Weekend Getaway: Universal Studios

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Table of Contents

1. How much does it cost to visit Universal Studios Orlando?

2. How long should I spend at Universal Studios Orlando?

   1. 1 Day

   2. 2 Days

   3. 3 or More Days

3. When to visit Universal Studios Orlando

4. How to get to Universal and where to park

5. Where to stay at Universal

   1. Resorts

   2. Local Orlando Hotels

   3. AirBnb

6. Universal CityWalk

7. Park Overviews

   1. Universal Studios

   2. Islands of Adventure

   3. Volcano Bay

8. Where to eat at Universal

   1. Mel’s Drive-in

   2. Mythos

   3. Leaky Cauldron

9. Pro-tips for visiting Universal Studios Orlando

   1. Universal Orlando App

   2. Coming Soon
      

As one of the world’s most renowned theme parks, Universal Studios Orlando promises an unforgettable adventure filled with thrills, magic, and excitement. Whether you’re a fan of blockbuster movies, iconic characters, thrilling rides, or immersive attractions, Universal Studios Orlando has something for everyone. Join me as we explore the must-see attractions of Universal Studios, insider tips, dining experiences, and entertainment options that make this park a top destination for travelers of all ages. 

Located in the heart of the theme park capital of the world, Universal is a popular destination for both locals who live in Orlando, and travelers from all over the world. Opening in 1990, the park was opened as a theme park and working studio. It was the second Universal Studios theme park, following the success of Universal Studios Hollywood. The park’s original attractions included the Studio Tour, which gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making, and rides based on popular films like Jaws and King Kong. Over the years, the park has expanded significantly, constantly adding new themed areas and attractions to delight guests. The park continues to grow and innovate, making it a must-visit destination for theme park enthusiasts. 

Now that you know a little bit about the history of this iconic theme park, get ready to step into the world of imagination and make lasting memories as we cover everything you need to know before visiting!

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Universal Studios Orlando?

The cost of park tickets depends on factors such as the number of parks you wish to visit (Universal Studios Orlando, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay), the duration of your visit (single day or multi-day tickets), and whether you opt for base tickets or park-to-park tickets that allow access to both parks on the same day. Single-day tickets typically start around $109 per adult for one park. Universal Express Passes provide access to short lines for select attractions, allowing you to maximize your time in the parks. Depending on the type of pass and date of visit, these passes start at around $69 per person. 

How Long Should I spend at Universal Studios Orlando?

The ideal amount of time to spend at Universal can vary depending on your interests, the number and types of attractions you wish to visit, and whether you’re visiting during peak seasons. I personally believe 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time for your first visit, to experience the most the park has to offer. Here are some general guidelines to help you plan your visit: 

One Day: If you’re short on time or primarily interested in experiencing the major attractions and iconic rides, one day can suffice for a visit. This will allow you to focus on must-see attractions, shows, and themed lands such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There will certainly be many things you miss on this timeline, but one day at Universal is better than none!

Two Days: Spending two days allows for a more leisurely experience, giving you time to explore both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This duration allows you to enjoy a wider range of rides, shows, dining options, and immersive experiences without feeling rushed. 

Three or More Days: I truly believe 3-4 days is the sweet spot for your perfect trip to Universal. For a comprehensive experience and to fully immerse yourself in all that Universal Studios Orlando has to offer, consider extending your visit to three days or more. This allows you to explore the theme parks at a relaxed pace, revisit favorite attractions, enjoy additional shows and entertainment, and take advantage of any special events or seasonal offerings. This will also give you the opportunity to explore the waterpark on-site!

When to Visit Universal Studios Orlando

The two most important factors to consider when planning when to visit Universal are crowd levels and the heat. Generally, the best times to visit with lower crowds are during the off-peak seasons. These typically include weekdays outside of holidays, school breaks, and major events. Avoiding weekends and peak vacation periods can help you experience shorter wait times for attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere in the parks. 

That being said, the park is typically the most crowded on the nicest days. Central Florida experiences a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. If you prefer milder weather and lower humidity, consider visiting during the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for being outdoors without the intense heat of summer, but these are also typically the more crowded times of year. 

How to Get to Universal & Where to Park

When we visited Universal for the first time in January 2024, we were fortunate enough to have our car with us, which made getting to the parks very convenient. We stayed about two miles away from the entrance at a budget hotel and were able to get Ubers to and from the park each day for roughly $10 each way. We were trying to do this trip as budget-friendly as possible, and we found this was the best way that worked for us! If you are flying into Orlando for your visit to Universal, there are plenty of options for shuttles and other arranged transportation methods from most hotels in the area and the airport. 

