tired from your 12-hour fun, CityWalk is just starting to come alive. Sit back and relax while you enjoy some good food and cold drinks before you call it a night. And whenever you feel ready to leave (if you ever do!), you’ll be glad you used the Parking Reminder feature on the app — told you you’d thank me later.

Got more tips on how to enjoy a park-to-park day like a pro? Please share your wisdom with us in the comments below.

Universal Destinations & Experiences

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Andrezza Duarte

Andrezza is the Senior Manager of Universal Orlando's Internal Communications team. She's a Brazilian storyteller, occasional roller-coaster rider, mom in progress. You can spot her walking around Diagon Alley, ordering french fries somewhere or standing in line for another picture with SpongeBob SquarePants.

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11 comments.

#7 needs to be updated to reflect that you need a 2 park park-to-park ticket in order to ride Hogwarts Express. You can have a two park ticket with only one park per day!

Looking to spend my 61 birthday this year after we couldn’t travel last year What different experience can I book on please

Hi Steve! We recommend exploring our website https://bit.ly/3gRlexT or contacting our Guest Services Team at (407) 224-4233 for more information about our parks!

i love Universal!!!!! such a great park and always feels like home! just make sure to try and keep the great features we love and keep the prices lower than the Mouse so y’all can beat them!

We’re two sixty somethings that have been visiting Universal from the UK for the past 17 years. Desperate to get back after missing the last two years due to Covid. We usually stay at the Royal Pacific to get those express passes and are hoping to return this September. My favourites are Escape from Gringotts and Bluto’s bilge barges.

We hope to see you soon, Dorothy!

My husband Tom and I chose to spend our 50 th Wedding Anniversary at Universal . We are so excited to come back, and September can’t get here soon enough!

I still don’t understand how the park to park means if I’m booking a vacation package that includes a 3 park 5 day ticket and stay? I had a chat with customer service and they seemed like machines, unable to say yes or no.

Hi Lis! We have two options when it comes to how many parks you can visit per day. One is a Base Ticket, which is one park per day, and the other is our Park-to-Park Ticket, which means you can go between the parks in one day. For assistance with purchasing, we recommend calling 800-711-0080!

Hello, Is it possible to park with an rv?

Hi Hans! You are welcome to park an RV at Universal CityWalk. The price of RV Parking would be $32 per vehicle.

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13 Must-Read Tips for Universal Studios Orlando First-Timers

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2024

Home » Destinations » Florida » Universal Studios Orlando » 13 Must-Read Tips for Universal Studios Orlando First-Timers

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Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando for the first time and don’t know where to start? Check out my top things to know before your first trip to Universal Studios Orlando!

This list of tips for universal studios orlando was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

We recently got back from our first trip to Universal Studios Orlando and it was SO much bigger than Universal Studios Hollywood !

We thought we were pretty prepared since we had visited the California theme park but we were so wrong.

Keep scrolling to hear about our mistakes and the Universal Studios Orlando tips I wish I had known before our trip!

How to Plan Your Visit to Universal Studios Orlando

Visiting Universal Orlando Resort for the first time is super exciting! Here’s how you can plan your trip to make it awesome:

Buying Tickets

It’s a good idea to buy your tickets before you get to the park. You can buy them online from the Universal Orlando website. Sometimes, they have special deals, so keep an eye out!

If you want to visit more than one park on the same day, think about getting a ‘park to park ticket’. This lets you hop between the Universal Orlando parks easily. The coolest way to do this is by taking the immersive Hogwarts Express!

We always buy our Universal Studios Orlando tickets through Get Away Today . They usually have the best deals and their customer service is unsurpassed.

Check when the parks open and close on the days you’re visiting. This is really important because sometimes the parks have special events and might close early or open late. You can find this info on the Universal Orlando website or the Universal App .

Download the Universal Orlando App

This app is super helpful! It has maps of the parks, so you won’t get lost. Plus, it shows you how long the wait times are for each ride. You can also use it to find places to eat (and mobile order) and restrooms.

Understand the Park’s Layout

If you’re a first-timer at Universal Studios Orlando, understanding the layout of the parks is super important. There are three main parts: Universal Studios Florida , Universal’s Islands of Adventure , and Volcano Bay , which is a water park.

Universal Studios Florida

This park is all about movies and TV shows. You’ll feel like you’re on a movie set! It’s perfect for fans of films and fun rides. Don’t miss out on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, where you can hop on the Hogwarts Express!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

This park is more about thrilling rides and adventures. It also has a part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. If you love roller coasters and action-packed attractions, start your adventure here!

Volcano Bay

If you’re visiting during hot weather, you might want to cool off at Volcano Bay. It’s a water park with awesome slides and pools. It’s a great place to relax and have fun in the water.

So, where should you start? If you’re a big Harry Potter fan or love movies, start at Universal Studios Florida. If you’re all about thrills and adventures, Islands of Adventure is your go-to. And if it’s splash time you’re after, head straight to Volcano Bay.

Each park offers something unique, so choose based on what excites you the most!

What to Wear to Universal Studios Orlando

Visiting Universal Studios Florida can be the adventure of a lifetime, especially if it’s your first time! To make the most of your trip, here are some favorite Universal Orlando tips about what to wear for a comfortable and fun experience.

What to Wear to Universal Studios Orlando in the Summer

Orlando gets pretty hot and humid in the summer. You’ll also likely encounter some rain showers. So, it’s key to dress for both the sun and the rain.

Since you’ll be walking a lot, wear comfortable sneakers or supportive sandals. Don’t wear new shoes! Blisters are the last thing you want!

Opt for lightweight and breathable outfits. Think shorts, tees, or even airy dresses.

Don’t forget your sunglasses and hat to shield you from the sun. And always, always have sunscreen on hand.

A lightweight poncho can be a lifesaver during those unexpected summer showers.

What to Wear to Universal Studios Orlando in the Winter

Believe it or not, Florida can get chilly in the winter. So, be prepared for varying temperatures.

A lightweight long-sleeve tee with a sweater, jacket, or hoodie on top works great. Bring a heavier jacket if it’s really cold. We saw a LOT of people wearing ski hats in December.

Jeans or wool leggings are perfect for keeping you warm and comfy.

Stick to comfortable sneakers that can handle a day of exploration.

Universal Themed Clothing

Part of the fun at Universal Studios is showing off your fandom! Whether you’re a Harry Potter wizard, a Jurassic Park dinosaur enthusiast, a Simpsons fan, or into Marvel superheroes, themed shirts and accessories add to the excitement. Dress up as your favorite character and enjoy the magical atmosphere!

So, when you’re packing to visit Universal Studios, remember these tips to stay comfortable and enjoy every moment, whether you’re exploring the water park, wandering through Harry Potter’s world, or enjoying the other amazing attractions.

Remember, the right outfit can make your adventure even more memorable!

Prioritize Must-See Universal Orlando Attractions

Visiting Universal Studios Florida for the first time is super exciting! To make the most of your trip, here are some tips and tricks, especially for first-timers.

Top Attractions

The wizarding world of harry potter.

This is a must-see! From Hogwarts castle to thrilling rides, it’s a magical experience. It’s laid out in two parks: Diagon Alley is in Univeral Studios while Hogsmeade is in Islands of Adventure. I recommend getting a park hopper ticket to do both AND ride the Hogwarts Express.

Roller Coasters

If you love thrills, don’t miss out on rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster. My 9-year-old is a huge roller coaster fan and he said that the Hulk tops his list.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

This ride is perfect for the whole family. It’s the same as the one at Universal Studios Hollywood and it’s quite possible that you’re kids will want to ride it multiple times.

Managing Time

The parks can get crowded, especially near popular rides like Harry Potter. To avoid long waits, try to visit these rides either early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s less crowded.

Remember, the two parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, are walking distance from each other. Plan to visit attractions close to each other to save time.

Use the Universal Orlando app to check wait times and plan which ride to go to next.

These tips should help you prioritize and enjoy the best Universal Orlando attractions without getting bogged down in bottlenecks.

Use the Universal Express Pass

If you’re a first-timer at Universal Studios Orlando, you should definitely know about the Universal Express Pass . This is a special pass that lets you skip regular lines at most rides and attractions. It’s a game-changer, especially on busy days!

What is the Express Pass?

• It’s like a fast pass to get you to the front of the line quicker.
• You can choose between different types of Express Passes. Some let you skip the line once per ride, while others, like the Unlimited Pass, let you skip as many times as you want.

Is it Worth It?

• If you hate waiting in long lines and want to see as much as possible, it’s totally worth it.
• Prices start at $79.99 for Universal Studios Florida and go up depending on the park and pass type.
• Think about how much time you’ll save. More time means more fun!

If you want to do the Express Pass, book it as soon as you can. We checked the prices while we were in the park and it was about $300 for the Unlimited Pass for same-day.

Remember, you need to buy your theme park ticket separately. So, if you want to make the most out of your visit to Universal Studios Orlando, consider getting the Express Pass. It could turn a good day into a great one!

Stay Hydrated and Well-Fed

When you’re having a blast at Universal Studios Orlando, it’s super important to stay hydrated and not get too hungry. Here’s a tip: carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated as you explore the parks.

For food, there are lots of cool places to grab a bite. If you’re in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’ve got to try the famous Butterbeer. It’s a sweet, frothy drink that tastes like magic!

My kids are huge Simpsons fans and they totally geeked out when we had lunch at Krusty Burger. The food was actually better than I expected.

Universal has many restaurants and snack spots. You can find everything from quick bites to sit-down meals. Remember to take breaks and enjoy some unique park treats. They’re part of the fun experience at Universal Studios!

Take Advantage of Early Park Admission

Here’s a super cool tip for first-timers at Universal Studios Orlando: If you stay at one of Universal’s hotels, you can get into the parks early! This means you can enjoy some of the coolest rides before the regular crowd rushes in.

For example, while we were there in December, hotel guests could enter Universal Studios Florida up to one hour before it opened. You could ride popular attractions like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts or Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

At Universal Islands of Adventure, you can enjoy Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ or the thrilling Jurassic World VelociCoaster an hour early too!

And at Universal Volcano Bay, you get a 30-minute head start to enjoy slides like Krakatau Aqua Coaster.

Make the most of this extra time. Plan to hit the most popular rides first. This way, you can enjoy them without long lines. It’s a great way to start your exciting day at Universal!

Explore the Wizarding World During Off-Peak Hours

Here’s a wizardly tip: visit the Wizarding World during off-peak hours to dodge those massive crowds. The best times are usually right when the park opens or later in the afternoon.

This way, you can explore Harry Potter’s magical world more comfortably and get on those awesome rides like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts without the long wait. It’s like having a magic wand to beat the crowds!

Stay On-Site for Added Benefits

If you’re planning a first-time visit to Universal Studios Orlando, think about staying at one of their resort hotels. There are lots of perks!

First, you get into the park an hour earlier, which is awesome for beating the crowds. They have free transport too, so you can get to and from the park easily. We thought the water taxis were super fun!

There are different types of hotels, from more affordable options like Universal’s Endless Summer Resort to fancier ones like Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Sapphire Falls . These hotels have cool stuff like pools, dining options, and even a rooftop bar at Universal’s Aventura Hotel !

Plus, if you stay at a Premier hotel, you get a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass to skip regular lines at most rides. That’s a huge bonus!

And, you can have any stuff you buy in the park sent straight to your hotel for free. Super convenient, right? These hotels make your Universal Orlando trip extra special and hassle-free

Stay Updated on Shows and Parades

When you’re at Universal Studios Orlando, don’t miss out on their cool shows and parades. They’ve got some awesome stuff like ‘The Bourne Stuntacular’ – it’s full of amazing stunts that’ll wow you.

If you’re curious about how they make movie special effects, check out ‘Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show’. It’s not only educational but super fun too!

For music fans, ‘The Blues Brothers Show’ is a must-see. And if you love Harry Potter, ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’ in Diagon Alley is magical. Make sure to find a good spot early for these shows – they’re popular and get crowded fast!

Prepare for Weather Changes

When you’re heading to Universal Studios Orlando, be ready for sudden weather changes. It’s smart to pack a poncho or a light rain jacket, especially if there’s rain in the forecast. Wear clothes and shoes that can handle getting wet, just in case you’re caught in a shower.

If it looks like rain, start your day at Islands of Adventure. It has more outside attractions that might close in bad weather, so you’ll want to check those out first. But don’t worry, there are plenty of cool indoor rides too!

Over at Islands of Adventure, you’ve got The Cat in The Hat and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, among others.

At Universal Studios Florida, you can enjoy indoor rides like Revenge of the Mummy, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

These rides are perfect for staying dry and having fun, even when it’s raining outside!

Save Time for Shopping and Souvenirs

At Universal Studios Orlando, don’t forget to save some time for shopping and grabbing cool souvenirs! Each area in the park has unique shops filled with awesome merchandise.

First-timers will love visiting Ollivanders in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a magical wand, or the Universal Studios Store for t-shirts and hats. You can find almost anything, from cool Jurassic Park gear to fun Minion toys. It’s the perfect way to remember your amazing trip!

Universal Orlando Resort FAQs

What’s the best time to visit universal orlando.

The best time is usually during spring or fall when it’s less crowded and the weather is nice. Summer and winter holidays can be really busy.

Do I Need Tickets for Each Park?

Yes, you need separate tickets for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. You can also get a park-to-park ticket to visit more than one in a day.

Can I Bring My Own Food?

Small snacks and bottled water are okay, but big meals and coolers aren’t allowed.

Is There a Way to Skip Lines?

Yes! The Universal Express Pass lets you skip regular lines on most rides, but it costs extra.

What’s the Best Ride?

It depends on what you like! Thrill-seekers love The Incredible Hulk Coaster, while Harry Potter fans adore Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

Is There Stuff for Little Kids?

Absolutely! Seuss Landing and Fievel’s Playland have fun rides and play areas for younger kids.

How Do I Get from One Park to Another?

You can walk, or if you have a park-to-park ticket, take the Hogwarts Express train.

Can I Meet Characters?

Yes! You can meet characters like the Minions, Spider-Man, and even Harry Potter characters.

What Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because there’s a lot of walking. And don’t forget sunscreen!

Where Should We Eat?

