universal studios first visit

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

Sharing is caring!

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?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Twitter!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram!
• 1 Subscribe to stay up to date!
• Orlando Family Vacations

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.

Related Articles

All 7 Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, Ranked

18 Free Things to Do in Orlando With Kids

15 Best Orlando Resorts with Water Parks

10 Hotels With Free Shuttles to Universal Orlando Resort

Your personal family vacation planning starts now.

Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round!

Get family travel & tips from our experts

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Thanks for signing up!

• Destinations
• Hotels & All-Inclusives
• Theme Parks

First Time at Universal Orlando? Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Feeling overwhelmed use this first-timer's guide to learn where to stay, what to do, and how to do it at universal orlando resort..

Universal Orlando Resort has long been one of the most popular family vacation spots in the country. Comprised of two theme parks ( Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure ), one water park ( Volcano Bay ), a dining and shopping district ( Universal CityWalk ), and eight hotels , there’s more enough at Universal to keep any family entertained for days. Universal’s third Orlando theme park, Epic Universe, is set to open in 2025. 

Whether your family is all-in on Harry Potter or huge fans of the Jurassic Park movies, there’s always something exciting happening at Universal Orlando. But with so much going on, where do you even begin? It can feel like a lot for first-timers, but I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know about planning a Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

ORLANDO MAGIC: The Ultimate Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando  

First-Timer’s Guide to Universal Orlando Resort

This guide will introduce you to Universal’s eight hotels, provide an overview of the different parks, and offer practical tips for making the most of your Florida family vacation . So, let’s get started!

Jump to a Section:

• Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
• Universal Studios Florida
• Islands of Adventure
• Volcano Bay Water Park
• Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando Resort Planning Tips

Where to stay at universal orlando resort.

Central Florida is filled with hotels, but if you want to stay just minutes from the Universal theme parks then you’ll need to base yourself at one of Universal’s eight hotels. Each hotel has something unique to offer, from dining options to fun pool areas and even special theme park perks. They’re also divided into four different budget tiers: Value, Prime Value, Preferred, and Premier. All of Universal’s resort hotels offer complimentary transportation to the parks.

READ OUR GUIDE: The Best Universal Studios Orlando Hotels for Every Age Group and Interest  

No matter which Universal Orlando Resort hotel you choose, you will have early access to select rides in select theme parks each morning. Early park admission begins up to one hour prior to park opening and is included with your hotel stay at no additional cost (but regular theme park admission is required). Here’s a look at which hotels belong to which tiers.

Universal’s Value hotels offer the most affordable room rates among all of the different accommodations options within Universal Orlando Resort. For families, these hotels also offer two-bedroom suites. However, Value hotels are farthest away from the theme parks. The two hotels in this budget category are:

• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites 
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Prime Value

Universal’s Prime Value hotels are slightly more expensive than Value hotels but offer additional perks, including close proximity to the theme parks and a separate security entrance to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. The two Prime Value hotels are:

• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel

There’re only one hotel in the Preferred category. Its biggest draw is complimentary water taxi transportation to the Universal theme parks as well as a walking path to Volcano Bay.

• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The most upscale Universal Orlando hotels belong to the Premier category. Special perks include complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes, allowing you to skip the regular line at most Universal Orlando Resort rides and attractions. I’ll talk more about Universal Express later in this guide, but suffice to say that if you’re considering purchasing these passes then staying at a Premier hotel is likely to be the most cost effective way to get them, especially for families. The three hotels in this budget category are:

• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel

If you choose not to stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, you can still have easy access to most of the resort property once you arrive, but you will not get the added perks mentioned above. Check out our helpful list of Orlando hotels with swimming pools, water slides, and lazy rivers for additional hotel suggestions.

Theme Parks at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort has two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It also has a water park, Volcano Bay, and a shopping and dining district called CityWalk. The shopping district connects Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure to each other, so you can easily pass from one park to the other without leaving the resort. The Hogwarts Express attraction also allows you to move between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure if you have a Park-to-Park ticket; you can buy passes to just one park or Park-to-Park passes that allow you to move between the Universal theme parks in the same day.

BONUS TIME: How to Get Extra Time at Universal Beyond the Regular Theme Park Hours  

The great thing about Universal Orlando is how close everything within the resort is to each other. You are never more than a 20-minute walk to most areas at the resort (and often quite a bit closer), so jumping from park to park or back to your hotel is a breeze. Keep that in mind when planning your park days since you can easily visit both theme parks should you opt for a Park-to-Park ticket. 

What to Know about Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida was the first Universal theme park to open in Orlando. It was originally conceived as a mirror its sister theme park in California , but by the time it opened in 1990 it had pivoted to a more immersive theme park design.

Universal Studios Florida is home to classic attractions like E.T. Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy, and Men in Black: Alien Attack. It’s also home to the Diagon Alley area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion Land on Illumination Avenue, among other themed areas.

Major Attractions at Universal Studios Florida

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• E.T. Adventure
• Fast & Furious: Supercharged
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Hogwarts Express (also serves as transportation to and from Islands of Adventure)
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket
• Men In Black: Alien Attack
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Revenge of the Mummy
• The Simpsons Ride
• Transformers: The Ride 3D
• Villain-Con Minion Blast

Dining at Universal Studios Florida

There are lots of places to grab a bite to eat around Universal Studios Florida. Seafood fans may want to check out Lombard’s Seafood Grille . If you want traditional Irish pub fare, head to Finnegan’s Bar and Grill . For a quicker bite to eat, Minion Cafe serves unique dishes that you don’t tend to see at most counter-service theme park burger joints. Options include Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower, Chicken Stuart’s Szechuan Surprise, and El Macho’s Salsa y Salsa Ropa Vieja, just to name a few.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida

One of the biggest draws each year to Universal Studios Florida is Halloween Horror Nights . The annual fall event takes place nightly between early September and late October and features multiple scare zones and haunted houses based on popular characters and franchises in the thriller, horror, and science fiction genres. This separate-admission event is very popular and highly attended each year, but be warned: It’s not for the faint of heart and is best suited to guests above the age of 13.

What to Know about Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 and is home to six distinct lands featuring some of the most popular characters and franchises under the Universal umbrella. Islands of Adventure is where the flagship area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can be found, with the iconic Hogwarts castle beckoning guests as they enter the wizarding village of Hogsmeade.

INSIDER SECRETS: 7 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do At Universal Orlando Resort   

Islands of Adventure is also home to the Jurassic Park area where the popular high-speed thrill ride VelociCoaster is located. In fact, many of Orlando’s most popular rides are at Islands of Adventure, so if you’re into roller coasters and highly immersive attractions, you’ll feel right at home there. Younger kids can also find plenty to do at Islands of Adventure, with family-friendly lands that include Toon Lagoon and Seuss Landing. And Marvel fans will find an entire area dedicated to comic book heroes like Spider-Man and the Hulk.

Major attractions at Islands of Adventure

• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Hogwarts Express (also serves as transportation to and from Universal Studios Florida)
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
• Pteranodon Flyers
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• The Cat in the Hat
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• VelociCoaster

Dining at Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure is home to Mythos Restaurant , an award-winning dining location with a menu that includes a fusion of Mediterranean, Asian, and American fare found in The Lost Continent area of the park.

For a quick bite of Italian, Asian, and Greek cuisine or a refreshing beverage, you can also head to Confisco Grille . Beyond these options, Islands of Adventure has several counter-service dining options.

What to Know about Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

Volcano Bay is Universal’s tropical island-themed water park that opened in 2017. Don’t let any preconceived notions of water parks deter you: Volcano Bay is a highly themed and fully entertaining must-do experience when visiting Universal Orlando Resort, especially on hot and sunny days.

SLIP ‘N’ SLIDE: 7 Best Water Parks in Orlando for Every Age Group and Interest

Kids will enjoy the array of water-themed attractions at Volcano Bay, which include the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides . For a more leisurely day at Volcano Bay, check out the Kopiko Wai Winding River or simply lounge in one of the park’s many beach chairs. Private two-story cabanas are also available for rent.

Upon entry, guests at Volcano Bay are given wearable water-proof wristbands called TapuTapu . These bands can be used as a payment method throughout the water park as well as a virtual queue device that holds your place in line for most attractions.

Major attractions at Volcano Bay

• Honu of the Honu ika Moana
• Ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
• Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Kopiko Wai Winding River
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Ohno of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides
• Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Punga Racers
• Raki of Taniwha Tubes
• TeAwa The Fearless River
• Tonga of Taniwha Tubes

Dining at Volcano Bay

Dining options are plentiful, with counter-service locations offering everything from burgers to poke bowls and walk-up bars for adults serving piña coladas and other tropical drinks.

What to Know about Universal CityWalk

When you’re looking for a break from the parks or you want to experience a bit of nightlife at Universal, CityWalk is just steps away. The shopping and dining district known as CityWalk opened in 1999 alongside Islands of Adventure as part of a significant expansion to Universal Orlando Resort, turning the resort from a one-day excursion to a full-fledged vacation destination. 

GO BANANAS: The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando’s Minion Land on Illumination Avenue  

CityWalk requires no park admission to visit, making it a great spot for vacationers and locals alike who want to grab a bite to eat at one of its many restaurants. And, because CityWalk is open late (closing most nights at 12:00 a.m. or 1:00 a.m.), it’s also a great place to close out your long day in the theme parks.

While it’s primarily a dining and shopping area, CityWalk is also home to a fun attraction called Universal’s Great Movie Escape . This escape room experience offers two cinematic adventures, one inspired by Jurassic World and the other by  Back to the Future .

Top Dining Options at Universal CityWalk

• Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
• Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom
• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
• NBC Sports Grill and Brew
• Pat O’Briens
• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen
• VIVO Italian Kitchen

A lot goes into planning a theme park vacation, including when to go, which parks and rides to prioritize, and whether it makes sense to spring for expensive extras like skip-the-line passes and VIP experiences. Here’s what you need to know when making those important decisions.

When is the best time of year to visit Universal Orlando Resort?

Weather is always a factor to consider when visiting Central Florida. Summer can be extremely hot and there’s often a chance for rain and thunderstorms. Summer is also Universal’s busiest season with families out of school. 

Fall is another very buy time at Universal with the fan-favorite Halloween Horror Nights generally running from early September to early November. This event only takes place in the evenings, however, so if you’re traveling with little ones you should be able to dodge the spookiest sights and sounds as long as you steer clear of Universal Studios Florida during event hours. If you love all things scary and horror, though, September and October are two months to consider visiting. In late winter and early spring, Universal Orlando Resort celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way with live entertainment, limited-time food items, and a nighttime parade on select evenings.

The holiday season at Universal Orlando is a popular time as well. Highlights include Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida and Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebrates Christmastime with a nighttime holiday show called The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle . All of Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings are included with regular park admission, with no separate-ticket events to factor into your vacation budget.

I recommend keeping a close watch on Universal Orlando Resort’s website and email promotions for hotel deals and other ways to save. Past offers have included discounts on hotel rooms as well as theme park ticket sales, including a recent “buy two days, get three days free” promotion. 

How many days do you need at Universal Orlando?

To see and do everything that makes Universal Orlando Resort special, you will want to plan at least two full days at the parks. Three days would be even better. Universal sells One Park and Park-to-Park tickets. A one-park per day ticket will limit you to just one park each day, which is cost effective if you know you will only want to visit one park each day.

TAKE YOUR PICK: 10 Best Theme Parks in Orlando for Every Age Group and Interest

Because everything at Universal Orlando is within walking distance, however, it’s relatively easy to fit multiple parks in one day. Park-to-Park tickets give you access to both theme parks and Volcano Bay on the same day. This is a good option if you want to bounce around between parks at different times of day or if you’re pressed for time on your visit. With a Park-to-Park ticket, you will also be able to ride the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (a must-do experience for die-hard Harry Potter fans).

If you live close to Orlando or you plan on visiting multiple times throughout the year, an Annual Pass is a good option to consider. Universal offers several different Annual Pass tiers to choose from with varying blackout dates and price points. Universal’s Annual Passholders are also eligible for Passholder Appreciation Days , special hotel discounts, and other perks.

What is an Express Pass?

Express Pass is Universal’s skip-the-line pass designed to give you shorter wait times for most rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Skipping the regular standby lines can be a huge time saver if you want to experience all of the rides during your stay, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two. With a Universal Express Pass, hour-long standby waits can be as short as just five or 10 minutes.

There are two types of Express Passes : Universal Express, which works on each participating ride once per day, and Universal Express Unlimited, which allows you to skip the regular line on each participating ride as many times per day as you would like. Once you have Express Pass, you simply show up to the ride of your choice and enter the designated Express Pas queue, with no reservations or return times necessary. Express Passes are add-ons to your park ticket; they’re not valid for entry on their own.

Express Pass is also not an insignificant cost. The standard Universal Express (valid at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure) starts at $89.99 for one park per person per day; Universal Express Unlimited starts at $99.99 for one park per person per day; you can also purchase Express Passes for both parks in the same day.

The cost can (and does) increase quite a bit during the park’s busier seasons, with prices as high as $349.99 per guest per day for the standard Universal Express and $379.99 per guest daily for Universal Express Unlimited. Also note that these prices do not include tax.

Express Passes at Volcano Bay function the same way (standard or unlimited) but are significantly less expensive, with prices ranging from $19.99 (standard) to $39.99 (unlimited).

Do you need an Express Pass?

If you can swing the cost, an Express Pass can be an invaluable tool in accomplishing everything on your to-do list with ease, especially if you only have a day or two at the parks or you’re traveling with kids who absolutely hate waiting in line.

Fortunately, you can bring the cost of an Express Pass down quite a bit by staying at one of Universal’s Premier hotels ( Loews Royal Pacific Resort , Loews Portofino Bay Hotel , or Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel ). Booking a stay at one of these hotels gets you and your family complimentary Express Unlimited passes at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for the length of your stay. For a family of four, staying at a Premier hotel is often less expensive than the cost of a lower-tier hotel plus Express Passes.

Express Passes can be purchased on Universal’s website when you buy your park tickets. They are also available at guest kiosks throughout the resort (pending same-day availability) or via Universal Orlando’s app (also pending availability). If you opt not to purchase an Express Pass, the easiest way to avoid long lines on the most popular rides is to take advantage of early park admission and get to the parks before the regular crowds arrive.

There’s also an unadvertised Express Pass option that’s sometimes available after 4:00 p.m. This secret Express Pass can only be purchased in-person (not online or via the app) and functions just like a regular Express Pass, but is only good from 4:00 p.m. to closing. It costs significantly less than a full-day Express Pass and is a great option if you’re planning to stay until closing and still need to knock a bunch of popular rides off your to-do list.

What about Universal’s VIP Experience? 

For the ultimate VIP treatment, Universal Orlando Resort offers a VIP Experience you can book as an add-on to your theme park admission. You can reserve a one-park or two-park VIP experience, depending on what ticket type you have, and your party will be personally escorted by a Universal VIP guide throughout the day.

The biggest draw to the VIP Experience is the ability to ride all of the attractions without waiting in line, but you also get backstage access and fun tidbits of information from your guide as well. Guests who book the VIP Experience can also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and lunch. All-day Private VIP Experience tours include all of the benefits listed above, plus a complimentary full-service dinner as well as a My Universal Photos Three-Day Photo Package.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 13 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides the Theme Parks  
• From Hogwarts to Whoville: A Guide to Universal Orlando’s Holiday Celebrations
• 9 Cheap Theme Park Hotels in Orlando Near Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld  

8 off-the-beaten-path destinations great for family travel on a budget

Cold outside? These 7 family resorts have indoor lazy rivers you can float on all winter long

11 all-inclusive family resorts with jaw-dropping swim-up rooms

Sandals and Beaches Resorts roll out new sale, this time just for Jamaica

familyvacationist

Halloween is nearly here, and these regional theme parks have big plans for frightful fun this fall

Tricks and treats abound at these regional theme parks' Halloween festivities.

Major expansions announced for Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line

Details on the biggest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom, and more!

10 family resorts with nonstop activities for kids with nonstop energy

These hotels go way beyond simply providing a place to spend the night.

21 Top Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Orlando [2024]

Sharing is caring!

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.

Similar Posts

26 of the Best Yadkin Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Looking for the best Yadkin Valley wineries? I’ve got you covered! As a lifelong resident of the Yadkin Valley, I’ve done plenty of research when it comes to the vineyards around here. There are over 40 different wineries in the Yadkin Valley so it can be difficult to choose if you only have a day…

15 Best Breweries Near Shenandoah National Park

Are you looking for good breweries near Shenandoah National Park? I’ve got you covered! When I visited Shenandoah, I spent the mornings hiking and the afternoons exploring the local towns and visiting different breweries. There are tons of breweries just outside the park entrances, so you’ve got plenty of options depending on where you are…

25 Best East Coast National Parks & Park Sites

Are you looking for the best East Coast National Parks? If so, you’re in the right place. I’m based in North Carolina and have visited many National Parks and other park sites up and down the East Coast. From Maine’s Acadia National Park to Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park, there are plenty of places for…

Hiking Near Johnson City, TN: 10 Trails Not to Miss

If you are planning on going hiking near Johnson City, TN, then you’ll have no shortage of fantastic options. I’ve visited Johnson City a few times now, and each time I’ve gotten to experience a few different hikes. There are so many good ones! The best part is you don’t have to travel far to…

4 Best St. Thomas Food Tours on the Island

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is try local cuisine, so you know when I went to the USVI, I was looking for the best St. Thomas food tours. I’ve been multiple times now and every time, I love trying new and delicious foods from seafood to conch fritters to fungi. You…

4 Best Asheville Helicopter Tours [2024]

Looking for the best Asheville helicopter tours? I’ve got you covered! Asheville is known for its artistic spirit, food & beer scene, and mountainous landscapes, but it takes on a whole new dimension when witnessed from the cockpit of a helicopter. As a North Carolina native, I’ve visited Asheville many times and the beauty of…

• Pingback: The Only Harry Potter World Guide You'll Need - Stuck on the Go
• Pingback: The Best Theme Parks in the US - Stuck on the Go

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!

Comments are closed.

Privacy Overview

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

15 Insider Tips For Your First Time at Universal Orlando

May 4, 2024 //  by  Macey Sidlasky //   Leave a Comment

Is it your first time at Universal Orlando?! It may feel a little overwhelming. There seems to be so much that you have to do: pack, plan, reserve… the list is endless. However, your first time at Universal doesn’t have to be stressful! I have 15 inside tips for you and your family’s first visit.

This is specifically a list of tips that we think first time goers to Universal Orlando should know. It will go over what to bring, how you can save money, freebies, fast passes, restaurant reservations and much, much more. Read on to learn the best way to plan a trip to Universal Orlando.

1. Purchase Your Tickets in Advance

Whether you are planning on bolting it to Diagon Alley early in the morning, or you want to hop on Hagrid before everyone else, spoiler alert: everyone is thinking the same thing. So don’t waste any time! Purchase your tickets in advance so when you arrive you don’t have to wait in line.

You can purchase tickets online. We also suggest making the most of your time and purchasing a park-to-park ticket so you can park-hop and be flexible with timing. This way you don’t have to feel stuck in one park on one day. Plus, then, you can also experience the Hogwarts Express and its two experiences. If of interest too, you can always purchase your express tickets online. But if you’re visiting on off seasons, those express tickets may not be needed.

Book In Advance Here: Universal Orlando Theme Park Tickets

2. Consider Dates and Timing

There are two things to consider when arriving for your first trip to Universal Studios Orlando. First, make sure you know when busy season is. If you can avoid visiting during spring breaks, winter breaks, and summer, this is ideal. But if you cannot, make sure you are purchasing express passes to hit all you need to see!

The best way to visit Universal Studios is to also always be early: allow 30 minutes (at least!) for parking and security. And then, eat before or after rush times! Everyone loves to eat lunch at noon, but if you wait until 2 o’clock, dining lines decrease. Plus, while everyone is eating at noon, those wait times drop!

3. Get Familiar with the Universal Orlando App

From checking wait times to mobile ordering, this app is a life saver. You can confirm park hours before your visit, or even during your visit. You can find bathrooms with ease, as well as your parking place (avoid getting lost in Jurassic Park or Spiderman, please). Everything you need is right here.