As far as parking your own car at Universal goes, a one day parking pass is $30 per day, per vehicle. The parking garage is just outside of the CityWalk and has several moving walkways to get you to the park as quickly as possible. I was pretty impressed with the parking at the park, compared to other theme parks I have visited. The levels were well marked to remember where you parked, and even mid-day during peak season, we were easily able to find a spot. Parking is also free after 6:00 pm, so if you are just going to enjoy the evening at one of the parks or grab dinner at the CityWalk, you will not have to worry about paying the daily rate!

Where to Stay at Universal Studios Orlando

Resorts

The Universal Orlando property is home to eight different resorts for guests to stay at, with a wide variety of amenities and perks, such as early park access for staying there. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort (Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites) is typically considered the most budget friendly of the resort options. Standard rooms at the Endless Summer Resort start at just $99 USD per night (excluding taxes and fees), and sleep up to four people. 

Another favorite is the Portofino Bay Hotel, a luxury resort inspired by the charming seaside village of Portofino, Italy. This hotel boasts three swimming pools with a Roman aqueduct-themed waterside and a serene adults-only pool for relaxation. This hotel also features a delicious Italian restaurant on-site and is in a convenient location to access the free water taxis to the entrance to the park. Other options to stay at a Universal Resort include the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Aventura Hotel, and Hard Rock Hotel. You will experience luxurious amenities and perks of each of them, with options at all price points. 

The main benefits of staying at one of Universal’s resorts is early access to the theme parks (especially to Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!) to avoid the crowds later in the day, free Universal Express passes for premier hotel guests to skip long wait times in both parks, and access to free water shuttles and taxis through the canal along the Universal CityWalk. 

Nearby Orlando Hotels

Outside of the themed hotels of Universal Studios Resorts, there are many hotels nearby the theme parks that are convenient and may be a more budget-friendly option for your stay. For our trip in January 2024, we stayed at the Comfort Suites Near Universal, which was a 10 minute Uber ride from the park and was perfect for our last-minute budget trip! The hotel was incredibly clean and the staff was very attentive. They helped answer all our questions about getting to the park and gave recommendations for restaurants nearby! In the same area, there is also a Holiday Inn Express and a Hampton Inn & Suites, if you are like me and are interested in earning hotel points through your preferred loyalty program! 

AirBnB

Because of its reputation as the theme park capital of the world, hundreds of AirBnB’s have popped up around the area, providing guests with comfortable and private accommodation in close proximity to both Universal and Disney World. I have not personally used this option, but we found many affordable listings while planning our trip to Universal, so it’s definitely worth looking into, especially if you are traveling in a larger group and all want to stay together!

Universal Citywalk

When you first arrive at Universal Studios, you will be greeted by the Universal Citywalk, a vibrant entertainment complex serving as the gateway to the parks and offers a lively mix of dining, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment options. CityWalk boasts a diverse range of restaurants and eateries, catering to various tastes and cuisines. Choose from casual dining options like Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to upscale experiences as The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando. 

Explore a variety of shops at boutique, offering everything from UNiversal Studios merchandise and souvenirs to fashion apparel, accessories, and unique gifts. The CityWalk is also a hub of entertainment with options for all ages. Catch the latest blockbuster at Universal Cinemark, enjoy live performances at the Hard Rock Live concert venue, or test your skills at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a mini-golf course themed around classic movie scenes.As the sun sets, CityWalk comes alive with vibrant nightlife options. Dance the night away at clubs like The Groove or Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom, sip cocktails at themed bars like Pat O’Brien’s and Red Coconut Club, or enjoy live music and entertainment at various venues throughout the complex. 

 No matter what you choose to do, Universal CityWalk provides a dynamic and immersive entertainment experience, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals looking for dining, shopping, and entertainment all in the same lively and festive atmosphere. 

Park Overviews

Universal Studios Orlando

The flagship park of Universal Studios Orlando offers an immersive entertainment experience that combines thrilling rides, live shows, interactive attractions, and themed lands based on popular movies, TV shows, and franchises. Upon entering the park, guests are greeted by the iconic Universal Studios globe, setting the stage for a day of excitement and adventure. The park is divided into several themed areas, each offering a unique blend of entertainment. 