There are lots of places! From quick snacks to sit-down restaurants, like the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter’s World or Mythos Restaurant at Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios Orlando Tips Wrap-Up

There are SO many cool things to do at Universal Studios Orlando! It’s super important to plan and prioritize your top attractions for a seamless first-time experience.

I hope you soak in the magic and have an epic family vacation!

Looking for more Universal Studios Orlando content? Check out How Many Days Do You Need at Universal Studios Orlando? , Universal Studios vs Disney World: The Ultimate Family Vacation Showdown , Is it Worth Visiting Universal Studios Orlando at Christmas? , and Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure: Which Orlando Park is Right for You?

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2024 Universal Orlando Planning Guide

Our 2024 Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure planning guide offers park & ride strategy. It features tips & tricks to help you save money & time, avoid crowds, and have the best vacation or side-visit from Walt Disney World as possible. ( Updated January 7, 2024. )

We’re Universal Orlando Annual Passholders and huge fans of those parks in addition to Walt Disney World. Universal has improved a ton and upped its game in the last decade. This began with the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which were further enhanced by Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

That has been taken to the next level with the debut of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and to a lesser extent, with the new Minions mini-land last year. This is once again going to be another big year thanks to the DreamWorks Animation Land Opening in 2024 at Universal Studios Florida. These recent and upcoming additions, not to mention an all-new theme park in 2025, are among the reasons why some Walt Disney World fans are openly asking:  Is Universal Beating Disney?

Suffice to say, we highly recommend spending a couple of days at Universal when vacationing at Walt Disney World. This is guide to Universal Orlando Resort contains everything you’ll need to know. Whether you’re doing both parks in a single day or making a trip of it with an on-site hotel stay and multiple days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, we have you covered with info and advice about attractions, dining, resorts, strategy, crowds, and more.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to make the most of a visit to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. We’re going to take a counterintuitive organizational approach to this guide, as we’ve found that many readers consult it while visiting Universal rather than during the planning stages of a trip. Accordingly, we’re going to front load with info you need to know if you’ve already touched down in Central Florida.

If you’re a Disney fan simply trying to determine whether a trip to Universal Orlando Resort is right for you in the first place, you might start by reading our Universal vs. Walt Disney World post, which covers some of the pros and cons of each, plus the differences between the two vacation destinations. Although they’re all theme parks located in Central Florida, each have strengths and weaknesses that will make them better or worse for certain types of families–ages, demographics, etc.

Similarly, if you’re debating between resorts at the two main theme park complexes, see our comprehensive breakdown: Universal Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Hotels . That should help you determine which is the better option for your vacation–or if a split stay might be best!

For what it’s worth, neither of these versus posts nor the one about whether Universal is “beating” Disney are pointless fan cheerleading or theme parks as polarizing team sports. The two versus posts are practical planning that objectively weigh pros and cons, whereas the “beating” one is an editorial (not useful for planning, but potentially interesting).

Anyway, here’s everything else you need to know about visiting Universal Orlando Resort…

What’s New & Next at Universal

If you have not been to Universal Orlando in a while (or ever), a lot has changed in the last several years. This includes a few attractions that have been added in the last several years: Bourne Stuntacular, Fast and the Furious: Supercharged, Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon, and Skull Island: Reign of Kong.

In terms of what’s new, there are two hugely popular coasters in Islands of Adventure: Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in the Hogsmeade side of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Without question, VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s are two of the very best roller coasters in Orlando. (I’d personally put both above TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World, but to each their own on that.)

As noted above, there’s also the new Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida . As the name suggests, this is an area based on the  Despicable Me  film franchise, and builds on the popularity of the existing Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction. This is now an expanded avenue with the new Villain-Con Minion Blast ride and Minion Cafe restaurant, plus more retail, snack spots, meet & greets, placemaking, and more.

Next on the horizon is the aforementioned DreamWorks Animation Land that will feature characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse  and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like  Shrek ,  Trolls  and  Kung Fu Panda to life.

Although unconfirmed, this is expected to feature a “Trollercoaster” (a Trolls-themed roller coaster, hence the name) and a Shrek’s swamp area. Construction permits put the end of work in March 2024, which makes sense–have the DreamWorks land open by Spring Break. (That opening timeframe is also unconfirmed, though–permits can be extended, but construction appears to be progressing quickly.)

These new additions are appetizers to the main course, which comes in Summer 2025. Universal is building a third theme park in Central Florida and construction is progressing fast . It’s full steam ahead on this project, and Universal’s Epic Universe Park is Opening by Summer 2025! This will bring Super Nintendo World plus more Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, How to Train Your Dragon, and much more to Universal Orlando in the coming years.

In the here and now, another thing worth addressing in terms of what’s new is a return to normal in terms of attendance and crowds. After nearly two full years of pent-up demand driving wait times and prices higher, both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have seen a slowdown.

With this, both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have gotten more aggressive with discounts in an attempt to entice more people to visit their parks and stay in on-site hotels. We’ve mentioned repeatedly that  Walt Disney World already  has released a dozen different discounts for 2024 .

Universal has followed suit, shifting from discounts aimed almost exclusively at Annual Passholders and Florida residents to general public offers. There’s currently a “buy 2 days, get 3 free” ticket deal, resort discounts offering 20-35% off, and package deals offering up to $650 off.

These are worth pricing out for yourself, but we should warn that many have length of stay requirements of 5 days. That’s longer than most people will spend at Universal Orlando (which is part of why it’s being offered–to increase visit durations). In any case, we recommend using a travel agent– such as Be Our Guest Vacations –to price out different packages and deals, and help you figure out the best way to save, plan your trip, etc.

Now let’s turn to Universal Orlando’s advanced planning topics…

Where to Stay

There are a number of questions you have to ask yourself when planning a trip, and many of them will dictate where you stay. Do you want Unlimited Express Pass by staying at an eligible Universal Orlando hotel? Do you want to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel for the duration of your trip, or change hotels? Do you want to stay an an off-site hotel in the general vicinity of both Universal and Disney to save money?

We’ve recently stayed at every single on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort–here are our reviews:

• Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Review (recommended)
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Review (highly recommended)
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Review (good Express Pass eligible “budget” pick)
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Review (highly recommended)
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel Review
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Review (highly recommended)
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites Review (good budget pick)
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites (2-Bedroom) Review (good for larger families)

For insight into all of these hotels, their pros & cons, and how they compare and contrast with one another, see our Universal Orlando Hotel Rankings & Reviews .

We are big fans of Universal’s hotels, and are particularly partial to the two “bay” resorts: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Both of those are in our top 10 hotels in Orlando, rivaling some of our favorite resorts at Walt Disney World.

Universal’s hotels provide great bang for buck, and even those that don’t include free Express Pass do offer Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay one hour before those parks open. That can be absolutely huge!

As for staying off-site, you generally will get the most bang for your buck when staying in an off-site hotel, as there are a lot of non-Disney and non-Universal hotels competing with one another. We have an Off-Site v. On-Site Walt Disney World Hotels article that goes into greater depth about the pros and cons of staying off-site, and it’s marginally applicable to Universal, as well.

As for simply staying at a Walt Disney World hotel for the duration of your trip regardless of where you go, we have written comprehensive reviews with our opinions and photos of the rooms. Check out our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page , for links to each of these reviews.

Ride Strategy for Universal Orlando

Next, what to know while you’re at Universal Orlando. For starters, we strongly recommend that you do not “wing it” for your daily itinerary due to the aforementioned crowd issues. You don’t need to plan every movement so that there’s no spontaneity in your trip, just make sure you have at least a loose plan of what you’re going to do.

We have the following plans for each park that cover our perfect days:

• 1-Day Universal Studios Florida Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Islands of Adventure Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Universal Park Hopping Itinerary ( both Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida )

Those offer step by step touring plans for both theme parks at Universal Orlando, prioritizing the most popular rides and skipping what isn’t worth your time. Those will help you do Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and other must-do rides.

If you’d prefer to create your own itineraries and want an overview and review of every attraction at each of the parks, consult our Islands of Adventure Ride Guide and Universal Studios Florida Ride Guide . If you’re a fan spinners, you might want to check those out, as we don’t waste your time with that nonsense in the itineraries.

When to Visit

If you’re adding on a Universal Orlando visit to your Walt Disney World vacation, the answer to this is easy…whenever you’re visiting Walt Disney World. Crowd patterns at Walt Disney World translate pretty similarly to Universal Orlando.

The reasons are two-fold: first, because crowds tend to be predicated upon school schedules, which are the same for both; second, because Walt Disney World is the ‘whale’ in the Orlando market, so crowds for all theme parks are dictated by when guests plan their Disney vacations. In other words, you can refer to our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars post to determine when to visit, as that’s roughly applicable to Universal Orlando as well.

There are only some exceptions to this, and they’re largely predicated upon special events that are unique to each of the parks. For example, Walt Disney World sees its crowds spike due to runDisney events, when its hotels are hosting conventions or youth sporting events, or during EPCOT festivals. By contrast, Universal sees its own spikes around Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and early December when it plays host to the Pop Warner youth football event.

In general, though, the big driver of attendance at both is school breaks. In particular, those of Orange County and other counties throughout Florida and the South. Of course, both are vacation destinations, so breaks for school districts in the Midwest and Northeast also have a significant impact. The obvious times like Spring Break, Easter, Summer, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are all busy.

More under the radar timeframes like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and more also see pronounced spikes in crowds. Again, reference the aforementioned crowd calendars if you’re looking to choose the best times to visit Universal Orlando.

Due to a surge of locals on weekends, we strongly recommend avoiding Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays through Thursdays are the best days to visit, with much lower crowds then. However, that goes out the window during holiday weeks or anytime school is out of session, when it’s disproportionately tourists and every single day of the week is busy.

The one exception to this is if you want to see or avoid Halloween season at Universal, namely Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). This is a hard ticket event that has a huge following among locals and fans of haunt season, in general.

During HHN, you step onto the set of some of your favorite horror movies, and walking through those sets as actors attempt to scare you. This event is not for children under the age of 13, and has absolutely nothing in common with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. See our Guide to Halloween Horror Nights for more .

Aside from this, the only noteworthy events are Mardi Gras and Christmas. See our Guide to Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios Florida . At this fun event, guests can experience a food festival with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations.

Food booths serve up the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and other regions including, of course, New Orleans. Plus enjoy spectacular floats on display, street entertainment, music, beads and more throughout Universal Studios Florida.

Although HHN gets all the attention from the fan community, an equally popular seasonal event is Christmas at Universal Orlando . During this, Grinchmas and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s are the main entertainment draws. There’s also the Christmas Tribute Store, which is essentially a walk-through exhibit, plus Universal Studios Florida’s iconic Christmas Tree.

Perhaps the biggest draw is Winter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which features unique decor and projections on Hogwarts Castle. There are also decorations around both parks in Seuss Landing, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco.

How Many Days?

This one is going to vary widely based on a few variables. The biggest one is how receptive your party is to the type of attractions that are prominent at Universal Orlando Resort, namely, roller coasters and screen-based simulators. That’s reductionist, and there are many more things at Universal than those types of rides, but if your party is averse to either, doing more than 2 days at Universal is going to be tough.

If you love coasters or have teens, you can easily spend 3 days or more at Universal Orlando. Heck, I’m not huge on roller coasters or simulators, and I can easily do 2 days (or even 3) at Universal. Likewise, if you love Harry Potter, several days at Universal will be easy. The two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter alone can fill a good chunk of the day. I mean, Diagon Alley has a fire-breathing dragon …not liking dragons is distinctly unpatriotic.

Islands of Adventure also has a Jurassic Park area, which is basically a tribute to our greatest national treasure: dinosaurs. It’s not as good as a real Jurassic Park (that would be like the San Diego Zoo meets the Lincoln Memorial meets Tokyo DisneySea), but it’s an enjoyable area to explore. In other words, there’s plenty to do if you’re an “ambiance person” at the Universal parks.

Then, there’s also the question of how much “extra” vacation time you have. Assuming you’ve already allocated your time at Walt Disney World and are looking at “other stuff” to round out your trip to Florida, I’d probably look to spending more time at Universal than other parks like SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. That’s personal preference and all of these parks definitely aren’t trying to accomplish the same thing, but I find the Disney and Universal parks to be in a different league than all of the rest.

Universal Orlando Park Tickets

If you’re looking for a deal on park tickets, Get Away Today will save you the most money on Universal Orlando tickets . This is especially true if you’re doing a longer trip, as Get Away Today has a ‘Buy 2 days, get 3 days free’ special. With more and more to do at Universal Orlando, spending several days in the parks is highly recommended–especially if you’re staying in a nearby hotel and want to do some partial days (also recommended).

I am a fan of the Park-to-Park tickets if you can swing spending extra. This is because Universal did something really ingenious when it built Diagon Alley, and that was connecting the two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter via the Hogwarts Express.

You can only ride this train from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley (or vice-a-versa) if you have the Park-to-Park ticket. I’m no Harry Potter fan, but the experience of entering a train station in London, walking through a wall, and then taking a train to Hogsmeade is pretty awesome.

If you’re going for just one day and don’t want the park-to-park tickets, the best way to save money on Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida tickets is simply going to be buying tickets online on Universal Orlando’s website. The Universal tickets purchased online can be printed at home and used at the turnstiles–meaning no waiting in line to purchase tickets or exchange vouchers.

Express Pass

Express Pass is Universal Orlando’s version of Genie+ or Lightning Lanes (a way to skip the lines) and is available as a ticket add-on or with select hotel stays. You can purchase two varieties of Express Pass, regular or unlimited. Almost all of the most popular attractions in each park offer Express Pass.

The regular version allows you to skip the line once per eligible attraction in either park, and costs $90 to $350 per person depending on the date. Universal Express Unlimited offers line-skipping privileges, as the name suggests, an unlimited number of times per attraction, and costs between $100 and $380 per person. Even at its most expensive, Genie+ at Walt Disney World costs under $40 per person. So, what’s the difference? Well,  a lot. 

Unlike Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, there is no tech component to Express Pass. While it’s significantly more expensive, it’s also frictionless. You simply go up to the attraction and use your Express Pass entitlement. There’s nothing to reserve or hassle with in an app. Express Pass involves zero screen time and headaches–but you’ll pay a lot more for it!