You also have access to show times, and a new Chat feature that allows you to ask questions about said showtimes, safety measures, contact info and more. The chat feature can be used off property too! I suggest downloading and getting familiar with it before you hit the park: that way you don’t spend all your time staring at a screen. But if you are going to stare, bring a portable phone charger with you!

4. Stay on Site (Or at Least Close By)

The Universal Orlando Resort Hotels are amazing: fun and different designs/theming, comfortable beds, pools, and tasty restaurants will have you questioning if you even want to go into the parks! But with the free shuttle and water taxi to the parks, you’re going to have to go. And don’t forget the early park admission!! You get in one hour before others at theme parks, or 30 minutes before with the water park.

If you can’t stay on property, that’s okay too! There are some nearby hotels that also offer shuttles to CityWalk so you don’t have to pay parking. Most also offer breakfast buffets or grab-and-go options and snack bars needed for early mornings! You can’t go wrong staying close by when planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando, but make sure to stay for more than one night!

5. Join the Coca-Cola Freestyle Program and Bring Snacks

Of all Universal Studios Orlando tips, the ones that save you money are very important! One of the most important things you can do is stray hydrated during your trips in the Florida sun, but how do you do that without breaking the bank?? The Coca-Cola Freestyle program is the way to go.

With it, you can purchase a souvenir cup from participating locations and then refill it at any freestyle location for the rest of the day. There are over 100 drinks to choose from, and you can fill it up once every 10 minutes. You do have to reactivate each day, but it’ll save you from spending $5.00 on water every second. Plus, water is free! AND you can save money by bringing in your own snacks: granola bars, cheese-its, you get to pick your own! Yay for money saving tips for Universal Studios!

6. Don’t Miss the Shows

It isn’t necessarily bad to schedule your first trip to Universal Studios Orlando around the shows. Think about it: rides aren’t going anywhere. The shows only happen at specific times! Start times are always posted outside the show’s location, and are available in the app.

Shows don’t start until 10 a.m. either, so you can hit a few rides before stopping in. Most shows are indoors, which means free AC too! And even if they aren’t inside, you get to stop and rest for a few moments. Plus, the shows are fun! The Bourne Legacy has great technology, and the Horror Makeup Show is to die for!

7. Use Single Rider Lines and Child Swap Programs

These benefits are here for a reason! If you are bringing kids and they don’t meet the height requirements of rides, or if they don’t want to go on a ride, this doesn’t mean that you have to miss out too! The child swap program allows one member of your party to wait with the kid in the family room while the rest of the family rides. Then you swap! A win win.

You can also use the single rider lines which helps with longer wait times. It’s the fastest way to get on and off a ride, especially ones that are popular like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure. Your party will be separated, though, so don’t expect to ride together!!

8. Pack a Small Bag or Be Prepared to Buy a Large Locker

Unlike Disney , there are very few rides that you can take your bags on at Universal. E.T. is one of them, but Hagrid is not. Sometimes you can get away with a crossbody bag or a fanny pack if you are carrying small things, but most times workers are going to require you to get a locker.

If you have the need to get a big locker, do it for the full day to hold all your stuff. Otherwise, you’re going to have to stop and get a small locker at each ride. You can get free ones for an hour with your park ticket… but those locker rooms are tight space and it can get hectic, so save yourself a hassle and don’t bring bags or have a “home base” larger locker somewhere else in the park.

9. Make Dining Reservations

Whether you are going to restaurants in the park that are 100% worth checking out (I’m looking at you, Mythos and Flanngins) you should make a reservation. These places fill up quickly and if you try to get sat the day of without a reservation, you’ll be waiting two hours or more. The same applies for CityWalk.

CityWalk has tons of restaurants but those long wait times aren’t worth it. Call ahead and book through the Universal Orlando’s Reservations Page. Some places offer additional booking opportunities through OpenTable as well. And the same also applies for restaurants at hotels that are on site. Be safe! Book ahead! This is the best way to visit Universal Studios: plan ahead.

10. Go to Diagon Alley in Early Morning or Evening

Despite only having one ride, Diagon Alley is super popular amongst guests. They love to come ride Gringotts, see the dragon spew fire, experience Ollivander’s, explore Knockturn, and maybe even eat at the Three Broomsticks. For some reason, crowds build here in the middle of the day.

This means exploring in the early morning or later afternoon is better. This is also a great opportunity to get butter beer more quickly (there are more places to get it at in Diagon than in Hogsmead), and the Ollivander’s line is usually longer in Hogsmead. Of all Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips and tricks: get to Diagon first!

11. Prepare for Weather

There is nothing worse than Florida weather some days. SO when planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando, pack appropriately. Packing for Universal Orlando can be easy when you think about it at the most basic level– shorts, shoes, tanks– but you need to think more critically if you can!

For example, you need to think of rain if you’re visiting during summer months. Pack a poncho instead of carrying an umbrella or purchasing a poncho for a pretty penny. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring hair ties and hair clips. Wear tanks and bring a jacket just incase, and wear a hat! Or bring sunscreen. Protect yourself from getting or being uncomfortable.

12. Avoid Riding the First Attraction You See

We get it: you’re excited! You want to hop on a ride. But so does everyone else. Most guest will enter Universal and go straight to the closet ride. If you know the park layout, go explore beyond that first attraction. Heading toward the back of the park allows you to step away from crowds and beat some of those lengthier lines toward the front.

For example, most guests jump right onto Minion Mayhem in Universal Studios. This is why the wait time is so long. But I personally go to Diagon to hop on Gringotts to avoid those wait times . I suggest always going toward the back and then making your way back around and toward the front.

13. Game Plan the End of Your Visit & Stay Late

Two to three hours before the parks close is the least busy time for the parks. Most people are heading back to hotels, going to reservations for dinner, and just done for the day. But that doesn’t mean you have to be! Wait times will be down, and you can always hop on one last ride. Take Hagrid, for example! Its wait time is shorter toward the end of the night. And VelociCoaster is so different at day than at night.

There are also nighttime shows! You can see the Universal Cinematic Celebration, which is a projection mapping and fireworks show. Or you can go to Islands of Adventure to see the lights on/at Hogwarts. Get your seats early, though!

14. Be Prepared for Motion Sickness

This is oddly specific, but Universal is heavy on their screen rides. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the Simpsons Ride, for example, are prone to making guests sick. Thus, avoid riding on an empty stomach OR avoid riding on a full stomach! Take your time post food.

If needed, pack yourself some Dramamine. This is a good over the counter medication to pack that may help curb that motion sickness. Better to be safe than sorry! This is one of this tips for the first visit to Universal Orlando people overlook and then regret.

15. Take Advantage of Festivals and Events

This is closely tied with ensuring that you do your research ahead of time: when are you going? When in the year are you specifically visiting? Those times may correlate with the special festivals and events, which bring new and exciting things. Mardi Gras; Halloween Horror Nights; there are so many fun things to do.

Not only do these offer epic parades, haunted houses, festive entertainment during the holidays and more, but it invites you to explore the park in a different light. There is more food more decor, and even more to do. Don’t miss your chance to partake in this excitement. Check out the full schedule of events so you know all the tips for going to Universal Studios Orlando.

And there you have it, folks. Universal Orlando for first-timers now have 15 inside tips to ensure your trip is amazing! This is the best way to plan a trip to Universal Orlando, so begin to pack, plan, and have fun!

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• All Articles
• Itineraries
• Guides and Tips
• Attractions
• Behind-the-Scenes
• Guest Stories
• Guides & Tips
• Universal Orlando Resort Deals
• Universal Studios Hollywood Deals

A Local’s Guide For A First Time Passholder at Universal Orlando Resort

Congrats! You finally made the plunge to become a Universal Orlando Annual or Seasonal Passholder . With park-to-park admission, amazing benefits and exclusive events, there are many opportunities and perks waiting for you. As a UOAP, you can now experience the parks in ways you never did before.

Upload Your Pass to Your Phone

The Official Universal Orlando Resort App offers amazing features that will enhance your entire experience at the Parks. Forget your Pass at home? Not a problem! If you connect your Pass with the app’s In-App Wallet, you can come to the Parks any time, with or without your physical Pass.

Get it now for your iPhone or Android device and plan your first visit right away.

*Currently only available to Preferred, Power, and Seasonal Passholders.

Don’t Forget about Complimentary Valet and Self-Parking 

As a Preferred Passholder, after your first visit you can receive free Self-Parking. If you’re a Premier Passholder, after your first visit you can receive free Valet or Prime Self-Parking. Power Passholders receive 50 percent off self-parking after first visit. Seasonal Passholders can receive free parking with the purchase of two matinee movie tickets at Universal Cinemark . And fun fact –– you can keep track of where you parked through the The Official Universal Orlando Resort App!

Use Your Amazing Discounts

As a UOAP, you can use your discount on Universal Orlando hotels, separately ticketed events such as Halloween Horror Nights , Rock the Universe and more. Premier and Preferred can use their Pass for discounts at select stores and dining options throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Power and Seasonal can also receive select discounts seasonally. To not forget at checkout, wear your Pass on your official UOAP lanyard! To find out more about the amazing discounts available, view the full list here.

*Discounts vary by Pass type.

Get into the Park Early

If you’re a Premier or Preferred Annual Passholder, you can experience the action of the parks before everyone else with Early Park Admission at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. On select days, Preferred Passholders can enter the park and experience select rides one hour before the park opens. Premier Passholders can enjoy the fun for an extra hour every day, with no blockouts. Are you Power or Seasonal and want to experience the action for an extra hour? It’s never too late to upgrade!

Use Your Exclusive Additional Seasonal Benefits

During select times throughout the year, UOAPs can also watch parades from their own exclusive viewing area. Throughout Mardi Gras , you can watch the nightly parade in the UOAP viewing area, or even be in the parade tossing beads to the crowds with your fellow UOAPs! There’s even a parade viewing area during Universal Holidays. You can also take advantage of exclusive UOAP benefits for Halloween Horror Nights, like specialty merchandise and more. In addition to discounts on HHN tickets, Premier Passholders can experience one night of scares for free!

*Parade viewing areas are subject to availability and time of year.

Take advantage of the Freestyle Soda and Popcorn Bucket Refills

If you plan on purchasing drinks throughout your day, maximize your wallet by purchasing the Coca-Cola freestyle souvenir cup! On the day of your purchase, you receive free soda and Icee refills all day. After that, all UOAPs can receive $1 off per Coca-Cola freestyle refill activation (not valid at food and beverage carts). More of a snack person? When you purchase a popcorn souvenir bucket, each additional refill only costs $2.

Get all of the exclusive merchandise and items

Each month, a new giveaways are released privately for UOAPs. They are on a first come, first served basis. But don’t worry, the giveaways are not the only souvenirs that UOAPs can get exclusively. UOAP exclusive merchandise is available throughout the year for special events.

Take your time

You now have the chance to come whenever you want*! Take your time to enjoy the parks, and do the things you normally might not get to do. If you can’t get in all of your favorite rides right away, don’t sweat it –– there’s always next time!

*Excluding blockout dates

Relax at the Lounge

The UOAP Lounge is the perfect in-park getaway from the Florida heat, exclusive to UOAPs. Once you scan your Pass and head inside, you can charge your phone and purchase and enjoy crystalized refreshments from the Arctic Coke Cooler, pick up the monthly UOAP exclusive giveaway, or just relax.

Hear from Fellow UOAPs and Join the Community

Now that you know a little more about what to expect as a UOAP, it’s time to get involved! There’s an amazing community of fellow UOAPs waiting for you in the Universal Orlando Annual Passholder Facebook group . Plus, if you have any questions on how to maximize your experience, there are lots of experts in the group.

Already a UOAP? Did we miss any key important facts? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your fun with #UOAP on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook .

Universal Destinations & Experiences

Never miss a thrill. Subscribe now to get email updates from Universal Parks & Resorts.

Carolina Watlington

Carolina is a University of Florida student with an avid love for theme parks, traveling, Coca-Cola icees, and not shutting up about that one time she studied abroad. When not working as an intern for the Content Engagement team, you can find her with a magazine, camera, or TV remote in hand.

You Might Also Like

Details Revealed About Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel

Guide to Our Favorite Souvenirs in DreamWorks Land

Passholder Appreciation Days 2024 | Behind the Exclusive Menu

Best Ways to Spend an Afternoon at Universal Orlando Resort

70 comments.

Too bad you can’t fit your Popcorn bucket or full Freestyle cup in the stupid new free very small lockers!

Hello David, thank you for your feedback. Please feel free to share your concerns with our Guest Services team at 407-224-4233 option 4 or via email at [email protected] .

Hello! Thank you for your feedback, Loretta.

Do annual pass holders get discounts on tickets for other people

Annual Passholders receive a discount on multi-day theme park admission tickets purchased at the Front Gate. For more information, please feel free to click the “benefits” link at the beginning of the article!

So we are Preferred Pass holders coming from Pittsburgh. We have a non pass holder coming with us for a 4 day trip. What type of deal can I get them. June 23-26….

Hi Phil! You do get 15% off multi-day tickets when they are purchased at the front gate.

What are the select nights for HHN 2019 for Premier annual passholders?

At this time, we do not have selected dates just yet. Please continue to monitor our social media pages as well as our website for any updates.

I love IDrive Orlando and the new surfside inn going in on it.

Hi, I want to buy an annual pass this month, somebody can help me because is my son’ birthday and I need more information. Thank you

Hi Gabriela! I recommend visiting our website for more information about Annual Passes.

Premier pass has block out days?

Hello Jeanette, the Premier Annual Pass does not include block out dates.

we have preferred APs and want to enjoy fast passes at one of our visits. Is there an option for that?

Visit our website at http://bit.ly/2MRVHbG for Express Pass pricing.

Hi! Do the Preferred or Premier annual passes include discounts for Surfside/Dockside? Also, If I live outside of Florida will the passes ship to my home address?

Adding your pass to your phone is convenient but it would be even better if volcano bay could acknowledge passholder status through tapu tapu…I couldn’t get my passholder food and beverage discount during my trip unless I was carrying my physical card:-(

Hi Dana, thank you for this feedback! We’re always looking for ways to improve the functionality of our products.

Hello Mimi! A reservation is not needed in order to visit the theme parks. Please note that since we’re limiting attendance, there may be times when the parks reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted.

Improved sanitation stations and security from 2 weeks ago! Of course a little more crowded as well. As a health care provider, feeling better this time around than a few weeks ago. Most people are adhering to social distancing and mask wear. Nice job Universal!

Question, if I purchase the UOAP in August and activate it in Sept. Does it expire from the purchase date or the activation date? Thank you!

Hello Anna! When you purchase a Universal Orlando Annual Pass, it activates on the first time you enter the parks. No need to rush right away after purchase to pick it up!

how many times can you enter park for free with an annual pass (Premier) ?

Hey Jim! At this time, our Premier Annual Passholders have no blockout dates. Here on our website would have all the information! https://bit.ly/36H0e9k

If I have a preferred pass do my husband and two children benefit from early admission too or would we all require our own individual passes?

Hi Lynn! Here’s our Early Park Admission information: https://bit.ly/36RJoof .

If I ordered passes online do I have to physically pick them up or is there a barcode that can be sent? For example, if I don’t physically have them in hand, what do I do when I get to the park or hotel?

Hi Amy! If you’ve already purchased your Annual or Seasonal Passes, you would have to pick them up at Guest Services with a photo ID. If you are staying at an onsite hotel, you can pick them up at the Vacations desk. Once you have your Passes, you can then add the barcodes to the Official Universal Orlando Resort App!

Hi Anna! All Annual Passes do have to be picked up at Guest Services in person. The first time you visit, you will have to pay for parking, but after that it will be free for certain Annual Passes. You can find the benefits and parking information for each Pass on our website here: https://bit.ly/3djkv82

I live out of state and plan on purchasing an annual pass today online. However, I won’t be attending the park until May. Do I have to pick up my passes within a certain time frame or is it okay that several months pass before I am able to pick up and activate my pass?

Hi Kim! You could pick up and activate your Annual Passes anytime after purchase.

Thank you so much! Can I pay for annual passes online using a Universal Orlando gift card?

I am purchasing a annual pass for my daughter to attend with friends. I will not be with her. She does not have a photo ID. What does she need to be able to pick up her pass when they arrive?

Hi Beth! She would need some sort of photo ID to pick up an Annual Pass from Guest Services. It does not have to be a driver’s license, but has to have a photo of her and her full name. If you have any further questions, please contact our Guest Services team at 407-224-4233 or [email protected] !

Hi – I purchased annual passes for my wife and son using my card. They’ll be visiting with friends, I’ll not be with them. What do they need to be able to pick up their passes when they arrive?

Hey there! The Ticket purchaser would need to be present upon arrival for pickup. We suggest reaching out to Guest Services at 407-224-4233 with any other questions!

Hi – As I mentioned, I’ll not be there. What is alternative? They have photo ids.

You would want to reach out to Guest Services where they can a look into the order and help answer!

If me and my wife have the premier pass is it possible to add both our passes to the universal orlando mobile app so we can enter the park with the pass on our phone or do we still have to carry the card all the time. I’ve added our passes but I don’t see any baroda pop-up on the app to scan the passes.

Hi Tim! At this time, Premier Passes are unable to be linked to the mobile app, so you would need to ensure you bring your physical pass.

I purchased my 16-year-old an annual pass. I will not be traveling with him on his visit. How can he pick up his pass without me being there?

Hi there! The purchaser must be present to pick up any passes at the park. We would recommend calling 1-866-PASS-4-FUN.

Hello! Can annual passes be picked up at the guest services kiosk in City Walk?

Hi Scott! Annual Passes that are paid in full can be picked up at Guest Services in CtiyWalk. Annual Passes on FlexPay can only be picked up at the parks.

Where can I find a list of perks for the Preferred Pass? Something I can print. Is there a brochure?

Hi there! Preferred Annual Pass benefits can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/3OwkMUX

are there any discounts for Volcano Bay in September?

We recommend visiting our website, https://bit.ly/3OLvm9U , for the best information about our current ticket offers and pricing. You can also speak with our Online Ticket Store over the phone at 407-224-7840 for any assistance with your ticket purchase. We look forward to hosting you!

I love the lounge and all the perks of being a passholder. To make the lounge even more alluring, it would be wonderful to have a coke freestyle machine or Icee machine there…..and even more extra to have a special Icee flavor. My favorites are Banana and Watermelon which are hard to find around the park…. Thank you Universal for all you do to make the passholders feel valued (unlike the competition).

Hey Julie! Thanks so much for this suggestion, and we’re so glad you love being a part of our UOAP family!

Good Afternoon!

I was wondering how you go about getting the valet services? Where to go when you get there? (do you go through the main drive where the garages are?) We have Premier passes, and we haven’t yet gotten to use the Valet services, as we weren’t sure how to go about using them?

Thanks so much! And we are thrilled to be part of the UOAP family!!!

Hugs, Sunshine, and all the fixin’s

Hi Amy, for Valet Parking, you would head to the main parking garage and follow the signs to Valet Parking. You will need to present your Premier Annual Pass in order to receive free valet parking (excluding select special event nights after 7pm).

1. Has it now been updated to put the AP card in the app for park entry? I also think it would be cool for the after 4pm to just scan a phone… 2. I saw in the park entry area where it says early park entry is not currently available I assume that means as either a premiere pass holder or a hotel denizen? 3. City walk has some good food options for sure but wouldn’t a nice Greek place be welcome? 4. Where would you go to do the bead tossing in MG as a passholder? 5. Unlikely to know… but will Epic universe be an upgraded price from a current three park pass?

Hi John! All Annual Pass types except for Premier Annual Passes can be linked to the Mobile App. Because Premier Annual Passes have that Universal Express after 4 P.M. option, it cannot be linked as a physical ticket needs to always be scanned for Universal Express access. Early Park Admission is available for certain Annual Passes on dates that can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/3GOlNGA . We suggest checking our website for the most up to up-to-date information regarding Mardi Gras Parade float riding. We also regrettably do not have any details about Annual Passes and Epic Universe at this time, but we will be sure to share your feedback regarding CityWalk dining to the proper teams.

