Orlando, Florida, isn't just home to Walt Disney World. A stone's throw from the mouse's house lies another wonderland—Universal Orlando Resort. The resort is home to some of the planet's most visited theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and a world-class water park called Volcano Bay. Not content to rest on its laurels, Universal Orlando is constantly conjuring up new ideas and rides to please visitors, and the fresh DreamWorks Land and 2025 opening of Universal Epic Universe, including Super Nintendo World and more Harry Potter magic, promises major fun.
So, how does one go about entering this fabled terrain? We cover tickets, accommodation, and so much more in this Universal Orlando Guide.
01 Optimal visit times
Summer in Florida is sweltering, portable spray fan weather. It's also peak season at the theme parks. If you'd prefer to forego the heat and humidity for more comfortable temperatures and crowds, aim for a trip between January and May that avoids the winter and spring school vacations. June to November also happens to be hurricane season, so you might want to factor that and busy events like Halloween into your decision-making.
You'll still have to join queues to go on rides, but they won't be as long as during the summer holidays. Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are optimal, but you can also look up crowd calendars to see which days are busy, moderate, or slow at the various parks and check up-to-date opening hours.
02 Ticket types and where to buy
Universal Orlando ticket prices are dynamic and differ depending on how busy the parks are, so if you plan on going during the high season, you may want to book tickets online in advance rather than paying at the gates. You can opt for a single-day single-park ticket to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure, which is currently around $119 for an adult from outside Florida, with marginally cheaper kid's prices. Or you can opt for a single-day two-park ticket, which is essential if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express from King's Cross to Hogsmeade station. These tickets cost at least $174 for out-of-towners. Visiting Volcano Bay for the day will cost you upwards of $80.
Universal Orlando rewards visitors for spending more time in its theme parks. For every additional day up to five days, the average daily spend decreases, and U.S. and Canadian residents can benefit from promos that offer five days for the price of three. Multiple annual pass options are available for the committed, and you can save with vacation packages, large group discounts, military discounts, AAA membership, and certain hospitality awards points. Just make sure that you buy tickets directly from Universal Orlando or authorized ticket sellers.
03 Express pass benefits
One of the most annoying things about popular theme parks is having to wait in a queue for rides. If you've got room in your budget, you can get an Express Pass, which allows you to magick away the lines at many attractions. It's especially useful if you're short on time and only have a day or two to check off what you want to do.
There are two main types of Express Pass: the basic pass offers one skip per participating attraction, and the Unlimited pass allows for as many skips as you desire and can cost between $109.99 to $319.99 per theme park visitor. With limited quantities on offer, it's best to secure these fast passes in advance. Some Universal hotels include Express Passes in the cost of a stay.
04 On-Site hotel perks
If you want to stay as close to the action as possible, choose a Universal hotel. Loews Hotels offers an Express Pass as a free perk in their Premier tier of accommodation. In addition to the Premier tier, you'll come across the Preferred, Prime Value, and Value tiers to suit different budgets and preferences. The eight on-site hotels offer benefits such as convenient access to the Universal theme parks, complimentary transport like water taxis and shuttles, early park admission, and priority seating at some of the restaurants.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a good choice on the top end, and Cabana Bay Beach Resort is an excellent Prime Value pick for families. If you stay at a Universal hotel, you can also get free package deliveries to your room if you don't want to cart the things you buy around the park.
05 Off-Site hotel recommendations
You don't have to book at a Universal hotel to have an amazing experience. Many nearby hotels offer free shuttles, and some are official Universal Partner hotels. Hyatt Place Orlando is a 15-minute walk away and features a hot breakfast buffet. Holiday Inn & Suites, Across from Universal Orlando Resort, is as close as you can get without actually being on-site. It's pet-friendly, so you can bring your non-human bestie along for the trip. And Rosen Shingle Creek has more of a resort vibe.
06 Transportation tips
Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are one way to get to Universal Orlando if you're staying somewhere without a complimentary shuttle. You could also rent a car, but the flexibility comes with tolls and parking fees. The parking garages at Universal can house 20,000 cars, so don't make the rookie mistake of forgetting where you parked. Take a pic of your section, level, and row combo. If you're coming from the airport, consider a paid shuttle service with Mears Transport or Super Shuttle.
07 Early Park Admission strategy
Here's the thing. Early Park Admission (EPA) passes are great, but you're not the only one with access to this perk. To make the most of this semi-exclusive benefit, aim to arrive an hour before EPA so you're among the first at the turnstiles. You could wait as little as 10 or 20 minutes for super popular rides like Hagrid's that aren't offered with Express, and your selfies will be blessedly free of photobombers. EPA also works well at Volcano Bay, as you can cherry-pick where you sit for the day.