Whether Express Pass is worth the money largely depends upon what day of the week and season you’re visiting, and how you value your time versus your money. Personally, we would not pay for Express Pass most days. However, we also avoid weekends and holidays, arrive for park opening, and utilize an efficient park itinerary.

If you really want Express Pass, staying at an on-site hotel that offers Express Pass with your stay is absolutely the way to go. Unlimited Express Pass is available at the Universal Premier category resorts–meaning Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay–which are Universal’s most expensive hotels. Honestly, this is the only way we’ve ever “bought” Express Pass–we couldn’t justify the cost any other way.

All three of these hotels are nice, on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, and generally cost less. They’re still pricey, but they’re cheaper than Disney’s higher-end hotels, and absolutely worth the money–especially if you want the Unlimited Express Pass perk or a good location within walking or boat distance of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. If you’d be staying at a nice hotel anyway, this trio is definitely worthy of your consideration.

If you want to learn more about this line-skipping option and how it compares to Walt Disney World’s counterpart, see our guide:  Universal’s Express Pass v. Lightning Lanes & Genie+ at Walt Disney World .

Transportation

By far the most common questions we get concerning Universal Orlando Resort is: “what’s the best way to get from Walt Disney World Universal.” The answer is that there are a lot of options, but by far the best is Uber. We covered this in depth in our Uber vs. Rental Cars at Walt Disney World article. Here’s the pertinent portion of that post:

In the past, the best option we’ve found for those who don’t have rental cars the duration of their trips is either renting a car on-site for the day, or taking a pricey shuttle. Neither is cost-effective or all that appealing, especially when you add on that parking fee.

For those who aren’t renting a car for the duration of their trip, Uber or Lyft are the unquestionable best options for getting from Walt Disney World to Universal. The one-way cost of an Uber or Lyft from Walt Disney World will vary depending upon your exact location, typically costing under $25 each way and taking 20-25 minutes.

There are some good restaurants in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, but as a whole, I do not think the culinary experience is on par with Walt Disney World’s. The unquestionable highlights, in my mind, are the counter service restaurants in Diagon Alley (Leaky Cauldron) and Hogsmeade (Three Broomsticks) and the table service restaurant, Mythos, which is a great value.

Other in-park restaurants at Universal Orlando that we like include the Today Show Cafe (for lighter options) and Krusty Burger (for the exact opposite). Actually, there’s something for everyone in the Springfield area, which has a variety of dining options drawn from The Simpsons.

On the snacking front, you’re obviously going to want to try Butterbeer–perhaps all three varieties (frozen, hot, and regular). Most of the other snacks we enjoy are also in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Honeydukes.

Another thing you might want to consider is purchasing a refillable Coke Freestyle mug. I’ve done this, but I can really put down the Cokes to make it worth the money. I’m sure some day I will be toothless, but hopefully that’s at least 5 years away. These Coke Freestyle machines located throughout the parks are also a convenient way to get free water that’s cold and tastes great.

Other Things to Do

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s water park. It’s themed to the South Seas and features a giant volcano (hence the name) in the middle with water slides in it. For Walt Disney World fans, it’s a bit like Typhoon Lagoon water park mixed with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Adventureland.

All the rides at Volcano Bay feature a Virtual Line instead of traditional standby queues. You tap in with your TapuTapu wearable (think MagicBand) to grab a ride time. Then go float, swim, splash, eat, shop or relax around Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will tell you when it’s your time to ride.

You will either  love  or  hate  the virtual queue system at Volcano Bay. That pretty much comes down to whether you beat the crowds or not. That can be accomplished by arriving and/or staying late, buying Express Pass, or visiting during the off-season. If you don’t do any of those things, you’ll likely think the virtual queue system sucks, and you won’t accomplish much. It’s definitely a system that creates winners and losers–they key is (obviously) to be in the former group and not the latter.

In addition to the two theme parks and Volcano Bay water park, there’s CityWalk. This is Universal Orlando’s shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, which is a lot like Disney Springs. The big difference is that you walk through CityWalk to access Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, and it’s incredibly easy to exit the parks and eat lunch or dinner at CityWalk. No bus necessary!

There’s also a lot of relatively new dining at CityWalk, such as Red Coconut Club, Bigfire, Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and VIVO Italian Kitchen–among other things. Toothsome is a fan-favorite for its over the top milkshakes and dessert concoctions (as well as the fun steampunk theme), and Voodoo Doughnut is a fun spot. With that said, we think both are slightly overrated.

For our money, the sleeper hits of the list are Bigfire and Cowfish, both of which offer great food at reasonable (by theme park standards) prices. We’d also give honorable mentions to Vivo and Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. While the latter is not our personal favorite, it’s better than the “blockbuster” touristy restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Nothing against any of those–but they’re essentially Applebee’s with more wow-factor. Good enough for predictably-prepared comfort food, but absolutely nothing special.

One final note on attractions is that there are numerous attractions that don’t allow bags, but provide free lockers nearby for storing backpacks, cameras, small children, and whatever other random junk you might have on you. These are pretty convenient and there are larger lockers you can pay for at the front of the park, but the point here is for those of you who are used to bringing a small U-Haul worth of stuff into the Walt Disney World parks: you can’t do that at Universal. Pack for the parks a little lighter.

I think this is probably a good starting point if you’re planning on visiting Universal Orlando Resort as an add-on to your Walt Disney World vacation. If you would like to see some of these topics covered in greater depth, please let me know in the comments. We’re planning to tackle more on dining, special events, and Universal Orlando news in the coming months, so stay tuned for more of that!

Need trip planning tips and comprehensive advice for your visit to Central Florida? Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for everything about those parks, resorts, restaurants, and so much more. For regular updates, news & rumors, a heads up when discounts are released, and much more, sign up for our FREE email newsletter !

Your Thoughts

Are you visiting Universal Orlando Resort in 2024? Excited for Epic Universe or other rumored additions in the next few years? What about Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s, or the new rides that have recently opened? Have a favorite on-site hotel at Universal? Do you prefer staying on-site at Universal, or commuting from Walt Disney World? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Chances are if you have questions still, so does someone else! Please share your thoughts in the comments

Written by Tom Bricker

Do you have an itinerary for 1 day, 2 parks at Universal, with an express pass? That would be appreciated.

Have loved your site for years. We use it as a major planning tool for all of our trips to Disney, Universal and Disney Cruise locations. It seems like the ride guides, 1 day itineraries and Mardi Gras guide are all from a couple of years ago. Are there any updates we should be aware of that you do not reference in this article?

Thanks for sharing, would love to visit Universal.

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How Many Days Should You Spend at Universal Orlando Resort?

Are you planning to visit Universal Orlando Resort in Florida? With three theme parks, hotels, and more, an important question is: How many days should you spend there to fully enjoy it?

This guide examines the ideal length for each Universal Orlando park and activity. It provides recommendations for a quick 1-day visit up to a 4+ day vacation. This will help you decide the perfect number of days for your Universal trip.

The resort includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay water park, an entertainment district, and multiple on-site hotels. With so many options, figuring out the best trip duration can be challenging.

By breaking down the time needed for each park and activity, you’ll discover the ideal length to fully experience this world-class theme park destination.

Prefer To Speak With Someone? Get Free Help From Our Favorite Universal Travel Agency!

An Overview of Universal Orlando Resort

Let’s start with a quick overview of Universal Orlando’s main attractions:

Universal Studios Florida : This film-inspired theme park allows guests to step into the worlds of their favorite movies and TV shows. It contains attractions like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Revenge of the Mummy, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Islands of Adventure : This park contains eight elaborately themed lands drawn from various fantasy universes and franchises. Guests can explore realms like Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, and Skull Island.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter : This enormously popular themed land spans parts of both Universal theme parks, immersing guests in the magical world of Harry Potter across iconic locations like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village.

Volcano Bay : This 25-acre water theme park promises aquatic fun and excitement with thrilling slides, a wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and other water-based rides.

The large volcano icon of Volcano Bay water park, with waterfall and a large pool

Universal CityWalk : This is the resort’s lively entertainment district, filled with dining options, shops, nightclubs, and live entertainment events that light up the evenings.

On-site Resort Hotels : Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel provides perks like Early Park Admission . Select premier hotels also offer Universal Express passes for free , allowing guests to bypass regular lines for a more convenient experience.

One Day Itinerary – A Dash through Universal Orlando Resort

Packing a Universal Orlando Resort visit into a single day means a hectic and, quite possibly, overwhelming experience . Even if you only have one day to spend on your trip, you’ll still be able to make the most of it with careful planning.

• Start by purchasing a park-to-park ticket to get access to both parks. Arrive early , ideally at rope drop when the parks open, to maximize your day.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-visit. Go early in the morning to enjoy this magical land when crowds are lighter.
• Try to visit other iconic themed lands in each park, but remember that your time is limited.
• A Universal Express pass can be a lifesaver, enabling you to bypass regular queues and save precious time.
• To see more attractions in a shorter amount of time, you should only watch one quick show like Animal Actors. You should also avoid spending too much time at any one attraction .
• Opt for quick counter service snacks and meals you can eat on the go rather than long sit-down restaurant meals. This will help maximize your limited time in the parks.

Despite this strategic approach, a one-day visit may leave you feeling as if you’ve barely scratched the surface of what Universal has to offer. You’ll miss out on most shows, rides, and the immersive experience of the Wizarding World. Consequently, it’s more of a whirlwind tour than a detailed exploration. If possible, try to avoid this rushed pace – a two-day visit will give you a fuller experience.

Two Days – A Brief Encounter with Universal Orlando

With two full days at Universal Orlando, you get one day for each park – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure . As a result, you will have more time to enjoy the theme parks and all the little details that make them unique.

• Spend a day at Universal Studios Florida. You should be able to hit some of the best rides at Universal Studios like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Revenge of the Mummy. Spend sufficient time in Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• On your second day, venture into Islands of Adventure . Here, you can ride some of that park’s top rides , such as Jurassic World VelociCoaster and delve deeper into the Wizarding World, this time visiting the snow-capped village of Hogsmeade .
• As you navigate these parks, take time to explore the diverse themed areas , from the Simpsons-themed Springfield USA to the comic book extravaganza of Marvel Super Hero Island.
• With two days, you can also take the opportunity to savor sit-down dining experiences and enjoy live performances , such as the Horror Makeup Show, adding another dimension to your visit.

Despite the additional day, a two-day visit will still require careful planning and prioritization . You’ll get a fuller taste of the magical and adrenaline-fueled world that Universal Orlando offers, but you may still miss out on some lesser-known attractions. Even with two days, the pace can feel rushed as you endeavor to pack in as much excitement and exploration as possible. Consider a three-day visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace and comprehensive experience .

Lard Lad Donuts in Springfield USA at Universal Studios

Three Days – The Perfect Amount of Time at Universal Orlando

Spending three days at Universal Orlando Resort strikes the perfect balance , particularly for first-time visitors. This length of time allows you to thoroughly enjoy each park without feeling overly rushed.

The following are some of the things you can do with a three-day itinerary:

• Dedicate an entire day to each park . On the third day, you have the freedom to return to your favorite attractions or explore areas you previously overlooked .
• Experience the unique perspectives offered by riding the Hogwarts Express in both directions between the parks.
• Purchase an interactive wand and cast spells at different locations around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
• Slow down and soak up the atmosphere in immersive Universal Orlando attractions such as Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
• Take leisurely strolls through uniquely themed lands such as Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park, and Toon Lagoon. These areas offer experiences beyond the rides.
• Relax and enjoy live entertainment like the Horror Makeup Show and The Bourne Stuntacular.
• Explore the shops and savor the diverse culinary offerings at a relaxed pace.

In three days, you have ample time to experience the magic of Universal in all its variety. You can mix adrenaline-inducing rides with immersive attractions and live shows, creating a truly satisfying and memorable experience.

My wife and I often stay for three days and combine it with a Disney World visit. Contact The Vacationeer to learn how it’s done!

Free Expert Help Planning Your Universal Vacation

Did you know that there’s no cost to have your trip planned by a Universal Preferred Travel Agency? Our favorite travel agency, The Vacationeer , doesn’t charge any planning fees. So your trip won’t cost any more than if you’d booked it yourself .

So why use an agent if you could do it yourself for the same cost?

• They handle everything: Tickets, hotels, dining, even ground transportation
• Avoid planning stress: No worrying that you’ve forgotten an important detail or overlooked something
• Tons of experience: They’ve planned thousands of Universal trips and will use that knowledge to plan yours
• Insider Tips for First-Timers: No need to research the best time to go to how to avoid crowds — they’ll tell you!
• One dedicated agent: No giant call centers, no explaining your wishes over and over, no waiting on hold

Get expert advice and a seamless booking experience , all at no cost to you by contacting The Vacationeer today!

Four Days – Experience Universal Orlando at a Leisurely Pace

Extending your Universal Orlando getaway to four days can transform your visit into a more leisurely vacation . This provides you ample time to explore all the attractions without any rush and even allows for a much-needed break in between. Here’s what you can achieve with an extra day:

• Dedicate one of your days to fully immerse yourself in the Volcano Bay water theme park. Enjoy everything from thrilling water slides to the lazy river.
• Revisit your favorite attractions and enjoy them again. Attractions like Escape from Gringotts and the Incredible Hulk Coaster often feel even better the second time around.
• Explore lesser-known attractions that you may have overlooked on the previous days. Fun rides like the E.T. Adventure often offer shorter lines and unexpected thrills.
• Spend time in Universal CityWalk . This entertainment hub offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options that are easy to miss on a shorter trip.
• Take a break to relax and enjoy the amenities at your resort hotel . You could spend a day by the pool, book a spa appointment, or explore other on-site amenities.
• Enjoy relaxed meals . With extra time, you don’t have to eat on the go.

In four days, you can comfortably navigate the ins and outs of Universal Orlando Resort. You can revisit your favorite attractions, discover new experiences, and even have time to relax. It’s a reasonable amount of time, particularly for families with young children who go at a slower pace.

Universal CityWalk Orlando | Image © Universal

Five Days or More – Indulging in Universal Orlando to the Fullest

Spending five days or more at Universal Orlando is quite a commitment, but it can be the right choice for certain visitors. Maybe you’re a super fan who wants to immerse yourself fully in the likes of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, or a family with young children who need time for breaks and play areas.