Thinking about buying an power or preferred annual pass since I live here But my friends who are visiting Florida only buying a 1day 2 park pass. Will they be able to to do early admission with me or have access to the lounge with me?

Hi Samantha! Each Guest would need to present their own eligible Annual Pass or valid Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Room Key to access Early Park Admission. Additionally, only Annual Passholders would have access to the UOAP Lounge.

Do passholders get a free locker?

Hi Samantha! While Universal Orlando Annual Passholders do not receive Complimentary Lockers, we do offer complimentary temporary lockers to store small loose articles that are prohibited on certain attractions. Theses can be found at participating attractions. For more information on our locker services, you can visit our website by the link provided here! https://bit.ly/3JLcvNy

Can others who aren’t annual pass holders come in early with a AP holder?

Hi Tim! Only Universal Orlando Hotel guests, Premier Passholders, or Preferred Passholders (select days only) can access Early Park Admission.

From the UK, does the year start date activation begin from the point of purchasing an annual pass or from the first time used to enter the parks? If its entering the parks is there a maximum amount of time from purchasing that you have to activate it by?

Hi Mark! Our Annual Passes are activated upon first usage through turnstile entry. Please know that upon purchase, there is currently no designated timeframe that limits Guests to an activation period.

Does the 2024 Military Freedom Pass allow early park access?

Hi Robert! The 2024 Military Freedom Pass does not include Early Park Admission. We recommend checking out our website for more information: https://bit.ly/41pDPrf .

Are passholders able to park-hop? In other words, if I bought a pass, could I go to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on the same day?

Hey Jonathan! Yes, an Annual Pass would give you Park-to-Park access, meaning you can visit both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure within the same day!

I’m travelling from Europe, and would like to buy seasonal passes and book a hotel. If I buy the card now, and goes to activate on October 1st, can I then book a hotel room now, from October 1st, and use the discount on rooms, or do I need to go to the park for a day first?

Also, I have looked into seasonal pass or power pass, and see the difference is in block out dates, and some special events/concerts. When I check the calendar, I only see Mardi Gras concerts. How do I see if there is any pass difference to Halloween night prices, or if there is any events/concerts in October?

Hi Tina! We are thrilled to hear of you wishing to join the UOAP Family! Guests are more than welcome to purchase their Annual Pass at any time and book their hotel room with their discount on our website https://bit.ly/3v1CWJX , without having the physcial pass with you. However, please keep in mind a valid Annual Pass is required upon check-in to finalize the discounted room rate. Annual Passes paid in full can be picked up at our Resort Hotels with our Universal Vacation Planning Center team and our Annual Passes on FlexPay can be picked up by visiting our Guest Services team at our parks upon arrival.

Additionally, to compare all of our current Annual Pass benefits, we recommend visiting our website at: https://bit.ly/3ViITNd . We hope to welcome you soon! 🌎 💙

Hi Tina! We are thrilled to hear of you wishing to join the UOAP Family! Guests are more than welcome to purchase their Annual Pass at any time and book their hotel room with their discount on our website https://bit.ly/3Po3ps6 , without having the physcial pass with you. However, please keep in mind a valid Annual Pass is required upon check-in to finalize the discounted room rate. Annual Passes paid in full can be picked up at our Resort Hotels with our Universal Vacation Planning Center team and our Annual Passes on FlexPay can be picked up by visiting our Guest Services team at our parks upon arrival.

Additionally, to compare all of our current Annual Pass benefits, we recommend visiting our website at: https://bit.ly/3TBSiOP . We hope to welcome you soon! 🌎

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

A First-Timer’s Guide to Universal Studios Florida

in Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Florida was where it all started for what is now Universal Orlando Resort. It is the first theme park and the heart of Universal in Orlando. Here is our guide to Universal Studios Florida.

How do you plan a visit to Universal Studios Florida?

The best place to start planning your Universal Studios Florida vacation is on the Universal Orlando Resort official website .

You can also utilize our friends at Academy Travel to help you plan the perfect vacation to the Universal Orlando Resort, and a fantastic visit to Universal Studios Florida.

How do you maximize your time at Universal Studios Florida?

Here are some Universal Orlando tips!

A great way to maximize your time at Universal Studios Florida is to stay at a Universal hotel or resort. Universal hotels and resorts offer close proximity to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park.

In order to enter Universal Studios Florida, you must first walk through Universal CityWalk. CityWalk is a dining and shopping center that connects Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida as the central hub. When you stay at a Universal hotel or resort you receive free transportation to CityWalk by bus or ferry, as well as convenient walking paths directly to CityWalk.

The free transportation is not only convenient and cuts down on the time it takes to enter Universal Studios Florida, but it also saves money as parking at Universal starts at $26.

Related: Universal Raises Prime Parking to $50, But Is It Worth It?

You can also decide if purchasing Universal Express Pass, a skip-the-line option that you can add to your admission ticket. We have a full guide on how and when it is best to purchase an Express Pass which you can read more about here .

Downloading the Universal Orlando app is a MUST for your visit to Universal Studios Florida! This app allows you to check wait times for attractions while you are inside the park, mobile-order food, and even make restaurant reservations. It will also give you vital minute-by-minute updates to any changes happening inside the park, such as down-times for attractions.

Which rides should you go on first at Universal Studios Florida?

There is so much to do at Universal Studios Florida, from rides to meeting charters, and watching a show or parade you will want to plan out your day.

Universal Studios Florida is home to Diagon Alley, which is a part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is arguably the most popular section of Universal Studios Florida so be sure and check it out during your visit — you won’t want to miss it!

Ride strategy for Universal Studios Florida

If you are really passionate about riding some of the major attractions at Universal Studios Florida, you may want to hit those first and then enjoy the rest of your day more spontaneously. Some of the must-do thrill rides at Universal Studios Florida are:

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Transformers: The Ride 3-D
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Revenge of the Mummy

What are the best rides for small children at Universal Studios Florida?

If thrill rides are not your style, there are plenty of other incredible attractions! The following are the best attractions for families:

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• E.T Adventure
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

If riding attraction is not your child’s thing, Fievel’s Playland and Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone are the places to be inside of Universal Studios Florida. These immersive areas offer loads of entertainment for small children who may not yet be tall enough to ride attractions. 

Best rides at Universal Studios Florida

Everyone has different wants and needs when they visit Universal Studios Florida, so there is no way for us to say what the “best” rides at Universal Studios Florida are since it will be different for everyone.

You can read more about all of the attractions and find their height restrictions before your vacation here .

What are the best roller coasters at Universal Studios Florida?

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts, and Revenge of the Mummy are the roller coaster attractions at Universal Studios Florida are each one is a uniquely thrilling experience.

My personal favorite is Revenge of the Mummy! But if you are a coaster enthusiast, be sure to ride all of them.

What are the newest rides at Universal Studios Florida?

Fast and Furious Supercharged is the latest attraction at Universal Studios Florida. Universal describes the attraction as:

Join the crew for an immersive Fast & Furious experience. Step into an amazing re-creation of the crew’s headquarters filled with actual movie props and supercharged vehicles you’ve only seen on the big screen. Ride along with Dom, Letty, Hobbs and Roman on a street chase in the middle of the high-octane world of the Fast & Furious blockbuster films.

Coming soon to Universal Studios Florida sister park, Island’s of Adventure, is the highly anticipated VelociCoaster, which grand opens on June 10 .

How can you determine the best Universal Studios Florida ticket package for your family?

Universal offers many different vacation packages, these special packages often change and Universal offers many different saving options depending on the time of year. Additionally, Universal gives discounts on packages for Florida residents. Right now there are even vacation packages for Canadian residents, so it is best to keep an eye on the Universal official website while you are planning your vacation.

As far as Universal Orlando Resort vacation packages go, we have seen that they mostly operate on a per-day rate based on the number of days you stay at the resort. For example, they will offer vacation packages based on a 4-night minimum stay at select resorts, or a 7-night stay at other resorts. There are a lot of options for savings!

You can also use our friends at Academy Travel for no extra cost — they will help you plan the perfect Universal Orlando Resort vacation!

How do you book a Universal Orlando vacation package?

You can book a vacation package by visiting the official Universal Orlando Resort website here .

What are the cheapest times to visit Universal Studios Florida?

There is always an affordable time to visit Universal Studios Florida, but here are some things to keep in mind when you are planning your visit.

Universal Studios Florida is the home of many special events that take place at the Universal Orlando Resort. For example, Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights happen annually at Universal Studios Florida.

Mardi Gras is an event that is included with an admission ticket to Universal Studios Florida, however, Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that sees the entire park close in the evenings for those who have not purchased a ticket. If you are interested in going to Halloween Horror Nights, September-October are great times to visit, but you may need to purchase multiple admission tickets to enjoy Universal Studios Florida during the day and the event at night.

If Halloween is not your thing, September-October is not the best time financially to head to Universal Studios Florida as you will not be getting a full day inside the park for the price of your admission ticket.

Which hotels near Universal Studios Florida are best for families?

Universal has plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from for your vacation. Some even offer family suites that are perfect for large traveling parties or those who just want a little more elbow room during their stay.

Additionally, certain accommodations such as the Hard Rock Hotel offer free Express Pass during your stay. This can add a lot of value to your family’s vacation by helping you maximize your time while you are at the theme park.

The best part about staying at a Universal resort or hotel is that Universal offers early park admission for hotel Guests! That means your family has the opportunity to enter the park before other Guests and ride some of the most sought-after attractions with little to no wait! Read more about Early Park Admission here .

Where to stay for a Universal Studios Florida vacation

Here are the accommodations at Universal Orlando Resort:

• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel

Personally, for a large family, I recommend the suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay . Cabana Bay is within walking distance from the theme parks and steps away from Universal’s Volcano Bay, the immersive water park at Universal Orlando Resort. Cabana Bay is themed to the 1950s and ’60s and offers two playfully themed pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, and more.

A family suite at Cabana Bay at the time of publication of this article is $143 a night if you stay for at least four nights.

If you are searching for something more affordable, try out Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, which is the newest and most economical Universal Resort option.

What hotels are within walking distance to Universal Studios Florida?

Hard Rock is right on the doorstep of Universal Studios Florida as Islands of Adventure. But other Universal resorts and hotels are also within walking distance of the theme parks.

Other than Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, each Universal hotel is within walking distance of Universal Studios Florida.

How much does it typically cost per person to go to Universal Studios Florida?

Food is always pricey inside of a theme park, but I tend to enjoy options at Universal over the options at Disney. I highly recommended eating at the Leaky Cauldron, which is a themed restaurant inside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida. The food is decently priced, tastes delicious, and the theming is perfect.

Speaking of the Wizarding World, if you are a Harry Potter fan you will want to set some money aside for souvenirs! The wands inside of the Wizarding World are great keepsakes for those who love the Harry Potter franchise. You can read all about the different interactive wands here .

Including hotel, tickets, food, and souvenirs you are looking at over $150+ per person. Don’t worry though, our friends over at Academy Travel can help keep costs low while making your trip magical — using a travel agent is completely FREE!

Will you be making a visit to Universal Studios Florida? Let us know in the comments!

Planning Your First Visit to Universal Studios

• Uncategorized

There are a lot of things to consider as you plan your very first trip to Orlando’s Universal Studios . We recently ran across a great article by Robert Niles that breaks down everything you need to plan your day.

Before You Go

First up, find your accommodations. You can rent a vacation rental home for as little as $99 per night, or you can stay at a local resort . Universal offers perks to guests who stay at one of their three hotels, but these hotels start at $250+ so it’s often worth it to stay more affordably and pay for the perks you’ll actually use.

Next you’ll buy your park tickets. You can buy them the day of your visit, but if you take the time to purchase them beforehand, you’ll enjoy a considerable savings on discount theme park tickets . You’ll need to decide if you want to visit both parks, and how many days you want to visit in total. For adults without kids who travel at a fast pace, both parks can actually be done in a single day. For families who want to take it in, you may want 4 or more days. It’s up to you.

The Day of Your Visit

If you arrive at the parks before 6PM you’ll pay $16 to park, or just $5 if you come after 6PM. There is one parking garage for both Islands of Adventure and the sister park, Universal Studios Florida. You’ll walk from there to the parks via moving sidewalks. If you’re heading to Islands of Adventure, bear left. If you’re heading to the Studios, bear right.

When traveling during busier seasons, try to get to the park about an hour before it opens so you have plenty of time to park, get to the gate, and be one of the first in line. Another way to minimize waiting time is to go through single-rider lines. These lines allow you to skip the queue, but you won’t be sitting with others you’re traveling with. The 6 rides that offer these lines are:

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Jurassic Park River Adventure

These simple tips cover the basics of planning for your first trip to Universal Studios Orlando.

About Author

Trey Duling

Trey Duling is the owner of Affordable Travel of Orlando and the also the owner of Resort Home Network Orlando, LLC. Trey is originally from Nashville, TN but he moved to Orlando in 2002. His hobbies are spending time with his three great kids, traveling with his wife (Amanda) and going to Ole Miss sporting events.

Here's how to plan an epic trip to Universal Orlando Resort this year

Universal Orlando Resort is in sunny Central Florida, an area of the Sunshine State often referred to as the theme park capital of the world. Universal Orlando is not only one of the most popular amusement parks in the city, but it's also beloved across the country. It has two parks (with a third on the way), a water park, eight hotels and a 30-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex.

Before you even arrive at Universal Orlando, you'll need to figure out where to stay, what to do and where to eat. Whether you are visiting for one day or several, here's everything you need to know about visiting Universal Orlando Resort.

How to start planning your trip to Universal Orlando

There are a few questions you will want to answer before you dig into the details of planning your Universal Orlando vacation:

• What is your budget? The amount of cash you have to burn will determine most other factors of your vacation, including where you stay, how many days you visit, where you dine and whether you will visit one or multiple parks per day.
• When will you go? The best times to visit Universal Orlando are similar to the best times to visit Disney World . It is busier on weekends and when school is out during spring break, the long summer break and the winter holiday season. You'll see fewer crowds if you visit on a weekday when school is in session.
• Where will you stay? Universal Orlando has eight hotels; they range from as little as $100 per night for Value hotels and climb as high as $800 per night for Premier hotels. You can base your choice on theming — you could enjoy the retro beach motel vibes at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort or the Italian-inspired luxury and convenient location of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel .
• Which parks will you visit on which days? This will help you choose between purchasing one-park-per-day tickets or "Park-to-Park" tickets that grant access to both of Universal's parks in the same day. You can also add access to Universal's Volcano Bay Water Park.
• Where will you dine? If you are planning on one of Universal's specialty dining experiences — like a Marvel character dinner, the Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort or Sapphire Falls' five-course dinner with rum pairings — you need to make reservations early. Reservations for most other table service meals are easy to get within a couple of weeks before your vacation.

What type of Universal Orlando ticket should I buy?

Universal ticket types

There are various ticket types at Universal Orlando, and some will get you into one, two or three theme parks (such as Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park) per day.

You can also 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 Florida, 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 may sound like a good deal, but it might not be the best choice, especially if you hope to ride the Hogwarts Express train in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You'll need a Park-to-Park ticket to travel between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

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

While it is pricier, a Park-to-Park ticket allows you to bop between the different areas as you wish. These tickets may be more expensive, but they give you the most freedom to visit more than one park on the same day. The parks are close enough together that it is easy to walk or take the Hogwarts Express between the two, making a Park-to-Park ticket even more valuable.

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

Buying direct from Universal

Universal Orlando almost always has special offers on its website. Read the options carefully to see if any promotions make sense for you. You may get free park days, a discount on hotel and theme park ticket packages or other special offers.

Buying tickets from other vendors

You can also buy tickets from reputable vendors like Undercover Tourist . One of my favorite things about Undercover Tourist is that the website often still has older tickets available, so when prices increase, it will be cheaper to buy there rather on the official Universal website.

It's worth bookmarking the site to comparison shop. Purchases from Undercover Tourist code as travel, so we recommend using a travel credit card to earn extra points.

Related: The best credit cards to use for Universal Studios

Although you can't typically purchase stand-alone Universal tickets at Costco, Costco Travel does sell Universal vacation packages, which often include tickets and on-site hotel nights. Check out pricing for your dates to see if it represents a better deal versus booking through other methods.

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

Using points to buy Universal tickets

You can use Citi ThankYou Rewards or Bilt Rewards to purchase admission to Universal Orlando . You may also be able to find and book some Universal Orlando hotel rooms through these platforms for additional savings.

What are the parks at Universal Orlando?

Universal Orlando offers so many activities that it could easily keep your family occupied 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 all situated around a small lake. If you'd like to visit Universal's Volcano Bay, you should catch the bus from the parking garage since it's a bit of a walk from the rest of the park.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida has eight sections. You'll enter through an impressive arch, and if you keep walking straight, you'll find yourself in Minion Land. There, you can enjoy attractions such as Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Villain-Con Minion Blast. You'll find some of the park's most thrilling rides in the nearby New York section, like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Transformers: The Ride-3D and Revenge of the Mummy.

Related: These are the 10 best rides at Universal Orlando

If you instead take a right after you enter the park, you can explore the Hollywood Character Zone, where you'll find Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, the Bourne Stuntacular and several character meet-and-greet spots.

It's not a bad idea to save most of the attractions in this area of the park for the hotter parts of the day. Minion Mayhem, the Bourne Stuntacular and the Horror Make-Up Show are all blissfully air-conditioned; most of the aforementioned rides are either completely indoors or have indoor queue areas.

If you have little kids, consider taking that right at the entrance and walking through Hollywood. This route will take you to DreamWorks Land . From there, you can watch one of Universal's longest-running shows, Animal Actors on Location! or enjoy Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons.

If your children are older, bypass those kid-centric areas and make Men in Black Alien Attack in World Expo your first ride of the day. If you go to Men in Black in the morning, you are perfectly positioned to enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley. You can start queuing for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts before the line gets too long.

While there, explore Knockturn Alley, see a few shows or grab a meal at the Leaky Cauldron, where breakfast comes with a free butterbeer. You can also get unique ice cream treats at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour and perform magic spells with interactive wands available for purchase.

If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, you can 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 have to instead continue your exploration of Universal Studios.

In the evening, don't miss Universal Studios Florida's nighttime extravaganza, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at the lagoon. The show combines music, drones, fireworks and projections to depict scenes from some of your favorite films.

Islands of Adventure

The second Universal theme park is Islands of Adventure. Your best bet is to arrive before the gates open. (If you are staying at one of Universal's on-site hotels, you can get into one of Universal's parks up to one hour before official opening.) Then, quickly walk to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure before the line gets too long. It's one of Universal's most popular rides and wait times often clock in at 90 and 120 minutes during peak hours.

If you are a thrill seeker, head for Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Both Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure are at the opposite end of the park from the entry gates, so it will be a walk. However, getting to enjoy the park's most popular rides without the crushing crowds is worth it.

If roller coasters aren't your thing (and you're not prone to motion sickness), get in line instead for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This attraction lets you ride a broomstick through familiar film scenes; if you're prone to motion sickness, it's still worth walking through this ride's queue just to see the inside of the castle. Simply let a team member know you want to tour the castle and don't plan to ride.

While there, explore Hogsmeade itself and see shows like the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally, and practice more spells with your interactive wand. Grab a butterbeer (or another specialty brew) at Hog's Head Inn and then continue on to the other lands of Islands of Adventure.

After you walk through Jurassic Park's iconic gates, you'll find the Camp Jurassic play areas, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure as well as the Raptor Encounter, where you can meet a "real" dinosaur.

Next up, you can ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong before hitting Toon Lagoon, where your kids can cool off in some sprinklers. Alternatively, the family can 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. There, 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 young kids, don't skip over Seuss Landing. This bright, cheery land has rides like Caro-Seuss-el, The Cat in the Hat and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. There's also a Seuss character zone and plenty of other rides and attractions specifically designed for the little ones.

Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is Universal's water park. Though this park occasionally closes because of things like chilly weather or lightning storms, it is open year-round. Volcano Bay has everything you'd expect of an exceptional water park, like a large beach with a wave pool, a water coaster, a lazy river and a kids' play area.