08 Park navigation tips
It can be overwhelming when you first step into Universal Orlando as a newbie, especially if you're working against the clock. That's why preparation is key. Study the park maps at home or on your journey to Orlando, locate and research rides you're particularly interested in, and download the Universal Orlando app for helpful info and mobile food and drink orders. First-timers find Universal Orlando a lot easier to navigate than Walt Disney World.
09 Best rides for thrill seekers
The adrenaline-pumping roller coasters sure add up at Universal Orlando, so if having your heart in your mouth appeals to you, you won't be disappointed. The Jurassic World VelociCoaster and its "Top Hat" will make you scream your lungs out, and you'll love it. The Incredible Hulk Coaster has a bunch of prayer-inducing inversions, too, and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit sees thrill-seekers zip down from a 17-story height. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is another favorite, with reverse motion, vertical drops, and awesome animatronics. Over at Volcano Bay, the Ko'okiri Body Plunge may make you tremble in your aqua socks.
10 Family-Friendly rides
Looking for something less high-octane? There's no shortage of gentle attractions at Universal Orlando. Rides like Flight of the Hippogriff are fast but have fewer dark elements than their scary counterparts. E.T. Adventure and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge are kid-friendly, as is the Pteranodon Flyers aerial swing ride. The Despicable Me Minion Mayhem motion simulation ride is suitable for all ages, although supervising companions are required if children are below 40". The same rule applies to the Fast and Furious ride, for example. Little ones adore Seuss Landing and the splashes and squirts at Volcano Bay.
11 Hidden gems and lesser-known attractions
Those lucky enough to take advantage of five-day promos have the luxury of time to explore Universal Orlando's more underrated attractions and shows. The Horror Make Up Show is a laugh-out-loud look at horror movie props and special effects. The Mythos Restaurant is worth checking out, even if you've eaten elsewhere in the park, and the Lost Continent's Mystic Fountain talks if you're keen on chatting. Jurassic Park Discovery Center often gets cut from the agenda on one- or two-day itineraries, but it is interactive and educational and could spark a new interest in munchkins.
12 Dining recommendations
When hunger strikes, you'll find plenty of eateries to fuel more fun and games. Vegans and people with Celiac disease will have no issue procuring plant-based or gluten-free food—just tell your server about your dietary requirements. The Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron restaurants serve British staples like bangers and mash and fish and chips. Fast Food Boulevard is full of quick-service options.
The TODAY cafe and Illumination's Minion Cafe offer healthy options such as fresh bowls and salads. Mythos is a top table service pick at Islands of Adventure for far-flung flavors. At Volcano Bay, you won't go wrong with the jerked mahi sandwich at Kohola Reef Restaurant.
13 Snack must-try items
Welcome to snack heaven. You can't come to Universal Orlando and not try the cult-favorite doughnuts from Voodoo Doughnut at CityWalk. Also, on the sweet front—the chocolate almond bread from Toothsome Emporium is yummy, the Minion Freeze Ray Pops are cute and refreshing, and the Cauldron Cake at Honeydukes is epic with fiery frosting and a reusable silicon pot. If you're near the Hard Rock Hotel, grab some of the best ice cream available at Emack and Bolio's Marketplace.
Thirsty? Harry Potter fans will be after the iconic Butterbeer with its hints of shortbread and butterscotch. It comes in three main varieties: hot, cold, or frozen. The Simpsons fans might want to try a Duff Beer, Homer's drink of choice. For something savory, the tater tots at Green Eggs and Ham Cafe are winners.
14 Shows and parades
Beyond the rides and fixed attractions, there's always something going on at Universal Orlando. CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular wows crowds with drones, fountains, and nighttime illuminations. The new daytime Universal Mega Movie Parade features nostalgic floats from the silver screen with cross-generational appeal. Think talented performers and moving sets from classics like "Back to the Future," "Jaws," "Ghostbusters," and "Kung Fu Panda."
Good spots to view the parade include in front of The Bourne Stuntacular or the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store. Plus, Hawaiian luaus, Mariachi music at Antojitos, acapella Hogwarts choirs, "popera" performances at the Harbor Piazza, Dr. Seuss musicals, shows with adorable animal actors, and much more. You'll find entertainment schedules on the Universal Orlando app.
15 Unique entertainment experiences
Seasonal events include the fabulously freaky Halloween Horror Nights for anyone 13 and over, Mardi Gras, which brings a carnivalesque atmosphere to the park, and the Grinchmas show. The Macy's Holiday Parade during the festive season is also popular, and the Fourth of July celebrations incorporate flagtastic aesthetics and fireworks. In the Fall, you can look forward to the Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle projection show, too.