One of the main highlights is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, where visitors can step into the magical world of Harry Potter. Here, they can explore the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, shop for magical supplies at places like Ollivanders and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, and experience thrilling rides such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

Another immersive area is Springfield, home to The Simpsons Ride, Krustyland, and iconic locations like Moe's Tavern and Lard Lad Donuts. Guests can also enjoy interactive experiences like Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl. For fans of action and adventure, Universal Studios features attractions like Transformers: The Ride 3D, where guests join the Autobots in a battle against the Decepticons, and The Revenge of the Mummy, a high-speed indoor roller coaster with immersive special effects.The park also offers live shows and performances, such as the Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, where guests can learn about the art of special effects makeup, and the high-energy WaterWorld stunt show.

Dining options at Universal Studios range from themed eateries like The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley to quick-service restaurants offering a variety of cuisines to suit every taste. Overall, Universal Studios Orlando provides an immersive and thrilling experience for guests of all ages, combining iconic attractions, immersive theming, live entertainment, and dining options to create unforgettable memories.

Islands of Adventure

Universal's Islands of Adventure is a sprawling theme park within the Universal Orlando Resort, offering an immersive and thrilling experience for visitors. Divided into distinct themed islands, each with its own unique attractions and atmosphere, the park is a paradise for adventure seekers and fans of popular franchises.The entrance to Islands of Adventure is marked by the iconic Port of Entry, featuring colorful buildings and shops reminiscent of exotic marketplaces. From there, guests can explore various themed islands, including Marvel Super Hero Island, where they can encounter beloved superheroes and enjoy thrilling rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

Another highlight is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, a meticulously crafted area that brings the magic of Harry Potter to life. Here, visitors can wander through the snow-capped streets of Hogsmeade, shop for wands at Ollivanders, and experience the pulse-pounding excitement of rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

As guests venture further into the park, they can discover Jurassic Park, where they come face to face with life-sized dinosaurs on attractions like Jurassic Park River Adventure and VelociCoaster. The park also features Seuss Landing, a whimsical area inspired by Dr. Seuss' beloved stories, with colorful architecture and family-friendly rides such as The Cat in the Hat and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. For fans of adventure and thrills, Islands of Adventure offers attractions like Skull Island: Reign of Kong, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and the high-speed water ride Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls. Dining options range from themed eateries like Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade to quick-service restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. With its diverse array of themed lands, thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and family-friendly attractions, Universal's Islands of Adventure promises an unforgettable adventure for guests of all ages.

Volcano Bay 

Universal's Volcano Bay is a vibrant and immersive water theme park located within the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. This tropical paradise offers guests a unique blend of thrilling water attractions, serene relaxation spots, and immersive theming centered around the towering Krakatau volcano. The centerpiece of Volcano Bay is Krakatau, a massive volcano that serves as the park's focal point. Inside the volcano, visitors can experience the thrilling Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a water coaster that combines high-speed drops with immersive storytelling as riders navigate through dark twists and turns.

The park is divided into themed areas, each offering a distinct experience. The Wave Village features the sparkling Waturi Beach, a wave pool where guests can relax on the sandy shore or ride the waves. The peaceful river journey continues in the lazy Kopiko Wai Winding River, perfect for a leisurely float through lush landscapes and caves. For adrenaline seekers, the Rainforest Village boasts exhilarating water slides such as the Ko'okiri Body Plunge, a 125-foot drop slide that plunges riders through a clear tube in the heart of Krakatau. Other thrilling attractions include the Honu ika Moana raft ride, the twisting Maku Puihi round raft ride, and the multi-person Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. Families can enjoy the playful experiences in the River Village, including the Tot Tiki Reef interactive play area for young children and the winding Puka Uli Lagoon for relaxing dips and gentle exploration. 

Dining options at Volcano Bay are inspired by Polynesian and island cuisines, offering a variety of delicious dishes and refreshing beverages to enjoy throughout the day. One of the innovative features of Volcano Bay is the TapuTapu wearable device, which allows guests to virtually wait in line for attractions, make cashless purchases, and interact with various elements throughout the park, adding convenience and enhancing the overall experience. With its thrilling rides, stunning scenery, immersive theming, and innovative technology, Universal's Volcano Bay provides a memorable and enjoyable water park experience for guests of all ages.