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

Thrillseekers will also love the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which lets you glide through a waterfall, as well as the TeAwa The Fearless River, a whitewater ride that churns through rapids and waves.

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

This complex of restaurants, shops and clubs is open during the day, but it really heats up at night (as a bonus, there's 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.

Related: Surprising things you can do at Universal Orlando without a park ticket

Kick the night off at restaurants such as Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom and Pat O'Brien's; they often have live (and recorded) music going. There's also Universal's Great Movie Escape escape room experience, a movie theater (free parking is included with the purchase of two movie matinee tickets), miniature golf, the Red Coconut Club dance floor and City Walk's Rising Star karaoke club.

There are plenty of spots to dine at CityWalk, too. You can feast upon pizza, hot dogs, Voodoo Doughnuts and Panda Express Chinese food. Otherwise, you could have a more substantial meal at restaurants like The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Bigfire, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and more.

You can also find Universal's boat shuttles (which can take you back to the hotels) at CityWalk. So, it's not a bad idea to spend the day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure then end the day shopping and eating in the area before taking a boat back to your room.

And another park on the way ...

Universal Orlando is currently building a third theme park, which will open in 2025. Dubbed Epic Universe , the new park will house franchises like Fantastic Beasts, a Harry Potter spin-off; Super Nintendo World; and Universal Classic Monsters. Epic Universe will be on a massive 750-acre tract of land not far from the two existing theme parks.

Best times to visit Universal Orlando

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

If you're traveling with school-age children, you will probably have to come to Orlando during long weekends or spring or summer breaks — this is when Universal is at its busiest. That's not the end of the world, though, since there are ways to reduce the amount of time you spend in lines (more on that in a minute).

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

Historically, Universal Orlando Resort's slowest times are between 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. However, it quickly gets busy with spring breakers the closer you get to March. 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. As an added bonus, it's extremely hot and prone to afternoon thunderstorms.

What's the best way to get to Universal Orlando?

Getting to Orlando and then to Universal Orlando Resort after arriving are two completely different things. Let's look at each.

What is the closest airport to Universal Orlando?

The closest airport to Universal Orlando is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most major airlines fly into MCO, and you can reach Universal from the airport in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are flying Allegiant Air or Sun Country Airlines, you'll fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is smaller than MCO and is farther from Universal. From SFB, it is about a 45-minute drive to Universal.

What is the best way to get to Universal Orlando from the airport?

Because of its size and proximity to Universal, MCO offers several options for getting between the airport and Universal.

From Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. If you rent a car from MCO, you can forgo paying tolls through the car rental company (which often comes with an additional fee) and pick up a Visitor Toll Pass to save on tolls during your trip.

If you do rent a car, keep in mind that Universal's on-site hotels do charge a parking fee; you'll have to pay for parking if you choose to drive to Universal's theme parks, too. With Universal's transportation options, though, there is really no reason to drive between the parks if you stay on-site.

Your other option is the Universal SuperStar Shuttle. The shuttle can pick you up from MCO and drop you off at your Universal hotel. One-way service is $23 for adults and $18 for kids ages 3 to 9. Round-trip service is $39 for adults and $29 for kids. Advance reservations are required by calling 1-866-604-7557.

What is the best way to get around Universal Orlando?

If you are staying at one of Universal's on-site hotels, you have several complimentary options for getting between your resort, Univeral's parks and CityWalk.

Shuttle bus

Because Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk are close to one another, there is only one bus stop regardless of where you are going. A separate shuttle will take you to Volcano Bay unless you stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura Hotel. These hotels are close enough to Volcano Bay that guests must use the walking path.

All of Universal's Premier hotels and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offer water taxi service to City Walk. In addition to easy access to the parks, you go through security before you board the water taxi, so you'll get into the parks without waiting in a long security line.

Drive and park

If you're not staying in an official Universal hotel, you must drive to the area and park in Universal's main parking structure (6000 Universal Boulevard), which is connected to CityWalk. After you park and go through security, you can walk to CityWalk or either of Universal's theme parks. If you plan to visit Volcano Bay, you'll be directed to a shuttle bus that can take you directly there.

Daily parking fees are as follows:

• Regular parking: $32
• RV/bus parking: $42
• Prime parking: $50-$60

Valet parking is available for an additional fee. Free self parking is available for guests who arrive after 6 p.m.

Garden walk

If you don't mind a few hundred extra steps, you can take a peaceful walking path from the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel and Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

There is a separate security entrance at the end of the walking path that usually has a much shorter wait than the main security station in the parking garage. If you are staying at one of these hotels and want to arrive for early park admission, the walking path is often the best way to get there quickly and be near the front gates before they open.

What's the best place to stay on a Universal Orlando vacation?

Once you've ironed out when you plan to visit Universal, you'll want to determine where to stay. Between Universal's on-site hotels and a handful of nearby points hotels, you have a ton of options. There are so many choices that TPG wrote an entire guide to choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip .

We'll recap the high points below.

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.

The parks that 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 determine 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.

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 also use the park's complimentary transportation options described above to get between CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and your hotel.

The downside of staying at a Universal hotel is the price. Rates at Universal's Value, Prime Value or Preferred hotels align with other area hotels, but if you want to stay in one of Universal's high-end Premier hotels, you'll pay considerably more. However, you'll also get complimentary Universal Express skip-the-line passes for guests in your room. We'll explain that in more detail below, but it's a huge timesaver and may be worth the extra per-night cost of staying on-site.

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

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , you can maximize your stay at Loews Portofino Bay and book via the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program . This will not only get you Express Passes for all the guests in your party but also a 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 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 Orlando Resort (Category 3, from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (around 36,0000 Hilton Honors points per night)

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

• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort (Category 4, from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (from 46,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates)
• JW Marriott Grande Lakes (from 67,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates)
• Hilton Orlando (from 56,000 Hilton Honors points per night)
• Hyatt Regency Orlando (Category 4, From 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night)
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando (from 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night)

How to save time in line at Universal Orlando

Like many other theme parks, Universal has its own version of skip-the-line-pass 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

As mentioned above, the best way is to include it in your stay. 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 because the starting cost, if purchased separately, ranges from $89.99 to $289.99 per person, per day. Getting Universal Express Unlimited with your room rate is a better deal for a family of four than buying it outright.

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-line 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 $89.99 per person per day for one park and increase from there — sometimes as high as $289.99 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 $119.99 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 if it's within your budget.

Volcano Bay Express: This pass is solely for use at Volcano Bay water park , allowing you to skip the regular line once per participating ride. The pass starts at $19.99 per person per day, but you won't find that rate very often. With Volcano Bay's Tapu Tapu system, which lets you tap into each attraction and get a return time, you can usually get by even without Express.

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

Just about every ride is included in the Universal Express, except Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Hagrid's is an incredible attraction that has seen some incredible wait times since opening. Unless you purchase a VIP tour, expect to spend a significant amount of time waiting in line for rides — like Hagrid's — that aren't included in Universal Express.

Take a VIP tour

Another way to avoid the lines is to take a VIP tour. Universal offers both small group and private VIP tours, and both options can help you cut the line.

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

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 around $200 per person.

The primary difference between the two tours is the amount of access. The group tours are less private but 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 faster or slower as you prefer.

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

If it's offseason, you can 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. Having an Express Pass will allow you to ride more attractions in less time on those dates.

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 your other kids are dying to try.

Universal's child-swap program solves the problem of the entire family having to choose between experiencing a ride and not.

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.

Related: More than just thrills: There's big fun for little kids at Universal Orlando

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 members can enjoy the ride without another long wait. Just ask the attraction attendant to point you toward the designated waiting spots.

How to plan a Universal Orlando trip on a budget

All the extras like Universal Express and staying at a top-tier hotel are fun, but if they aren't in your budget, there are ways to save money on your visit to Universal Orlando. Here are some of the most important things you can do to make your Universal vacation budget manageable:

• Stay at a Universal Value resort like Universal's Endless Summer Dockside or Surfside resorts, or use hotel reward points to stay at one of the Hilton or Hyatt hotels mentioned above. Here are the best cards to earn Hilton points and the best cards to earn Hyatt points .
• Purchase groceries for meals and snacks, and only buy one or two meals in the parks daily.
• Don't visit the parks every day you are at Universal and stick to one park per day. You'll save money by skipping a Park-to-Park ticket.
• During your day off from the parks, swim at your hotel or visit CityWalk. If you stay at a resort like Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you'll have a lazy river and waterslide at the pool, making it almost like a water park.
• Don't forget to periodically check Universal's website for discounts. Even after you book, you may be able to apply a hotel or vacation package discount that can save you even more money.
• Visit during less busy times of the year. Ticket prices are the cheapest in September, with one-day tickets starting at $119.

Universal Orlando pretrip checklist

Now that you've determined your budget, purchased your tickets, booked your hotel and made a rough itinerary, your trip is nearly planned. You'll need to consider a few other details to make your trip as memorable as possible. Here's our ultimate Universal Orlando pretrip checklist:

• Pack accordingly : Depending on when you visit, you could be dealing with heat, humidity, afternoon showers, chilly temperatures or a mix of all of the above. It's important to pack comfortable shoes and clothing no matter when you visit, but you may also want rain gear, sun protection or a warm jacket, depending on the weather.
• Download the Universal Orlando app : This app is an invaluable tool that you will use daily during your visit. You can use it to check wait times and show times; plus, you can mobile-order meals and snacks from quick-service dining locations. You can also link your ticket to the app. Or, if you save a credit card to your account, you can use the app's Universal Pay feature to make contactless payments at shops and restaurants throughout the park.
• Check the park hours before your visit : You can view the park hours on the Universal Orlando website or the Universal Orlando app. Each park has separate opening and closing times, and parks occasionally close early for special events like Halloween Horror Nights.
• Check the height requirements for attractions: If you are traveling to Universal Orlando with young children, you can check the height requirements for attractions on the park's website or app. There are also measuring stations at all attractions with a minimum height requirement, but it's better to know ahead of time to avoid tears if your child isn't quite tall enough.
• Know where to find your favorite characters : Most characters have designated meeting times and locations, which you can find in the Universal app under "shows." You should see a filter for "character" that will bring up shows and meet-and-greets with your favorite characters.
• Decide if you want to purchase a My Universal Photos package. In addition to on-ride photos, professional photographers are available around Universal's theme parks to help you capture your vacation memories. You can purchase one-day or three-day photo packages and save $20 by purchasing ahead of time. If you think you will want this option, it's best to purchase it before your vacation.
• Plan for downtime: One of the biggest mistakes people make on a theme park vacation is overscheduling their trip and leaving no time for rest and relaxation. If you are visiting for more than a few days, try and schedule a day away from the parks where you swim, explore the other resorts or just lounge around the hotel. It'll help rejuvenate you for the rest of your trip. For shorter trips, you may want to schedule a slow morning or return to your hotel early one day instead of being at the parks from opening to closing every day of your trip.

The best credit cards to use at Universal

Now we get to a hot topic for points-and-miles travelers planning a trip to Universal Orlando. Which credit card should you use? The answer is, "It depends."

Related: Best credit cards to use for Universal Studios

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 code as "entertainment." However, tickets purchased from a third-party seller like Undercover Tourist or at an on-site Universal hotel (make sure to charge to the hotel) code 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
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card — 3% 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. With this guide, you can choose where to stay and what to do, as well as where to spend and where you can save. This way, you can have the best Universal Orlando vacation.

Related reading:

• 'Let the good times roll' – Mardi Gras isn't over at this Central Florida theme park
• Best restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort
• Sleek and modern, yet affordable: A review of Universal's Aventura Hotel
• Is Universal's Express Pass worth it? TPG tested how much time it really saves you in line
• Universal's new credit cards reward you with free theme park tickets and more

• Work With Jen
• USA Bucket List
• Follow Us On Instagram

Universal Studios Touring Plan | Tips + Complete 1-Day Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for the perfect 1-day Universal Studios touring plan to outsmart the crowds and get the most out of your experience?

Need a summary of Universal Express Pass tips, arrival and rope drop tips, as well as tips on how to plan your day in the park and minimize time spent standing in lines?

Our Universal Studios touring plan highlights all of these topics and offers a detailed, step-by-step morning and afternoon itinerary for spending 1-day at Universal Studios, Florida.

Be sure to stick around to the end for additional information and touring tips for the Harry Potter fans in your group!

*This post has been updated for 2023!

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.  

Table of Contents

Universal Studios Orlando Resort

For those of you who are new to the Universal experience and are a bit confused like I was, Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort consists of:

• Two theme parks: Universal Studios and  Islands of Adventure
• A water theme park: Volcano Bay
• A shopping, restaurant, and entertainment complex: Universal CityWalk Orlando
• Six onsite Loews Hotels
• An upcoming theme park,  Epic Universe , expected to open in early 2025

Its gigantic size is one of the biggest differences when comparing Universal Orlando vs. Universal Hollywood, as Universal Hollywood is much smaller.

Together, the Universal Orlando Resort covers 541 acres of land and welcomes over 11 million annual visitors from all around the world.

The following article is a sample 1-day touring plan for Florida’s Universal Studios theme park whose primary attraction is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

The best Universal Studios itinerary involves utilizing this practical touring plan and customizing your final ride and attraction choices based on your family’s interests.

*Look for a new ride titled Illumination’s Villain-con Minion Blast opening at Universal Studios Orlando in the summer of 2023!

Due to increased concern over safety and sanitation, the Universal theme parks have implemented a host of new measures that may impact your experience. Be sure to check the Universal homepage to review current considerations for your visit.

Universal Studios Touring Plan

Touring plans make it easy for you to get the most out of an experience by outlining the order you should visit rides and attractions.

In fact, having a game plan before heading into the park is one of our 45 Universal Studios tips that you absolutely need to read before your first visit.

Both our Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure touring plans were created for those visiting the Universal theme parks for one day each.

This itinerary also assumes that you are entering the park right at the opening time and staying into the evening.

Finally, although we utilized this Universal Studios Orlando touring plan while staying on-site (which granted us automatic Universal Express Passes), it may still be used by visitors who do not have an Express Pass – we’ll show you how!

Universal Studios Florida Hours

Universal Studios Florida hours vary, by the day, by the month, and by the season.

It is very important to check the Theme Park Hours schedule for the day that you plan on visiting Universal so that you can plan your experience accordingly.

The Universal Studios theme park hour calendar also includes information on what days offer Early Park Admission, as well as lists temporary attraction closure information.

Early Park Admission is a free perk when you book a Universal vacation package, stay at a Universal resort hotel, or use your Preferred or Premier Annual Pass.

This perk allows you to enter a designated Universal theme park 1-hour before the scheduled opening (select days only).

Additional planning tip: Take note that Universal and CityWalk hours, as well as daily showtimes, are not released until approximately 1 calendar month in advance.

Universal Studios Crowd Calendar

Our Universal Studios Orlando one-day touring plan assumes moderate to high crowds at the park when lines are expected to be long.

This exact plan was utilized when crowds were rated 9/10.

No matter when you visit, however, this 1-Day Universal Orlando touring plan is optimized and ordered so that walking and your wait in lines are minimized.

Universal Studios Express Pass

There is no denying that when the Universal Studios crowd calendar predicts moderate to high crowds, the waiting in lines can become incredibly draining and time-consuming.

To help offset time spent standing in lines, Universal Studios allows you to add Universal Express access to your theme park admission.

Universal Express is an all-day pass that allows you to skip the regular lines – and use a special Express Pass line – at select Universal attractions.

If you are staying on-site at one of  Universal’s premier resort hotels , Universal Express Unlimited is free for every day of your visit. (Your hotel keycard serves as your Universal Express pass.)

If you are not staying on-site and wish to purchase Universal Express passes, the cost varies by day and expected crowds. So during peak times, prices will be higher.

Current prices can be found on the Universal Orlando Resort website.

Additional planning tip: Universal Express is separate from regular admission. In other words, you must purchase BOTH a Universal park base ticket along with an Express Pass add-on.

It’s easiest to buy Express passes online. You can also buy them at the entrance gates and throughout all three parks at dozens of locations.

Read here to find out the qualifying rides, exact wait times, and an explanation of whether or not we think Universal Express Pass is worth it !

Universal Studios Orlando: One Day Touring Plan

Prior to visiting Universal Orlando, be sure to download the official Universal Orlando Resort app on the  App Store  or the  Google Play Store .

The Universal Orlando Resort app provides:

• An interactive park map
• Wait times and wait time alerts you can set
• Mobile food and drink ordering for select restaurants
• A virtual wallet where you can purchase and store your tickets and Express Passes
• Virtual Line experience selection queue

Universal Studios’ Virtual Line program allows you to use your phone app (or kiosks at the ride) to make a reservation for your entire travel party to visit various attractions.

The use of virtual lines and what rides offer it varies by the day.

To make a Virtual Line reservation, go to the Virtual Line Experience drop-down from the main menu on the Universal app and select “Virtual Line Venues”. Click on the ride and select the half-hour increment that is available in which you’d like to ride.

At your selected time, simply show your phone at the attraction and you will immediately be admitted into the ride/show.

Keep in mind that the Virtual Line reservation system only works if you are physically inside the park.

Also, you can only reserve two ride times at a time meaning that you may not add another attraction until a previous ride time has passed.

See the screenshot below for what it looks like to reserve Virtual Line times.

Universal Orlando Resort has a parking and transportation structure consisting of two gigantic multi-story parking lots and a centralized transportation hub that allows you to access Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay.

The parking garage opens 2 hours before the official park opening to accommodate those eligible for Early Park Admission. ($27/day for regular self-parking, $60/day for prime parking.)

If you are driving to the resort and are not eligible for Early Park Admission, we recommend arriving at the Universal parking garage 60 minutes prior to the official opening.

It then takes approximately 15 minutes to walk from the parking garage to the park’s entrance turnstiles. This brings you to the entrance a perfect 45 minutes before the official opening.

Alternatively, Universal Orlando on-site resort transportation to the parks via water taxis and shuttles begins 2 hours before the official opening, or 1 hour before Early Park Admission.

Guests staying on-site during peak periods should catch the first ride of the morning in order to be the first into the Wizarding World during the early entry period.

Entering the Park

As of now, Universal Orlando does not require advanced reservations to get into any of their Orlando theme parks.

In addition, they are no longer limiting capacity as they had been during the pandemic.

With that said, we always recommend getting to the turnstiles 45 minutes prior to park opening (and 30 minutes before Early Park Admission), especially on projected busy days.

This act has long been known as ‘rope-drop’.

Rope drop involves getting to Universal Studios before it begins operating for the day so that you can be among the very first guests to enter and enjoy the attractions.

Rope dropping is the single most important key to an efficient touring plan in order to avoid long lines. First thing in the morning, there are no lines and fewer people.

The same four rides you experience in 1 hour upon rope dropping can take as long as 3 hours after 10:30 AM.

Additional planning tip: On days when Universal does not offer Early Park Admission, the gates typically open 30 minutes before the advertised opening.

Guests are restricted to the front of the park where Despicable Me Minion Mayhem often opens to all guests 10–15 minutes before the official opening.

Our recommended Universal Studios arrival times (during peak periods) with Early Park Admission:

• 6:00-6:15 AM: Leave the onsite hotel or arrive at Universal parking garage
• 6:30 AM: Arrive at park turnstiles
• 7:00 AM: Early Park Admission entry – head straight to Diagon Alley
• 8:00 AM: Regular park opening time

Our recommended Universal Studios arrival times (during peak periods) without Early Park Admission:

• 7:00 AM: Leave the onsite hotel or arrive at Universal parking garage
• 7:15 AM: Arrive at park turnstiles
• 7:45 AM: Guests typically let into the front of the park to ride Despicable Me Minon Mayhem
• 8:00 AM: Park opening time

Additional planning tip: Due to a strict bag and locker policy and the fact that personal belongings are not allowed on many of the rides, be sure to review what to bring to Universal Studios in your day bag as you prepare for your visit.

Likewise, be sure to have an understanding of the Universal Orlando locker system as you will need to store your belongings while riding most rides.

Universal Studios Touring Plan: Morning

Upon arriving at the park, use your Universal app to make Virtual Line reservations.