16 Shopping for souvenirs
You'll find souvenir kiosks and stores attached to many rides, but for a solid dose of retail therapy, the Universal Studios store at CityWalk is where it's at, and you'll also be able to find restaurant merch nearby. The Harry Potter-obsessed usually drop some dough at the Hogsmeade shops, and Kwik-E-Mart is a must-visit for Simpsons memorabilia.
If you're not around when there's a sale, keep an eye on the Universal Online Store for discounted items like Deathly Hallows cord necklaces, Hello Kitty mugs, Jurassic World apparel, and other pieces of themed jewelry, ornaments, and posters from the movie brands you know and love. P.S. Preferred Annual Pass holders and AAA members may get discounts, so be sure to contact them.
17 Interactive experiences
Participatory, immersive attractions abound at Universal Orlando. Have an enchanting time at Ollivander's, where the wands choose their wizards or hone your E-Liminator skills at Villain Con Minion Blast. Alternatively, you can opt for more traditional entertainment. Take center stage with a karaoke session at CityWalk's Rising Star, compete in a round of mini golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, or go bowling at Galaxy Bowl. Kids can also enjoy interactive elements like King Harold's Swamp Symphony.
Here, each lily pad makes a different ribbit. Little ones can also burn some energy at Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres playground, Camp Jurassic, If I Ran a Zoo, and Toon Lagoon.
18 Photo opportunities
First up—the iconic revolving Universal Studios Orlando globe. You'll have to time the photo to perfection to get the full Universal in. Then, consider buying a ginormous doughnut to share with your pals and hold it aloft in front of Lard Lad in Springfield, or snap a photo of the Krustyland face. In the Wizarding World, Hogwarts Castle is a no-brainer, and the bridge in Hogsmeade is great for an impressive shot. At Diagon Alley, wait for the Gringotts dragon to spew fire if you can.
In Seuss Landing, the colorful Truffula Trees beckon, and in Marvel Super Hero Land, the entrance of the Spider-Man attraction demands a web-slinging hand gesture. The rainbow soft serve from Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona is gorgeous if you prefer edible props. By the way, souvenir photos are often available to purchase on rides.
19 Character meet-and-greets
Get ready for selfies and pics with your favorite movie and TV characters. Give Shrek a hug outside his cottage or say hi to Gabby from Gabby's Dollhouse at the DreamWorks Character Zone. At the Illumination Theater, you can pose with Minions, Gru, or the gals or high-five characters from the film "Sing." Looking for a more fierce photo op? The Jaws shark and Blue the Raptor await with their open maws, and Optimus Prime may be lingering near the Transformers ride.
20 Budget-Friendly tips
You could stay off-site in places like Kissimmee, but don't rule out staying onsite—Value hotels like Endless Summer are affordable, and other Universal properties come with time or cost-saving perks. Get a place with a kitchenette so you can buy groceries and eat cheaper meals in your accommodation. Carry snacks that don't require heating or refrigerating, a refillable non-glass water bottle, and an extra layer of clothing in a backpack, and you'll save big time. A refillable popcorn bucket is also a relatively cheap family snack to keep "hanger" at bay.
Purchase souvenirs for less online and bring them along as photo props rather than forking out premium prices. If you're not a Harry Potter fan, you might want to stick to a one-park ticket. Search for ticket deals on sites like MouseSavers, and buy your tickets in advance.
21 Health and safety tips
Theme park days mean a lot of time spent outdoors, so go armed with sun protection in the form of hats and sunblock. Keep sipping on water to avoid dehydration, and sidestep central Florida electric storms by heading inside at the first sign of lightning. Pack hand sanitizer, acetaminophen, something for an upset tummy and motion sickness, and Band-Aids for possible blisters and grazes. Don't keep a bunch of cash in a backpack easily accessible by potential pickpockets, and don't be alarmed if you see roach-like waterbugs.
If you're traveling with little kids, stay close to large crowds and attach your contact details to them. Carry a thin power bank to keep your phone on. You'll find first aid stations behind Louie's Italian Restaurant on Canal Street, at Sinbad's Village, behind Cold Stone Creamery at CityWalk, and near the entrance of Volcano Bay.
22 Accessibility services
Universal Orlando is an inclusive environment. Queues, dining and shopping venues, and on-site hotel shuttles are wheelchair-friendly, but if mobility isn't an issue, visitors can register for the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card to avoid long waits for attractions. Queues can't accommodate Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs). See Universal's Guide for Rider Safety and Accessibility for more details, such as which rides allow guests to remain in their standard wheelchairs and which attractions permit oxygen tanks.