With a five-day or longer itinerary, you can:

• Take the time to explore each park without rushing , taking in all the details.
• Immerse deeply in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, discover hidden gems, and participate in interactive experiences with magical wands.
• Enjoy your favorite rides multiple times without rushing or worrying about queues.
• Give your children plenty of time to enjoy play zones , easing the pace for a more relaxed experience.
• Spend more than one day at Volcano Bay , experiencing all the aquatic thrills it offers.
• Enjoy CityWalk multiple nights , with its wide variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping options.

Five days or more allows for a leisurely pace, revisiting favorites, discovering overlooked attractions, and thoroughly enjoying everything the resort offers. It’s a luxury not all visitors can afford (or want), but those who do generally enjoy their relaxed, complete vacation. However, remember that most visitors find 2-4 days sufficient to experience the magic of Universal Orlando.

Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Universal Orlando Trip Length

When deciding how many days to spend at Universal Orlando Resort, there are a few key factors to consider:

• We recommend two full days minimum for Harry Potter enthusiasts to fully experience both Wizarding World lands, including all rides, shops, restaurants, spell casting, and immersive details.
• First-time visitors should plan 2-3 days to see the main highlights at a comfortable pace, although you may miss some smaller attractions.
• Families with young children often benefit from 3-4 days to accommodate more breaks and a slower pace.
• Adding an extra day opens up time for Volcano Bay, revisiting Universal favorites, CityWalk, or relaxing.
• Super fans may opt for 5+ days for a more leisurely and immersive visit, but this is overkill for many.
• Combine your Universal Orlando trip by planning a visit to Disney World for an even more magical vacation.
• For expert help planning your ideal vacation, contact The Vacationeer for their free trip-planning services tailored to Universal Orlando and Disney World.

Based on my personal experience, a 3-4 day Universal stay is ideal without feeling rushed. However, a well-planned 2-day visit can effectively see the main highlights. Remember, each trip is unique, so adjust plans to fit your group’s preferences.

Want Expert Help Finding the Perfect Length of Stay? Get Personalized Advice!

Tips for Maximizing Your Universal Orlando Resort Visit

Here are some tested strategies for maximizing your visit:

• Get a Park-to-Park Ticket : It allows easy hopping between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
• Use the Universal app : The official Universal Orlando app offers real-time wait times and Universal park maps for navigation.
• Get An Early Start : Begin with popular or energy-demanding rides first.
• Revisit favorite rides : End the night by returning to your preferred attractions. Proper park hopping optimizes your time.

Additional pointers:

• Opt for off-peak times : The best time to visit Universal is during low-crowd periods like late August through October.
• Stay on-site : Consider booking one of Universal Orlando’s hotels . You’ll be closer to the action and get perks like Early Park Admission and free transportation.
• Dress for the weather : Florida can be hot and humid. Wear comfortable clothes, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Universal Orlando

Q: how many days are needed to fully experience universal orlando resort.

A: Most first-time visitors need 2-3 full days to comfortably see the highlights of both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Trying to see both in 1 day would feel extremely rushed.

Q: What’s the ideal length for a Universal Orlando trip?

A: For first-timers, three days provides enough time to experience many top attractions at both parks at a comfortable, unhurried pace. This is an optimal Universal Orlando vacation duration.

Q: How many days should you spend at each Universal theme park?

A: I recommend at least one full day per park – 1 for Universal Studios and 1 for Islands of Adventure. This allows you to experience the highlights of each park. However, many guests find two days per park better fits in more shows, dining, and re-rides without feeling rushed.

Q: How many days do you need for Volcano Bay?

A: Skip it if you are not interested in water parks or have a limited amount of time. However, if it does interest you, give yourself one day to fully experience the water park or two days if you’d like to repeat Volcano Bay’s best rides and spend more time relaxing.

Q: How many days work best for families?

A: Most families find 3-4 days allow for a more relaxed pace with young children, accommodating needs for breaks, kid-friendly attractions, and character interactions.

Q: What are the ticket options at Universal Orlando?

A: The main ticket types are Base Tickets, which allow access to either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure per day, and Park-to-Park Tickets, which permit hopping between both parks in one day.

Base Tickets are an excellent lower-cost option if you only want to visit one park per day. Park-to-Park Tickets provide more flexibility to easily access both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

I recommend contacting the experts at The Vacationeer to discuss your needs and help determine the best ticket options for your upcoming Universal Orlando vacation. Their knowledge can help you maximize time and value.

Q: Can multi-day tickets be cheaper?

A: Yes, purchasing multi-day Park-to-Park tickets can offer significant savings compared to single-day tickets. Check for any deals on 2, 3, or 4-day options.

Q: How can I maximize time with just one day at Universal?

A: If you only have one day at Universal Orlando, maximize your limited time by getting a Park-to-Park ticket, arriving at the opening to avoid crowds, prioritizing the most popular rides first, using Universal Express passes to skip lines, only seeing one quick show, and doing fast counter service meals. This lets you see the top attractions, but you will miss out on many rides and details. For the full experience, we recommend two or more days, as one day is incredibly rushed.

Q: When should I visit CityWalk?

A: Many guests find the best time to visit CityWalk is at the end of park days for dining, entertainment, nightlife, and shopping or on arrival/departure days. Visiting mid-day takes significant time away from the parks, but CityWalk has some of Universal Orlando’s best restaurants and entertainment, so you won’t want to skip it.

Plan Your Stress-Free Universal Orlando Vacation with The Vacationeer

Are you looking for help planning an epic Universal Orlando getaway? The Vacationeer is your dedicated Universal Orlando travel agency that can customize and book your entire trip for free.

Their theme park experts know insider tips and tricks to maximize your Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure experience. The Vacationeer handles every detail – from booking hotel rooms and theme park tickets to providing dining recommendations and advising on the best Universal Orlando rides . This saves you time researching everything yourself. Plus, they get you the lowest prices and best promotional rates for the lowest-cost Universal vacation .

The Vacationeer removes the stress of vacation planning so you can anticipate the magical rides, shows, and attractions awaiting you. They can seamlessly combine a trip to Disney World with your Universal vacation for even more magic!

Contact The Vacationeer today to start planning your stress-free, fully customized Universal Orlando dream vacation. Their specialized knowledge and passion for the parks translate into expert service and guidance for you, all at no additional cost! Get your free, no-obligation quote today!

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• How many days to spend at Universal Orlando?

When first embarking on your vacation planning, one of the most important questions to answer – perhaps second only to when should I visit the parks? – is how many days should one spend at Universal Orlando? And it’s easy to see why: this one answer will determine your vacation budget, schedule, and (just perhaps) your overall level of satisfaction.

Yes, it used to be that this question was practically non-existent for Universal planning; the resort only used to offer enough for just one or, maybe, two days, with most visitors making it a side excursion to their Walt Disney World stays. After several years of aggressive expansion, however, there is now more than enough to warrant a multi-day visit, necessitating a stay at one of the six on-site hotels , with many guests now making Universal Orlando the central – if not the sole – focus of their vacations. That’s quite the turnaround – and, therefore, quite the important question to ask.

But its answer is, as you might guess, rather involved and layered, having to factor in several different elements in order to come to the right conclusion for you and your family. Don’t worry, though – we’re going to tackle it step by step, sketching out several different scenarios in order to help whittle the possibilities down to the right one. Then, as an added bonus, we’ll help direct you to the resources you’ll need to make the most of those days at Universal, including touring plans so that you can see and do as much as humanly possible.

Skip to: Two days  | Three days  | Four or five days | Six or more days

The bare minimum: two days

There are those individuals out there who fancy that all of Universal Orlando – the two theme parks, one water park, the dining/shopping/entertainment district, and the six on-site hotels – can all be done in one day, usually by being reductionist and slicing out everything expect for one or, maybe, both of the theme parks. Not only does this omit a lot of what makes Universal such a wonderful place to spend your vacation – imagine going to Walt Disney World and only doing part of Magic Kingdom – it’s also, quite frankly, a logistical nightmare: trying to cram only the highlights of Universal Studios Florida and/or Islands of Adventure does not make for a relaxing or, arguably, enjoyable experience. (If your schedule or budget forces you to make the attempt, however, we’ll help you make the best of it with our ultimate one-day touring plan .)

Spending at least two days still won’t allow you all the time to properly experience everything, both within and without the parks, but it will provide you a surprisingly larger number of opportunities to try to. Devoting one full day to Universal Studios Florida and then another at Islands of Adventure will ensure you get access to a far broader cross-section of their attractions – seriously, some of the best times to be had at either location come from the “minor” or “second string” experiences – and it’ll afford you the opportunity to spend the night at one of the on-property hotels, which can really go a long way to sealing the vacation deal (both in terms of immersion and the practicality of having your hotel room only be a handful of minutes away from the parks, allowing you to change when you get soaked on the water rides or to take a nap during the height of the day’s crowds and temperatures). Finally, spending one night on-property also opens the door to more fully exploring CityWalk , which is home to a robust collection of gastronomical options, both quick- and full-service.

Another variation on the two-day scenario, of course, is to substitute one of the theme parks for Volcano Bay , the still-new water park at Universal Orlando. This actually is a popular option – spending the first half of your second day relaxing at Volcano’s beaches or racing down its water slides is certainly a lot of fun, and it still leaves the whole back half of the day for the dry attractions. Or stretching your water time out to fill the whole of the second day is an easy (and rewarding) option, though it means that you would have to force both of the theme parks back into one day – heading us right back to the scenario that we just tried to avoid.

We absolutely love the water park’s laid-back atmosphere and collection of thrilling aquatic attractions, and we highly recommend that you spend one full day there if at all possible, but we also recognize that most individuals primarily come to the resort for the themed destinations instead of the water one – and, besides, the company has set up its theme parks so that all of the must-do experiences are split up almost evenly between them (with one of the top-notch attractions, the Hogwarts Express , only being accessible by having a park-to-park ticket). We’ll ultimately leave the call up to you and the vacationing needs of your family.

A little more breathing room: three days

It’s only when we give ourselves three full days at Universal Orlando that we really start to see some possibilities open up, and we can more fully absorb – and appreciate – everything that the resort has to offer.

The most immediate option, of course, is to devote one full day each to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, in whatever order you see fit. This maintains the ability to experience more of the theme parks, and it also grants one enough leisure to really kick back and enjoy the Waturi lifestyle (the Waturi being the fictitious denizens of Volcano Bay, naturally).

But there are a few more scenarios that are now available to us as well. If taking half-day bites out of Volcano is still your preferred method of tackling that park, you now have more opportunities to do so, bringing your total amount of time spent there to a full day (or more) – or, at least, you now have the flexibility to move that half-day excursion around, should the Floridian weather do its thing and, well, rain on your parade.

If, however, splashing and playing at a water park isn’t your particular cup of tea, then this starts to open up an intriguing scenario: spending a second full day at one or both of the theme parks, allowing one to hit all those stops she missed on the first day and to re-ride all her favorites. Getting park-to-park access here really is ideal, as the third day can allow guests to hop back and forth to their hearts’ desire (and it’s doubly worth it when you discover just how much pressure is removed from your shoulders when you realize that you’ll have a second chance to check out whatever attraction you may end up missing when your schedule doesn’t quite work out the way you thought it was going to the first time ‘round).

It is with a three-day stay that both CityWalk and the hotels really start to open up as well. With two nights now at your disposal, catching an extra dinner at, say, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen or an extra drink at Pat O’Brien’s , and being able to take advantage of your resort’s pool(s), bars, live musicians, or, even, bowling alley, is now very much possible. While Universal’s entertainment district doesn’t offer enough to fill a whole day by and of itself, it excels at being an additive to your in-park adventures – you may even discover that your vacation just somehow won’t be worth it without spending some time nibbling on Voodoo Doughnut or playing a round (or two) at Hollywood Drive-In Golf .

The ideal way to play: four or five days

Now we’re talkin’!

Once you hit the four-day threshold, you’ve transformed your vacation from a focused attempt to hit all the must-do experiences to a laid-back, leisure-filled stay at Universal, taking your time to ride all the attractions and allowing yourself the pleasure of exploring almost literally every nook and cranny that is available to you.

With four days available to you, you can take the three-day theme-park option outlined above – one full day at both parks, then a third to hit up everything you missed – and then simply add Volcano Bay onto it. Or, if water still really isn’t your thing, you can use that last day as a breather, to stay at your hotel, swim to your heart’s content, explore all of its various dining options, and maybe even take in a special extra or two.

Let’s pause here for a moment and really dig into what that means. Both the premiere (gold-level) and preferred (silver) hotels offer more than enough in the culinary department, with at least one flagship restaurant (Bice at Portofino Bay Hotel , for example, or The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel ) and at least one intriguing bar option (like Jake’s American Bar at Royal Pacific Resort or Strong Water Tavern at Sapphire Falls Resort ). But then there’s Portofino Bay’s three(!) pools and bocce ball courts, Cabana Bay Beach Resort ’s lazy river and bowling alley, and, newest to the scene, Aventura Hotel ’s Bar 17 Bistro, a family-friendly rooftop bar located 17 stories up that serves both libations and small plates. When you stay at one hotel, all of the amenities open up at all of the others, multiplying your options by a surprising degree and revealing a whole new world of adventure for you and your family.

The final Universal nut to crack can probably only realistically be tackled on a four- or, preferably, five-day visit, as well: the special events (not to be confused with the resort’s annual events , such as the perennially popular Halloween Horror Nights or getting-ever-bigger Mardi Gras ). It’s only when you have an evening free from touring the parks or chowing down at CityWalk that you’re able to attend Caribbean Carnaval at Sapphire Falls, or Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock (and depending on when you set foot on-property, you may also have the likes of Harbor Nights and Jake’s Beer Festivals available, as well). Any of these can easily serve as the highlight of your Universal sojourn.

BONUS: for completionists only – six-plus days

If you’re a completionist and just have to do everything available to you at Universal Orlando Resort, then a six-day stay will be the tack you will need to take. Devote one full day each to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, add on a fourth to re-ride everything you want to try for a second (or third!) time, and then fill up your remaining two days crawling over every square inch of CityWalk and the six on-site properties. You still probably won’t be able to squeeze in every last little experience – especially depending upon the time of year you’re going – but you’ll come the closest you humanly can.