Once the park opens, walk directly to the Harry Potter area without stopping for anything.

In other words, if you want to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, you must arrive before everyone else does.

There’s no other way.

When you arrive at Diagon Alley, take it all in!

Browse the shops and enjoy the atmosphere of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This is a great time to buy a wand from Ollivander’s and let the kids cast spells without long waits or crowds.

Morning Itinerary

Similar to experiencing the best rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure , we recommend visiting the top rides at Universal Studios immediately upon park opening.

The following attractions typically experience the longest wait times if not done right away.

Likewise, visit these attractions in this exact order to decrease time spent zig-zagging around the park.

*Rides with (EP) listed after their names denote that the ride qualifies for Express Pass.

1. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (EP). While in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be sure to go to:

• Ollivander’s Wand Shop
• Gringott’s Money Exchange
• Knight’s Bus

Then, back-track to the front of the park and do these rides:

2. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (EP)

3. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (EP)

4. Transformers: The Ride 3D (EP)

5. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (EP)

6. Revenge of the Mummy (EP)

7. Fast & Furious: Supercharged (EP)

Additional planning tip: This plan does not assume you’re using child swap, which allows parents to swap supervising a child who does not meet a height requirement without waiting in line twice.

If you do use child swap, your day will move more slowly as you have to wait for two people to ride each ride.

Universal Studios Touring Plan: Afternoon

I recommend saving Universal shows for the afternoon and evening.

This includes the Bourne Stuntacular, Horror and Make-up Show, Shrek 4-D, Animal Actors on Location, and Fear Factor Live.

Daily showtimes vary and can be found on the app. Adapt your afternoon itinerary according to what showtimes are available.

1. Shrek 4-D (45 min.); Separate theater for those with Express Pass.

2. The Bourne Stuntacular (26 min); Despite a potentially long wait/line, don’t miss this one!

3. Horror & Make-up Show (25 min.)

4. E.T. Adventure (EP)

5. Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster (EP)

6. Animal Actors on Location (20 min.)

7. The Simpsons Ride (EP). While in the queue, be on the lookout for an appearance by an animated Doc Brown.

8. Kang & Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl (EP)

9. Men in Black: Alien Attack (EP).

10. Fear Factor Live (20 min.)

11. Browse the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley again.

Next, ride the Hogwart’s Express (EP) if you have a park-to-park pass.

11. Watch Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration or other seasonal evening entertainment; these have scheduled showtimes so be sure to check the Universal app.

Additional planning tip: If you love theme parks, Walt Disney World is only 9 miles away from Universal Orlando! Check out our 7-day Orlando itinerary that includes both a Universal and a Disney World vacation!

Universal Studios Dining

Another one of the top tips for visiting Universal Studios is to skip the typical hot dogs and chicken tenders in order to indulge in the unique dining options that are exclusive to Universal Studios.

In fact, the best itinerary for Universal Studios Orlando includes eating at a themed restaurant, such as the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.

Its traditional British food and perfectly Harry Potter pub-themed atmosphere make for an experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Also, be sure to try a Butterbeer!

This iconic non-alcoholic drink, which comes in hot, cold, and frozen varieties, is sold everywhere inside the Harry Potter areas of the parks.

In addition, be sure to check out the best restaurants in Citywalk for another incredibly unique experience.

Additional planning tip: Keep in mind that you can make online reservations ahead of time for full-service restaurants and Universal CityWalk in order to avoid the lines during busy seasons.

If You Want More Harry Potter Fun

If you’re a Potterhead you will absolutely not be disappointed by the immersive theming of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter found throughout Universal Orlando.

Their amazing attention to detail is what makes a trip to Universal Orlando Resort a must-do vacation destination for most Harry Potter Fans.

If you’re a huge fan, you’ll also want to add additional time ( specifically related to Harry Potter ) to your Universal Studios touring plan in order to enjoy it to the fullest.

Next, be sure to purchase a Park-to-Park Ticket for Universal Orlando that will serve as your ticket to ride Hogwart’s Express.

In other words, a Park-to-Park Ticket is required in order to ride Hogwart’s Express, and you can’t ride it without one.

(In case you don’t know, Hogwart’s Express is an actual train that travels between Universal Studios and Island of Adventure, allowing you to visit both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in one day.)

Additional planning tip: Universal’s Harry Potter experience includes Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure ( home to Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure – a fan favorite! ).

You’ll find the famous Ollivander’s Wand shop in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Here, you can purchase both standard and interactive wizard wands as well as participate in a wand-fitting demonstration. 

Through a sensor in the tip of the interactive wands, wanna-be wizards and witches can perform 25 spells through both Diagon Alley  and  Hogsmeade.

This requires being on the lookout for gold medallions along the walkways signaling you when to cast spells.

Potterheads can look forward to lighting the chandelier in the window at Flimflam’s Lantern or to repairing a suit of armor at the blacksmith’s with a simple wave of their wand.

*Click here for our exclusive FREE Family Vacation Packing List and BONUS Theme Park Bag Packing List to complement your Universal vacation!

I am confident that you’re now off to a great start in planning your day at Universal Studios! What was the most helpful part of the Universal Studios touring plan? Jen

If you liked reading our Universal Studios touring plan, continue planning your Universal Orlando vacation here:

Universal Orlando Touring Plans:

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

Universal Orlando Tips:

• 45 Tips for your First-Time Visit to Universal Orlando
• 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 Understanding the Lockers at Universal Orlando
• 7 Best Restaurants in Universal Orlando Citywalk

Universal Orlando Rides:

• Top 7 Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
• Top 7 Best 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.

Similar Posts

The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids (Pro Tips & Considerations)

The Best Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota (+ Waterpark Hotels in MN!)

Voyageur’s National Park Lodging & Best Things to Do There!

5 Fantastic Southwest Winter Weekend Getaway (Destinations & Itineraries)

Our Howlin’ Review of Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington, MN

37+ Fun & Unique Things to Do in Naples, Florida

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

12 Comments

We have never been to Universal Studios bt have been to Disney 20+ times. This is the perfect itinerary to dip our toes in!

You totally have to try Universal! We love Disney too…but now that the kids are older, they prefer Universal hands-down 🙂

Loads of very useful information here in this post. Last time we traveled to Orlando we only made it to the Disney parks and I’m thinking it would probably be a good idea to go back and visit Universal Studios. Thanks for sharing all these insights!

Yes, we started with Disney too! As the kids have gotten a little older, they absolutely LOVE Universal, although I haven’t had the heart to ask them which they like better 😉

Awesome tips and perfect itinerary, can’t wait to actually get out there and experience Universal again! thanks for the travel inspiration.

You’re welcome! It is definitely a place that we would love to return to year-after-year!

I dont know how this is possible, BUT I have never been to Universal Studios! Its very high on my to do list. I gotta get my kids to read Harry Potter first.

What?!?! I can’t believe that you haven’t been…but I am so happy that now you have a little info for when you do go! Yay! If the kids never get around to reading Harry Potter, no worries 🙂 It is so much more than that!!

You’re not going to believe this but I haven’t been to Universal Studios in 20 years! We really need to take the kids and this is the perfect one day touring guide!! So much detail- thank you Jen!!

Yay! You’re welcome! It’s really how amazing it all is! …It’s too bad that these awesome American theme parks have to be so expensive though. I feel like we’d go there way more if they were more affordable 🙂

The Universal studio is on my ‘must do’ and ‘must see’ places. I’ll like to compare it with Motiongate in Dubai. I’ll like to see Shrek in 4d. Thanks for a complete guide.

You’re welcome! It really is a truly amazing place! I was glad that we waited until our kids were a bit older to go there, for the rollercoasters and thrill rides are not-to-miss!

Find Even More

Find your next vacation destination!

Connect on Instagram

Find out where we’re traveling now!

Make the memories now

You don’t have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling.

With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages – and places both near and far.

Destinations

• Attractions
• Girls’ Trips
• U.S. Cities
• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Universal Orlando

Free Printable

Free packing list printable when you subscribe for the latest travel updates!

Travel With A Plan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Family Vacation Packing List!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Universal Studios

Deciding which universal park is best – your ultimate guide.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• Determining which Universal Park to visit can be challenging.
• Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are the two main parks in the US.
• Each park offers a unique set of attractions, experiences and ambiance.
• Consider your interests, preferences and priorities to make an informed choice.
• With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make the right decision.

Understanding the Universal Parks

Universal Studios – Best Universal Park for Film Enthusiasts and Laid-Back Experiences

Islands of Adventure

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade: This area of the park is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. From riding the Hogwarts Express to experiencing the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, you’ll feel like you’re part of the wizarding world.
• Marvel Super Hero Island: If you’re a fan of superheroes, you won’t want to miss this area of the park. From the Incredible Hulk Coaster to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride, you’ll feel like you’re part of the action.
• Jurassic Park: This area of the park is perfect for dinosaur lovers. You can take a river adventure through a prehistoric jungle and experience the thrill of the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride.
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster: This coaster is one of the most popular rides in the park and is a must-ride for adrenaline junkies. It’s a high-speed coaster that offers plenty of thrills and excitement.

Comparing Attractions

Comparing attractions table, comparing entertainment and shows, dining and shopping, themed areas and atmosphere.

Accessibility and Crowd Levels

Ticket prices and packages, recommendations and rankings.

• If you’re a fan of movies and behind-the-scenes experiences, Universal Studios is the park for you.
• If you’re seeking thrilling rides and interactive experiences, visit Islands of Adventure.
• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, both parks offer The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but Islands of Adventure’s version is more immersive.

Our Recommendations and Rankings

• If you want a more relaxed experience and are a fan of movies, Universal Studios is the park for you.
• If you’re looking for thrilling rides and crave adventure, Islands of Adventure is the best choice.
• If you have the time and budget, we recommend visiting both parks to get the ultimate Universal experience.

Q: Which Universal Park is best for me?

Q: what are the main universal parks in the united states, q: what makes universal studios special, q: what can i expect at islands of adventure, q: how do the attractions at universal studios and islands of adventure differ, q: what entertainment and shows are available at universal parks, q: what dining and shopping options are available at universal parks, q: how do the themed areas and atmosphere differ between universal studios and islands of adventure, q: what accessibility and crowd management measures are in place at universal parks, q: how do ticket prices and packages compare between universal parks, q: can you provide recommendations and rankings for universal parks, q: how do i decide which universal park is best for me, discover how many roller coasters at universal studios await.

I am an avid explorer that loves to travel. I love theme parks, photography, sports, and family.

You may like

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Theme Park Rides

Are you ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure? Universal Studios Orlando is the place to be! With its thrilling collection of roller coasters, Universal Studios offers an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers of all ages. But just how many roller coasters await you at this renowned theme park?

Well, you’ll be delighted to know that Universal Studios is home to a total of seven distinct roller coasters spread across Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. From high-speed thrill coasters to family-friendly adventures, there’s something for everyone at Universal Studios!

• Universal Studios Orlando has seven thrilling roller coasters.
• The roller coasters cater to all levels of thrill-seekers.
• Universal Studios offers a diverse lineup of roller coasters.
• From high-speed coasters to family-friendly adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Roller Coasters at Universal Studios 2023

Universal Studios has established itself as a premier destination for roller coaster enthusiasts, offering an impressive lineup of thrilling rides. In 2023, Universal Studios Orlando is home to seven exhilarating roller coasters that provide an unforgettable theme park experience. Each coaster is uniquely designed to offer a different level of intensity and excitement, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Among the standout roller coasters at Universal Studios is the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, known for its vertical ascent and customizable ride soundtrack. Revenge of the Mummy takes riders on a dark and thrilling adventure through ancient Egyptian tombs. Harry Potter fans can immerse themselves in the wizarding world with Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a 3D roller coaster that combines storytelling with thrilling twists and turns.

For those seeking a family-friendly coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff offers a whimsical journey through Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class. The recently opened Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes riders on a thrilling motorbike ride through the Forbidden Forest. Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the newest addition to the Universal Studios coaster lineup, offers high-speed launches and heart-pounding inversions that simulate a ride alongside velociraptors. And let’s not forget The Incredible Hulk Coaster, a fan-favorite with its intense speed and inversions that will leave riders breathless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnIsN0mHZ0g Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Ranking All The Roller Coasters At Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnIsN0mHZ0g) Advertisement

Ranking Universal Studios Orlando Roller Coasters 2023

As roller coaster enthusiasts, we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing all of the roller coasters at Universal Studios Orlando. After careful consideration, we’ve ranked the roller coasters from worst to best:

After taking into account factors such as thrill level, excitement, theming, and overall experience, we found that the Jurassic World VelociCoaster takes the top spot. With its thrilling launches, inversions, and immersive theming, it provides a heart-pounding adventure that is hard to beat. The Incredible Hulk Coaster comes in close second, offering intense speeds and inversions that will leave you breathless. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, with its unique music customization feature, takes the third spot, providing a memorable ride experience for all music lovers.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy, and Flight of the Hippogriff round out the list, each offering their own unique elements of fun and excitement. Whether you’re a fan of high-speed launches, thrilling inversions, or family-friendly adventures, Universal Studios Orlando has a roller coaster to suit every taste.

What is the Most Intense Roller Coaster at Universal Orlando 2023?

When it comes to seeking the ultimate thrill at Universal Orlando, look no further than the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. With its heart-pounding speed and exhilarating inversions, this coaster offers an intense experience that will leave even the most daring riders breathless. Reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, the VelociCoaster takes you on a thrilling journey through the world of Jurassic Park, where you’ll encounter towering dinosaurs and experience the rush of adrenaline like never before.

The VelociCoaster’s intense features include four inversions, including a 360-degree barrel roll and a zero-gravity inverted stall. These elements, combined with the high-speed launches and steep drops, create an adrenaline-fueled adventure that guarantees an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline rush, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster is sure to deliver.

“The Jurassic World VelociCoaster is by far the most intense roller coaster at Universal Orlando. The combination of its high speeds, inversions, and intense maneuvers makes it a thrilling and exhilarating ride that will leave you wanting more.”

Table: Comparison of Intensity Levels

As seen in the table above, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster stands out as the most intense roller coaster at Universal Orlando, offering unparalleled speed, inversions, and thrilling elements. However, coaster enthusiasts can also enjoy other intense rides such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, each providing their own unique elements of excitement and adventure.

What is the Best Universal Studios Roller Coaster for Kids 2023?

When it comes to finding the best roller coaster for kids at Universal Studios in 2023, Flight of the Hippogriff is the top choice. Designed with young riders in mind, this family-friendly coaster provides a fun and exciting experience without being too intense. With gentle dips, tight corners, and speeds reaching just under 30 miles per hour, Flight of the Hippogriff offers a thrilling adventure that is suitable for riders of all ages.

This enchanting roller coaster takes riders on a magical journey through the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As you soar above Hagrid’s Hut and encounter magical creatures, the whimsical theming adds an extra layer of excitement for young riders. The enchanting storyline and immersive theming make Flight of the Hippogriff a favorite among families visiting Universal Studios.

With a relatively mild thrill level compared to some of the more intense coasters at Universal Studios, Flight of the Hippogriff allows kids to experience the excitement of a roller coaster while still feeling safe and comfortable. It’s the perfect introduction to the world of roller coasters and a great opportunity for families to enjoy a thrilling ride together.

Experience the Magic of Flight of the Hippogriff:

• Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and board your enchanted Hippogriff.
• Hold on tight as you take flight and soar through the enchanting grounds of Hogwarts.
• Experience the thrill of gentle dips and exciting turns as you navigate the course.
• Marvel at the incredible theming and attention to detail that brings the Harry Potter world to life.
• Create lasting memories as you share this unforgettable roller coaster experience with your family.

Whether it’s your child’s first roller coaster or they’re already a fan of theme park thrills, Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Studios is a must-ride attraction for kids of all ages. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for a magical adventure that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the enchantment of the Harry Potter universe.

Which Universal Roller Coaster is Better? The Hulk vs. VelociCoaster

The debate between The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic World VelociCoaster is a common one among roller coaster enthusiasts. Both coasters offer thrilling experiences, but they have distinct differences. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is known for its seven inversions and intense g-forces, providing a fast-paced and thrilling ride for adrenaline junkies. On the other hand, VelociCoaster is newer and boasts top speeds of 70 miles per hour along with four inversions, making it one of the most exhilarating coasters at Universal Orlando. Ultimately, the best coaster choice comes down to personal preference and the level of intensity one is seeking.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster

The Incredible Hulk Coaster is a high-intensity roller coaster that leaves riders breathless with its intense inversions and fast-paced maneuvers. With a total of seven inversions, including a zero-gravity roll and a cobra roll, this coaster offers a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience. The launch at the beginning, reaching speeds of 67 miles per hour in just a few seconds, sets the tone for the rest of the ride. The combination of intense g-forces, inversions, and smooth track transitions makes The Incredible Hulk Coaster a fan-favorite among thrill-seekers.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

VelociCoaster, on the other hand, takes riders on a wild journey through the world of Jurassic Park. This coaster combines intense speed with thrilling inversions, making it a must-ride for any coaster enthusiast. With a top speed of 70 miles per hour and four inversions, including a barrel roll and a zero-gravity stall, VelociCoaster provides a heart-pounding experience from start to finish. The theming and immersive elements, such as encounters with life-sized velociraptors, enhance the overall ride experience and make it a favorite among fans of the Jurassic Park franchise.

What is the Fastest Roller Coaster in Universal Studios 2023?

When it comes to speed, Jurassic World VelociCoaster takes the title for the fastest roller coaster at Universal Studios in 2023. With top speeds reaching up to 70 miles per hour, this high-thrill coaster offers an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. The combination of speed, inversions, and intense maneuvers makes VelociCoaster a must-ride for any roller coaster enthusiast looking for an exhilarating experience.

But what sets VelociCoaster apart from the other roller coasters in Universal Studios? Let’s take a closer look at its key features:

• Top Speed: As mentioned earlier, VelociCoaster reaches speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest roller coasters in the park.
• Inversions: This coaster features four inversions, including a 360-degree barrel roll and a zero-gravity inverted stall. These elements add an extra level of excitement and thrill.
• Launches: VelociCoaster utilizes two powerful launches, propelling riders from 0 to 70 miles per hour in just a matter of seconds. These launches create an intense and thrilling acceleration.
• Theme: Inspired by the Jurassic World franchise, the ride immerses visitors in the world of dinosaurs with themed elements and encounters with lifelike animatronic creatures.

Overall, Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the epitome of speed and excitement at Universal Studios. It combines thrilling elements, high speeds, and an immersive theme to provide a one-of-a-kind roller coaster experience. Whether you’re a fan of the Jurassic World movies or simply seeking an adrenaline rush, VelociCoaster is not to be missed.

Table: Comparison of Universal Studios Roller Coasters

Universal studios roller coasters: the ultimate thrill ride experience.

When it comes to seeking the ultimate thrill ride experience, Universal Studios roller coasters deliver exhilaration in every twist and turn. From heart-pounding drops to high-speed launches, these coasters are designed to push the limits of excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or new to the world of thrill rides, Universal Studios offers a collection of roller coasters that are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

One of the standout roller coasters at Universal Studios is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. With top speeds reaching up to 70 miles per hour, this high-thrill coaster takes you on a wild journey through the world of dinosaurs. The combination of speed, inversions, and intense maneuvers makes VelociCoaster a must-ride for any adrenaline junkie.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly coaster that still packs a punch, Flight of the Hippogriff is the perfect choice. This coaster offers a fun and exciting experience without being too intense. With gentle dips and tight corners, it provides just the right amount of thrill for riders of all ages.

With a diverse lineup of roller coasters, Universal Studios ensures there’s something for everyone seeking an exhilarating experience. So, strap in and get ready for the ultimate thrill ride adventure at Universal Studios!

The Roller Coasters at Universal Studios Orlando

Universal studios roller coasters: a memorable theme park experience.

The roller coasters at Universal Studios are more than just thrilling rides; they are an essential part of the overall theme park experience. Each coaster is expertly themed to immerse riders in the worlds of beloved franchises such as Harry Potter and Jurassic World. From the detailed queue lines to the impressive ride elements, Universal Studios roller coasters offer a memorable and immersive adventure like no other. Whether you’re living out your wizarding dreams on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or feeling the rush of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, these rides elevate the theme park experience to new heights.