During shows and parades, an attendant can assist with securing a place in an "Accessible Viewing" area, and sign language interpreters may be requested at least 14 days in advance. At the hotels, specially equipped rooms display numbers in Braille, and in the park, low-stimulation rooms are available for necessary time-outs. Certain attractions require either the removal or securing of prostheses, and service animals are welcomed with kennels and relief areas.
23 Queue management strategies
The average wait time at popular rides can range between 20 minutes and an hour long, but they can go longer during busy times. Express passes, early admission, and visiting during quieter periods help, but what if that's not on the table? When they're open, using the single rider line rather than the standby line can save you time if you're riding solo. These queues work better for certain rides like Transformers, Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and the Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Remember, the queues are often part of the themed experience, and single rider lines can skip cool content at Escape from Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, Men in Black: Alien Attack, and Spider Man. The single rider lines at the Velocicoaster or Hagrid's often don't make much of a difference.
Plus, check the Universal Orlando Resort app for live wait times and set a notification for when there's a dip.
24 Mobile food ordering
Place food and drink orders on the app en route to an eatery for ultimate efficiency. Watch your step when you're tapping away, though, or you may end up hightailing it to a first aid station rather than a restaurant. You can customize orders and list food allergies, and best of all, you get to cut down on food lines. The kitchens only work on your order when you hit "Prepare My Order," and you can check your food's status.
Apply discounts, if relevant. At some locations, like The Leaky Cauldron, mobile ordering is mandatory. For table service rather than pick-ups, you'll need a table number to order, which you'll only get after you're seated.
25 Lockers and storage solutions
Full backpacks can start to feel pretty heavy as the day wears on. Renting an all-day locker allows you to conveniently stow items like extra layers of clothing or heavy portable chargers for when you need them. They're available on a first-come, first-served basis and in different sizes. Certain rides offer single-time lockers for free if you have loose items on you, but if you go over the free time slot, you'll have to pay. Bigger items also attract a fee at the rides.
26 Staying comfortable
Dear reader, wear comfy shoes for all the walking, or you will regret it. Wear clothing made of cool, lightweight materials in summer, and don a pair of sunglasses (don't forget the case). Apply anti-chafing cream on your thighs if you generally experience friction, or you'll be oohing and aahing, and not because you're being dazzled. Pack a spray fan or mini cooling towel, which can be dampened with cold water and laid around your neck—it guarantees a happy sigh.
It can get chilly in the evenings or in airconditioned areas, so take a compact raincoat or jacket with you, and you'll probably want to wear yoga shorts under dresses or skirts for peace of mind on rides and windy days.
27 Planning for water rides
Outside of Volcano Bay, a few water rides like Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, and Jurassic Park River Adventure may catch you unaware of how sopping wet they can get. Do them all in a row to make life easy, and carry a poncho or trash bag to minimize the drench. Wet shoes and socks cause blisters, so wear crocs or flip-flops on these rides, and be sure to place your gadgets in Ziploc bags.
If you're staying onsite, you can go to your room and change, otherwise swimsuit underwear and dry fit clothes are your friends. It's humid, so anything else will take ages to dry off.
28 Baby care and family services
Universal Orlando has a Child Swap Program, so if you're with your family and a child is too young for a ride, you can wait with them while the others in your party do the ride, and then another parent or caregiver can take over babysitting while you hop on. Let a staff member know so they can assist you. In addition, every restroom has a diaper changing station, and nursing facilities are available at First Aid Stations and Health Services on Canal Street.
29 Insider secrets and pro tips
Here are some more pro tips to enhance your park experience. Don't build anticipation in kids for certain rides without first checking the height requirements, or you'll wind up with sad faces or day-derailing tantrums. Plan your day with the top-notch live shows in mind, and take breaks to sit down and eat, preferably in a spot with AC during summer. A fanny pack could be a better option than a full-sized backpack, especially if you're staying onsite.
If you're prone to motion sickness, limit simulator rides or space them out. Bad weather can shut down rides, so check the forecast and plan accordingly. Finally, don't dismiss Volcano Bay, which is one of the best water parks in the nation and doesn't have crazy lines.
30 Let's recap
Universal Orlando Resort is an absolutely stellar vacation spot for those who want to be entertained. Whether you're traveling with family or visiting solo, you'll make lifelong memories watching meticulously crafted shows or clinging on for dear life on state-of-the-art thrill rides. Universal Orlando is a culinary adventure too, offering novel snacks and drinks straight off the silver screen. Plan your visit with the tips we've covered in mind, and you'll make the most of your time and money and have a smoother experience overall.
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