And, hey – maybe you can sneak in a few more quick jaunts to the parks, for one final spin on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man , Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts , and Krakatau Aqua Coaster . Either of these possibilities is more than likely the reason why the vast, vast majority of our Universal Community Facebook group members voted seven or more days as their preferred amount of time to devote to Universal, which you can see here .

What about those resources you promised?

Now that you have some idea of how long your epic adventure at Universal Orlando is going to be, it’s time to start making sure it’s as good as it possibly can be.

First, you’ll want to check out our ultimate three-day touring plan , which will really help you get the lay of the theme-park land (if you’re staying for less than three days, you can still use the plan as a good basis). And if you’re heading over to Volcano Bay during your stay, you’ll want to check out our touring plans for there, too.

Are you staying for a short time and you can’t quite make up your mind which theme park deserves more of your touring attention? No problem – we weigh the question of which is better here . And if you just know that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is your number-one priority, you’ll for sure want to check out our insider’s guide .

OI Universal Center »  The Script: Tickets, packages, and planning

• Best day of the week to visit Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay
• Best time of the year to visit Universal Orlando Resort
• Dining Reservations at Universal Orlando – Complete Guide
• Maps and Rider’s Guide for Universal
• Parking, Guest Drop-off, and the Universal Orlando Transportation Hub
• Saving Time and Money at Universal Orlando: Top 10 Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
• Shuttles, Taxis, and Ride Sharing: Transportation Recommendations Around Orlando
• Universal Orlando Annual Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Universal Orlando Express Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
• Universal Orlando Ride & Show Wait Times Based on Crowd Levels (including Diagon Alley)
• Universal Orlando: Complete Guide to Attraction Assistance for Special-Needs Families
• Universal Orlando: Secret to Getting UNLIMITED Express Passes
• Universal Orlando’s Dining Plans – complete guide & tips to save money
• Weather at Universal Orlando: Average Temperatures, Rainfall, & Expert Advice
• What to pack for your Universal Orlando vacation: free checklist & how to keep kids safe
• What’s Coming to Universal in 2024 and Beyond
• Which Universal Orlando theme park is better?

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Universal Studios Orlando Guide 2024: Tips & Tricks, Ride Reviews, What’s New, Where to Stay

This 2024 Universal Studios Orlando planning guide includes park strategy tips, tips on the best food at Universal Orlando, what you can’t miss between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida , should you stay on-site at Universal , and more – as is our goal across all our articles across destinations – save money, and experience more.

Universal Studios Orlando has changed dramatically over the last 12 years since the opening of the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That first opening kicked off a decade of investment into Universal Orlando that has made the resort a worthy addition to your Orlando vacation. Of course, many guests will be adding a stop at Universal Orlando to their existing Walt Disney World vacation (see everything you need to know about how far Universal is from Disney in our guide), but more and more I have heard from readers or met people in the Universal theme parks that are there exclusively for a couple days at the resort.

Here are just some of the experiences Universal Studios Orlando has added over the past ten years: FIVE Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions, a next-level Bourne stunt show, a popular Despicable Me simulator attraction, a King Kong ride experience with one of the largest Audio-Animatronics I’ve ever seen, and most recently an incredible Jurassic World: VelociCoaster roller coaster. In addition, Universal has opened five new resort hotels, a water park, and construction is underway on a third theme park.

In this planning guide:

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Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Levels 2024

During the school year, Universal Studios Orlando has weekly crowd patterns that feel more like Disneyland than Walt Disney World. There is a substantial contingent of local pass holders at Universal Orlando that flock to the resort on weekends making the weekdays the best time to plan your visit to the parks. This is something good to consider if you are adding Universal Studios Orlando days to your Walt Disney World vacation.

When school is not in session (holiday period or summer vacation), Universal Studios Orlando crowds do not follow the same logic and there will be substantial tourist crowds regardless of day of the week.

Based on the fact that Universal Orlando is still largely used as an add on to a Walt Disney World trip or other trip to Orlando, I will refrain from attempting to share the best months to visit the resort. For our recommendations on weather, crowd levels, and general advice on time of year to visit, check out our Walt Disney World crowd calendar .

During my recent mid-week trip to the resort, I was pleased to see that no lines were too long and even the most popular attractions didn’t have lines much longer than an hour. This reinforces my advice to stick to the mid-week days for a visit to Universal Studios Orlando.

The only major holidays to consider for visiting are Christmas at Universal Orlando and Halloween Horror Nights (details below).

What’s new at Universal Studios Orlando in 2024?

As I started to outline above, there has been a LOT of change at Universal Studios Orlando over the past decade. New attractions, hotels, waterpark, and third theme park currently under construction!

A BRAND NEW Minions Land also opened in summer 2023 at Universal Orlando featuring a new Minions attraction, Minions themed dining, Illuminations characters, and more. Read all about it in our Minions Land guide. Also, a new DreamWorks-themed land will be home to new rides coming to Universal Orlando .

The biggest hype remains around the Jurassic World: VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Bourne Stunt Spectacular. The first two attractions are in the Islands of Adventure park and the stunt show is in the Universal Studios Florida park.

However, there is a lot of NEW attractions on the horizon in 2025 with the new theme park Epic Universe . This new theme park at Universal Orlando will feature a new Harry Potter area , Super Nintendo World , a classic Universal monsters land , How to Train Your Dragon area , and a new hotel inside the theme park!

The Bourne Stunt Spectacular is one of my favorite experiences at the entire resort. The show blends technology and stunt performances to create an incredible live performance. Of course, it is difficult to pick a favorite because I was also incredibly impressed with the storytelling power of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Both must-sees!

I’ll dive deeper into the must-see attractions at Universal Studios Orlando and how they fit into our suggested day strategy below.

How Many Days to Visit Universal Orlando

I really love the Hogwarts Express experience! There is a perfect photo spot as you are exiting in Islands of Adventure.

Universal Orlando is worth two days at minimum – the two parks are enormous and filled with enough attractions that one day just isn't enough to experience everything.

The only reason to only do one day at the resort is if you have a time constraint or do not enjoy any of the more thrilling attractions that Universal Studios Orlando has to offer. Even if this latter point is the case, I would suggest you check out all of the entertainment throughout the resort. During my next trip I plan on taking in even more of the atmospheric street entertainment and shows. You can read more about our tips for adults at Universal Orlando here .

Each trip I discover something new. Most recently I stopped to watch the Blues Brothers show and didn’t even have time for the Universal Horror Make-Up Show. They also have a nighttime water show – think World of Color in Disney California Adventure – to end the night at Universal Studios Florida park.

Over these past ten years, Universal Studios Orlando has invested heavily to provide entertainment and activities for the entire family in an attempt to diversify from their heavier screen and thrill attractions. While they still rely on these elements for their “E-Ticket” attractions, there is so much to do to fill multiple days.

Universal Studios Orlando Discount Tickets

For the lowest prices on Universal Orlando tickets, book via Get Away Today. Their ticket prices are always the lowest publicly available discounts for the two parks. Buy discount Universal Orlando Tickets NOW >

As I mentioned above, you’ll want to consider the Park-To-Park tickets because they are the only way you are able to experience the Hogwarts Express. Also, with a Park-To-Park ticket you’ll be able to avoid starting the day in the park with the biggest crowd prediction and then switch over to experience more across both the parks.

If you are a member of an organization that may qualify for discount tickets or are interested in the Annual Pass option, you should read our guide to discount Universal Studios Orlando ticket options.

Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass

The Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass gives you access to a shorter queue for almost all attractions and shows across the resort. The queue experience feels very much like Disney Genie Plus at Walt Disney World and Disney Genie Plus at Disneyland (what was Disney's FastPass ), but the access is different. The pass is paid and there are no specific return times for its use. You can walk up to any attraction, scan your Express Pass, and enter the queue.

We found the Express Pass to be worth every penny. Since we had Express Pass we could take our time and prioritize other things in the morning (like exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas !) since I knew we could experience things with minimal wait times even if we waited to ride until later in the afternoon. I will always make room in my budget for Express Pass- it was a lifesaver. We never waited longer than 10 minutes in any lines with it.

Pro tip: The further in advance you purchase Express Pass, the cheaper it will be. The price is dependent on the day you pick and the price goes up the closer it gets to the date. Sometimes Express Passes will even sell out for certain days so if you know you want it, I wouldn't hesitate.

You’ll have the option to purchase the Unlimited Express Pass or the one-per-ride Express Pass. There is a price difference here. We happily opted for the one-per-ride Express Pass on our last visit and found riding each attraction once per day was enough for us. There were just a couple of cases – the two Harry Potter attractions – where anyone wished they could lap the attraction again.

Three of the Universal Studios Orlando hotels provide the Unlimited Express Pass to their guests as a perk for staying there. The Loews Royal Pacific, Loews Portofino Bay, and Hard Rock hotel are considered the top tier of Universal Studios Orlando hotels and provide complimentary Unlimited Express Passes for their guests. If you are considering purchasing an Unlimited Express Pass, it is likely worth it to align your stay at one of these hotels to have both a great hotel experience and the Express Pass. While the rooms can be pricey, they are more affordable than comparable Walt Disney World hotel rooms.

NOTE – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure does not currently offer Express Pass so it will come as a shock to the system to wait in this line after breezing through the Express Pass lanes all day. Taking advantage of the Universal Studios Orlando hotel guest perk of entering the parks early should help you avoid these waits (details below).

Universal Orlando Packing Tips – Different Than Walt Disney World

When packing for your time at Universal Studios Orlando there is one key difference from our Walt Disney World packing list to consider. Many of the attractions at Universal Studios Orlando require that you store all large bags and loose articles in lockers (the lockers are free for a certain amount of time while you ride and are opened with your park ticket) before boarding. This can be very time consuming and just adds a layer of frustration to getting on the attraction. Read some of the other Universal Orlando free things .

With that in mind, if you are able to pull off just carrying a fanny pack for the day, you’ll be very happy. With a fanny pack or small tightly fitting cross body bag, you’ll be able to avoid the locker situation and the headache of moving your stuff in and out. Here are some of our favorite cross bags for a day in the parks . You can see our full guide to the Universal Orlando bag policy for information on what you can and can't bring in your bag.

Getting to Universal Studios Orlando from Walt Disney World

Universal Studios Orlando is about a 20-30 minute car ride from Walt Disney World depending on time of day and where in Walt Disney World you are coming from. When driving in the morning you will probably hit some I-Drive traffic.

I recommend utilizing Lyft and Uber at Walt Disney World and stick with the recommendation for getting to Universal Orlando. The perks of utilizing the ride share services for your transfer from Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando are that you don’t have to have a set departure time locked in, you’ll go directly from your hotel to the Universal Studios Orlando resort entrance without any other stops, and you don’t have to worry about the extra layers of renting a car.

We have found that the cost is typically under $25 each way and sometimes is even less if you utilize the “Wait and Save” feature.

Benefits of Staying On-Site at Universal Orlando

The Universal Orlando resort has 8 on-site hotels (there is a boat service from some of the hotels as seen in the photo above) that provide an option for every budget. Much like the Walt Disney World resort hotels, the hotels at Universal Orlando are grouped into four different tiers that dictate what resort perks guests will receive. You can also read about the best hotels near Universal Orlando here .

The main distinction is between the top tier and bottom three tiers. The top tier of hotels (the Loews Portofino Bay Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort) all receive complimentary unlimited Express Pass and priority seating at select restaurants on property.

All other Universal Orlando hotel guests receive the great perk of up to an hour early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and select other attractions. The Early Entry perk rotates between Universal Studios Florida and Island of Adventure. There is not a standard schedule so you should check your dates here for information on which park is offering the Early Entry.

For the best prices on all of the official Universal Orlando hotels and tickets, you should request a quote from our travel partner .

The prices of the Universal Orlando hotels seem very affordable when compared to a similar quality level of hotel at Walt Disney World.

Current Impact of COVID on Universal Studios Orlando 2024

Universal Orlando is back to normal levels for all aspects of entertainment. There were a number of shows and street entertainment available in addition to characters for meet and greets.

Many of the shows that had previously been closed due to COVID – Poseidon’s Fury which is one of my favorites – are now performing once again. The Universal Studios Orlando resort also offered virtual queues for some attractions when space available prevented necessary physical distancing. This system is still sometimes used on the busiest park days. See details on the Virtual Queue below.

Universal Orlando Touring Guide and Tips

Through our trips to Universal Orlando we’ve gathered a number of touring tips and strategies. The two theme parks have a variety of experiences that will cause different priorities of where to start your day when you first enter the two parks.

Here are some Universal Orlando tips and call outs to improve experience:

• If Harry Potter is a priority, especially the spells in the areas with a wand, go here first. We prioritized Harry Potter so we started our day at Universal Studios Florida and went straight to Ollivander's in Diagon Alley. After we had bought our wands we spent some time doing the spells. This was a good choice because within two hours of park opening every ‘wand spot' had a small line and it was a bit crowded to try and do them. Doing the spells first thing in the morning gave us more room and time to enjoy them.
• Don't forget to factor in the possibility of rain! Rain is extremely common in Florida, especially if you're visiting during the summer months. Universal will have to close many outdoor rides when it starts raining including popular new favorites like VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures. If you have outdoor rides that are a must do then I recommend doing them early in the day.
• Universal Orlando hotel guests have early access to one of the theme parks during their stay. This means that non-hotel guests should look to avoid starting their day in the park where hotel guests had early entry as the lines for the most popular attractions will already be too long and take away any benefit of rope dropping the park.
• The Hogwarts Express is a must-see attraction. The train transports guests between the two parks within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade. Guests must have a park to park ticket in order to enjoy the attraction. Don’t make this mistake – if you wait until the mid afternoon right when it would make sense to park hop you might end up with a long line for the experience. Our longest line with the Express Pass was for the Hogwarts Express because we went right at 2 pm when the rest of the crowd was park hopping. Be sure to check the Universal Orlando app for wait times before heading over to ride.

You can read more Universal Orlando planning tips for your trip here.