Advertisement

“The roller coasters at Universal Studios offer a perfect blend of thrills and theming. Each ride takes you on a journey through iconic movie worlds, adding an extra layer of excitement to the overall experience. It’s like being a part of your favorite films, with heart-pounding twists, turns, and drops as an added bonus.”

One of the standout features of Universal Studios roller coasters is their attention to detail. From the moment you step into the queue line, you’re transported to a different world. Whether it’s the dark and mysterious atmosphere of Revenge of the Mummy or the enchanting landscapes of Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, the theming is second to none. Each coaster tells a story, enhancing the overall immersion and creating a truly memorable experience for guests.

Universal Studios roller coasters also cater to a wide range of age groups and thrill levels. From intense launches and inversions to more family-friendly adventures, there’s a coaster for everyone. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie or prefer a more laid-back ride, Universal Studios offers a diverse lineup that caters to all. So, strap in, hold on tight, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the world of cinema on Universal Studios roller coasters.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

After exploring the thrilling roller coasters at Universal Studios, it’s time to start planning your next trip to Universal Orlando. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for high-speed adventures or a family in search of fun rides for everyone, Universal Studios has a wide range of roller coasters and attractions to suit every taste and level of adventure.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to check out discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and vacation package deals. These options often include early park admission, allowing you to maximize your time and experience more of the park’s offerings. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, there are options available to suit your needs.

Before your trip, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the roller coaster lineup and plan your must-rides. Whether you’re seeking the intense thrills of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster or the immersive experience of the Harry Potter-themed rides, having a game plan will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the park’s highlights.

Table: Universal Orlando Roller Coasters

Once you arrive at Universal Orlando, be sure to take advantage of the park’s mobile app, which can provide real-time wait times, show schedules, and interactive maps to help you navigate the park. This will allow you to make the most of your time and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the exciting roller coasters and attractions.

So, start planning your next Universal Orlando trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling roller coasters, immersive experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Universal Studios Orlando is the ultimate destination for roller coaster enthusiasts. With a total of seven thrilling roller coasters spread across both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, there’s no shortage of excitement and adrenaline-fueled fun. Each roller coaster offers a unique experience, from the heart-pounding drops of Revenge of the Mummy to the high-speed launches and inversions of Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

Whether you’re seeking intense thrills or family-friendly fun, Universal Studios has a roller coaster for everyone. The park’s diverse lineup caters to all levels of thrill-seekers, ensuring that no one is left without a memorable and exhilarating experience. So, strap in and get ready to embark on an adventure-filled ride at Universal Studios!

With its impressive roller coaster count, Universal Studios Orlando is the perfect destination for roller coaster lovers. The park’s collection of thrilling and immersive roller coasters provides unforgettable moments of excitement and adrenaline. From the number one ranking Jurassic World VelociCoaster to the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff, Universal Studios offers a diverse range of roller coasters that will leave you wanting more. Plan your next trip and get ready to experience the thrills and excitement that Universal Studios roller coasters have to offer!

How many roller coasters are there at Universal Studios?

Universal Studios Orlando is home to seven roller coasters in 2023.

What are the roller coasters at Universal Studios in 2023?

The roller coasters at Universal Studios in 2023 are Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Flight of the Hippogriff, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Which is the most intense roller coaster at Universal Orlando in 2023?

The most intense roller coaster at Universal Orlando in 2023 is Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

What is the best Universal Studios roller coaster for kids in 2023?

Flight of the Hippogriff is the best Universal Studios roller coaster for kids in 2023.

Which is better, The Incredible Hulk Coaster or Jurassic World VelociCoaster?

The debate between The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic World VelociCoaster comes down to personal preference and the level of intensity one is seeking.

What is the fastest roller coaster at Universal Studios in 2023?

Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the fastest roller coaster at Universal Studios in 2023.

What makes Universal Studios roller coasters the ultimate thrill ride experience?

Universal Studios roller coasters are designed to push the limits of excitement and provide unforgettable moments of adrenaline-fueled fun.

How do Universal Studios roller coasters enhance the theme park experience?

Universal Studios roller coasters are expertly themed to immerse riders in the worlds of beloved franchises and offer a memorable and immersive adventure.

How can I plan my next trip to Universal Orlando?

You can plan your next trip to Universal Orlando by checking out discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and vacation package deals that include early park admission.

Source Links

• https://www.explore.com/1341963/every-roller-coaster-universal-orlando-ranked/
• https://themeparkcenter.com/blogs/mice-magic-the-official-theme-park-center-blog/universal-studios-roller-coasters
• https://theparkprodigy.com/universal-studios-roller-coasters/

Travel Guide

Your ultimate universal studios theme park guide.

• Get the most out of your Universal Studios adventure with insider tips and tricks.
• Discover the top must-see attractions that will leave you in awe.
• Explore the thrilling rides, from heart-pounding roller coasters to immersive simulators.
• Get familiar with the park’s layout, areas, and history before you go.
• Plan accordingly with practical tips for vacation planning, tickets, and transportation.

Understanding Universal Studios Theme Park

Universal Studios Park Information

Must-see attractions at universal studios.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Transformers: The Ride-3D

The Simpsons Ride

Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show

The blues brothers show, insider tips for a memorable visit, plan your visit ahead of time, download the universal studios app, maximize your time, stay hydrated and snack smart, don’t miss the shows, take breaks and rest when needed, exploring universal studios theme park rides, harry potter and the escape from gringotts, transformers: the ride 3d, revenge of the mummy, immerse yourself in spectacular shows, practical tips for a smooth experience, universal studios vacation planning, universal studios tickets.

• Single-day tickets give you access to the park for one day only.
• Multi-day tickets allow you to visit the park for multiple days at a discounted price.
• Universal Express Passes give you priority access to certain attractions, reducing wait times significantly.
• Park-to-Park tickets allow you to visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on the same day.

Dining and Refreshment Options

Q: what are the top attractions at universal studios theme park, q: how can i make the most of my visit to universal studios, q: what should i consider when planning a vacation to universal studios, q: are there dining options available within universal studios, q: how can i best navigate the park and avoid long wait times, q: what are the transportation and parking options available at universal studios, q: can i purchase universal studios tickets online, q: are there any height restrictions for the rides at universal studios, q: what are the must-see shows at universal studios, busch gardens, a comprehensive list of theme parks in the united states.

Theme Parks by State

Alabama to indiana.

• Alabama: Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure, Birmingham
• Alaska: Santa Claus House, North Pole
• Arizona: Castles N’ Coasters, Phoenix; Enchanted Island Amusement Park, Phoenix
• Arkansas: Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, Hot Springs; Wild River Country, North Little Rock
• California: California’s Great America, Santa Clara; Disneyland Park, Anaheim; Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim; Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park; Legoland California Resort, Carlsbad; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo; Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia; Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City
• Colorado: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver
• Connecticut: Lake Compounce, Bristol
• Delaware: Funland, Rehoboth Beach
• Florida: Adventure Island, Tampa; Aquatica Orlando, Orlando; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa; Discovery Cove, Orlando; Fun Spot America, Kissimmee; Gatorland, Orlando; Islands of Adventure, Orlando; SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando; Universal Studios Florida, Orlando; Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando
• Georgia: Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell; Six Flags White Water, Marietta
• Hawaii: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii, Kapolei
• Idaho: Silverwood Theme Park, Athol
• Illinois: Six Flags Great America, Gurnee
• Indiana: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus

Iowa to New Mexico

• Iowa: Adventureland Park, Altoona
• Kansas: Schlitterbahn Island Waterpark, Kansas City
• Kentucky: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana (also has a park in Kentucky)
• Louisiana: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
• Maine: Old Orchard Beach Pier, Old Orchard Beach; Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach
• Maryland: Adventure Park USA, Monrovia; Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro
• Massachusetts: Canobie Lake Park, Salem; Six Flags New England, Agawam
• Michigan: Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon; Wild Adventures, Muskegon
• Minnesota: Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington; Valleyfair, Shakopee
• Mississippi: Buccaneer Bay, Biloxi
• Missouri: Frontier Town, Branson; Silver Dollar City, Branson; Worlds of Fun, Kansas City
• Montana: Funplex, Billings; Playmill Theatre, Billings
• Nebraska: Fun-Plex, Omaha
• Nevada: Adventuredome, Las Vegas; Circus Circus, Las Vegas; High Roller, Las Vegas; New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas; Stratosphere Las Vegas
• New Hampshire: Canobie Lake Park, Salem, Massachusetts (also has a park in New Hampshire)
• New Jersey: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
• New Mexico: Cliff’s Amusement Park, Gallup; Santa’s Village, Jemez Springs

New York to South Dakota

• New York: Coney Island, Brooklyn; Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn; Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn; Splish Splash, Riverhead, Long Island
• North Carolina: Carowinds, Charlotte.
• North Dakota: Roosevelt Park Zoo, Minot
• Ohio: Cedar Point, Sandusky; Kings Island, Mason
• Oklahoma: Frontier City, Oklahoma City; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, California (also has a park in Oklahoma City)
• Oregon: Enchanted Forest, Salem
• Pennsylvania: Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg; Hersheypark, Hershey; Kennywood, West Mifflin
• Rhode Island: Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
• South Carolina: Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach; Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach
• South Dakota: Storybook Island, Rapid City

Tennessee to Wyoming

• Tennessee: Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Pigeon Forge; Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri (also has a park in Tennessee)
• Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio; Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington; Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Galveston; Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark & Resort, New Braunfels; Schlitterbahn River Country, New Braunfels
• Utah: Lagoon Amusement Park, Farmington
• Virginia: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg; Kings Dominion, Doswell
• Washington: Wild Waves Theme Park, Federal Way
• West Virginia: Camden Park, Huntington
• Wisconsin: Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay; Mount Olympus Water & Theme Park, Wisconsin Dells; Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin Dells
• Wyoming: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village

Notable Theme Parks with Roller Coasters

Highlighted Parks

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Located in sunny Florida, this park combines thrilling rides with an African-themed animal park. Their roller coasters, such as SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt, offer unique experiences that blend speed, height, and immersive theming.
• California’s Great America: Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, this park boasts a range of roller coasters, from the wooden Gold Striker to the steel Flight Deck, ensuring there’s something for every thrill-seeker.
• Carowinds: Straddling the border between North and South Carolina, Carowinds offers a mix of roller coasters, including the record-breaking Fury 325.
• Cedar Point: Often dubbed the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” this Ohio-based park is home to some of the world’s most iconic coasters, like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force.
• Coney Island: A historic amusement area in Brooklyn, New York, Coney Island is home to the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, a wooden classic that has thrilled riders for decades.
• Dollywood Parks & Resorts: Located in the scenic Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood combines Southern charm with thrilling rides like the Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod.
• Disneyland Park: While known for its enchanting attractions and characters, Disneyland in California also offers roller coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
• Disney California Adventure Park: Right next to Disneyland, this park boasts the Incredicoaster, a high-speed ride themed after Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”
• Hersheypark: Located in the sweetest place on earth, Hershey, Pennsylvania, this park offers a chocolatey twist on roller coasters with rides like Skyrush and Candymonium.
• Knott’s Berry Farm: America’s first theme park, located in California, offers a mix of classic and modern roller coasters, including GhostRider and HangTime.
• Kings Dominion: This Virginia-based park is home to the Intimidator 305, one of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast.
• Kings Island: Located in Ohio, this park boasts the Beast, a legendary wooden coaster, and the new giga coaster, Orion.
• Legoland California Resort: While primarily catering to younger audiences, this park in Carlsbad, California, also offers roller coasters like the Dragon and Technic Coaster.
• Six Flags America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and more: The Six Flags chain is known for its thrilling roller coasters, with each park offering a unique set of rides. From the Joker at Discovery Kingdom to the Iron Rattler at Fiesta Texas, there’s no shortage of thrills.
• Universal Studios Florida: Beyond its immersive movie-themed attractions, this Orlando park offers roller coasters like the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the Revenge of the Mummy.
• Valleyfair: Located in Minnesota, this park offers a range of roller coasters, including the Renegade and Wild Thing.
• Worlds of Fun: Based in Kansas City, Missouri, this park boasts the Mamba, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world.

A Table of Theme Parks in the United States

• California and Florida are among the states with the most theme parks, thanks to their favorable climates and tourist attractions.
• Not all. Some parks, especially in colder states, operate seasonally.
• Lake Compounce in Connecticut is often considered the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the US.
• No, while many do, some smaller or specialized parks might not have roller coasters.
• Yes, parks like Legoland and certain sections of larger parks like Disneyland are specifically designed for younger visitors.

Best U.S. Theme Parks for Adults – Find Thrills!

Does Alaska Have Theme Parks?

Which Orlando Theme Park is Best for Toddlers?

Will I Fit On Cedar Point Roller Coasters?

Doggywood – Dollywood Dog Kennel Review

Merry-Go-Round vs Carousel: A Comparative Guide

Can You Do Both Universal Studios And Islands Of Adventure In One Day?

Guide to Weight Limit on Disney Rides: Know Before You Go!

How Busy Is Cedar Point and When Is the Best Days Of The Week to Visit?

Will I Fit On Dollywood Rides?

Will I Fit On Universal Studios Orlando Rides?

Privacy Overview

13 Tips & Tricks for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in LA (First-timer’s Guide)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 2, 2024

Thinking of visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in LA and wondering what to expect? In this guide, you can find some of our top tips to help you make the most out of your day. Find out!

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles, California, and one of the top 10 most visited theme parks in the USA. Millions of people visit Universal Studios every year. During peak times, the park receives up to 30-40,000 visitors in a day.

While planning your first visit to Universal Studios in LA can feel overwhelming, it’s actually a lot simpler than it might look at first sight. And with some advance preparation, you can be sure to make the most out of your visit.

Recently, we visited Universal Studios Hollywood during one of the busiest seasons of the year (Christmas – New Year). In this guide, we share all the things that we wish we had known before our visit.

While it will not always be as busy, these tips will give you a better idea of what to expect and will help you make the most out of your time and money no matter when you go. Find out!

Here are some of our top tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in LA:

1. Avoid Weekends and Public Holidays

Of course, it’s not always easy to adjust your travel plans, but if you can take this into account when planning your visit to LA, try to avoid visiting Universal Studios on weekends and during school holidays .

Even if you are traveling in the high season as we were, some days will be busier than others. For example, we had three full days in LA , so we chose the beginning of the week for our visit to Universal Studios. It was still busy, but visiting on a Tuesday was relaxed compared to coming on Friday or Saturday…

Big crowds are not the only reason to visit Universal Studios Hollywood on a weekday. They work with flexible ticket prices, which usually means that entrance tickets are cheaper on weekdays than on weekends or school holidays.

The prices also depend on the season in general. During the busy weeks around Easter break or Christmas, the ticket prices are at their highest – no matter if you come on Saturday or on Monday. Whereas if you visit on a regular weekday in late January or February, you’ll pay much less.

2. Arrive Early & Stay Late

Our next tip will help you to make the most out of your day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

If you want to visit as much as possible in a day, be sure to arrive as soon as the park opens and stay until it closes . The actual opening times depend on the season. But no matter the season, the quietest time at the park is the first hour or two after it opens.

TIP: If you arrive at the park early in the morning, head to the most popular rides first. These are usually ‘wilder’ attractions and rollercoaster rides.

Another trick is to leave some of the most popular rides for last and do them a few hours before the park closes. On those days when the closing time is at 6 pm, you can’t really expect it to be quiet an hour before the closing time. But on some days, the park remains open until 9 pm or even later, and by that time, it definitely gets quieter.

In addition, if you stay later, you might be able to see a beautiful light show!

Our experience: We started our day at Universal Studios with the ‘Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey’ ride. The wait time was just 20 minutes. When we left, there was already a 50-minute wait and a few hours later, people were queueing for over an hour.

We also decided to go to the Lower Lot (where some of the most popular rides are located) in the evening. Most of the attractions here had wait times of 50-70 minutes during the day. In the evening, we didn’t have to wait anywhere longer than half an hour.

3. Skip the Lines with Express Tickets

If you hate the idea of having to spend hours and hours queuing at each and every single ride, show, and attraction, upgrade to an Express ticket . It’s quite a lot more expensive than a regular ticket, but it gives you fast-track access everywhere (once per attraction and per day).

If you want to have unlimited express access everywhere and as many times as you like, then you’ll need a VIP tour/ticket . It costs quite a lot more than a regular ticket, but it also includes so much more (parking, snacks and refreshment, gourmet lunch, guided behind-the-scenes studio tour, etc.)

You can find more information on different ticket options further below.

TIP: Some attractions at Universal Studios sometimes offer fast-track access to single riders . So if you don’t mind sitting separately from your group, this might save you some time. However, this is not always available and we saw it open and close again at a few rides without any explanation why.

4. Book in Advance

Normally, you can just get your tickets at the entrance of Universal Studios LA. However, the lines are usually so long that you can easily waste half an hour or even more just to get a ticket. This doesn’t include the security check or the lines to actually get inside the park.

So we highly recommend that you book your tickets in advance . You receive an electronic ticket with a QR code and can just go straight to the entrance skipping the lines at the ticket desk.

TIP: We booked our tickets through GetYourGuide and it was a great experience. The price you see is the price you pay (so no additional sale taxes are added at checkout or similar). In addition, they normally offer free cancelation/rescheduling of your ticket up to 24-48 hours before your visit, which is a big bonus if your plans would change unexpectedly. Plus, the whole booking process is so simple; not comparable with the official site where you get overloaded with all the unnecessary options and way too much information.

Talking about tickets, there are basically three options to consider:

1. Standard entry tickets give you access to the park and all the attractions. More details and info here .

2. Express tickets can be booked as an upgrade to the regular ticket . Universal Express™ includes fast-track access to all rides, shows, and attractions (once per attraction).

3. VIP tour has lots of additional perks including unlimited fast-track access, behind-the-scenes film studio tour, free Valet Parking, and even some meals. More details and info here .

In addition, you can opt for 2-day tickets. This will give you much more time inside the park, and if you want to try every single ride and attraction without getting express tickets, then you will indeed need two days. However, we found that one day was more than plenty to see and do everything we wanted.

5. Don’t Bring Big Bags

If you want to enjoy your day at Universal Studios Hollywood to the fullest, bring as little stuff with you as possible . As you will see below, we do recommend packing some items, but for the rest – don’t take anything you don’t absolutely need.

First, they have an airport-style security check at the entrance. They check your bags and even make you take off your belt. But that’s not a big deal compared to the rides and attractions.

For most ‘wilder’ rides, you’ll have to leave your backpacks in a locker, which means lots of wasted time (every single time).

TIP: If you need to take a bag, pack something small that you can easily keep with you without using your hands. I had a (not-so-small) crossbody purse and could take it on all the rides without any problems.

6. Bring Water & Some Snacks

Now that I told you not to take a big bag, I have to add that it’s helpful to have some water and snacks with you. Ideally, you take a refillable water bottle and some snacks for a quick lunch (small snacks that can fit in a small bag ;)).

Of course, you won’t survive the whole day on just a few snacks. But if you can avoid having to eat during the peak lunchtime hours, you will – again – save a lot of time.

Plus, it will be a bit quieter at the attractions when most people are having lunch. So ideally, you go and eat a few hours later than the majority of people. It’s never really quiet at any restaurant at Universal Studios in the afternoon, but it sure helps if you can avoid the busiest peak dining times.

TIP: If you are traveling on a lower budget, you should know that food and drinks are very expensive at Universal Studios (just like everywhere at theme parks). So if you want to save some money, you may want to bring a picnic with you. You could store your bag in a locker when not in use.

7. Research Which Shows & Attractions You Want to Do

There are lots of things to do at Universal Studios. Unless you are visiting on an extremely quiet day or pay extra for the fast-track tickets, it’s quite unlikely that you will be able to see everything in a day. On the other hand, you may not really be interested in everything either…

So be sure to do some research on which shows, rides, and attractions you absolutely don’t want to miss, and concentrate on those first.