Where to Eat at Universal Studios Orlando

Mythos

This highly acclaimed dining establishment located within the Islands of Adventure is themed around ancient myths and legends, featuring intricate details, statues, and artifacts that create an immersive and enchanting ambiance. The rocky interior will make you feel like you’re enjoying your meal in a cave, with elements like stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and mystical decor. The restaurant is known for its innovative and globally inspired cuisine, the menu featuring a variety of options including the Mediterranean Lamb Burger, Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Ravioli, and my personal favorite, the Spoon Fork & Knife Grilled Cheese. Mythos has received numerous awards for its cuisine, ambiance, and overall dining experience, and has been recognized as one of the best theme park restaurants in the world, drawing praise from both guests and critics alike. Reservations are recommended for dining, especially during peak times and busy seasons and can be made through the dining reservation system on the Universal Studios app, or directly at the restaurant if availability allows. 

Leaky Cauldron

For fans of the Wizarding World, you will not want to miss stepping into the fantasy and magic of the Leaky Cauldron, a restaurant from the popular Harry Potter series brought to life right in the heart of Diagon Alley in the Universal Studios park. Situated near iconic attractions like Gringotts Wizarding bank and Ollivanders Wand Shop, the Leaky Cauldron is the perfect place to take a break from the Florida heat and enjoy a Butterbeer in a magical dining experience for Harry Potter fans and food enthusiasts alike. From traditional British fare to wizarding favorites, you can indulge in hearty meals like bangers and mash, fisherman’s pie, and cottage pie, all served with a side of buttery vegetables. For those seeking a taste of the wizarding word, check out iconic dishes like pumpkin juice and chocolate frogs. Dessert options include sticky toffee pudding and treacle start, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Mel’s Drive-in

Evoking the nostalgic charm of the 1950s, the diner’s retro-themed decor, complete with neon signs and vintage cars, transports visitors back in time to an era of rock ‘n’ roll and jukeboxes. The menu at Mel’s features all-American favorites such as burgers, fries, milkshakes, and hot dogs, reminiscent of a typical drive-in experience. Enjoy the classic diner fare all while listening to oldies tunes playing in the background, creating an immersive and fun dining atmosphere. Mel’s Drive-In is a popular spot for families and visitors looking for a taste of Americana and a nostalgic trip down memory lane. 

Pro Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Orlando App

If you plan to visit the parks soon, you will definitely want to download the Universal Studios Orlando app! This comprehensive tool will absolutely enhance your theme park experience in the best ways possible. One of its key features is the interactive park map, which helps guests navigate through each of the parks with ease. The app also provides real-time wait times for attractions, allowing you to plan your day efficiently and minimize wait times. Another highlight is the virtual wallet feature, which allows you to store your tickets, passes, and credit card information for convenient, in-park purchases. Additionally, the app offers personalized recommendations, showtimes, dining options, and reservation capabilities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit to Universal. 

Coming Soon

One of the best parts about Universal is that there are always new lands and new parks being created. Coming in 2024 is Dreamworks Animation Land, which will feature attractions related to Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda and more! This colorful and imaginative world is set to open in June 2024. Visitors are looking forward to the several new confirmed attractions like the Trolls Roller Coaster, Po Live!, and Shrek’s Swamp Meet, geared towards younger children. Guests will also be able to dine at the new food stand, Swamp Snacks, which will serve Shrek-themed snacks like Shrekzel, Far Far a Waffle, Frozen Ogre, and more. 

That’s not all Universal has in store for the near future. The newest innovation in the world of Universal Studios Orlando is the recently announced Epic Universe, expected to open sometime in 2025. This will be a fourth theme park added to the Universal campus, and will feature lands such as Super Mario World, an addition to the already expansive Wizarding World with the Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, the Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. The central hub area of Celestial Park is set to serve as a gateway between the various worlds of the Epic Universe. The park area will also feature its own standalone attractions and restaurants, such as a dual-launch racing coaster called Starfall Racers and the Constellation Carousel, a grand centerpiece of the area unlike any other carousel experience you’ve seen before. 

No matter how many times you have visited the park in the past, there is always something new to discover and explore at Universal Studios Orlando. I hope this guide has inspired you to book your next trip. I know I can’t wait to visit the Dreamworks Animation Land in just a few short months!

A visit to Universal Studios Orlando is a journey into the heart of entertainment and adventure. From the magical realms of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the pulse-pounding rides and shows inspired by blockbuster movies, this theme park offers an unparalleled experience for all visitors. Whether you’re exploring Diagon Alley, braving the thrills of roller coasters, or meeting beloved characters, Universal Studios Orlando ensures that every moment is filled with excitement and wonder. With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to make the most of your unforgettable trip, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.