Top Universal Studios Florida Attractions and Shows

This section deserves its own article, but for now I will include it in this Universal Studios Orlando planning guide.

In addition to the attractions below, Universal Studios Florida is where you can find one of the two Harry Potter themed land s- Diagon Alley. If you're a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not to be missed in either park! These immersive experiences are heaven for any Potterhead and breathtaking even for those that aren't big fans. Don't miss it.

Attractions at Universal Studios Florida

Here are the Universal Studios Florida attractions ranked with a few comments:

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – story roller coaster in 3D
• Revenge of the Mummy – campy thrilling roller coaster
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – 3D attraction fun for the entire family, develops a long line because it is the first attraction upon entering the park
• Transformers The Ride 3D – very jerky screens based attraction, not my favorite
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket – high speed roller coaster and whips you around corners
• The Simpsons Ride – 3D attraction
• E.T. Adventure – Dark ride that shocked me with the level of detail and scale of the attraction, HIDDEN GEM!
• Men In Black Alien Attack – Super fun shooting game that is also much larger inside than you would expect, HIDDEN GEM!
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – not too intense screen based attraction
• Kang & Kodos' Twirl ‘n' Hurl – fun for kids
• Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse Coaster – fun for kids
• Hogwarts Express (If you have park to park tickets) – see our tips about riding between the two park

You can read a review of all the rides at Universal Studios Florida here.

Shows at Universal Studios Florida

• Bourne Stunt Spectacular – this might be my favorite experience at Universal Studios Orlando, MUST DO!
• The Blues Brothers Show – fun street show
• Fear Factor Live
• Universal Studios Orlando's Cinematic Celebration – fun evening fountain show similar to World of Color at Disney California Adventure
• A Day in the Park with Barney
• Universal Studios Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show
• Studio Brass Band
• Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees (Harry Potter themed)
• The Tales of Beetle Bard (Harry Potter themed)
• Animal Actors on Location
• Universal's Superstar Parade
• Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macys (only during the holiday season)

Top Universal Islands of Adventure Attractions and Shows

Universal's Islands of Adventure is home to many thrilling attractions and is a popular theme park with many guests. So popular in fact, that it won TripAdvisor's #1 Amusement Park In The World Choice Award the past three years in a row.

This is also where you can find one of the two Harry Potter themed lands- Hogsmeade along with the Hogwarts Castle! If you're a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not to be missed in either park! These immersive experiences are heaven for any Potterhead and breathtaking even for those that aren't big fans. Don't miss it.

While I’ll share more beyond this Universal Orlando planning guide, here is the ranking of attractions for Universal Islands of Adventure below. Also, be sure to see our guide to Universal Orlando height requirements for everything you need to know before your visit.

Attractions at Islands of Adventure

• Jurassic World: VelociCoaster – new high speed roller coaster, one of the most popular attractions at the resort right now
• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – storytelling coaster, my favorite Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, MUST DO!
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – storytelling thrill attraction, the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction with the queue that winds through Hogwarts – even if you don’t ride, you should walk through Hogwarts Castle
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster – thrilling roller coaster
• Jurassic Park River Adventure – water attraction, you will get wet!
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong – screens based attraction on a jeep similar to Kilimanjaro Safari, the coolest part is a massive Audio-Animatronic Kong
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – jerky screens based attraction, incredible technology but outdated story as this is based on the animated Spider-Man TV show
• Doctor Doom's Fearfall – drop tower ride
• Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls – water ride similar to Splash Mountain, you’ll get SOAKED!
• Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges – meandering barge ride, you’ll get SOAKED!
• Poseidon's Fury – very cool indoor show that winds through the abandoned temple of Poseidon, HIDDEN GEM!
• Storm Force Accelatron
• Flight of the Hippogriff – small children’s coaster in Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! – think PeopleMover but triple the length of the line
• The Cat in the Hat – fun dark ride attraction
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
• Pteranodon Flyers – flyers that circle the Jurassic Park themed area
• Caro-Seuss-el – carousel
• Hogwarts Express (If you have park to park tickets)

Shows at Islands of Adventure

There are plenty of Harry Potter themed entertainment options in Universal's Islands of Adventure among other iconic options. Make sure to allow time for entertainment in your day- Universal does a great job with its entertainment options. If you have your heart set on Ollivanders, we recommend going there first thing in the morning as lines get quite long.

• The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
• Frog Choir (Harry Potter themed)
• Triwizard Spirit Rally (Harry Potter themed)
• The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad
• Oh! The Stories You'll Hear!
• Raptor Encounter

There's so much to see and do, it's a bit overwhelming at first! This is why we recommend planning ahead and picking your priority stops in advance so you don't miss out on anything you really want to see.

We recommend making The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle a priority, they're spectacular.

Characters at Universal Orlando

There are a variety of characters waiting to take that awesome picture with you at both Universal Studios Orlando and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Some fan favorites are the Minions, Dr. Seuss characters, Scooby-Doo and the Gang, Marvel characters, the Simpsons, the Men in Black, and the Grinch even comes out to greet guests during the holidays.

Check out the app or ask the nearest Universal Studios employees to find out which characters are available. We saw many characters as we wandered both parks and were able to easily get pictures with the ones we wanted to see. Universal has really upped their game when it comes to character meet and greets that I never felt like we were lacking opportunities to meet characters.

Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando

During COVID, Universal Orlando utilized virtual queues to assist with physical distancing. At this point, there are only two attractions that utilize the virtual queue on rare occasions – Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

It is still helpful to know the “how to” of this system so keep reading in case Universal does implement a virtual queue during your visit!

How to Use the Virtual Line

1. Select an Attraction

• In the app’s left-hand menu, select “Virtual Line.”
• Tap on the “Virtual Line Venues” tab to see a list of available attractions.
• Select the attraction you want to ride and tap “Virtual Line Pass – Reserve”

2. Set Your Pass Details

• Select how many people are in your travel party.
• Select your return time.
• Tap “Reserve Virtual Line Pass” to complete.
• Relax, play and explore until your ride time.

3. Head to the Attraction when it’s Your Time to Ride

• Head to the attraction entrance within your return time window.
• Make sure you have your QR code accessible and that your entire party is with you.
• Once your time has passed, you can get another Virtual Line return time.

Virtual Line Tips

• The Virtual Line process is completely free.
• You can make two virtual line reservations for two attractions at the same time as long as their return times don't overlap.
• You cannot have two reservations for the same attraction at the same time until your first return time passes.
• Everyone in your group can make Virtual Line reservations for your party at the same time which is a great way to get as many virtual line passes as possible.
• Some rides, like Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, may run out of return times so those popular rides should be prioritized first.
• You have to be in one of the two theme parks or City Walk in order to make a Virtual Line reservation.
• You don't need to use the Virtual Line if you have Express Pass but keep in mind that Express Pass isn't offered for Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure so you will have to learn to use for at least that attraction.

Best Food at Universal Studios Orlando – Off the Beaten Path

While the breadth of food options at Universal Studios Orlando does not match the unending amount of choices at Walt Disney World, there are a number of good food spots across both the theme parks and the Universal CityWalk if you know where to look. Mixed in you’ll also find the classic theme park fare of pizza, chicken tenders, and burgers. Let’s skip those and cut to the best food at Universal Orlando in the theme parks.

Here are my favorites:

In Universal Studios Orlando, I really enjoyed the breakfast from the TODAY Cafe themed to NBC’s TODAY Show. I was looking for a light healthy breakfast after arriving at the parks and was very pleased with my choice of the Egg White Florentine sandwich.

The cafe has a variety of items for all meals that won’t bog you down for the remainder of your day. In fact, later in my trip I was starting the day at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios and was wishing they had a similar breakfast option. Highly recommend TODAY Cafe!

In both parks you’ll find big menus of old English themed food in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In the Islands of Adventure, the Three Broomsticks has a great rotisserie chicken and shepherd’s pie on the menu. In Universal Studios Florida, the Leaky Cauldron has a variety of stews and pies. While I’ve enjoyed a wide variety of the items on these menus, I always walk away feeling very full and ready for an afternoon nap, not more thrill attractions.

The one must-try in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Butterbeer. Across the two parks you’ll find three types of Butterbeer – frozen, hot, and regular. All three flavors are quite sweet. My recommendation: split the frozen Butterbeer.

Also, read about our trip to the Universal Islands of Adventure Mythos Restaurant .

Finding Cold Water Refills at Universal Orlando

There are Coke Freestyle dispensing machines throughout the two parks. Guests can purchase a reusable soda mug to refill throughout the day. This could be a good deal for a major soda consumer, but as I typically stick to water I skip the mug.

However, the Coke Freestyle machines are a great way to refill your water bottle. Just click on the water icon on the machine and fill.

Universal Studios Orlando Guide Halloween Horror Nights

The Universal Studios Orlando approach to Halloween is dramatically different than Walt Disney’s Worlds family-friendly Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Contrast the names and it will tell you everything you need to know!

Halloween Horror Nights take place at Universal Studios Florida and consist of scare actors populating the parks and a collection of extremely high production quality haunted houses. If you are a teen and up Halloween fan, this is truly a can’t miss experience. For everyone else, this might be a time to avoid at Universal Studios Orlando.

Around Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios Orlando is very busy and packed in with a crowd of locals and those that traveled in to witness these events. Check the calendar in October to attend (or avoid) these Halloween themed nights.

Universal Orlando CityWalk – Restaurants & Entertainment

Universal Orlando CityWalk is the dining and restaurant district located just outside of the two theme parks. Unlike Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, CityWalk is right outside the gates of the two parks and an easy option to pop out to for a meal before returning to the theme parks.

The area has a variety of restaurants worthy of your time. Our top recommendations are CowFish for sushi and hamburgers and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium for dinner and over the top desserts. CowFish is a fun concept that blends the fish and sea with something for everyone. The prices are not terrible for theme park sit down dining.

CityWalk is also home to an outpost of Voodoo Donuts. This donut shop boasts mischievous decor and interesting flavors (cookies and cream with oreos, pineapple). It is surreal for me to see the shop open at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood because I have been to the original location in Portland, Oregon.

Voodoo Donuts is incredibly popular and you can expect long lines throughout the day unless you arrive early in the morning which wedid on our last visit. We were able to walk right in with no wait and take our time ordering.

There are SO many varieties of donuts to get. We sampled quite a few options but my favorite was the Little Pink raised donut dipped in strawberry icing with sprinkles. We loved Voodoo Donuts so much we even stopped by AGAIN to take some back to the hotel! Definitely worth the hype.

You will walk through Universal Orlando's City Walk to enter the park so it may be worth the time to stop and cruise the options. There are two main Universal stores in City Walk that will carry a variety of merchandise you can also find in the park if there was something you forgot to purchase.

Volcano Bay- Universal's Water Park

Volcano Bay is one impressive water park with a large variety of water attractions, beaches, and lazy rivers to chose from. If you're going to pick one water park during your Orlando vacation, this should be it.

There aren't much in the way of entertainment, shows, or dining options at Volcano Bay but there are plenty of water attractions to keep you busy!

There are over 19 attractions to choose from, you can view them all in detail on Universal Orlando's website here. 

Our top five favorite recommendations are:

• Honu of the Honu ika Moana
• Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Raki of Taniwha Tubes

There are also options for a lazy float down a lazy river or some sunbathing in beach resort settings if you're just looking for relaxation as opposed to thrill rides.

You can also find great options for toddlers and smaller children at Volcano Bay- not just thrill slides and water attractions.

Families also have the option of renting their own cabanas for the day to ensure some more relaxation with your own personal spot along with poolside service.

As for  dining,  there are a few options for drinks and dining in Volcano Bay but don't expect as many as you would find in the other Universal Orlando parks.

Universal Studios Orlando Guide – Ready to plan your trip?

Whether you are planning a day trip from Walt Disney World or a couple days at a specific resort, I hope this Universal Orlando planning guide has given you a good overview for your trip to Universal Orlando.

Please comment any questions that you have about your Universal Orlando planning and I will get them answered and update the guide!

Ready to plan your vacation to Orlando? Be sure to subscribe to our vacation deals newsletter for all the latest information on deals and saving tips to help you save money and experience more! Sign up here .

You can discover more about planning your trip from these links:

• Guide to Super Nintendo World Orlando 2024
• Walt Disney World Cheap Food Guide
• Discount Walt Disney World Tickets
• Walt Disney World Character Guide
• Guide to Epcot Food and Wine Festival
• Guide to Walt Disney World Transportation

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Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Gavin Doyle

Gavin Doyle is a best-selling author and founder of Mickey Visit. He is an expert on helping families save money and experience more at Disney, Universal, and beyond. He has been featured in Forbes, ABC7, Travel+Leisure, the OC Register, Orange County Register, LA Times, Yahoo! News, and more.

Read more about Gavin.

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3 comments add your comment

2 senior adults traveling with 3rd adult with physical disabilities; will have own battery operated wheelchair. We need to know the very best accommodation with wheelchair accessability (2 rooms adjoining) as well as plan for visiting Universal studios (up to 3 days). Thank you for any advice.

Hey there! I was wondering what kind of transportation is offered from Universal Studios hotels to the parks. Or is Uber the best way to go? Thanks!

Uber is the best way to go, it’s not far at all from WDW and its the most convenient!

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The Cheapest Way Visit Universal Orlando? (Under $3,000)

This article is your complete guide on the cheapest way to visit Universal Studios Orlando!  As a general rule of thumb, guests will want to make sure to book their Universal Orlando vacation as early as possible, stay at one of the Endless Summer value resorts, purchase Universal Orlando promotional tickets, or stay at the cheapest Universal Orlando premier resort to get the express passes for free! Of course, there are plenty of other tricks for saving money once on your vacation, such as getting groceries delivered to your hotel and bringing ponchos and other items from home, which we will cover below.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando, check out our Universal Crowd calendar! 

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Cheapest Way to Go To Universal Studios Orlando

From our experience helping our clients book discount Universal Orlando trips ,  the best way to do the parks on a budget is to always stay at one of the Universal Orlando value resorts, time your ticket purchase at the beginning of the year when Universal is most likely to release deals and promotions such as buy 2 days and get 2 days free and always bring items such as ponchos, sunscreen and anything else which you might use in the parks from home. For guests who might be booking official Universal Orlando vacation packages, we would also suggest booking as early as possible, as availability is typically released in June of the previous year and this will allow you to lock in the cheapest rates possible. Pricing for Universal Orlando hotels and tickets will almost always go up in price and be the most expensive 30-60 days before your travel dates.