If you are wondering what to choose, it all really depends on your interests and the ages of your kids (if visiting with children).

With young kids , you may want to spend most of the time at the Upper Lot, and mainly the ‘Super Silly Fun Land’. There, you will also find family-friendly rides such as ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ or ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’, etc.

With somewhat bigger children , head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and check out the nearby Simpsons Ride.

If you are looking for thrill rides , head to the Lower Lot where you will find ‘Revenge of the Mummy’, ‘Jurassic World’, and ‘Transformers’.

In addition to the rides, there are also some shows that you may want to see at Universal Studios Hollywood. This can depend on the season and on the day, so be sure to double-check what’s available on the day of your visit. This brings us to the next point…

8. Don’t Miss the Studio Tour

If there is one thing that distinguishes Universal Studios Hollywood from all other theme parks, it’s the World Famous Studio Tour (aka The Backlot Tour).

You would almost forget it these days, but Universal Studios Hollywood is a working film studio where movies are made. So no visit here would be complete without getting a bit behind the scenes and seeing where the magic happens.

Universal Studios Hollywood has been running their iconic Studio Tours since the 1960s. And while some parts of the tour haven’t changed for years, there is always something new to experience as well. It’s now much less about actual film sets and more about entertainment, 3D experiences, etc. But one thing remains constant – it’s always super fun!

I won’t tell you much more about the things you get to see and experience because I strongly believe that you enjoy it more if you just go there without any expectations and with an open mind. But no matter when you visit, how much time you have, and whatever your interests are, do not miss the studio tour!

TIP: If you want to explore the film studios deeper beyond the standard tour that everyone does, you can only do this with the VIP tour . I wouldn’t pay that much more just for this, but if you are already considering it for other reasons (like the unlimited skip-the-line entry everywhere), then their behind-the-scenes studio tour is definitely a nice extra perk.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: Universal Studios Hollywood vs. Warner Bros Studio Tour

9. Prepare to Get Wet

One of the must-sees at Universal Studios Hollywood is their most popular show – WaterWorld . It’s a really cool show with lots of action and special effects and is always fun to see. However, there is always a big chance that you will get wet.

They have seats in two colors indicating the area where you are guaranteed to get wet. But it doesn’t work the other way around – there is no guarantee that you won’t get wet if sitting outside the splash zone.

If the weather is nice, it’s warm, and you don’t mind getting wet, then it’s not a big deal at all. But if you want to be sure that you remain dry, try to sit as far from the stage as possible.

On our most recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood in the winter, it was rather cold and we were all wearing jeans and warm jackets. The last thing you want on a cold grey winter day is getting wet. So we made sure to sit well outside the splash zone. But that wasn’t enough.

One of our kids and I got soaking wet (not just a little, but as if someone would throw a bucket of water on you). It took us 4 hours to get dry… The rest of the family found it very amusing and it sure made our visit more unforgettable, but it’s not something we would have willingly chosen on a cold day…

‘Jurassic World: The Ride’ is another attraction where you are almost guaranteed to get wet.

TIP: We saw lots of people bring disposable rain ponchos to these shows and attractions. It might be a good idea, indeed. Another option is to wear quick-drying clothes when visiting Universal Studios. That way, if you do get wet, at least it doesn’t take you hours to get dry again.

10. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Universal Studios Hollywood is a very big theme park. So prepare to walk a lot. At the end of the day, you will have done well over 10,000 steps…

So be sure to wear comfortable shoes! Also, they should sit tight on your feet so that you don’t have to worry about losing them on one of the rides.

It’s definitely not a good idea to wear flip-flops when visiting a theme park.

11. Install the Universal Hollywood™ App

One of the best ways to make the most of your time in the park is to install their mobile app. You can do it in advance or simply by scanning a qr code upon arrival in the park.

You can use the app to check the show times or to see live data about the waiting times at all the rides and attractions. Sometimes, you can also reserve a virtual line ticket for some rides via the app.

You will find all this information at different places throughout the park as well, but we found the app really handy.

Good to know: Universal Studios Hollywood offers free Wi-Fi throughout the park.

12. Don’t Come by Car

Just to make things clear, you can drive to Universal Studios Hollywood by car. They do have huge parking garages, so you can easily come in your own car.

However, parking is really expensive and it can also get very busy. So depending on where you are coming from, it might be simpler to just leave the car at your hotel and take a taxi or a metro here.

If you come by metro, you can walk to the park entrance in about 10-15 minutes. There is also a shuttle between the metro station and the park entrance, but it’s so slow that – unless it’s standing there as you arrive – it’s quicker to just walk.

13. Stay Nearby

If you want to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios, you may want to stay at one of the hotels just near the park entrance.

That way, you can start your day as soon as the park opens and stay until it closes. Plus, you won’t have to pay for a taxi or parking. You’ll likely have to pay for parking at your hotel, but that is the case everywhere in LA.

Good to know: The two best hotels just near the entrance of the park are Hilton LA Universal City and Sheraton Universal .

So, these are some of our tips and things we wish we had known before visiting Universal Studios Hollywood.

I hope that this gives you a better idea of what to expect. Enjoy your visit!

READ ALSO: 3-day Itinerary for Los Angeles (including a day at Universal Studios) & San Diego Itinerary

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for Southwestern USA:

• Tips for Visiting Las Vegas
• Top Sights & Attractions in Las Vegas
• One Day in Las Vegas
• Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
• Death Valley National Park
• Gold Butte National Monument
• One Day in Grand Canyon
• Where to Stay in Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon in Winter
• Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend 2-day Itinerary
• Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance
• Best Places to See in Arizona
• Best Places to See in Utah
• Monument Valley
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Best Places to See & Things to Do in Sedona
• Sedona Day Trip
• Phoenix – Scottsdale Itinerary
• Moab Itinerary

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Janet Villegas

Monday 25th of September 2023

Don’t bring bags and the next tip is bring snacks and water…ok.

Ha ha, that's exactly what I said in the article, Janet :). And I also explained that you could store your bag in a locker. Alternatively, you could do as we did and just take a crossbody bag. Mine easily fits a bottle of water and quite a lot of snacks, and the advantage of a crossbody bag is that you can hold it on you pretty much everywhere. I didn't have to leave my bag behind at any of the rides. Hope this helps. Enjoy!

First Visit to Universal Orlando

I am a long time Disney World visitor, but I will be making my first visit to Universal late in October. I am traveling for a conference at Universal. My wife and I are coming in a couple of days early to do MNSSHP and on one day at Universal. Mostly interested in Harry Potter, but likely to try to take in as much as possible except VelociCoaster.

Any tips or tricks? Will have early entry and express pass.

Thanks for the help in advance!

Hagrids doesn’t accept EP, so your best times to ride that are at the start of EE or at park close.

Have a blast!!

Universal’s Express Pass (UXP) is truly the best. Typically, you’ll wait about only 33% of the posted wait or less. Rarely more than 50%. You can get so much done in a single day!

Don’t skip the shows! In WWOHP my personal favorite is Tales of Beedle the Bard in Diagon Alley.

Also, the Bounre Stuntacular is THE BEST SHOW IN ORLANDO! It’s incredible!

You hadn’t mentioned it, but to go to both parks you need a “park-to-park” ticket. (Park Hopper)

You can take the Hogwarts Express to travel to either park. It’s not a only an attraction with a show, but a shuttle! If the queue is ever more than 40 minutes it’s often better to just walk - even if you have UXP. It’s a slow loading train that gets really busy later in the day.

I’m assuming, since you have UXP that you are staying at a Premier Resort. These offer boats that will take you directly to the parks with little to no waits.

You can get a refillable Coke Freestlye cup and there are self serve locations all over the parks & in every eatery. You can also bring your own bottle and each Freestyle station serves ice & chilled water for free!

UOR does do a number of attractions that may cause motion sickness. Bring your Drimane or other medicines to prevent this!

It may still be warmer weather in October, but go inside either The Three Broomsticks or Leaky Cauldron to get a HOT butterbeer. This is the epitome of what butterbeer is supposed to be.

Frozen butterbeer is refreshing & a crowd favorite. However, IMHO, nothing beats that warm toffee & marshmallow goodness of HOT butterbeer!

Other “don’t miss” attractions outside of WWOHP - Revenge of the Mummy, The Adventures of Spiderman, Jurassic Park River Adventure and the Raptor Encounter character meeting…

If you like tator tots with meat & cheese then stop by the Green Eggs & Ham tots QS. My favorite QS in all of UOR!

I prefer eating at Three Broomsticks more than Leaky Cauldron. LC serves more traditional British food while 3B serves ribs & chicken

Be aware that this is Halloween Horror Nights season and Universal Studios will close at 5pm Wed. - Sun. for the event. If you are going on one of those days prioritize USF / Diagon Alley to start your day.

If you can stay until after sunset, Hagrid’s is simply “epic” after dark. It was designed to be ridden that way as there are no lights out there expect on your motorbike. Try to get in queue right before IOA closes as the last ride.

There are many good eateries in CityWalk and the hotels. Let us know your likes / dislikes & we can steer you to the best options. I have found that the Premier hotels have the best restaurants!

Great stuff! Thank you!

I had been planning on the frozen butterbeer, of course, but I will make sure to try the hot as well!

I am a WDW veteran too! After COVID I started going to UOR as I hated all the reservations, genie + and more that Disney put in place. Now, I’m an Annual Passholder at UOR and go every chance I get. It’s as good as WDW - IMHO. It’s only going to get better once Epic Universe opens!

Try them all!!

Cold Butterbeer is the best!!

Plus, this is the only version that doesn’t have carbonation! I’m a diet soda addict & even I hate the way the carbonated BB flavors taste.

I have come around on frozen though. It’s now my second place version of BB. I will always take a Pumpkin Juice, Otter’s Fizzing Orange or Tongue Tying Lemon drinks over any carbonated BB though!!

They used magic to keep it hot or an insulated cooler - which is like magic.

I feel that way about Pumpkin Juice! Before COVID you could get bottles of it shipped to your home!

I’m gonna link a post I previously shared that may be helpful. HP stuff, attraction info, and the locker system which is important to be aware of ahead of time.

Oh!! Universal doesn’t allow bags and items on most rides. You have to use free lockers to store your items while you ride. They are small though. They will not hold a big backpack. Also, they are not very vertical. If you have a water bottle make sure the lid or cap is on tight!!

This is my sling bag that fits perfectly

I am able bring my phone, Coke Freestyle cup, backup phone battery with charging cable (that has a special opening to hold the cord (also good for earbuds cords), sunblock/meds/misc and a couple extra items.

https://www.amazon.com/Waterfly-Crossbody-Backpack-Travel-Daypack/dp/B07TJQ6Q3H

TIP - Bring a 1 gallon ziplock bag to hold your Coke Freestyle cup. This will prevent spills inside the bag if you don’t snap the lid to the Freestyle cup shut well!

The screw-on lid to Talenti ice cream perfectly fits the freestyle cup, Although we did like a plastic bag too to keep the straws clean. We keep reusing our straws from past years.

The only problem with the Talenti lid is that after that DD thought we should keep buying that. Way too much $$$ for a small bit of ice cream

Other TouringPlans Resources

50+ Universal Studios Hollywood Tips for First Time Visitors (2024)

These Universal Studios Hollywood tips for first time visitors will help guide you through the movie-themed Los Angeles theme park. Ideas on what to see and do, where to eat, and thoughts on the best nearby hotels in the Southern California area.

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

I have received complimentary tickets and Universal Express passes for my family. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This article originally published February 5th, 2019 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tips

If you’re planning a Southern California vacation, you might wonder if a day or two at Universal Studios Hollywood is appropriate for your family. I’m breaking down all the must-know details in this guide of Universal Studios Hollywood tips for first time visitors.

If you’ve never been to Universal Studios Hollywood before, you might have a few questions about whether it’s the right SoCal theme park for your family.

I’m sharing my personal tips for taking young children, must-do thrill rides and maximizing shorter lines.

Read how to create a park plan for the days you visit. And of course, tips for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Also find out about the new Super Nintendo World, the newest Universal themed area.

These are a few answers to frequently asked questions and tips for going to Universal Studios Hollywood:

Where is Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Universal City, about 3.5 miles away from Hollywood in Los Angeles. Vacationers often add a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood to their Southern California trip.

There are a few things to know about the area (click through these links for tips on each location):

Disneyland – located in Anaheim, about 36 miles away.

Knott’s Berry Farm – located in Buena Park, about 32 miles away.

LEGOLAND California – located in Carlsbad, about 100 miles away.

San Diego – located about 130 miles south. Includes several popular theme parks including two near the downtown area, SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo . The sprawling San Diego Safari Park is in north county.

Driving Tips to Universal Studios Hollywood

You’ll want to avoid rush hour traffic by driving before 6 am or after 9 pm at night. Your best bet is booking a hotel nearby to completely skip freeway driving in Los Angeles on the day of your visit.

San Diego theme parks will take you nearly 3 hours drive. The drive to the Anaheim & Buena Park theme parks will be over an hour. Consider renting your own vehicle and not relying on ride share.

Another option is to use Karmel Shuttle for transportation between Anaheim hotels and Universal Studios Hollywood. These private passenger vans hold up to 9 riders for one price and offer “door-to-door” service.

How is Parking at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood offers several levels of parking with costs ranging from $30-70 for a full day. There are discounted rates for arrival after 5 pm.

During our visits, we used General Parking which put us inside a garage at the far end of CityWalk. The trek through this outdoor shopping and dining center took about 15 minutes to get to the front gate.

There is also a dedicated “Uber Zone” with a location for ride share pick-up or drop off.

Where Can I Get Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets?

Tickets can be purchased through the Universal Hollywood website or app. There are several ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood, all of which I outline later in this post.

Buy discounted Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and vacation packages through my affiliate Get Away Today.

Southern California Discount Travel

My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted theme park tickets and SoCal-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.

When you’re ready to book your Southern California vacation, my friends at Get Away Today are ready to help! Call 1-855-GET-AWAY to book your trip.

BONUS DISCOUNT! – Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package of two or more days.

Are There Security Checks at Universal Studios Hollywood?

All Southern California theme parks have some sort of security check before guests are allowed to enter the park. This can include bag inspection, metal detectors and more.

At Universal Studios Hollywood guests won’t be standing in super-long lines while security guards unzip every pocket in your bag. Instead your belongs will be scanned through an X-ray machine!

Simply place your bags onto a conveyor belt, just like at the airport. Bags are still inspected but not opened unless something suspicious is noted.

All visitors still walk through a metal detector after removing items from their pockets. My family was able to pass through security in a quick 5 minutes, even on a busy weekend!

What Should I Bring to Universal Studios?

Just like packing for any theme park, assess your day’s needs. You’ll want to pack in anything that you don’t want to have to purchase inside the park.

This includes sunscreen, sun hat, jacket, snacks, cell phone charger, charging cord and a water bottle. Consider a compact backpack or purse that will fit into a small locker (more on why that’s important later).

Packing a Day Bag for Universal Hollywood

I packed everything in my Designer Park Co. bag for the day. I was able to easily fit 2 changes of clothing, sunscreens, wallet, phone, and more into this convenient backpack. Use code REWRITTEN for 10% off your order!

While vaccinations are no longer required for the L.A. theme park, masks are still highly recommended for indoor attractions. There are also lots of hand sanitizer stations located in the park, so it’s not necessary to bring your own.

If you’re using your cell phone to take photos and access the Universal Studios Hollywood app consider bringing an external charger. The Fuel Rod is convenient, compact and can be purchased ahead of time at a discount.

There are Fuel Rod stations located around the theme park. Simply drop your used charger into the machine and receive a new Fuel Rod to recharge your phone!

Is Outside Food Allowed at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Most area theme parks do allow their guests to bring in snacks and food with a few restrictions. Items should not be in glass containers and food needs to be packed inside a backpack or soft-sided container.

Absolutely no hard coolers and nothing larger than 8.5″. Fast food is usually not permitted. And of course, no alcohol or illegal items.

Consider packing in small water bottles, as well as snacks like dried fruit, nuts, and firm crackers, granola bars and pretzels.

How Many Days Should You Spend at Universal Studios Hollywood?

While three days (or more) is the usual recommendation for Disneyland , Universal Studios Hollywood could be experienced in a single day.

There are a few caveats to this, including arriving at opening, moving briskly and staying until park closing. For a more leisurely visit, you’ll want a multi-day ticket.

During our first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, we visited on a Saturday during the holiday season. The park was very busy, with most ride waits an hour plus. We spent 9 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood and were able to go on all the rides except one. We also skipped most of the shows.

The next time we went to Universal Hollywood we used the Universal Express Pass. This shortened the wait time in line considerably. There are definitely ways to take advantage of the time crunch so keep reading!

Universal Studios Hollywood in One Day

If you want to visit Universal Studios Hollywood in one day, I’d recommend first that you schedule a visit during a non-peak time. This would include not planning a visit during holiday weeks, summer break or any days when kids are out of school.

A mid-week visit is optimal. But then, you’ll also be dealing with L.A. traffic! Consider booking a nearby hotel to stay overnight. Then either walk to the park or take advantage of a free hotel shuttle. This will get you to the front gates early.

I’ll share more about the best area hotels near Universal Studios later in this article.

Navigating Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is over 400 acres, with most of this area part of the working studio. The theme park itself is reasonably walkable with attractions on two levels. The levels are divided by a series of long escalators. Plan to take about a 10 minute ride to get to the next level.

Strollers are permitted on the escalators, but kids need to be removed before riding. There are also elevators. Guests who have issue with standing for long periods, and those in wheelchairs or motorized vehicles should use the elevators. Or course you could always get a workout in and take the stairs!

There are four rides in the lower lot, with a Jurassic Park-themed ride newly opened. There are 6 rides on the upper level. Other attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood include kid-friendly play areas and live action shows.

Consider starting and finishing one level before moving to the next. Another good option would be to do some of the upper lot attractions, complete all of the lower lot, then finish the day in the upper section.

Using the Universal Hollywood App

Download the Universal Hollywood app to your smart phone before your visit. Use of the app while in the parks will help you more easily navigate and maximize time.

Create an account before your visit and add purchased Universal Studios ticket codes into the app. In-app features include an interactive map, show times, dining, and ride details. The map is important when looking for dining menus, restrooms and guest services.

The app is also where you’ll find the Virtual Line experience. More details on this important line skipping feature later, keep reading.

Can You Get a Front of the Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Yes, there are ways to skip the lines at Universal Studios Hollywood! To maintain the perks of quick line access for guests who purchase there are only a limited number of these tickets sold each day. These are the two paid line-jumping options for Universal Studios Hollywood:

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Express Pass

Universal Express Pass allows guests to bypass the queue once for each ride, attraction and seated show for that day. Universal Express Pass was previously called the “Front of Line Pass”.

These are the participating attractions on the Express Ticket:

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Flight of the Hippogriff

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

• Jurassic World – The Ride
• Kung Fu Panda Adventure
• Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
• Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
• Studio Tour
• The Simpsons Ride
• SUPER NINTENDO WORLD access when reservations are required (but does not include ride access to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge)
• Transformers: The Ride-3D

How Does Universal Express Work?

The additional cost is around $80 above the cost of your regular ticket. I recommend purchasing a discounted ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood , then upgrade to Universal Express after entry into the theme park.

Here’s an extra time-saving tip: There’s a guest relations location just inside the park gates to upgrade to Universal Express. Don’t stand in this guest services line! There are additional places to upgrade your ticket as you walk into the park that have much shorter wait times.

You’ll receive an actual paper ticket to use for accessing the Universal Express lines. This ticket will be scanned by the employee at the entrance of the line and sometimes again further in the queue. Store your ticket in a safe place to avoid losing it or getting it wet.

A lanyard with a plastic cardholder sleeve is a great idea to keep the Universal Express tickets close at hand.

Universal Express Pass Review

My family used the Universal Express during our visit and I’d like to share our honest thoughts about this “line skipping” service. Without a doubt, the Universal Express Pass is an excellent upgrade if you dislike waiting in lines.

My husband can’t handle long wait times AT ALL. He was thrilled with how quickly we were able to get to the front of the line with Universal Express.