How to do Universal Cheap:

• Best Universal Orlando hotel on a budget:  Universal Endless Summer Dockside with rates starting below $100 per night
• Best Universal Orlando tickets on a budget: Always ask if Universal is running a buy 2-days and get 2-days free deal
• Cheapest Universal Orlando hotel with free Express Passes: Universal Royal Pacific Resort
• Cheapest time to visit Universal Orlando Resort: September
• The cheapest ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: One Day Park-to-Park ticket

Best Tips and Tricks when booking your trip

• Take advantage of seasonal deals such as 30% off on select Universal Orlando vacation packages
• Book as early as possible to lock in pricing
• Pick one of the slower times of year such as September, January or February to avoid the Express Pass
• Stay at a hotel with free shuttle transportation to save on parking every day
• Price out the Universal Orlando combo tickets when using the Express Pass for multiple days
• Use points to book your hotel and purchase multi-day Universal Orlando tickets The Park Prodigy to still get early park admission

Best Tips and Tricks when visiting the parks

• Get groceries delivered to your hotel or pick them up : Use an app like Instacart to get groceries delivered to your Universal hotel.
• Bring your own snacks : To manage your budget further, consider bringing your own snacks. Universal allows you to bring food into the parks as long as it’s not in a cooler larger than 8x6x6 inches.
• Bring items from home: Visit your local dollar tree and pick up items such as ponchos, sunscreen, cooling towels etc from home.
• Visit After 6 PM for Free Parking : One of the hidden gems for budget Universal Orlando is that parking is free after 6 PM. This can significantly reduce the cost of your trip to Universal Studios.
• Invest in Refillable Snacks : Universal offers refillable snack options that can be a cost-effective way to eat throughout the day.
• Look for freebies or cheap souvenirs : Keep an eye out for budget-friendly souvenirs or even freebies that might be available during special events or promotions
• Share larger meals throughout the day:  Share larger items throughout the day such as the meatball mountain at the minions cafe or chicken rib platter at Three Broomsticks.
• Stop at Starbucks in the morning: Use your Starbucks app to purchase your coffees at the Universal Orlando hotel starbucks locations

Sample Universal Orlando budget at a value resort

• Endless Summer Dockside Hotel 4-night stay = $440.00 plus tax
• 2-park, two days for four adults = $1,092.00 plus tax
• Meals for four days = $1000.00

The total cost for one family of four staying four nights at Aventura Hotel = is around $2,532.00 So, as we figure out how to plan a cheap trip to Universal Studios Orlando , let’s keep that number in mind.

Related post: How Much to Budget for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 

Take Advantage of Free Universal Orlando Items

Another way to do Universal Studios on a budget is to look out for any freebies being handed out in the parks. Some of our favorite moments from trips are the little, cheap Universal Studios souvenirs we were able to acquire during our visit.

Here are some of our favorite cheap or free Universal Studios souvenirs:

• Celebration buttons
• Mardi Gras beads
• Universal park tickets or brochures for scrapbooking
• Themed food or drink containers
• Plastic ice cream cup from Wizarding World of Harry Potter ice cream shops
• Plastic souvenir butterbeer mug
• Exchange your U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes

Related post: The Cheapest Time to Visit Universal Orlando

Universal Studios on a Budget FAQ

Q: How much money should I take to Universal Studios Orlando?

A: If you are wondering how much money you should take to Universal Studios Orlando, that could change drastically depending on what you want to do. For a baseline, we suggest budgeting around $30 per adult per meal while in the parks and then an extra $100 per day for souvenirs. If you’re looking at a family of four for a four-day trip, we would recommend bringing about $2000 if you plan on eating and purchasing souvenirs in the parks!

Q: When is the cheapest time to go to Universal Studios?

A: The cheapest time to go to Universal Studios will be during the off-season, which is usually early November, late January and February, and August – September. This is typically when kids are back in school and on dates that aren’t near any major holidays or popular events.

Q: Is it cheaper to buy Universal Studios tickets online?

A: Another common question we receive is, is it cheaper to buy Universal Studios tickets online?  And as a general rule, yes, it’s always cheaper to buy your Universal Orlando tickets online compared to the park gate. This is true even if you decide to buy your tickets directly from Universal, as you will automatically save up to $10 per ticket by buying them in advance.

When is The Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando?

Our   Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar   is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando, check out our   discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets  and Universal Orlando vacation package deals, which include  EARLY PARK ADMISSION  to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at  Themeparktoday.com!

Who We Recommend

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* Your magic rewards program points are automatically calculated into all theme park ticket prices!

Nik Chapman

Nik Chapman is the executive editor and one of the main content creators for The Park Prodigy blog and social media pages. With a lifelong love for Disney and Universal, Nik immersed herself in the Orlando area for three years to fully indulge in the magic of the theme parks. In between going to the parks and creating content for The Park Prodigy, Nik also hosted a Disney themed podcast with her two best friends and helps run multiple Disney-themed social media accounts which help over one million people per year. Drawing from their experience as a local Florida resident, Nik brings a unique perspective to the world of theme parks.

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How to Survive Universal Orlando If You Don't Like Thrill Rides

TripSavvy /  Marina Li  

You are heading to  Universal Orlando , the exciting theme park resort and home to the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . Great!

Wait, what’s that? You're someone who doesn't like extreme rides, and you're wondering what, if anything, you'll be able to experience without dissolving into a quivering bundle of nerves? First, take a deep breath and calm down. Second, rejoice, because you've come to the right place.

Universal’s crosstown rival,  Walt Disney World , offers a relative safe haven for folks who aren’t keen about roller coasters or other thrill rides. Most of its coasters, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, are fairly poky and tame. And there are plenty of other rides and attractions that don’t pose much of a thrill threat (“it’s a small world,” anyone?). Then again, scaredy cats visiting Florida’s other major theme park resort may want to heed the advice offered in this guide to Walt Disney World .

Universal, on the other hand, isn’t shy about featuring  major-league roller coasters as well as other attractions loaded with thrills. To differentiate itself from The Mouse, Universal positions its parks as the places to go when pre-teens graduate out of the princesses and pirates phase. That doesn't mean, however, that every ride is a Six Flags-like, adrenaline-provoking, scream-fest. In fact, Universal coined the phrase, “Ride the Movies,” and many of its attractions use screens and media to simulate thrills and whisk visitors away into the films that Universal and other studios made famous.

How could you tell by looking at a park map or staring up at the facade of one of Universal’s rides whether it would be too much of a challenge for the thrill-impaired? Generally, you couldn’t. So, let’s run down the major attractions at each of the resort’s two theme parks and steer visitors to the ones they’d likely want to avoid and the ones they’d probably want to include on their must-ride list.

Remember, you shouldn’t  ever  pressure family members or friends (especially children) into experiencing a theme park attraction if they are wary of it. Parks are supposed to be fun places, not exercises in torture. If your park buddies are scared of extreme rides, but would like to overcome their demons, learn  how to conquer roller coaster fears .

Universal Studios Florida: Rides to (Probably) Give a Try

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem - This is a fairly tame motion simulator ride. Sections of seats move in sync with action projected onto a large screen. While it simulates steep falls and other maneuvers, the seats never actually move more than a few inches in any direction. We give Despicable Me Minion Mayhem a thrill factor of 3.5 (on a scale of 10). If the action becomes too intense, shut your eyes, and you should be fine. If you discover that you enjoy the experience (which is likely), you should be able to handle most of Universal’s other simulator rides—and there are many of them.
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon - Another fairly tame simulator ride. Instead of sections of seats, the entire theater is on a motion base.
• Shrek 4-D - If you are fine with 3-D movies, you’ll be fine with this attraction. In addition to the eye-popping visual effects, there are “4-D” sensory effects such as water spritzes and seat pokers. The theater’s seats have limited movement. (This is not, technically, a simulator ride.)
• E.T. Adventure - A mostly tame dark ride, you’ll take a journey (on bicycle vehicles suspended from above) to E.T.'s home planet. Note that there are some fairly benign “gotcha” scenes with mild jump scares and loud noises in the early part of the ride.
• Men In Black Alien Attack - An interactive dark ride, you’ll be issued blasters to shoot aliens and score points. There is some vehicle spinning, but nothing too wild.
• Hogwarts Express - A great, slow-moving train ride that takes passengers on a trip from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley, Universal’s two Wizarding Worlds. Note that you need a special type of ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express.
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged - This is a variation on a motion simulator attraction known as an “immersion tunnel” ride. It simulates fast (and furious)-moving vehicles by using media and a motion base. The illusion isn’t especially convincing. The Kong ride at Islands of Adventure (see below) uses the “immersion tunnel” concept to greater effect.

Universal Studios Florida: Rides to Cautiously Consider

• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster - Yes, this is a roller coaster. But at a height of 28 inches and a top speed of 22 mph, it is a toned-down family ride. Even if you get freaked out, the whole thing is over in 44 seconds.
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts - Speaking of roller coasters, Gringotts is technically a coaster, although it really only behaves like one at the beginning of the ride. Most of the attraction is a (wonderful) screen-based romp beneath the vaults of the bank made famous in the Harry Potter books and films. The first 20 seconds or so are a bit challenging, so you may want to consider whether you could handle Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
• The Simpsons Ride - Using the former Back to the Future attraction’s show building and ride system, The Simpsons Ride is a slightly more aggressive than Universal’s other simulator rides. If you are perfectly fine with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, chances are you’ll be okay taking a ride with Homer and Bart.
• Transformers: The Ride-3D - Using the roving motion-base ride concept that Universal pioneered for its landmark Spider-Man ride, passengers wage battle alongside Transformers. It’s more aggressive and disorienting than a theater-based simulator ride. But like those rides, the action is mostly an illusion and not a physical thrill.

Universal Studios Florida: Rides to (Probably) Skip

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit - A high-speed coaster with a 90-degree lift hill and inversions, you should avoid this ride at all costs (and it’s not all that great, anyways).
• Revenge of the Mummy - Like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Mummy is a hybrid coaster-dark ride. Unlike the Potter attraction, the coaster, which includes a magnetic launch at 40 mph and hairy drops in the dark, is more intense.

Islands of Adventure: Rides to (Probably) Give a Try

• The Cat in the Hat - A cute dark ride that retells the classic Dr. Seuss story. The ride vehicles (which are designed as couches!) mildly spin during the ride.
• Caro-Seuss-el - A carousel with Dr. Seuss characters
• Poseidon’s Fury - Despite its ferocious-sounding name, this walk-through attraction shouldn’t scare anyone but the youngest children (and only then because of the occasional darkness and loud noises).
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong - Another “immersion tunnel” attraction, Kong takes passengers on a simulated ride through Skull Island aboard a self-driving transport vehicle. It will appear that you are moving fast and falling into a ravine—but really, you'll just be surrounded by media and moving slightly on a motion base.

Islands of Adventure: Rides to Cautiously Consider

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Universal invented the roving motion-base simulator attraction with this ride. It enhances the concept of a motion simulator theater by incorporating dark ride vehicles that move through multiple rooms. It may seem as if you’re soaring with Spider-Man, but your vehicle really never leaves the ground. If you’re okay with the Transformers ride, you’ll be fine with Spider-Man (and vice-versa).
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges - If you want to get wet on one of Universal’s water rides (and you will get positively soaked), this is the one to try. It is a bit wilder than most parks’ river raft rides, and there is a small drop near the end of the course. But most people who don't like thrill rides should be able to handle it.
• Flight of the Hippogriff - Like the Woody Woodpecker ride, this is a roller coaster. But at a height of 43 feet and a top speed of 29 mph, the junior coaster is fairly tame (albeit, more aggressive than Woody’s Nuthouse Coaster). At a little over one minute, it is also quite short.

Islands of Adventure: Attractions You Probably Should Skip (but Might Want to Consider)

The following two attractions are tough ones. Among all of Universal Orlando’s rides to cautiously consider, these warrant the most caution.

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - A fabulous attraction (which is why you might want to consider it), Forbidden Journey uses ride vehicles mounted on robotic arms to deliver a unique, and sometimes wild, attraction experience. There are no huge roller coaster-like drops, but there are abrupt movements and moments when the vehicles tip passengers to nearly prone positions. It is also loud and depicts frightening scenes. If that sounds too extreme for you, skip it. If you’re on the fence, however, you might want to suck it up and go for it; this is  the best ride at Universal Orlando  (and one of the best in all of parkdom for that matter).
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - This one is even tougher to gauge than Forbidden Journey. The Hagrid’s ride is a roller coaster. It is not as tall, fast, or intense as Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit or The Incredible Hulk Coaster. Nor does it include any upside-down inversions. But it does feature seven magnetic launches (the most of any coaster in the world), reaches a top speed of 50 mph, includes a vertical spike, and sends passengers backwards for part of the ride. Perhaps most disconcerting, it (major spoiler alert) includes a vertical drop element that has passengers freefall 17 feet. Still, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is considered a “family” coaster and has a relatively low height requirement of 48 inches. If you are wary of coasters, steer clear of the attraction. If you are the least bit inclined to give a rollicking coaster a try, do consider riding Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure. The highly themed attraction is among the best that Universal Orlando offers. You can read our detailed article to help determine whether you’d be able to handle the Hagrid coaster.

Islands of Adventure: Rides to (Probably) Skip

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster - A 67-mph launch— uphill  no less—that immediately sends passengers into an inversion 110 feet in the air? This ride is definitely NOT for people who are thrill ride-adverse.
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster - You know how we said that you might want to (very) cautiously consider Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure? Well, Islands of Adventure offers another highly themed thrill machine, Jurassic World VelociCoaster. But you decidedly would want to steer clear of this one. Whereas Hagrid’s might be considered on the extreme upper end of a “family” coaster, this ride is firmly in the extreme thrill category. The launched coaster hits 70 mph, climbs 155 feet in the air, has an 80-degree drop, and includes four inversions. Nuff said.
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall -  Trust us. If you don't like thrill rides, you would not want to be blasted 185 feet into the air and experience the crazy airtime that Doctor Doom delivers.
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls - Another one of Islands of Adventure’s water rides, this log flume ends with a potent 75-foot drop. You can watch the drop from a pedestrian bridge in front of the ride.
• Jurassic Park River Adventure - The park’s third water ride sends boatloads of passengers screaming down an 85-foot drop at a steep angle into a splash pool. You need not take this adventure.

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An expert's guide to Orlando, Florida – beyond the theme parks

May 5, 2024 • 7 min read

From glistening beaches to space exploration past and present, Orlando has tons for you to see © Shutterstock

There's a reason 75 million people visit Orlando annually, and it isn't just the mouse. Don't get us wrong. Disney World is incredible and deserves a place on any theme park lover’s bucket list, but Orlando is so much more than its theme parks. It’s an ever-evolving city with vibrant parks, public art and award-winning restaurants. And that’s before you get to amazing day trips to the Kennedy Space Center or New Smyrna Beach . 

I have family near Orlando and I’ve visited dozens of times through the years, usually for a week at a time. I’ve come to love this special place. Whether it’s your first trip to Orlando or you’re looking for something to do outside the theme parks, our expert guide to Orlando will help you make the most of your trip. 

When should I go to Orlando? 

There’s no wrong time to visit Orlando , but here are a few facts to inform your decision. First, no matter the time of year, holidays are crowded and expensive (this includes the days framing the actual holiday). There’s also the rainy season from May to October. Luckily, in a place as lovely as Florida, the rainfall is intense but mercifully brief. 

Hurricane season is from June through November. In recent years, weather systems like Hurricane Ian have caused theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios to close for multiple days. If you’re visiting Orlando during hurricane season, it’s best to book flexible airfare, lodging, rental car reservations, etc.  

The high tourist season in Orlando is from March to April and June to August. Kids are typically out of school for spring and summer breaks, so the big attractions like theme parks are often crowded. Humidity is high, and temperatures are often in the 90s. 

The shoulder season in Orlando is in May and September through November. In May, temperatures reach the mid to high 80s, and after the sweltering summer, they drop to the upper 70s in November. During the shoulder season, you’ll usually find better deals on lodging. 

December is usually the low season (excluding Christmas through early January when the kids are on holiday break). The temperatures are cooler but exceedingly pleasant, with averages in the middle 70s. This is the time of year when you’ll usually get the best pricing as long you avoid school breaks and holidays.

How many days do you need to see Orlando? 

Although you can easily spend longer and not regret it, the average visitor to Orlando spends 5-7 nights. A stay of this length ensures you’ll have time to visit the theme parks (if that’s on your itinerary), plus explore downtown Orlando and some Florida beaches. 

Is it easy to get around in Orlando? 

Most long-distance travelers fly into Orlando International Airport. If you’re staying at a Disney area hotel and don’t plan on spending much time outside the resort, you might find it cheaper to take the Mears Connect shuttle over an Uber or rental car, although this largely depends on your group size. The shuttle operates 24/7. 

If you’re a Florida local, the recently debuted Brightline offers fast train service connecting Orlando to cities like Palm Beach , Fort Lauderdale and Miami . Alternatively, the Sun Rail offers train service with stops in Poinciana (about half an hour from Disney World), downtown Orlando, Kissimmee and DeBary. 

Downtown Orlando has an excellent public transportation system. LYMMO provides free Bus Rapid Transit service seven days a week to major downtown destinations like Lake Eola Park or the Bob Carr Theater . The Lymmo does not provide service to the airport or theme parks. Or, enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and utilize Orlando’s bike and scooter share program .

What are the top things to do in Orlando? 

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Orlando has theme parks. Walt Disney World , Universal Studios , Legoland , etc, are all in the area. If these attractions are the reason for your visit, that’s wonderful. However, there are a lot of things to do in Orlando outside the theme parks. 

Embrace downtown Orlando 

Don’t make the mistake of skipping downtown Orlando on your visit to the Sunshine State. Lake Eola Park is the heart of the city, with a paved, wheelchair-accessible walking trail circling the lake. Colorful gardens blossom against the backdrop of the Orlando skyline while swan boats (and real swans) swim in the water. A wheelchair lift was recently installed to make it easier for people with disabilities to enter the ADA-accessible swan boats. If you’re at Lake Eloa on a Sunday, check out the Orlando Farmer’s Market, where local vendors showcase seasonal produce, arts and crafts, plants and even homemade dog treats.

A whopping 48 Orlando restaurants were honored by the Michelin Guide in 2024, so be sure to arrive hungry. For a bucket list dining experience, the intimate Natsu Omakase has just two seatings per night and flies most of its seafood in from Japan. For a casual meal, it’s hard to beat Super Rico , with Columbian dishes like Churrasco or fried green plantains topped with steak, chicken and mushrooms. 

While you’re walking around downtown, keep your eye open for public art. Orlando boasts over 900 paintings, sculptures, tapestries and mixed media displayed in its city hall, neighborhood centers, public buildings and parks. 

Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens 

The Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre plant-life paradise. Since this is Florida, there is always something in bloom, and each trip to the gardens is different than the last. Throughout the year, roses, hibiscus, bananas, tree orchids and citrus trees fill the grounds with perfume and color. This is also home to the Historic Leu House Museum, which was originally built in 1888. Today, the mansion has been restored to offer visitors a glimpse back at the past.

Take in a Performance at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has been recognized as one of the world's most acoustically sound arts venues. The building takes up two city blocks, offering multiple performance spaces, a school of the arts, event rooms and an outdoor plaza with a welcoming lawn. An ever-changing calendar of performances includes family-friendly programming, Broadway touring productions and local theater groups. 

Geek out at Kennedy Space Center

Orlando is only 50 miles from the Kennedy Space Center , and it’s worth a side trip. You can easily spend the entire day there, so don’t short yourself on time. Attractions include encounters with real astronauts, hands-on activities like astronaut training simulators, and virtual reality experiences. Kids love it, and so do adults.

Explore New Smyrna Beach 

Drive an hour to New Smyrna Beach, where you’ll find 17 miles of sugar sand beaches, some of Florida’s best surfing waves, and a cute, walk-around-able downtown brimming with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Nearby Blue Springs State Park is a designated manatee refuge with hundreds of manatees from mid-November through mid-March that visitors can see via a wheelchair-accessible path and viewing platform.

My favorite thing to do in Orlando 

My favorite thing to do in Orlando might seem a little cheesy if you’ve never been inside, but I always recommend Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition . Yes, there are Titanic museums elsewhere, but that doesn’t make this one any less worthwhile since each exhibition holds different artifacts. This one has more than 300 artifacts recovered from the wreckage and 500 personal items from passengers. Costumed actors wander through full-scale room recreations of the Titanic’s interior, pulling you into an eerie, immersive experience. A regular roster of programs includes dinner galas, formal teas and guide tours with rotating themes. 

How much money do I need for Orlando? 

• Basic room for two: $100 a night (and up) 
• Basic Airbnb for two: $100 a night (and up) 
• Ticket for Mear Connect: $32.00 roundtrip for ages 10 and up, $26.00 roundtrip for ages 3-9 years old, children under 3 are free
• LYMMO Bus Rapid Transit service in downtown Orlando: Free
• Theme park ticket: varies, but you usually expect to spend at least $120 per person per day
• Cup of coffee: $3.00 
• Price for a sandwich: $8.00 
• Dinner for two: $60 (and up) 
• Cocktail in downtown Orlando: $14 (and up)

Keep planning your trip to Florida:

Keep your wallet happy with the best free experiences Figure out  the best time to visit Cruise your way around the Sunshine State with the best road trips in Florida   Get the inside intel with the top things you should know before you go

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‘Walking right into the movie’: Exclusive peek at Universal Orlando’s new DreamWorks Land

W e’re getting our first official look at the new DreamWorks Land coming to Universal Orlando Resort next month, in a video shared first with USA TODAY.

The new land officially opens June 14 at Universal Studios Florida. And while it will be open to all ages, it will be especially welcome among families with young children, who've missed dedicated play space in the park after Woody Woodpecker's KidZone's closing in Jan. 2023. (There are several kids areas at neighboring Universal Islands of Adventure.)

DreamWorks Land will feature a new Trolls-themed roller coaster and several interactive play areas, including a shaded space for the park’s youngest guests and multiple opportunities to get soaking wet. There will also be a live show with singing, dancing, special effects and tons of characters, as well as the chance to meet DreamWorks characters like Gabby of “ Gabby’s Dollhouse ” and characters from the “Shrek,” “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda” film franchises in person.

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Two of the land’s creators spoke exclusively with USA TODAY in the resort’s first official interview on DreamWorks Land. Here’s what we learned from Dean Orion, who previously worked at DreamWorks and is now creative director of Universal Creative at Universal Orlando Resort, and Michael Vollman, executive vice president of Marketing at DreamWorks Animation, which is owned by Universal Pictures.

Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.

USA TODAY: There’s been a DreamWorks’ presence across Universal parks for a while. How did the idea for this land get dreamed up?

Orion : The former KidZone – the area that we built DreamWorks Land in – was built with the original park, so it goes back 30 years. Parks, you know, they take a lot of wear and tear. They age. The IP (intellectual property) gets a little long in the tooth, and sometimes it's time to refresh. You know very well it takes some time to develop the concepts, ideas and then go through construction, everything, so here we are.

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Question : There hasn’t necessarily been a “Shrek” film in a while. “ Trolls ” and “ Kung Fu Panda ,” just had relatively recent films. How do you see the longevity of these characters and their ability to connect with guests now?

Vollman : We're very proud of our original movies and our franchises, and these are three of our best and biggest franchises. 

One of the things that’s fantastic is you know Shrek’s been around. It’s 25 years old in 2026. It’s (still) massively popular, and it’s an immersive land. It’s perfect for stuff like this, as is “Trolls” and as is “Kung Fu Panda.” And while I didn’t have a new Shrek, I did have a new “ Puss in Boots ."

There's a timelessness to these characters, but then the closeness of our relationship between DreamWorks and the parks lets us make sure that they're able to be as up to speed and cutting edge as possible. 

Question: We don't want to forget Gabby, right? Also I understand there’s an opportunity toward the front of the land where guests may be able to meet different characters, depending upon what might be newly released down the line.

Vollman: Talk about the ability to get characters from the zeitgeist into the parks. Dean and his team were fantastic. Gabby’s is a huge opportunity for us as a company. We're very proud of the show. Little kids are gonna be able to meet Gabby at a special kiosk that they put together right at the front door of the place. We're very excited about it.  Next to that is the rotating DreamWorks character place, so it'll be pretty much a constant photo opportunity.

Orion: Absolutely. Our challenge, designwise, was where do we put that because we have these three neighborhoods that each represent each one of the IPs. You don't want to stick another IP right in the middle of one of the others. We landed on this spot that's right behind the marquee, because it makes a lot of sense. There's the DreamWorks marquee, and now you can see all the characters right there and so that's where we have Gabby as well.

Question : Kids and families are used to experiencing these characters in 2-D, maybe in a character-meet-and-greet. But let’s talk about being able to be immersed in these lands and feel like they’re in these spaces.

Orion: The three-dimensional thing is quite something in all three areas, but probably the biggest and most striking example is Shrek’s cottage. When you see this structure, you're literally walking right into the movie screen. And we have the meet-and-greet where Shrek and Fiona are going to come out of the house and Donkey’s there chattering up a storm, it really is going to feel incredibly immersive.

Question : Can you tell me about the importance of having this space for families, for younger guests in this park? Not only with brands that they're familiar with on screen, but this place that’s dedicated to play in just their size.

Orion: That was a huge motivation here to create a really fun environment where kids can play freely. We've really consciously tried to put as much interactivity into the land as possible, and to really maximize the fun factor. So there are interactions that are digital. There are interactions that are physical. There are interactions with characters. There are interactions with water. There are animated figures, and there's just tons of shows. There's going to be shows with characters all day long, so it really is going to be just a great destination for families with younger people.

We actually built these huge shade mushrooms in Trolls to just create all this shade. We already had lots of trees, lots of seat walls and benches and stuff, so if Grandma and Grandpa come, they can sit and watch the kids play.

Question : How is the land made to be accessible for guests with disabilities ?

Orion : We put a lot of thought and consideration into ADA accessibility, from the way things are designed. Our entire Shrek play structure has a big ramp that anybody in a wheelchair can get all the way up. There are double handrails. There are closed-captioned glasses. There are standards that we have in the parks. Everything has to go through those requirements.

Question : Is there anything you think guests shouldn’t miss? 

Vollman: The amount of work and love and care that's gone into the DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, I think this show is going to be something really special. We've got 30 years worth of iconic music to play with, 30 years of iconic characters. You get up and dance and clap and sing and have fun. 

Orion: There's a lot of great music, and the dancers are fantastic. And there are big animated characters, There are puppets. There are effects. There are incredible media screens, and it’s in the round, so it's this really 360-degree immersive theater experience.

Question : Can you share any Easter eggs in the land?

Orion : There is a Woody Easter egg in the land, but I'm not going to say where it is. You'll have to come and find it for yourself.

In Shrek’s Swamp, you'll notice some footprints that might be from some ogres around. The outhouse gives you a nice little surprise when you go down the slide.

The interactive gong in Kung Fu Panda has a lot of surprise sounds that you might not expect. 

One last thing: When we were working with the wardrobe team to design the wardrobe for the folks who operate the whole land, the idea came up of having DreamWorks on the back of the shirts, their jackets plus the moon boy logo. One of the things that I loved about working at DreamWorks is that the employees very often refer to themselves as DreamWorkers. It's just a really cool thing most people wouldn't know because it's very internal, and so I thought what a great way to honor them, if all the folks working in the land had DreamWorker on the back of their shirt. And so I asked Mike if that would be OK, and they all loved that idea too. 

Question: How does it feel seeing all this come to life and knowing that guests are just a few weeks from experiencing the land for themselves?

Vollman : It’s like Christmas Eve, opening that present up. People are going to blown away. It's a lovely expression of three great sets of entertaining content. Having it come to life and to be able to run around inside, it's going to be joy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Walking right into the movie’: Exclusive peek at Universal Orlando’s new DreamWorks Land