Yes, the cost may be prohibitive to those on a tighter budget. But we found the added charge to be well worth it in the way of saving time and stress!

My family visited on an extremely busy and hot summer day when wait times for some attractions were nearly 2 hours. We never waited longer than 15 minutes in line for any given ride using the Universal Express pass.

Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience

For the ultimate ticket splurge, the Universal Studios VIP Experience is the way to go. VIP receive valet parking and VIP entry to the park. From there is just gets better!

Guests who pay for this feature get unlimited express ride access, the best seats at shows, and exclusive back lot access. There’s also excellent VIP lounge access with snacks and refreshments, a gourmet meal in the private VIP dining room, and an expert guided tour.

The VIP Experience ticket is also the only way to skip the line for the newest ride, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

The Universal Hollywood VIP Experience has a cost of $417+ that includes one day admission.

Universal Hollywood Virtual Line Experience

Select rides and attractions feature a “virtual line” allowing guests to skip the wait in queue. This free feature is a great way to explore more of the park, without the long wait times. Here’s how it works:

• Once you have scanned into the theme park, tap the Virtual Line Venues in the app to begin the process.
• Enable push notifications on your device in the settings. This will allow you to receive notice when Virtual Line pass is valid.
• Select a return time for a particular attraction.
• Set group sizes to get separate return times for different people in your party. You may include up to 10 guests in one group.
• Check in to the app frequently. Additional Virtual Line return times are often added later in the day.
• Check in at the attraction entrance during the designated reservation window. Your entire group must be present. You’ll need to show the QR code for entry.
• When the return time has passed, book another Virtual Line reservation!

What Are the Best Things at Universal Studios Hollywood?

From movie-themed attractions to high speed thrills and special effects shows, there’s plenty for all at this film-making theme park. The following sections will discuss the individual guests from toddlers to adults and what attractions are the best for each.

What Are the Thrill Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood are exciting with hi-tech flight simulation and special effects. There are height restrictions to be aware of, which I’ve noted next to each attraction.

In addition, there may be extra requirements in which a “supervising companion” (aged 14+) must accompany a child on the attraction.

If you have a kid who scares easily, you should use caution on some of these attractions. The mild rides might be better suited for nervous children. I’ve made some notes next to each below:

• Revenge of the Mummy   (48″ height requirement)- High-speed indoor roller coaster with scary scenes and mummies.
• Transformers: The Ride – 3D (40″ height requirement)- This motion simulator car ride immerses you into a war zone with Transformers working to save the world.
• Jurassic World – The Ride (42″ height requirement) – Boat ride through an immersive land of scary, realistic dinosaurs with a steep watery drop.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (48″ height requirement) – Intense motion simulator that moves your ride vehicle (a broomstick!) with the action.
• The Simpsons Ride (40″ height requirement) – Another motion simulator that mimics a roller coaster with the addition of height.

Mild Thrill Attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood

It’s not all high intensity at Universal Studios Hollywood. Fortunately there are some family-friendly attractions that younger kids can enjoy as well. Height restrictions may still apply.

• Flight of the Hippogriff (39″ height requirement) – A mild and short roller coaster for families in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area.
• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash (34″ height requirement) – Based upon the movie series, guests join the animal characters on a traditional “dark ride” through New York City.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (40″ height requirement) – A motion simulator similar in style to The Simpsons Ride with mist and lighting effects as well as 3-D.
• Studio Tour (no height restriction) – Some of the features including King Kong may be frightening to young kids.
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (40″ height requirement) – Compete with other riders in this interactive ride that takes you into the game.

What Can Babies & Toddlers Do at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Most of the height requirements are 40″+. Based on these height restrictions, I didn’t bring my 2-year old with us to Universal Studios Hollywood during our first family visit.

We returned for a second visit when she was 6 years old and there was much more for her to enjoy at the older age.

There aren’t really too many attractions that are appealing to younger kids. On that end, the same could be said for expectant mothers. Many of the rides, including the “mild thrills” have jerky movements. Use caution and heed the posted warnings for pregnancy on each attraction.

Here’s what there is to do with a baby or toddler at Universal Hollywood:

Kid’s Play Areas

• DinoPlay (under 48″ height requirement) – Dinosaur themed kid’s play area. Ideal active play section for younger kids when adults are with older kids on Jurassic World – The Ride .
• Super Silly Fun Land (under 48″ height requirement) – Inspired by the Despicable Me movie, this outdoor play area has water features, carnival games and Minions fun. Bring a change of clothing if your family chooses to use the water section. There are changing rooms available nearby.

Universal Studios Hollywood Rides without Height Requirements

• Kung Fu Panda Adventure – motion simulator attraction with individual seats. There are non-moving seats for parents with young children.
• Studio Tour – use caution when taking young children. There are frightening elements and effects in this ride.
• Silly Swirly Fun Ride – spinning “Dumbo-type” ride with controls to change height.

Things to Know About Taking Young Kids to Universal Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood offers single and double stroller rentals in the theme park. Or you’re welcome to bring your own stroller. And unlike the other SoCal theme parks, wagons ARE allowed at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Park restrooms all have diaper-changing stations. Nursing mothers may breastfeed wherever they wish in public within the theme park. Or they may visit the nursing facilities within the First Aid Station.

There aren’t any “adult only” sections of the theme park. Kids can go into any location, including the bars.

READ MORE about Universal Studios with young kids , including tips on height requirements, dining and more.

Child Switch at Universal Studios Hollywood

Child Switch operates differently than rider switch or rider swap programs at other theme parks. Here’s how Child Switch works at Universal Studios Hollywood:

Your party stays together through the line. Yes, this means your child will be accompanying you through the line (no strollers permitted). Children stay with you in queue so as not to split up the family.

Child-Switch waiting areas are located at the loading zones of the rides. These waiting rooms can also be used for family members who simply don’t want to ride.

How Child Switch Works at Universal Hollywood

One guest in your group steps into the room with the child while the rest of the group rides. Then that person switches places with another adult after the ride so the second person can have their turn. No additional waiting in line.

My 6-year old daughter was not tall enough for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey so we used the waiting room. The area was roomy with plenty of benches for parents and kids.

Some rooms have large windows so families can see out. We watched a Harry Potter film on a television while we waited for the rest of the group. When dad and big brother returned after their ride. I then went on the ride with my son while my husband waited with our daughter.

Rides that offer Child Switch waiting rooms:

• Transformers: The Ride – 3D
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Child Switch was a smooth and seamless process but it has its pros and cons. On the plus side, families can stay together. But for families with rambunctious toddlers, waiting in a long queue together could prove to be too challenging.

READ MORE: The child-switch program is just one way  How Universal Studios Hollywood is Better Than Disneyland.

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

The World-famous Tram Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is a cornerstone can’t-miss attraction. The ride neatly combines a historical aspect with jaw-dropping experiences.

The former appeals to adults familiar with the movie-making experience (Jaws!). The more intense moments like  King Kong 360 3-D and Fast & Furious – Supercharged are sections that kids and teens will enjoy.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a working movie studio. Both movies and TV shows are currently filmed here. The tour will take you through areas that have been used on past productions and you might even drive past a live set.

Our tour tram drove through the “town” where the shows The Good Place and Rutherford Falls are filmed. We went past several open sound stages where you could peek inside and view the set ups.

The ride takes place on open-air bus trams. Sit in the middle car if possible, for the optimum viewing experience. The center of each tram also offers the best view of the television screens that show snippets from films and shows throughout the ride.

Important to note that guests can bring snacks on the Studio Tour. After waiting in line for over an hour and then going on the hour-long Studio Tour, we were wishing we’d brought a snack! Don’t be like us…grab some food to bring on the bus ride.

Can You Do Universal Studios Hollywood With Special Needs?

The rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood are really intense. Carefully assess the special needs of those in your party and determine whether they’ll be able to take in the realistic motion simulators, intense rides and bright lighting used throughout the park.

Universal Studios Hollywood has a Family Center with quiet rooms that guests with autism (or other special needs) and their families can rest in. The space is also open for nursing mothers. This Family Center allows families to take breaks as needed, without having to leave or return to the hotel.

Motion Sickness at Universal Studios Hollywood

A large majority of the thrill rides at Universal Studios Hollywood include motion simulators. If you err towards motion sickness, you may want to consider using precautions to avoid illness.

• Non-drowsy “sea sickness” medications or pressure-point bands can help.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid alcohol.
• If all else fails have your family go on the rides without you. There are rooms available to wait in (the designated “child-switch areas”) for certain attractions.

Complimentary Storage Lockers

The attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood are fairly intense with lots of movement. Most of these attractions do not offer on-ride storage. Your possessions must be placed inside of a locker before boarding the ride. Universal Studios Hollywood conveniently offers complimentary locker rental at certain attractions.

Guests with backpacks, purses, cell phones, or other items simply step inside the locker room before joining the queue. After a quick fingerprint scan, you’re assigned a locker to store your items for several hours.

After the ride, return to the locker to retrieve your goods. There’s no payment unless you want to store your items inside of the locker for longer.

Are there Single Rider Lines at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Several rides offer a single rider option. This is appealing to older kids, teens and adults who are able to separate from each other.

Guests using the “single rider” line will be chosen to fill empty spots inside ride cars. This means you may not request to be seated with the rest of your group. Single Rider access isn’t always open but just ask the employee at the entrance.

My family used single rider for one of the rides during our visit. The wait time was only ten minutes versus the posted 70 minute wait in the regular queue. What a huge time saver! Of the 5 of us, three of us were seated in the same car albeit in different rows to fill the empty spaces.

Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood with Single Rider access:

The wizarding world of harry potter at universal studios hollywood.

Save plenty of time in your schedule for exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter book or movie series, you will absolutely feel immersed in the village of Hogsmeade.

It’s highly recommended to visit this popular area immediately upon entering the theme park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets very busy. There are so many intricate details in this themed area at Universal Studios Hollywood you may want to spend all day here!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Attractions

Attractions inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (listed in order of how you should visit them):

You’ll definitely want to head here first thing in the morning. This attraction is located inside the towering Hogwarts castle.

The queue takes you through significant scenes from the movies, like Dumbledore’s office, the greenhouse and the talking paintings, which makes the long wait interesting!

Ollivander’s Wand Shop

Purchase a special interactive wand at Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Guests can cast spells at specified locations in this area by repeating incantations. With an exacting wave of the wand, magic happens right before your eyes in the shop windows!

How much are Harry Potter wands at Universal Studios Hollywood?

There are two versions (interactive and “non-magical” replicas) and they cost as much as $75.

Even if you don’t buy a wand, the pre-show before entering the shop is whimsical and fun. A participant from the crowd is chosen.

My son was picked and it was a delight to watch the magic unfold! I won’t spoil the surprise but just know that a memorable scene from the Harry Potter movie is reenacted.

On subsequent trips to Universal Hollywood, we’ve brought the wand back with us. There are helpful employees located at the various spots to offer assistance with use of the wands.

More Wizarding World of Harry Potter Attractions

• Flight of the Hippogriff  – This is a family-friendly roller coaster that’s appropriate for anyone 39″+.
• Three Broomsticks – This dining location is a must. Not only is the interior impressive, the food is really delicious!

• Hog’s Head & Magic Neep Cart – You’ll find Butterbeer in several forms at both locations. I’ve heard that the drinks are slightly less in price at Hog’s Head (though the line was out the door on our visit, so I didn’t test that!)
• Frog Choir & Triwizard Spirit Rally – These live entertainment features with singing and dancing draw a modest crowd.

• Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts – The evening show with projections on the castle happens several times nightly during select seasons. Check the Universal Hollywood app for details.
• Shopping Locations – With an impressive 8 shops, you’re sure to find the perfect Harry Potter souvenir! Try Honeydukes for sweets like Chocolate Frogs with wizard trading cards. Zonko’s Joke Shop has a massive amount of fun gag gifts.

Live Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood

I will admit that we didn’t have time in our single day visit to take in any of the live shows. The Special Effects Show and Universal’s Animal Actors have both recently ended.

WaterWorld is the only show currently running. This action-packed show is filled with fight scenes that are best for older kids and adults.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

This new Nintendo themed land opened to guests in early 2023. Super Nintendo World is located in the lower lot at Universal Studios Hollywood in California.

Here are the highlights of this new immersive area:

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride
• Interactive gameplay activities in the Mushroom Kingdom including Peach’s Castle through the use of a purchased Power-Up Band.
• Toadstool Cafe for dining
• 1-UP Factory retail store

A Virtual Line reservation will be required (during select times) to enter Super Nintendo World. This can be secured through the Universal app on your phone.

How to Ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge

Need another reason to upgrade to Universal Express or a VIP pass? These guests don’t need reservations to enter Super Nintendo World.

VIP Pass ticket holders also receive cut-the-line access to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. For all other guests, stand-by queue or the single rider line is available.

Are There Character Meet n’ Greets at Universal Studios Hollywood?

There are many figures to pose with at Universal Studios Hollywood. Lines we saw were generally pretty short with just a few people waiting. The Transformers queue to meet Bumblebee was the longest, about 20 people deep. 

Unfortunately there isn’t any filter on the Universal Hollywood app in which to locate the character meet n’ greets. You’ll need to bring your own camera, as there isn’t a system available like  Disney’s PhotoPass . Also, characters at Universal Hollywood do not sign autographs.

These are some of the characters you can meet at Universal Studios Hollywood:

• In Springfield, find The Simpsons favorites, Krusty, Sideshow Bob, Marge, Homer, Lisa and Bart
• A Mummy outside of his namesake ride
• Transformers – Bumblebee, Optimus Prime or Megatron
• The Minions
• Luigi, Mario and Princess Peach in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
• Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein

• SpongeBob SquarePants
• Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona
• Hello Kitty
• Scooby-Doo & Shaggy
• Dinosaurs near Jurassic World – The Ride including a thrilling Raptor Encounter

Dining at Universal Studios Hollywood

All of the dining options at Universal Studios Hollywood are quick service, which entails ordering at the counter and then picking up your own food. There are no full-service restaurants inside the theme park.

This also means there’s no advance dining reservations. Every food service location at Universal Hollywood is walk-up. Lines to order can be lengthy. Consider eating at “off-peak” times to avoid the lunch and dinner crowds.

Despite the fast food vibe of the theme park, there is one option that feels more like a regular restaurant.

Dining at The Three Broomsticks

Located inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is The Three Broomsticks. This dining location is generally recognized as the best restaurant at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Beyond the immersive feeling of being in Harry Potter’s world, the restaurant is large and accommodating. The food we enjoyed was absolutely delicious. Meals here are like what we’d make at home for Sunday dinner and less like the fast food is really is!

We ordered The Great Feast to feed our group of six and it was an awesome amount of food. The Great Feast is served on a metal sheet stacked with spare ribs, roast chicken, vegetable, corn on the cob and potatoes. There were 3 teenagers with big appetites in our group and we still had leftovers!

It’s a hearty and filling meal that’s a far cry from the usual theme park dining options. At $69.99, when divided by six guests, this meal is also a bargain!

You can also order Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, which is a must. This sweet drink comes in three varieties – frozen, hot and cold. You can also find Butterbeer hard packed ice cream!

Other Universal Studios Hollywood Dining Options

Guests with dietary restrictions including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian do have choices at Universal Hollywood. The Universal Studios Hollywood website has a dietary food guide with suggestions on how to order to your needs.

Definitely consider The Three Broomsticks for one of your meals. Outside of this, here are a few other dining and snack location ideas. The most dining options are found in the Simpsons’ area of Springfield.

• Krusty Burger, Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck, Luigi’s Pizza, Suds McDuff’s Hot Dogs, Phineas Q. Butterfat’s Ice Cream and Lard Lad Donuts in Springfield U.S.A.
• Minion Café
• Cocina Mexicana
• Jurassic Cafe
• Starbucks has several locations
• French Street Bistro
• Mel’s Diner
• Studio Cafe
• Panda Express
• Hollywood and Dine
• Toadstool Café (access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD required)

Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk

Just outside of the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood is CityWalk, an outdoor shopping and dining area. Just like Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District , this location is filled with places to find souvenirs or catch a full-service meal.

When I visited with my kids, we headed out of the park about 20 minutes before closing. We got in quickly for dinner at Johnny Rocket’s for burgers and fries.

There are 30+ dining spots inside CityWalk as well as a movie theater, shops, nightclub and concert venue. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen has recently opened here.

Souvenir Shopping at Universal Studios Hollywood

In a movie-themed amusement park, naturally there’s tons of merchandise available for sale in the gift shops.

There is a package pick up feature in case you buy something during the day and don’t want to carry it around. Request this service then pick up items at the end of your visit near the exit at the Universal Studio Store. These are a few of the can’t miss locations to shop:

Production Central for all things Hollywood movie themed.

Animation Studio Store for all the DreamWorks, Illumination and Hello Kitty merchandise.

Jurassic Outfitters for unique dinosaur souvenirs.

1-UP Factory store for gaming inspired goodies in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Pressed penny machines , which are themed towards the different sections of the park.

Honeydukes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for famous candies from the movie including Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tips for Grown Ups

Of all the Southern California theme parks, Universal Hollywood offers the most entertainment options for adults. Outside of the rides and shows, here are some suggestions for adults:

• Play carnival games in Springfield U.S.A. or Super Silly Fun Land to win a prize.
• Shop for souvenirs in one of the many awesome gift shops.
• Pose for photos at the many photo op locations throughout Universal Hollywood.
• Explore CityWalk after theme park hours have ended. This outdoor shopping center is located just outside the park gates.

Where to get alcohol at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood does offer alcoholic drinks at locations around the park. From draft beer to mixed drinks, here’s where to find a grown up drink. Additional restaurant locations offer alcohol as well.

Duff Brewery Beer Garden (Springfield area) – Cocktails including margaritas and Long Island iced tea along with wine and draft beer. Outdoor seating at the open-air bar. Duff Beer is brewed exclusively for Universal Studios!

Hog’s Head (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) – Draft beer including themed drinks like the Wizard Brew and Snake Bite. Non-alcoholic Butterbeer is also served.

Mulligan’s Irish Pub – Get beer on tap or a mixed cocktail including Mule or Old Fashioned.

Isla Nu-Bar – Tropical cocktails served in collectors tiki glasses.

Moe’s Tavern (Springfield area) – Fans of The Simpsons can grab a cold Duff beer inside this tavern from the show. Get the signature drink of Moe’s Tavern, The Flaming Moe (non-alcoholic). There’s even a Love Tester machine!

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights is a seasonal offering in the fall. It’s highly appealing for teens and adults but definitely not appropriate for children. Or those who frighten easily, like me!

Hotels Near Universal Studios Hollywood

Given the location of Universal Studios within Universal City, there may be concerns about safety. That is a valid worry and travelers to the Los Angeles area should continue with their usual safe travel requirements.

This includes not leaving anything of importance in vehicles as well as locking car and hotel room doors. In addition, use caution when out after dark and do not walk outside alone.

Where to Stay at Universal Studios Hollywood

These are a few suggestions for hotel accommodations near Universal Hollywood. Click through to each link for discount pricing and additional details about each:

Holiday Inn Express North Hollywood – Burbank Area – Free hot breakfast buffet and large rooms with queen-sized beds are a highlight of this hotel. Located about 4 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, the drive took less than 10 minutes.

Sheraton Universal Hotel – This hotel is close enough to walk, though they also offer guests a free shuttle to the entrance. Rooms are on the smaller side with double beds. But on the plus side, there’s an upscale pool area with lounge.

The Garland – Sprawling retro-style hotel located about 1 mile from the theme park. Complimentary shuttle for guests along with onsite dining and an excellent pool.

Tilt Hotel – Movie themed rooms and continental breakfast at a smaller boutique-style hotel. Just half-mile away from Universal Hollywood, making this location close enough to walk (albeit uphill).

Looking for Universal Studios Hollywood vacation package deals? Purchase discount tickets and vacation packages from my affiliate  Get Away Today .

Use the Promo Code REWRITTEN and receive an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Southern California package. (Hotel and 2 ticket minimum purchase to qualify for the discount).

Subscribe to Mom Rewritten Newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .