can you visit universal studios in one day

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How to do Universal Studios in One Day

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The Universal Orlando Resort is a sprawling, three-park complex located in central Florida. Although it can be a little overwhelming to visit, you can do Universal in one day. Let’s talk about how to visit multiple parks, what’s inside each and tips for maximizing your visit.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando has been hard at work expanding its footprint and now comprises three separate theme parks:

Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios Florida.

Universal's Volcano Bay. 

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Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990 and is the oldest of the parks in the resort. It focuses on film and has a working studio inside, along with roller coasters, thrill rides and Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999 and relies heavily on larger rides such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It also features a section of the park dedicated to Hogsmeade from the Harry Potter films.

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water park with theme park elements, including water slides and a water coaster. The newest park at Universal, it opened in 2017.

» Learn more: Universal Studios versus Islands of Adventure

Can you do multiple Universal parks in one day?

Most people who visit the Universal Orlando Resort are generally looking to visit the two main parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This is especially true for those looking to do Universal Studios in one day since the two are located next to each other.

If you have just one day at the Universal Orlando Resort, we have good news: Doing both parks in one day is possible. You’ll need to get up early and stay up late, but it can be done. Let’s go over some tips on how to make this happen.

How to do Universal Studios in one day

Buy park-to-park tickets.

Not everyone can visit Universal in one day, especially since you’ll need to opt for the more expensive park-to-park tickets. However, if you have just one day at Universal Orlando Resort, purchasing multi-park tickets is going to be essential.

» Learn more: How to get discounted Universal Studios tickets

Stay on-site

Universal Studios gives its guests several benefits for staying in one of its branded hotels, including the ability to enter the theme parks up to one hour before they open. This can be key for those looking to get in as much fun as possible since the crowds will be minimal.

Early park access is available for guests of any Universal Orlando Resort hotel , even its least expensive options, which start at $96 per night.

Use Universal Express Passes

Universal Express Passes allow you to skip the regular queue at participating attractions. Unlike Lightning Lane access over at Walt Disney World, there’s no set lineup time required; you simply show up and join the Express Pass line.

Universal Express Unlimited Passes are provided for free to all guests when they stay at a Universal Premier category hotel .

This can save you a ton of time on a Universal Studios one-day itinerary. In fact, this is the single most helpful tool for visiting both parks in one day.

There are two types of Express Passes available:

Universal Express: Skip the regular line one time per ride.

Universal Express Unlimited: Skip the regular line an unlimited number of times.

Pricing varies based on demand and when you purchase the pass, but the standard Universal Express pass starts at $89.99 per day, while the Universal Express Unlimited pass starts at $99.99 per day.

» Learn more: How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios?

Opt for the single-rider line

Many theme parks offer single-rider lines for rides. This allows those willing to ride by themselves to use a separate queue for entrance. They’ll be allowed to sit in any remaining gaps on rides, thus reducing empty seats and allowing people to get on faster.

Not all of Universal’s attractions have a single-rider line, but many do, including:

Islands of Adventure:

Dr. Doom’s Fearfall.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Jurassic Park River Adventure.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Universal Studios Florida:

Fast and Furious — Supercharged.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Men in Black Alien Attack.

Revenge of the Mummy.

Transformers: The Ride — 3D.

Visit during the low season

If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money and you’re wondering if you can still do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day, the answer is: Yes, you can. You don’t need a Universal Express pass or a stay in one of its branded hotels.

Instead, you can visit during the low season to minimize your wait times. Tourism in Florida is highly seasonal. Take advantage by timing your vacation to coincide with low crowds during months such as September and January.

If you’d like to do Universal Studios Orlando in one day

Is one day enough for Universal Studios Orlando? Yes, if you optimize your time.

Although there are three parks within the Universal Orlando Resort, most folks have their sights set on Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

It’s possible to do both in a single day, whether you’re choosing to stay on-site, purchase a pass that’ll let you skip the line or simply visit when crowds are low.

(Top photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort)

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Universal 1 Day Tickets

SELECT THE DATE OF YOUR TICKET.

This is the date that your tickets will be valid for.

CHOOSE TICKET TYPE.

There are 2 options available:

1 park 1 day base ticket: Ticket will allow a single admission to Universal Studios OR Islands of Adventure. Base ticket is one park per day only and does NOT allow travel on the Hogwarts Express.

2 park 1 day hopper ticket: Ticket will allow a single day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Hopper ticket will allow you to move between both parks on the same day and allow travel on the Hogwarts Express.

At the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park you’ll experience the magic and excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™, be transformed into a Minion on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™, crash through Krustyland on The Simpsons Ride™, and join the battle on TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D.

Take an unforgettable journey through uniquely themed islands where your favourite adventures come to life. Help save the city on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®, escape the jaws of a T. rex on the Jurassic Park River Adventure™, and experience the new Velocicoaster!™

"Hopper" access. Ticket is valid for travel on the Hogwarts Express.

Parking is not included. Days do not have to be used consecutively Taxes Included

The above Admission Media is non-transferable, and must be used by the same person on all days. Standard entry includes biometric scan. Valid only during normal operating hours. Parks, attractions, or entertainment may: close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather or special events; change operating hours; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of Universal Orlando Resort (“Universal”). Unless otherwise stated, does not include admission to separately ticketed events at any of the Universal theme parks or within any of the CityWalk venues, Universal Cinemark, or Hollywood Drive-In Golf™, and parking or discounts on food or merchandise. Some CityWalk venues require ages 21 or older for admission. Valid Photo ID required. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.

Browse our other options: Universal 2-Day Tickets , Universal 3-Day Tickets , Universal 4-Day Tickets , and Universal 5-Day Tickets .

OrlandoAttractions.com now only operates using E-Tickets and Vouchers. This method is fast becoming the norm and are is very secure. We also believe as the parks introduce the use of more advanced technology that physical tickets will soon become a thing of the past and we want to take the leap in that direction. Here are some great reasons why this is the right time to make this change:

• E Tickets can easily be re-issued or re-printed if lost or misplaced. (Not so the cardboard ones when the dog’s eaten them, or they’ve been through the laundry!)
• Most Orlando E-Tickets are gate-ready and can be scanned off your mobile phone or a simple printout.*
• E Tickets are in widespread use at concerts, sporting events and theme parks - we love that.
• E Tickets are environmentally friendly - we really like that.
• E Tickets are touchless - paper tickets have to be handled and packaged by our staff and handled again by a courier service - let’s stop that.
• E Tickets allow us to offer even lower prices than we normally do - our competitors won’t like that!

Please always check the FAQ section to find out what type of e-ticket or voucher you will receive.

*Some e-tickets / vouchers require exchange. This currently includes Walt Disney World tickets which require exchange at Guest Relations at the first park you visit, Disney Springs, or any Disney resort hotel.

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How to Get the Most Out of One Day at Universal Studios Florida

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

While visiting Orlando earlier this year, our family found ourselves with one extra day to sightsee. We could have headed to the House of the Mouse, but as Mommy Points' has highlighted in the past, Universal Studios is often better than Disney World for families taking last-minute trips. We made the decision to spend the day at Universal and pack in as much we could at both Universal Studios and the connected Universal Islands of Adventure.

Covering two huge theme parks in one day with four kids (ages ranged from 1 to 9) is a challenge, but I'm happy to say we squeezed every penny out of our tickets for that day, and here's how.

Pick the Right Ticket

First, we opted for one day, two-park tickets because the main reason we wanted to visit Universal was to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Diagon Ally is in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade is in the connected Islands Of Adventure park. The Hogwarts Express train connects the two, and you can't ride that train if you don't have a two-park ticket. (We could also have made the choice to purchase a Universal Studios Orlando Annual Pass instead, but we opted not to go that route.)

Related: Best Credit Cards for Theme Parks

Unlike at Disney World, you don't get the equivalent of free FastPasses for rides at Universal Studios. Instead, they sell the Universal Express Pass. These "shorten the line" passes start at $80 for one day, two-park access, and allow you to queue once per participating attraction in the Express Access line with a shorter wait time. Then there are two-park Universal Express Unlimited Passes, starting at $100 each, that allow you to wait in the Express Access line for each participating ride as many times as you'd like.

We knew we wouldn't get to see much of the two parks if we had to spend the day waiting in lines, so the Universal Express Passes were a must. However, we were looking at $400 to purchase five of the basic two-park Express Passes, and that was in addition to the already very pricy park tickets. ( Here's how to use points to save money on Universal tickets .)

Book a Hotel With Express Pass Perks

Since we are traveling the country in a RV , we planned to stay at an RV park nearby and didn't necessarily need to book a hotel room. However, I realized we could get a night at Loews Royal Pacific Resort for less than $300.

That stay included not only Universal Express Unlimited Passes for everyone (two adults and three kids) — a $500+ value — but meant we'd be close enough to walk over to the park in the morning. Those at the resort also get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter an hour early. In other words, booking the room was a no-brainer to get the most out of our one day as possible. This Express Pass offer is also available at the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, but not the "lower tier" (but still very nice) Universal hotels such as Loews Sapphire Falls and the new Aventura Hotel .

If you decide to stay at a Universal Studios property, you won't be able to use traditional hotel points to book the stay, but could potentially earn a bunch of points by booking and paying with your Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card through Jan. 31, 2020 at Hotels.com/Venture to earn 10x miles per dollar. Alternatively, you could also use points from that card to cover the cost of your stay .

Rest Up and Be Ready to Rock

We checked into the hotel the night before, ordered pizza via room service and got plenty of sleep. Early the next morning, we took our bags to bag-check in the hotel lobby so they could hold them for us. A 10-minute walk later and we were at the park. It's a good thing we were well rested and fully charged when we got there because we had a packed day ahead of us.

By utilizing our Universal Express Passes, we were able to ride every single ride on our wish list in both parks, some more than once. The early park admission really helped us enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before it was too crowded later in the day. We were at the parks from an hour before general admission until closing time, which is something we couldn't have pulled off if we hadn't stayed on-site the night before.

Have a Plan, but Be Flexible

We began the day at Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and took our time eating a traditional English breakfast at Three Broomsticks. This doubled as an experience for us because the restaurant was so fun that it felt like we had stepped into the movies. It was a great way to maximize our time soaking in the experience while fueling up for the day ahead.

Immediately after that, we stepped over to Ollivanders, the wand shop, and this was our biggest regret for the day. We waited in a 30-minute line before entering the small shop, which was really cool but the shopkeeper only chooses a wand for one audience member. Experience aside, we could buy the same wands at street carts, and we could have saved some time spent waiting in line. The line at the wand shop is typically lighter in the late afternoon/early evening (though that gives you less time to use the wand in the park that day.)

Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley filled up so quickly once the park officially opened, so we wished we would have spent those extra 30 minutes doing anything other than waiting in a line. We took Hogwarts Express train (which is amazing) over to Diagon Alley at about 10:30am, and by lunchtime, we felt we'd seen as much as we could of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

We used the second half of the day to pack in a bunch of rides and kept meals to quick, small snacks throughout the day. When the 1 year old needed a stroller nap, my husband took the other three on 3-D rides they could all enjoy. When our oldest wanted to ride big roller coasters with his dad, I took the younger three to nearby green spaces to enjoy some popcorn and street performances. It was a whole lot of divide and conquer that worked out well thanks to shorter lines, Child Swap rooms and the variety of rides and spaces available at Universal.

Bottom Line

If you are planning to purchase Universal Express Passes for an upcoming trip to Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure, I encourage you to price out booking a stay at a qualifying hotel that offers Universal Express Unlimited Passes to everyone in your party (valid for the duration of your stay). You will probably save money by staying there, enjoy much more of the park in a short period of time and get the added benefits of early admission and close proximity to the park. Or, if your budget permits, just book a VIP tour and let your tour guide worry about the rest.

What are your tips for making the most of one day at Universal Studios Florida?

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How to Do Universal in One Day

This article is your complete guide to visiting Universal Studios Orlando in one day! If you’re wondering if it’s even possible to visit Universal Orlando Resort in one day, we think the answer is yes! But you’ll be missing out on a lot of amazing things! With strategic planning and a little help from us, it is possible to do Universal Studios Orlando in one day. And as fellow Passholders at Universal, we are here to tell you that you absolutely can do Universal in one day!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on  Universal Orlando vacation packages   and our  discounted Universal Orlando tickets  which include  EARLY PARK ADMISSION  to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE:  If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Can You Do Universal Orlando in One Day?

Yes, we think that guests can do Universal Orlando within one day . The main reason is how close Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are.  Now, will you get onto every ride at Universal within one day? That will depend entirely on the time of year that you decide to visit and the Universal Orlando park hours during your time in the parks. However, as you’ll see both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have attractions that are easily accessible if you’re willing to pay for a park-to-park ticket. We also believe that one of the biggest advantages you can take is Early Park Admission. This will allow you to access the Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour early.

Given the proximity to the two Universal parks, the extra hour in the morning, and having a solid game plan going into your day you can achieve a ton of stuff during your one day at Universal Orlando!

Do You Need the Universal Express Pass When Planning One Day at Universal Studios?

The Universal Express pass tickets will help you get much more done within your one day at the Universal Parks. The only downside is they are very expensive and can be more expensive than the actual Universal admission tickets in my situation. However one of the main reasons that they are so expensive is because they do work and will eliminate a significant amount of time waiting on rides. On average we have seen the express pass save families 25-40 minutes per ride during some of the busier times of the year!

Related Post: Shop Discount Universal Early Park Admission Tickets 

Can You Do 2 Parks in One Day at Universal?

You can visit 2 parks in one day at Universal Orlando , but we must mention it’s almost impossible to do it all! To be honest, when you look at everything Universal offers you might want to go on every single attraction! So it’s important to prioritize what you want to do with your one day at Universal. So before we dive into the tips and tricks of a Universal Studios one-day plan, let’s talk about what’s most important! First off, figure out which rides and attractions are most important to you and what you can live without while planning your one day at Universal.

Also keep in mind that obviously with all the planning in the world, there are things that can go wrong. Such as: waking up late, longer wait times than normal, getting sick, etc. Long marathon days in any theme park can also wear on people and you might not be able to do it all. Also, the best way to experience Universal Orlando Resort is truly by taking a full day in each park. So keep that in mind as you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation.

Related Post: Complete Guide to All Harry Potter Rides 

How to Do Universal Orlando in One Day

There are so many different things to consider when planning a trip to Universal for one day . It can be overwhelming to plan even a long week vacation in the Universal Orlando parks. That’s why we are going to give you some of our best tips and tricks for having the most fun during your one-day trip.

Visiting both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure in one day is a thrilling but challenging task. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Start Early : Arrive at the parks as early as possible to beat the crowds. Always use  Early Park Admission
• Prioritize Rides and Attractions : Identify the must-see attractions in both parks and plan your route accordingly.
• Use Express Passes : If available, purchase Universal Express passes to skip regular lines at participating rides and attractions.
• Take the Hogwarts Express : If you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss the Hogwarts Express, which connects both parks.
• Stay Hydrated and Energized : Pack snacks and water to keep you going throughout the day.
• Use our Universal Crowd Calendar
• Buy tickets in advance
• Stay onsite at a Universal Orlando resort

How to do Universal Orlando in One Day?

Combining both parks in one day requires strategic planning. Here’s a suggested itinerary if you do not have Early Park Admission:

• Morning at Universal Studios Florida : Start with the most popular rides like The Simpsons Ride, Transformers, and Revenge of the Mummy.
• Afternoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure : Head to Islands of Adventure for The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Evening at Universal CityWalk : Wind down with dinner and entertainment at Universal CityWalk.

Most guests like to run over to Islands of Adventure at park open, but unless you have Early Park Admission, most of those attractions will have high waits. If you have Early Park Admission tickets, we highly suggest starting in Islands of Adventure and jumping on Hagrid’s or VelociCoaster.

Universal Orlando in One Day

If you’re focusing on the overall Universal Orlando experience, including Universal CityWalk, consider the following:

• Balance Your Time : Divide your time wisely between the two parks and CityWalk.
• Consider Special Events : Check for any special events or shows happening on the day of your visit.
• Book a Guided Tour : If available, a guided tour can provide a streamlined experience.

Which Universal Orlando Park Takes More Time?

Islands of Adventure Park takes more time when compared to Universal Studios Florida. The main reason is Islands of Adventure has the two most popular rides in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the VelociCoaster. Islands of Adventure is also the bigger of the two parks and very simply has more rides.

Related Post: How to Ride Hagrid’s For Early Park Admission 

Can You Do Universal Harry Potter in a Day?

Yes, you can do everything Harry Potter within one day at Universal Orlando . It is important to note that you will need the park-to-park ticket to do this. One of the main benefits of purchasing the park-to-park ticket would be that you will also be able to ride the Hogwarts Express. One tip we have when trying to see everything Harry Potter at Universal in one day would be to make sure that you ride the Hogwarts Express back and forth as it will be a different experience both ways.

What to do when visiting Harry Potter in one day?

• Always use Early Park Admission
• Decide if you will be buying an interactive wand before you go
• Take pictures early in the morning before the park gets crowded
• Make sure you ride the Hogwarts Express both ways

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Harry Potter Rides

Universal Studios in One Day – Early Park Admission

Here at The Park Prodigy, we are huge fans of Early Park Admission . Early Park Admission can make the world of a difference if you’re trying to build a Universal Studios Orlando 1 day plan . Universal Orlando Resort alternates which park is offering Early Park Admission. You can find the full schedule by looking in the Universal Orlando app.

Early Park Admission is almost necessary if you’re wanting to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts. Your Park Prodigy ticket multi-day ticket or vacation package will let you enter either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade Village one hour before the park opens. If you happen to have EPA on an Islands of Adventure day, you can enter Hogsmeade village and potentially ride two of the main attractions before regular guests even get let into the parks.

Early Park Admission Arrival Time

Arrive at least one hour before Early Park Admission hours. If Early Park Admission hours begin at 8 AM, you are going to want to be at Universal Orlando Resort by 7 AM. Some guests who show up at 8 AM for EPA have to wait just as long, if not longer on the rides inside of Wizard World of Harry Potter. You must be among the first people to arrive.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

Use the Crowd Calendar When Planning One Day at Universal

Crowds and long lines can be one of the biggest drags to any trip. If you and your party are thrill ride seekers, this tip is extremely important to keep in mind. With Universal having amazing new attractions like Velocicoaster, you can expect that wait times are going to be outrageous if you go during peak season. Our Crowd Calendar can give you the best estimate on when to visit during the slower times throughout the year.

Best Months to Visit Universal Orlando

Avoid holidays, the summer and spring break! September is the perfect time to visit because most kids go back to school and you’ll see lower crowd levels. Late winter is also the perfect time to visit because the weather is perfect and crowds tend to be the least busy! Picking the right time to visit can make going to Universal Studios Orlando in one day more than doable.

Related Post: Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando

Make a List! – Prioritize Your Must-Do Attractions

One of the most important things you can do when thinking of your one day at Universal Orlando plan and what to do is to pick your favorites! There are many different attractions at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure . It is almost a guarantee that you won’t be able to do them all. If you’re an adrenaline seeker, you might want to make sure you get on rides like Velocicoaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. If you’re more of a dark ride lover, check out The Cat in the Hat, E.T. Adventure, or Forbidden Journey at Hogwarts Castle.

If you have your must-do attractions, it can keep you on track when trying to do Universal Studios Orlando in one day.

Bonus Tip: Use the Universal single riders line when available!

Universal Orlando Resort Single-Riders’ Line

If you don’t mind having your party split up, the Single Riders’ line at Universal Orlando Resort can be your best tool for experiencing attractions. This line is specifically made to get every single ride vehicle filled. That means parties in the Stand-By line that have odd numbers will have an empty seat in their car. A Single Rider is used to fill that empty seat.

Sure you might have to sit next to a stranger or experience the attraction separate from your party, but it is one of Universal’s best tricks to free low wait times! It is important to note that not all attractions at Universal offer Singer Riders and even if an attraction does offer it, they don’t always have it open.

Universal Orlando Rides with Single Rider Lines

• Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts
• Transformers – The Ride 3D
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Jurassic World Velocicoaster
• Dr. Doom’s Fearfall
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Related Post:   Guide to the Universal Studios Orlando Single Rider Line

Purchase Universal Tickets in Advance

If you’re trying to do Universal Studios in one day , we highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. When purchasing your Universal Orlando tickets through the Park Prodigy, you can skip the ticketing line and go straight to Will-Call kiosks. This takes less than 5 minutes, and as long as you have the credit card you used to purchase your ticket, you don’t even have to talk to anyone!

Not only will you save time, but you will save money, as well. Buying your tickets through a reputable travel agency allows you to have someone who is searching for the best deals all the time, just for you. With our highly knowledgeable staff, we can make sure that all of your concerns are taken care of. That means more time in the parks and less time dealing with the hassle.

As we mentioned above, all Park Prodigy multi-day tickets come with Early Park Admission, free planning guides , and more.

Related Post: How to Get Cheap Universal Orlando Tickets

Don’t Eat at CityWalk When Visiting Universal In One Day

More specifically, don’t eat at Universal CityWalk during the middle of the day. There’s no doubt that Universal CityWalk is located perfectly between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for easy access. However, we do feel like it simply takes way too long to leave the parks and then enter back numerous times when you are trying to get everything done at Universal in one day.  Quick service is the way to go when trying to visit Universal Orlando in one day. We know, Universal CityWalk has some amazing restaurants so we always suggest trying to plan a reservation for after your day in the parks later at night if possible!

Related Post: Complete Guide to CityWalk Bars and Clubs

Stay Onsite at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel

Universal Orlando Resort has 8 different hotels to choose from if you’re thinking about staying on property. Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort has plenty of benefits like being able to walk, take a bus or a boat from your resort to the parks. There are also a range of hotels that can fit many budgets! Staying onsite can make doing Universal Studios Orlando in one day much easier than staying farther in an offsite hotel.

One of the best perks of staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is that some of them offer Express Passes with your stay. If you stay at a Universal Premier hotel , all guests staying at that hotel are given Universal Express Unlimited Passes. The Express Unlimited passes start at $109 per person, so that’s over $400 of savings if you were debating on buying one anyway.

The Park Prodigy also now specializes in vacation packages , where you can book your hotel stay and purchase your tickets through us with ease.

Related Post: Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels

Universal Studios Park to Park One Day – Express Passes

If you book a stay through a Universal Orlando Premier Hotel , an Unlimited Express Pass is given to everyone staying with you. If you are not booked through a Premiere hotel, you can purchase one as an add-on. The Universal Express pass allows you to skip the line of certain attractions either once or an unlimited amount of times depending on the pass. As we all know, the largest time drain for any theme park vacation is the wait in line. Therefore, the Express Pass could be a game changer for those wanting to do Universal Studios Orlando in one day .

Universal Orlando Express Pass Pricing 2024

• Universal Express – Starting at $79.99. Skip the line one time per participating attraction.
• Universal Express Unlimited – Starting at $109 – Skip the line unlimited times on participating attractions.

We hope that some of these tips and tricks are helping! We found success using the Express Pass at Universal, with barely spending more than 10 minutes in line for each ride.

Related post:  What are Front of Line Passes at Universal Studios?

Can You Visit Universal Studios Orlando in One Day Bonus Tips

While we think that the tips listed above will significantly help you have the perfect Universal Studios Orlando one-day plan , here are a couple of bonus tips!

Research Universal Orlando parks layout ahead of time

Make sure you know where you’re going! Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida are large parks with many lands. If you’re looking to go to specific attractions, make sure you know where you’re going! It is easy to get turned around.

Know where and when to eat and use mobile ordering

Universal Orlando Resort is known for quick service restaurants taking a long time to prepare food. It is probably one of our biggest complaints about both theme parks. Waiting in line for quick service meals eats up a huge portion of the day and can cost you an attraction or two if you don’t plan well. Pack small snacks and be prepared to eat super early or super late. Guests can also take advantage of mobile ordering on the Universal Orlando App. This can be a huge time saver when visiting Universal in just one day! 

Use the Universal Orlando Resort App

The Universal Orlando Resort app has all there is to know about the theme parks when visiting. You can view wait times, reserve Virtual Queue spots, and even order your food. This tool can come in handy when you’re looking for the lowest waits or next showtimes. Just know that if you’re having a long day inside of the park, you might need a portable charger to keep your phone charged throughout the day.

Use Virtual Queues when available

When visiting Universal Orlando , you might see signs around that have QR codes offering you to make Virtual Queue reservations. Use them! Super popular attractions like Revenge of the Mummy and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure will utilize this system. We recommend right away when the park opens, keep an eye out for these signs. Some rides only operate through Virtual Queue, and you will miss out on that ride if you do not book them right away in the morning.

Related Post:   Complete Guide to the Lockers at Universal Orlando

Is One Day at Universal Worth it?

We believe that one day at Universal Orlando will be worth it for a lot of families! This is especially true if you are visiting Universal Orlando specifically to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, experience all of the Universal Orlando roller coasters , or the Jurassic Park rides. From our experience helping our clients even if you are trying to get absolutely everything at Universal Orlando done within one day as long as you have a park plan going into your day, you will absolutely get your money’s worth!

When looking between Disney and Universal, if you’re trying to cut down on days, Universal is definitely the park you can do in one day. With that being said, EPIC Universe is currently being built which will change our answer significantly. EPIC Universe is huge and will need a whole day just for one park, so we will have to revisit when that park opens.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Every New Epic Universe Lands

Visiting Universal Orlando in One Day FAQ

Q: Can you do Islands of Adventure in one day?

A: Yes, you can see and do everything at Islands of Adventure in one day. Ideally, we recommend giving each Universal Orlando park its own day as this will allow you to relax as you go through your day. And as we have been mentioning it is extremely important to take advantage of early park admission at Islands of Adventure when available.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our   Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar   is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

Beat the crowds with our discount Universal Orlando tickets! All guests who purchase their tickets from The Park Prodigy will get EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter absolutely FREE! This could save you a ton of time in the parks and avoid buying express passes!

Make sure to check out our friends at Theme Park Today for great tips on how to have the best Universal vacation!

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Nik Chapman

Nik Chapman is the executive editor and one of the main content creators for The Park Prodigy blog and social media pages. Nik has been a life long Disney and Universal lover and recently moved to the Orlando area to enjoy the theme parks more often. In between going to the parks and creating content for The Park Prodigy, Nik also hosts a Disney themed podcast with her two best friends and helps run multiple Disney-themed social media accounts which help over one million people per year. Nik is a local Florida resident and spends her free time trying all the newest snacks as a self-proclaimed Disney Foodie and catching the Magic Kingdom fireworks nightly from her living room window!

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Walt Disney World Tickets

Save time and money on your next Walt Disney World vacation with The Park Prodigy. With our discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets guests can choose from the following parks!

• Magic Kingdom Park
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Save up to three hours at Universal Orlando with free vacation planning tools and added benefits. With our Universal tickets guests can choose from the following parks!

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Can You do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in One Day

A trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is a must for many families when in Orlando.

However, with both parks being packed full of rides and entertainment, it can be challenging to know how you can fit them both into one day.

Thankfully it is possible to visit both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in a single day. Here are a few ways that you can make it happen ; 1. Get a park-to-park ticket 2. Stay onsite 3. Purchase Express Passes 4. Plan ahead 5. Arrive early 6. Stay late 7. Pack light

However, just because you can visit both theme parks at the Universal Studios Resort in a single day, doesn’t mean you should.

We’ve been to the Universal Studios Resort more than ten times over the past decade, and in our experience, two to three days is a better duration for those looking to experience everything the parks have to offer.

1. Get a Park-to-Park Ticket

To visit both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day you’re going to need to purchase a park-to-park ticket.

A park-to-park ticket allows guests to move between the two Universal Studios theme parks throughout the day either by exiting the park at the main entrance and going across CityWalk or by taking the Hogwarts Express.

A park-to-park ticket is on average $60 more (per person, plus tax) than a traditional one-park, per day ticket. However, without this upgrade, you’ll be unable to visit both parks on a single day.

Florida residents are able to benefit from Universal Florida resident tickets that typically make park-to-park tickets between 10% and 20% cheaper when compared to the retail cost.

2. Stay OnSite

The Universal Studios Resort is home to eight different hotels which are broken down into four different categories;

• Prime Value

The cost of staying onsite in a Universal Studios hotel is often between 10% and 20% more expensive than a similar hotel in the area.

However, the extra 10% to 20% to stay onsite is often a worthwhile expense given the number of exclusive benefits you’ll receive when visiting the Universal Studios parks.

These include;

• Fantastic location, close to Universal Studios parks
• Early theme park admission
• Complimentary transport to the parks
• Complimentary Universal Express Passes (selected hotels only)

These benefits make visiting the Universal Studios theme parks significantly easier and help you to get more from your day inside the parks.

3. Purchase Express Passes

Express Passes are an additional extra you can purchase to further enhance your general admission to the Universal Studios theme parks.

With a Universal Express Pass, you’re able to skip the standby queue for the vast majority of rides which saves you on average 70% compared to the standard wait time (in our experience).

This means if the standby wait time for Hollywood’s Rip Ride Rockit is one hour, for example, you’d only wait 20 minutes or so on average.

This pass allows you to go on significantly more rides during your single day at the Universal Studios Resort.

However, it comes at a price.

The exact cost of an Express Pass varies depending on the capacity (or estimated capacity) of the parks but often comes in at around $200 per person.

Luckily, by staying in a premier onsite hotel at the Universal Studios Resort you’ll be able to benefit from complimentary Express Passes for all guests.

The premier hotels are the most expensive hotels at the Universal Studios Resort. However, this is often significantly cheaper than purchasing Express Passes separately (especially if you’re travelling as a party of three or more).

The eligible hotels for this service include;

• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

4. Plan Ahead

To experience everything the Universal Studios theme parks have to offer in a single day requires some planning.

You’re going to want to understand;

• What rides and attractions are inside both parks.
• The height requirements of each ride (to ensure all of your party is eligible to ride)
• Personal preferences so you can cover ‘must do’ rides early.
• Which Universal Studios rides are most popular so you can head to them as soon as the park opens.

I recommend spending at least a couple of hours in advance of your visit planning your day by watching videos and referencing the latest maps of the parks.

5. Arrive Early

The best time to arrive at Universal Studios Orlando is before the park opens. This way you’ll be at the entrance of the park ready and waiting as the gates open.

From there you can go straight to the most popular rides in the park when they have the shortest wait times. We recommend arriving at the entrance to the park itself 30 minutes before the opening time for you’re desired date.

So, if the park opens at 9am on the day you visit, aim to arrive at the entrance at 8.30am.

This also means factoring in the 20-minute walk through CityWalk from the Universal Orlando parking lot or getting the bus from your hotel and heading through security at the resort entrance.

Not to mention the actual drive to the resort itself if that applies to you.

All this can mean that in our instance of the park opening at 9am and you’re arriving at the park at 8.30am you’re actually leaving your hotel or villa as early as 7am.

However, this early start is essential to ensuring you maximise your day at the Universal Studios Resort and get to experience as many of the park’s rides and attractions as possible during your visit.

6. Stay Late

People begin leaving the Universal Studios Resort at around 4pm to head back to either their hotel or villa. Between 4pm and the park closing the capacity of both Universal theme parks will gradually decrease and the standby wait times for rides inside the park will begin to reduce.

You can leave the Universal Orlando theme parks and come back later in the day. So in some cases, it’s best to head to the parks in the morning, leave over lunch (the busiest and hottest time of day) and then go back in the late afternoon, or early evening.

If you don’t have an Express Pass then this is the perfect time to go on some of the more popular rides within the park that you might not have already experienced. Some of our favourites include;

• The Hogwarts Express
• VelociCoaster
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster

The Universal Studios Florida theme park also has an exclusive evening show; the Universal Orlando Cinematic Spectacular. This performance takes place on the lagoon in the centre of the theme park and features movie projections, synchronised water fountains and fireworks.

7. Pack Light

If you’re travelling with young children then packing light for a day at the Universal parks can seem impossible.

However, I recommend where ever you can you only bring a small bag or a fanny pack.

While you’ll still be required to put these inside a locker during selected rides it’s generally significantly easier and less time-consuming to do so.

Bringing just a small bag to Universal Studios also allows you to comfortably and easily move through the theme park.

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How to do Universal Studios Orlando (Both Parks!) in One Day

Earlier this month we visited Florida for the first time. We stayed for five days in the Florida Keys and then had an extra day tacked on at the end. Super, duper, extra last minute , we decided to drive up to Orlando and do Universal Studios because why not , right? I mean, when in Florida…! Because we only had one day (and a crowded, summer day, at that) we really hustled to get in every experience that we could. And you know what? I feel like we totally did it. We saw all we needed to see in one day. So I want to share with you how to do Universal Studios in one day (in Orlando…I still haven’t been to the one in California, and I grew up just an hour away from it!).

How to do Universal Studios in One Day

First of all – if you’ve never been to Universal, here are 6 things I wish I’d known BEFORE we wen t.

Here’s what you need to know: Universal Studios is separated into two parks. I am pretty sure this is designed to make more money (you have to pay to get into each park), and it works. Well done, Universal.

To make you think you must visit both parks to get the full Universal experience, they have broken The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up into both parks ( extra well done, Universal). You must buy tickets to both parks if you want to see Diagon Alley AND Hogsmeade. Which of course you do, because they are amazing!

If I had planned this trip in advance, I probably would have planned it over two days – one for each park. But since we were so last minute and didn’t have two days, we needed to cram it all into one day – and I’m glad we did. I don’t think two days was necessary. One day was very, very expensive (as you’ll see below), but if we’d done two days it would have cost us even more in hotel and food expenses (and park tickets!).

Before we went I asked my friend Sarah for some advice. She spent a week in Orlando last summer and had some really helpful tips for me. Like, buy the Express Passes! And with that…

Are the Express Passes at Universal Studios worth it?

The Express Passes at Universal in Orlando are similar to a Fast Pass as Disney. You get on all the rides with a much shorter line if you have an Express Pass. With a Fast Pass, though, you can only reserve 3 rides a day. The Express Pass is for all the rides (except new ones).

There are two Express Pass options – one that you can use once per ride, and one for unlimited rides (meaning you can use it over and over again on your favorite ride). The price difference between the two was about $20. The cost of the Express Pass alone was nearly the cost of the admission ticket, so it basically doubled our costs to get in. I can safely say that it more than doubled the amount of rides we were able to get on, though, making it worth it for us.

The kids went on 18 or 19 rides each in one day, on a busy July day! The Express Passes are sold in a limited amount, which keeps the lines down. Most of the lines in July were about an hour long. I don’t think we waited more than 15 minutes for a ride with our Express Passes, though. If you’re cramming two parks into one day, and it’s a busy day, this investment is probably worth it (it was definitely worth it to us).

The Express Passes don’t work for new rides, so unfortunately we weren’t able to use it for the new Hagrid ride (the line was 3 hours long, when the park opened, for that one!).

Which park at Universal Orlando is Harry Potter World in?

Harry Potter World is broken up into both parks. You’ll find Diagon Alley in one, and Hogsmeads in the other. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll want to visit both. I can’t say enough good things about it. It was magical!

If you can only visit one park, look at the other rides in that park and make sure you choose the park that has the most rides you are interested in. If I haaaaaad to pick a favorite Harry Potter world, I’d pick Diagon Alley. It’s mostly shops, but you will actually feel like you’re in Diagon Alley…even down to finding it in the first place! And don’t forget to look for Knockturn Alley while you’re there!

Also, sidenote: the Frozen Butterbeer is the best butterbeer.

Are the Harry Potter wands worth it at Universal?

You can buy your favorite Harry Potter characters wand and use it all over the park. The wands are beautifully packaged and come with a gorgeous map and instructions for how to use them around the park. They are also expensive, around $45 each. We bought a “community wand” (Sirius Black’s wand!) that the kids could share. Some of the lines to use the wands were a little long. The kids loved it and I would say it was worth it, but I’m glad we just bought one and shared it rather than splurging on one for each kid. I mean, one wand was a splurge, to be honest!

Can you back and forth between the parks at Universal Orlando?

Yes! But you need a ticket for each park. The Hogwart’s Express will take you between parks. You can buy a Park-to-Park ticket, which will get you into both parks on the same day. The Park-to-Park ticket was considerably cheaper than buying two separate tickets, which was definitely one bonus to cramming it all into one day!

Buy tickets and Express Passes before you go to save time (and sometimes money – there are some deals on the Universal Orlando website!).

Plan your meals out and try to avoid the lunch and dinner rushes.

Lunch took longer than we had hoped. My son is a huge, huge, huge Simpson’s fan so of course we wanted to eat Krusty Burger. I would probably not do Krusty Burger again. The fries were great but the burgers all came with a weird cheese sauce and I kind of felt like it was a dressed up gas station burger. But the real reason I would avoid it is because the lines were so long, and seating was minimal…I walked circles for fifteen minutes before snatching up a dirty table when I saw someone else leaving. We spent over an hour here, waiting to get food and eating, and with limited time to get everything in, it felt a little wasted. And that was eating lunch around 2pm, which I would think would be an off time.

We did get a giant donut though, so there’s that.

For dinner we did The Leaky Cauldron, and that was very good – and also not crowded when we got in for dinner around 8:30 that night!

Is the Prime Parking at Universal Studios worth it?

We paid for the Prime Parking. I mean, we’d might as well have just handed over our bank account number and told them to drain us dry at this point – and this was first thing in the morning! But regular parking is $25. Prime is $40, and we parked basically as close as was possible to the park entrance. Once the park closed (at 10pm) we had to drive back to Ft. Lauderdale to catch a 6am flight the next morning, so this was actually well worth the $14 upcharge. We didn’t walk as far to get in to the park, we got back to our car quickly when the park closed (with two kids, that was helpful), and we avoided all the traffic leaving the park because we got out so quickly.

The Prime Parking spaces are right next to the handicapped spots.

I think if it’s worth it or not just depends on how much you want to part with $14 in exchange for a sweet parking spot! Another option would be to get there super early (the parking garage opens hours before the park) and get the best spot you can bright and early…then walk to the park entrance and be ready to make a run for your favorite ride when it opens!

Some hotels offer a shuttle service and you can avoid parking fees completely!

Get there early.

Express Passes or not, get there early and plan on spending the whole day there. We spent about 7 hours in the Islands of Adventure Park (the kids love Jurassic Park, and did the ride four times!). We spent the remainder of the day in the Universal Studios Park (which had the Simpson’s world and Diagon Alley). We got there when the parks opened and stayed until they closed. My fitbit said I had 23k steps and my feet would definitely agree.

Download the app!

The Universal Studios app had two really helpful features: maps of each park and height requirements for all the rides.

Bring your own water.

Water bottles are expensive. You can bring up to 2 liters of water with you, and refill it at drinking fountains. This is cheaper and quicker than buying it throughout the day. Some of those lines get long! You could also bring your own “small snacks” according to the website, so if you want to plan accordingly you could bring in your own food and potentially avoid the food lines, period.

Is Universal Studios worth it?

So you can probably tell by now that we spent a lot of money and a ton of energy on our trip (that three hour drive back to Ft. Lauderdale with a 6am flight the next morning was NO JOKE). Was it worth it?

Yes. I am glad we did it. I loved, loved, LOVED The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (I could have spent all day in Diagon Alley). The kids were so excited about it, and haven’t stopped talking about it. I feel like the memory will last a lifetime. I don’t think we’ll do it again any time soon (next time, we’ll do Disney!), and that makes me extra glad we made this trip work!

I will say this – most of the rides are 3D rides, or rides that involve a screen of some sort. I didn’t expect this and I had crazy motion sickness, so I avoided a bunch of the rides. But it was still worth it to me, just for Harry Potter world and to see my kids having so much fun!

Here are 6 things I wish I’d known before going to Universal Studios.

So, yes…you can do both parks at Universal Studios in one day and have an amazing time!

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Planning my trip now- Very helpful! Thank you 😀

So glad! Have fun…I’m still dreaming about Diagon Alley! <3

I was hoping for some great advice here but when you started comparing FP+ to EP then I knew I had hit up the wrong blog. FP+ and EP are nothing alike. FP+ is advance reservation and EP does not require as much planning as FP+.

Next, never suggest someone “make a run for your favorite ride”. You are not supposed to be running in any park much less a parking lot.

Your photographs are good.

I don’t mean running literally – “hustle to your favorite ride” is the idea I was trying to convey. I want to be clear that I’m not telling people to run in a parking lot or inside the parks. It’s much too crowded for that.

Glad you liked the photos.

I’m going in a couple months and I want to get the most out of the parks on the trip. This was very helpful.

I’m so glad! We had such a great time. I hope you have an amazing trip!

Thanks for the heads up!

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1-Day Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure 2-Park Hopper Itinerary

Our 1-day Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure 2-park itinerary offers a step by step plan for an ideal visit to both Universal Orlando theme parks in a single day. This hopper strategy covers how to spend less time waiting in lines and avoiding crowds at headliner thrill rides & roller coasters. Plus, advice for restaurants, shows, entertainment, and more.

A few things before we get started. First, Central Florida theme parks are utilizing health safety protocol, and this itinerary has been created following the reopening of Universal Orlando to take into account those operational tweaks . With that said, Universal Orlando has not changed as much as Walt Disney World. There’s reduced capacity, physical distancing, and Universal’s face mask rules , but pretty much everything is pretty close to normal.

Second, this itinerary assumes that you do not have Express Pass, which is Universal’s skip-the-line option. If you’re staying in an on-site hotel that includes Express Pass Unlimited, that takes away a lot of pressure. Frankly, Express Pass is about the only way you’ll accomplish most headliners in both parks, so that’s definitely good to have.

Third, this itinerary also ignores Early Park Admission ( click here for current schedule ), which is usually available daily at Islands of Adventure and many days at Universal Studios Florida for on-site hotel guests and select others. Early Park Admission allows access one hour prior before scheduled park opening time to all of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions in both parks, as well as the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Not only does this park-to-park itinerary ignore early entry, but it assumes you’re visiting on a day when Universal Studios Florida is not offering it. (Hence the touring plan beginning in USF.) If both parks are offering Early Park Admission and you’re not eligible for it, the deck is really stacked against you. Not only will you be entering after on-site guests, but you’ve visiting on a more crowded day.

Finally, please do not use this itinerary. Seriously. If you’re not eligible for Express Pass and Early Park Admission, you have absolutely no chance at accomplishing everything in both parks. On most days, you’ll be lucky to accomplish half of what Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have to offer. We strongly recommend you do at least 2 days.

If you are eligible for Express Pass and/or Early Park Admission, that probably means you’re staying in an on-site Universal Orlando. Even if you’re only staying one night, you have access to these perks on arrival and checkout day. Take advantage of that and spread out your visit to 2 days.

If it’s a matter of money, there’s not much better use of your theme park dollars than doing a single-night stay at a qualifying on-site Universal hotel and getting Express Pass and Early Park Admission for “free” (included with your stay). If it’s a matter of time, our view is that Universal Orlando is well worth two days of your limited vacation. In either scenario, you’re better off following our 1-Day Universal Studios Florida Itinerary and 1-Day Islands of Adventure Itinerary .

With all of that said, we know many of you–in particular those staying on-site at Walt Disney World or concerned about the more intense nature of many Universal rides–may not want to allocate that much time to Universal. Can’t argue with that; this itinerary is for you. We simply don’t want to sugarcoat it–this itinerary requires compromises and skipping a lot. It is impossible to accomplish everything at Universal Orlando in a single day. Anyone who claims otherwise is selling you a bill of goods.

That’s enough with the caveats and long-winded preface, let’s get to the brass tacks of our 2-park, 1-day Universal Orlando itinerary…

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts — There are a total of 5 rides in the collective Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. All are varying degrees of very popular. Obviously, it’s impossible to rope drop all of them, across two parks, and devote sufficient time to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. That’s arguably the biggest downfall of doing both parks in a single day.

Setting all of that aside, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a great way to start your day of riding the movies at Universal Studios Florida. From exterior to bank queue to pre-show to the 3D track-based motion ride itself, this is an immersive and incredible experience.

Revenge of the Mummy — Spent a few minutes exploring Diagon Alley while it’s quiet and uncrowded, but not too long. Next up you’ll cross through San Francisco en route to New York and Revenge of the Mummy.

While it’s a fun themed roller coaster with great special effects and mild thrills there’s more to it than exhilaration and impressive technical effects. It’s clever, silly, and surprisingly story-driven. Don’t miss it.

Transformers: The Ride 3D — Only a couple of “blocks” away is Transformers: The Ride 3D. This attraction is top notch. Arguably, all Michael Bay creations should be frenetic theme park attractions instead of multi-hour movies.

Loud, fast-paced, and mindless action translate to a theme park attraction better than they do a movie. Transformers: The Ride 3D distills the best parts of the franchise into a 5-minute ride that’s better than the films.

The Simpsons Ride — This “theme park within a theme park” takes you and the Simpsons to Krustyland in a fun motion simulator attraction. It can get long lines by midday, so hopefully you beat the crowd here and encounter a 45 minute or shorter posted wait time.

The Simpsons Ride is fun for everyone, but more so for longtime fans of the Simpsons who will appreciate the many characters, in-jokes, referential humor and gags, and just the general trappings of the Simpsons humor.

Ride the Wave Until Lunch – Even though it’s only 4 rides, knocking out those headliners with short waits is a big deal. At this point, continue riding the wave of short wait times to the extent possible. Skip anything with a longer wait than you’re willing to bear.

Realistically, you should be able to hit E.T. Adventure and Men in Black: Alien Attack with minimal waits. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is another option, albeit a bit of a long shot. If its wait time is under 45 minutes, consider doing it prior to lunch.

The Simpsons’ Fast Food Blvd — There’s something for everyone here in this multi-stop eatery. This fun food court is an exercise in excess that leans into stereotypes about fast food pulled from the Simpsons. But it works and is delicious.

My view here is go big or go home. I genuinely enjoy the Clogger Burger, and the Chicken and Waffle Sandwich is another winner. You’ll also find a few healthy options, and other iconic dishes and drinks from the Simpsons. Plus details and design that are on point.

Slow Down with a Show – Both Bourne Stuntacular and Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-up Show are exceptional shows that are in the neighborhood. Trying to do both might be pushing it during the course of a single day (or not if you skip other stuff), but they’re both highly recommended. Other excellent entertainment includes the Blues Brothers Show and Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas.

Check out showtimes and see what you can easily slot into your schedule. It might even be most advantageous to do one, then lunch, then the other. Two of the important “rules” of an itinerary like this one are that you have to be flexible with scheduling and willing to backtrack. Shuffling things around and doing extra walking will save you time.

Upfront Options – Mid afternoon often has some of the shortest wait times for two headliner attractions at the front of Universal Studios Florida: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

We aren’t huge fans of either. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a short, fairly middling roller coaster that is inferior to the Incredible Hulk Coaster over at Islands of Adventure. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is solid, but it can be a hassle. Whether to skip them is up to you; check wait times and decide accordingly.

Park Hopping Time – There are two options for this: the Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross Train Station at the back of the park or the front entrance. The latter will take you about 10 minutes park to park. The former will take about that much time, plus its posted wait time.

Which is the right option for you depends upon a mix of whether you’re a Potterhead and the length of the Hogwarts Express wait time. If it’s 30 minutes or less, no question, do that. Wait times of 45 minutes or longer present more of a dilemma. We think Hogwarts Express is a novel attraction and really clever way of park hopping while remaining immersed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, it’s also not as revolutionary of an experience as some diehard Potterheads and theme park fans make it out to be.

Afternoon Entertainment – We’re going to assume you enter Islands of Adventure via the Hogwarts Express, but it really doesn’t matter. The priority now is entertainment, and that’s all over Islands of Adventure.

In particular, we’d recommend starting by checking out the Frog Choir in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and the Mystic Fountain in Lost Continent before moving on to Seuss Landing. Or, you can simply start up there if entering through the front of the park.

High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride – This elevated peoplemover ride offers great aerial views above Seuss Landing. It’s often dismissed out of hand as a kiddie ride, but this is an underrated leisure-seeker’s delight—a great way to relax during a long day at Universal Orlando.

There are a lot of other things to do in Seuss Landing, especially for families with small children. Do those if your schedule and wait times allow. However, there’s nothing you’ll really regret skipping.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster – In our single day Islands of Adventure touring plan, this is the first stop. That’s objectively better advice; beating the crowds to this roller coaster will save you a lot of time. Unfortunately, you cannot “beat the crowds” to everything in both parks, so it becomes a matter of waiting them out. (Hence slowing down mid-afternoon with shows and entertainment.)

Due to Marvel Super Hero Island’s location at the front of the park, it can work well to hit the Incredible Hulk Coaster in late afternoon as few guests are entering the park. You’ll still likely encounter a long wait, just not as bad as mid-morning or early afternoon.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – It’s a similar story here. You very well might encounter a wait time of an hour or more at the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

Unfortunately, long wait times for some attractions is the cost of doing both Universal Orlando parks in a single day and why we recommended two days instead of one. With that said, whatever the wait time for the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, it’s worth it for one of the best theme park attractions in the world.

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – Wait times for water rides vary wildly based upon season and crowd levels. Assuming the weather and waits are conducive, we recommend heading to Toon Lagoon next for the underrated Bilge-Rat Barges. If time allows, also do nearby Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. It’s like a cut-rate Splash Mountain, right down to the IP most guests won’t recognize.

Welcome… to Jurassic Park – Since you’re already wet, bypass the King Kong area for now and head to Jurassic Park for its water ride. Beyond Jurassic Park River Adventure, there’s actually a lot to see and do in this land. That’ll be doubly true when VelociCoaster debuts. Check out Pteranodon Flyers if you have kids and Raptor Encounter if you have time.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong – This itinerary requires a lot of compromising and backtracking, but this is actually our ideal time to do Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Its wait times typically drop by late afternoon; plus the long and dark queue is a nice reprieve from the afternoon heat.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – On busier days, this roller coaster uses the Virtual Line Pass, which is in high demand. It is thus imperative that you download the official Universal Orlando app before your visit and check for Virtual Line availability for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure starting just prior to park opening.

If you’re unable to score a spot right away, diligently refresh the app throughout the day—slots often are released later. Regardless of whether the Virtual Line or physical standby queue is in use, we’d recommend not waiting until the very end of the evening to do Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. While the ride is now more reliable than when it debuted, breakdowns still happen, and you don’t want to put all your eggs in the ‘end of night’ basket on this exceptional attraction.

Dinner at the Three Broomsticks – After knocking out Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, head across the walkway in Hogsmeade to Three Broomsticks. This rustic tavern serving British pub fare is far and away the best counter service food in Islands of Adventure.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Shortly before park closing is the best time to do the OG Harry Potter ride. You might also consider Flight of the Hippogriff if you skipped it earlier or the line is short. Another ride on Hagrid’s might be a long-shot option, as well.

After you get exit Hogwarts Castle, you should have the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade largely to yourself. This is a great time to savor the atmosphere and details, while grabbing some night photos of this beautifully designed land as the park closes. In a perfect world, we’d prefer to have this time to explore the Diagon Alley side of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so if you’re somehow in a position to take the Hogwarts Express back to Universal Studios Florida to end the night, we’d recommend doing that.

Ultimately, that should make for an exhilarating and exhausting day at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Lots of thrills and excitement, but also lots of steps. While this certainly would not be our ideal way to experience Universal Orlando, if you only have one day and want to do the highlights, this is the best approach. All told, over 20 very good things in a day is entirely realistic and feasible if you follow this itinerary!

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

YOUR THOUGHTS

What would you include in your perfect day at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure? Do you prefer spreading out your visit to Universal Orlando over multiple days, or packing as much into a single day as possible? Any favorite rides, shows, restaurants, or snacks you recommend? Anything we skipped that you view as a must-do? Do you agree or disagree with our strategy? If you haven’t visited Universal Orlando, what do you plan on doing? Any other highlights for you? Thoughts on anything else covered here? Will you be attempting to visit Central Florida this year, or are you waiting until 2022 or beyond? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Hi Tom is there an updated version of this? Is there an itinerary post for a two day with express pass park to park? Hoping! 🙂

Hi ! Why don’t you have a 2 days Guide ? I’ve been reading a lot of your post for my vacation in mid-November. I will be going at Disney for 3 parks and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and 2 days at Universal Studio. I do have the park hopper option to make sure to go make the Hogwarts Express (Potterhead here !) and trying to plan everything is hard. I really love your blog but I would love a 2 days option for Universal Studio.

Hi Tom, this post needs to be updated to incorporate Velocicoaster 🙂 thanks

Alex- maybe it has changed but for Hagrid Virtual Line I thought you only had to be on Universal property. We were there in April and got passes at our hotel (Royal Pacific) around 4pm.

Agree about Royal Pacific and express pass for 2 days staying there one night but you pay for parking there so it’s not free parking.

Tom the one thing I would change on this plan or at least put a warning – Simpsons ride. It is the worst motion sickness I have ever had on any ride, they stopped it and let us off because I was turning green. My whole family also felt sick and they never get motion sick. We never road it again!

We followed this itinerary pretty closely and were able to accomplish our entire hit list in both parks! However, a few caveats:

– Express Pass is non-negotiable if you want to do both parks in one day. We wouldn’t have even managed our hit list for one park in a day without it. We stayed at Portofino Bay to get it and it was well worth the money.

– This post underplays how important securing a Virtual Line slot for Hagrid’s is. It’s the best ride in Orlando, better than Rise of the Resistance IMO, and the slots go just as quickly as ROTR’s do, though the drops are better spaced out. And unlike the morning drop for ROTR, you can’t get a spot in the virtual queue unless you are inside the gates of Islands of Adventure, so you should be really on the ball about planning your day around it. If you follow Tom’s plan and stay in Universal all morning, you’ll miss most of the virtual line drops.

– If you’re a Potterhead, be advised that the Express Pass queue for Hogwarts Express does not have the fun photo-op at Platform 9 3/4. Really disappointing given the cost of those passes

– The food situation at Universal, especially IoA, is dire right now. Everywhere is understaffed and oversubscribed. We held out until 3pm for lunch, thinking we’d beat the worst of the crowds, and instead found ourselves hot, starving and miserable in an hour-long wait in the sun for chicken fingers. We didn’t get to try Butterbeer because the lines were easily 30-45 minutes long all day and we ultimately had to just skip it. Three Broomsticks/Leaky Cauldron were not even remotely an option. Be sure to bring snacks.

Are you going to do 3 day universal and islands of adventure itinerary?

I love Universal Themes, can’t be beat. But when there was only 1 park we could do it in a day. My husband and 3 sons were only moderate roller coaster riders. By 2:00 they were bored and asked to go back to Disney. My husband who was not a real fan of Disney remarked that Universal has no magic. Lol. Since the arrival of the second park we have still managed to do both in one day. We like food and the scenery most!

Only visited Universal once, and stayed one night at Royal Pacific with a 2-day park pass. Yes, the hotel was expensive, but less-so when you factor in free parking for nearly 2 days, 2 days of Express Passes and Early Park Admission, plus the boat ride to/from the Parks was almost an attraction by itself. Of course this was before Universal completed the newer value hotels.

That said, frankly by the middle of the afternoon on the second day we were killing time. If you’re not into the mega-coasters that reduces the time to see everything even if you do all the shows. And we definitely lingered in the Potter sections, especially Diagon Alley, for a lot longer than we needed to, just soaking up the atmosphere. While I certainly appreciate the Pandora area the Diagon Alley is more attractive to me. I think both do an excellent job of theming, it’s just that in my imagination I’d rather spend a day in Diagon than in Pandora. Hogsmeade, OTOH, was less immersive IMO.

Having been to USH a few times, I was able to hit nearly every major attraction across both parks while skipping the cloned rides (most notably Minion Mayhem, Simpsons, and Transformers). Even then, it was a packed day trying to see two parks in one day!

Where would you suggest starting the day if you have only one day to see both parks AND it’s a day with Early Park Admission at both parks?

Not sure if it was intentionally left out, but if your goal is to do as close to everything at both parks in one day without an express pass, use single rider. It’s super doable to ride every ride once in both parks in a single day without an express pass and if you don’t have early morning entry if you use the single rider lines well.

Pros: – Much shorter *usually* than the standby line

Cons: – Can be super inconsistent – you only move if groups of 3 get on the ride and you get to fill the spot left empty. – Miss the whole detailed standby queue. (This is mainly a sad thing on the HP rides and maybe Kong) – Won’t ride next to the others in your group.

If you are the type of person who is thinking about riding every ride in a day in both parks and you don’t want an express pass, the huge time saver is probably worth it. I’m sure you already know about this Tom, not sure if it was left out due to the current covid situation or just because you wanted to keep this standby only.

Brandon, I agree with you about the single rider option. You can get everything accomplished if single rider lines are available. However, due to COVID pandemic, Universal currently doesn’t have any single rider lines. For this reason, I don’t think it is possible to experience every attraction at both Universal Parks in one day without express pass.

It was intentionally left out due to being currently unavailable. (It’s also been removed from our Walt Disney World itineraries for the same reason.) I’m a huge fan and advocate of single rider lines.

I’ll have to update/overhaul this once VelociCoaster opens anyway, so I figure I can add more if single rider lines return by then (hopefully) and make accomplishing more in a single day feasible.

@Eric Actually this guy managed it during covid! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-9iF1jsb7g Same as normal it won’t happen if the park is packed to overflowing but still the point is with an efficient itinerary it’s totally possible.

As a related side note I’ve generally found that people underestimate the amount of rides you can get done in a day at Disney resorts. The folks over at Parkeology ( https://www.parkeology.com/parkeology-challenge-all-disney-world-disneyland-rides-one-day ) have been riding every ride at Disney World (yes – EVERY RIDE) in one day for several years. Same thing at Disneyland. Nobody has done it since Rise of the Resistance opened and covid started, but smart tourists can ride a crazy amount of rides in one day. This misses lots of the great ambiance, shows, and food, but still sometimes you just want to sprint from ride to ride all day. Just a fun tidbit I enjoy following.

Good stuff…thanks Tom!

I just returned from Universal Studios. I was at the parks from March 14th to March 17th. This time of the year is getting into the spring break crowd. The parks were as full as I have ever seen them. Wait times for the headliner attractions were all over 100 minutes. Universal studios is still quasi implementing some social distancing precautions such as not having single rider lines, and in some cases separating guest on their attractions.

The truth is that in the minds of many American’s the pandemic is over and people aren’t hesitating to travel to the theme parks. I’m not so sure that the Theme parks are staffing and operating at a level to accommodate the large crowds that they are getting. It was clear to me that this past week of spring break Universal Studios wasn’t ready for that large of a crowd, and if you are thinking about going to Tampa’s Bush Gardens forget it. We went there for a day and left at noon because they were so understaffed for the crowd that they received.

Until Universal Studios removes their Social Distancing rules, and allows single rider lines on their attractions again, I don’t think that Universal Studios is a viable option for me and my family without the Express Pass.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

All of these itineraries assume (and were field tested with) moderate crowd levels. You definitely wouldn’t be able to accomplish everything during spring break attendance. However, I have zero desire to subject myself to the current crowds to come up with itineraries specifically for really busy days.

So true. Broward County spring break was this past week. Friends of mine did the “buy a day, get 3 free” Florida resident deal. They only went 2 days. They said it was really crowded and seemed understaffed. My family did Sea World and Aquatica and didn’t really have too many complaints. It was a little scary near the lockers at Aquatica to see everyone crowded in without masks (not required). That is going to take some getting used to!

I’m tired reading this intinarary LOL. You are spot on with two days for the two parks. I always tell people of you can’t do two days you need to get the express pass at least to help with the lines.

For people with a budget and only one day I would point then to your article here!

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• FREE Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure 1-Day Touring Plan

The purpose of this plan is to give you a framework for visiting the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Florida (USF) and Islands of Adventure (IOA) in one day.

This plan is written for guests with and without Express Passes; however, to accomplish everything on this list during busy days, we highly recommend that you consider purchasing Express access. You can learn more in our complete guide .

It’s important to understand that, for most of the year, it’s simply not possible to do everything in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida in a single day – so we have selected the fan-favorites for this touring plan. With that said, though, we strongly recommend that you consider giving your family at least three days (if not four) to experience everything Universal has to offer and at a pace that gives you time to have fun , too. If you can do this, then we have a special three-day touring plan just for you. (We also have a full guide covering how much time, exactly, you and your family should spend at Universal Orlando Resort.)

Finally, Universal features free resort-wide wifi and an updated mobile app that provides wait times for the rides and performance times for the shows. To download the app, follow these links: Android or iOS .

Skip to: COVID | IOA | USF

COVID-19 note

Ever since Universal Orlando reopened after its initial COVID-19 closure , changes have been implemented that will impact your touring of the parks. Most pertinently, all single-rider lines have been closed (even though we still have those attractions that normally feature them marked as such), and there has been a greater emphasis placed on Virtual Lines, whether these are used exclusively or in conjunction with standby lines. This last point means that you’ll have to secure a return-time slot before you’re able to go to the ride at all, and it’s also important to note that the roster of Virtual Line-enabled experiences can change on a daily – or, even, hourly – basis, depending upon the overall crowd levels. (For more on this, please see our insider’s guide .)

You can read more about how the parks operate in a COVID world here .

Islands of Adventure

1. Entrance to Islands of Adventure We recommend that you get to the turnstiles 45 minutes before the park opens for the best chance to jump-start your touring day. Once you get through the turnstiles, be sure to pick up a park guide map. Universal’s in-park guide map covers both theme parks, and it includes times for the live shows and many of the character meet-and-greets.

Why are we starting at Islands of Adventure? Simply put, in the early morning hours, most guests are drawn to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. So we’re going to skip that crowd by waiting until the evening to visit USF.

2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure  – SR (single rider) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; has a single-rider line. Summary: a thrilling, perfectly immersive outdoor roller coaster that takes you through the Forbidden Forest.

If Hagrid is using a Virtual Line that day – which is a pretty sure bet – you’ll need to use this time to grab a return-time slot instead of riding through the Forbidden Forest with the Hogwarts professor. Start trying to get your virtual spot as soon as possible, and slide it into wherever you can in the touring plan – everything else can be molded around what is arguably Universal Orlando’s flagship attraction!

3. Skull Island: Reign of Kong  – EP (Express Pass) SR Skull Island

Restrictions and access: 34 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: board a large expedition vehicle and travel deep into Skull Island in the search for King Kong.

Upon exiting Skull Island, it’s time to visit Hogsmeade.

4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – EP / SR The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; loose articles must be stowed in the free lockers inside Hogwarts Castle; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: the first part is a tour of Hogwarts Castle’s most iconic rooms. The second part is a revolutionary flight simulator.

We’ve now experienced the big attractions inside Hogsmeade. Note that we’ll be skipping Ollivanders Wand Shop at this time because we’ll visit the location in Diagon Alley later.

Let’s head to Marvel Super Hero Island!

5. The Incredible Hulk Coaster – EP / SR Marvel Super Hero Island

Restrictions and access: 54 inches; loose articles must be stowed in free lockers; has Express Pass access; also has a front-row line. Summary: one of the best high-speed, outdoor roller coasters in Orlando, featuring a story centered on the Hulk and a soundtrack provided by Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump.

Alternative 5. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall  – EP / SR Marvel Super Hero Island

Restrictions and access: 52 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: Dr. Doom needs fear, and you have agreed to provide him with an unlimited supply by going on this launch tower attraction.

6. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – EP / SR Marvel Super Hero Island

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: combining 3D film, ride movement, and special effects for a completely convincing simulator ride experience.

Now it’s time for Toon Lagoon and its water rides! Ideally, you will go on the next three attractions in a row because you will get soaked, for sure, on the first two and, most likely, on the third.

Warning: especially-warm weather may drive up the wait times at the water rides. If you encounter this and are concerned about time, skip Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.

7. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – EP / SR Toon Lagoon

Restrictions and access: 44 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line; there are lockers nearby for convenience. Summary: the ultimate flume ride – you will get soaked .

8. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – EP Toon Lagoon

Restrictions and access: 42 inches. Summary: traditional raft ride – you will get soaked .

9. Jurassic Park River Adventure – EP Jurassic Park

Restrictions and access: 42 inches; has Express Pass access. Summary: a dino-filled boat ride that ends with a plunge – will get you wet depending on where you are sitting.

Now we have some choices. You’re likely to be getting hungry by this point. If you can fend off hunger for a while longer and it’s before noon, you can enjoy a little more of Islands of Adventure. Depending on your family’s interests, we offer these two additional attractions (please note that you should only attempt to do one or both of these if they can be accomplished before noon):

10A. Camp Jurassic Jurassic Park

Summary: a truly gigantic play area with everything from slides and climbing nets to caves and water cannons.

10B .  Jurassic World VelociCoaster Jurassic Park

Restrictions and access: Height requirement is 51 inches;  Express Pass  access is currently unavailable, but there is a single-rider line that is open intermittently. Summary: the apex predator of roller coasters is here!

11. The Cat in the Hat – EP Seuss Landing

Restrictions and access: 36 inches; has Express pass access. Summary: dark ride that takes you into the Cat in the Hat story. Entertaining enough for everyone in the family.

Around noon, it’s time to leave Islands of Adventure and continue our touring at Universal Studios Florida.

Because you have park-to-park admission, you have the opportunity to ride the Hogwarts Express . Assuming it has a wait time of 30 minutes or less, which it almost certainly will in the first half of the day, get in line and head over to USF. Alternatively, you can walk to the other theme park, if you please. Note: there are no restrictions to ride the Hogwarts Express ( strollers and ECVs are welcomed), and the train does sport Express Pass access.

Either way you arrive at USF, head for Hollywood…

Universal Studios Florida

12. The Bourne Stuntacular Hollywood

Restrictions and access: none; doesn’t have Express Pass access. Summary: a high-octane, thrilling, and totally immersive stunt show starring Jason Bourne.

*This is a live stage show and the showtimes will vary – verify the schedule in your park map and try to arrive 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin.

13. Lunch time – Fast Food Boulevard Springfield: Home of the Simpsons

This quick-service dining venue offers the widest variety of food in a single restaurant, not to mention some pretty wacky theming (it’s a huge hit for Simpsons fans!). If you’re not quite up for fried food, Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck right down the way is just as good. Not interested in eating? Then go for drinks at Moe’s Tavern or Duff Brewery .

A word of caution regarding Fast Food Boulevard: it’s a very popular destination for lunch at USF. If you’re visiting when it’s really busy, it may be in your best interest to stop at Mel’s Drive-In in Hollywood instead. While Mel’s doesn’t offer the variety or novelty of Fast Food Blvd, it’s classic Universal Studios and still one of our favorites.

14. The Simpsons Ride – EP Springfield: Home of the Simpsons

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access. Summary: motion-simulator ride choke-full of characters straight from the show and generous portions of Simpsons humor.

15. Men in Black Alien Attack – EP / SR World Expo

Restrictions and access: 42 inches; must stow loose articles in the free lockers adjacent to the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: Men in Black is a shooter ride where you are the newest MIB recruit.

We’re going to walk by the London waterfront of Diagon Alley now. We know it looks amazing – trust us, we’ll be getting back here soon!

16. Revenge of the Mummy – EP / SR New York

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers adjacent to the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: a not-to-be-missed high-speed, indoor roller coaster.

We’ve reached another point where you may need to make some decisions about what you want to visit most.

Here’s the scoop: you want to give yourself two or three hours for Diagon Alley, depending on your interest in Harry Potter . So, you’ll have to do a little math and determine what time you need to be at Diagon Alley given USF’s closing time. Then, based on that calculation, you know how much time you have to fit in one, two, or all three of the following attractions (they’re listed in our priority order):

17. Transformers: The Ride – 3D – EP / SR Production Central

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: as a NEST recruit, jump into this intense, 3D simulator experience and prepare for battle alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.

18. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – EP Production Central

Restrictions and access: 40 inches to ride the motion simulator; otherwise, there are stationary platforms available; must be 48 inches to ride alone; has Express Pass access. Summary: join Gru and the girls in this family-friendly simulator ride featuring an all-new storyline and animation from the films – and plenty of Minion shenanigans.

19. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – EP / SR Production Central

Restrictions and access: 51 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers just past the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access; usually has a single-rider line; also has a front-row line. Summary: high-speed outdoor roller coaster where you pick your soundtrack.

If you miss any of these three attractions, you can try again at the very end of the night. We just want to be sure we leave two or three hours for Diagon Alley, since it really is one of the most impressive theme-park lands in the world.

Should you be lucky enough to have more time than you thought you’d have at this point, then we have two more recommendations:

20. Horror Make-Up Show – EP Hollywood

*Verify the schedule in your park map and try to arrive 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin.

Restrictions and access: none; has Express Pass access. Summary: just as much of a comedy routine as a behind-the-scenes look at horror effects.

21. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon   – E P New York

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access; often has a Virtual Line (return-time system), but in the last few hours of the day, it will have a standby queue. Summary: a simulated race through New York with talk-show host Jimmy Fallon and popular characters from The Tonight Show .

Summary: a standard (albeit funny) motion-simulator ride that has you, well, racing through New York City against  Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. Beforehand, experience one of the best queues in all of (Universal) Orlando.

The time has finally arrived: prepare to enter Diagon Alley. Remember, depending on your family’s interest in  Harry Potter , you should be arriving at this point in the touring plan with two or three hours left before park closing.

Before we enter Diagon Alley, we need to explain our mini-plan for this land. Essentially, the only attraction inside Diagon Alley with a significant wait time is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, but this can be as high as an hour or two.

So, when you head into this area, you need to look up the Gringotts wait time and decide, exactly, how you want to spend your evening. It’s worth noting that Escape from Gringotts does have a single-rider line, but it skips the entire bank tour and preshow, which are just as impressive as the attraction (for the record, the single-rider line is usually a quarter to a half of the posted standby time).

Given the explanation we just offered, we’re going to list Escape from Gringotts next. Keep in mind, the later you can get in line, the shorter the line will be… but you will be missing out on the Wizarding World at night. The other stops in Diagon Alley may be done in any sequence.

22. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – EP / SR The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Restrictions and access: 42 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers before the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access; usually has a single-rider line. Summary: impressive tour through Gringotts Wizarding Bank followed by a multi-dimensional, multi-sensory 3D track-based motion ride (remember, single-rider line skips the bank tour and entire preshow).

23. Ollivanders Wand Shop The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Restrictions and access: none; does not have Express Pass access. Summary: meticulously themed boutique where the wand chooses the wizard.

24. Interactive wands and spell-casting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Summary: display your wizarding talents with your new interactive wand as you magically affect the displays in various storefronts and, possibly, other secret areas. Note: you’ll need to purchase an interactive wand at Ollivanders or Wands by Gregorovitch to participate (and there are additional spellcasting locations over in Hogsmeade, as well, for later in your vacation).

25. Dinner time – The Leaky Cauldron The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Taking quick-service theme-park dining to its pinnacle, The Leaky Cauldron offers a variety of British fare set in a beautiful dining hall full of whimsical, wizarding decor.

Remember earlier when you might have skipped Transformers, Despicable Me, or Rip Ride Rockit? Now would be the time to check the current wait times and see if you want to try again. However, if you’re perfectly happy staying inside Diagon Alley and you still have more time before the end of the evening, there’s so much more to see…

You can catch the live entertainment in Carkitt Markett ( Tales of Beedle the Bard and Celestina Warbeck ), taste the treats of Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour , and slink your way through the creepy corners of Knockturn Alley . And before you leave, make sure you’ve seen the sights of the London waterfront , including the Knight Bus with its conductor and interactive shrunken head, and 12 Grimmauld Place (keep an eye out for Kreacher!).

We hope you’ve had an incredible day at Universal Orlando Resort!

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How to Do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in One Day

By Eden Ashley To cover the cost of my website and the time I spend writing these posts, sometimes I link to affiliate products. If you choose to buy through these links, thank you! It makes it possible for me to keep doing this. Disclosure Page

Can you do both Universal Parks in one day? Yes, you can do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day. With the right planning, you can check out the Revenge of the Mummy, soar through the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, tour the Hogwarts Express, and ride the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Check out this itinerary and learn how to do both Universal parks in one day.

Most people usually stay for a week in Orlando and buy a Multi-Day Park admission pass which gives them a few days to visit the parks.

Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are connected, so this makes it easy to travel from one park to the other.

However, if money is tight or you are short on time, fortunately there’s a way to visit Universal’s 2 parks in one day without using Universal Express Passes or getting early access.

While you won’t be able to experience absolutely EVERYTHING that both Universal parks have to offer in one day, you can certainly cover the main areas .

You may also find that some areas interest you more than others, so you’ll have plenty of time to make the most of your day!

Make a plan, wear comfortable shoes , and be prepared to move quickly. When you follow these tips, you will enjoy an action-packed day at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Please note that this one-day Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure itinerary doesn’t include Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. That needs a full day on its own.

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Table of Contents

Best hotels near Universal Studios Orlando

If you’re traveling on a budget , these are the best affordable hotels near Universal Studios Orlando:

• Holiday Inn & Suites – Across from Universal Orlando
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndam Orlando International Drive North
• Best Western Plus Universal Inn

If you have some more wiggle room in your budget, below are some of the best mid-range hotels near Universal Studios Orlando:

• Grande Villas Resort by Diamond Resorts
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando – Offers FREE Universal Unlimited Express which is a nice perk
• Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort

If you want to splurge on your accommodations, below are some popular luxury hotels :

• Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel – Offers Early Park Admission
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort Orlando – Offers FREE Universal Unlimited Express
• The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

How to do both Universal parks in one day

Below are helpful tips on how to do Unviersal Studios Orlando in one day.

• Buy your Universal Orlando tickets in advance
• Stay at a hotel that offers Early Park Admission
• Review the theme park maps before your trip
• Arrive early to the park (before it opens)
• Head to Universal Studios first
• Head to the back of the park first
• Download the Universal Orlando app
• Place mobile food and drink orders
• Avoid going to the parks on weekends
• Go to the park with a small group
• Use the single rider lane
• Plan the next ride you want to go on while waiting in line at your current ride
• Plan your schedule around show times
• Ride the Hogwarts Express
• Use a crowd calendar

1. Buy your Universal Studio tickets in advance

I recommend buying the 1 Day Park-To-Park admission  online .

Purchasing tickets in advance should be a no-brainer, but many people wait until they get to the park to purchase their tickets at the gate.

This can cause unnecessary delays if you are short on time since you may experience long line ups. Please don’t make this rookie mistake!

This will give you access to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It also gives you the option to add a name to your ticket to make it personalized. Below are the prices per ticket as of March 1st, 2023.

• Adults (ages 10+) 2-Park 1-Day Ticket: Starting at $164 per person
• Children (ages 3-9) 2-Park 1-Day Ticket: Starting at $159 per person

Print the tickets before you leave home or show your mobile tickets and skip the long entrance line by heading straight to the gate.

Is the Express Pass worth it at Universal?

If you don’t mind paying extra, you may want to consider buying the Express Pass. This can be absolutely help you get more done if you want to do both Universal parks in one day.

The Express Pass is expensive, but it can save families an average of 25-40 minutes per ride during the busiest times of the year.

There are two different Express Passes available:

• Universal Express – This allows you to skip the regular lines one time per participating ride at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
• Universal Express Unlimited – This allows you to skip the regular lines an unlimited number of times at participating rides at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

My husband and I just bought the regular Park-to-Park (2-Park) 1-Day Ticket. We managed to go on all the rides we wanted to without needing the Express Pass.

However, the Express Press can be definitely be worth it if you want to ride as many rides as possible in one day.

How much is the Express Unlimited Pass at Universal Studios?

If you’re visiting both parks in one day, you’ll want to get the 2-Park Universal Express Unlimited Pass , which starts at $119 per person (all ages).

This will let you skip the regular line ups at participating rides at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Theme park admission is NOT included with your Express Pass . You will need to buy a separate ticket to enter both parks.

What to pack for your one-day itinerary at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure ?

Not only will buying your admission tickets in advance make your trip easier, but it’s also important to know what to bring.

Since you’ll be standing outside all day in the hot sun, packing these essential items will make your Universal adventure more comfortable!

• Backpack – A great way to keep all your belongings organized. You can store it in the complimentary lockers when you’re on a ride.
• Water bottle – Drinks can get expensive once you’re inside the park. I recommend bringing this reusable water bottle which you can fill up at any of the water fountains at Universal Studios.
• Baseball Hat or Bucket Hat – This is a must to stay cool and prevent your head from getting sunburt.
• Sunscreen – Since you’ll be spending most of the day in direct sunlight, this is a must.
• Comfortable shoes – Since you’ll be on your feet most of the day, it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes.
• Portable power bank – Since you’ll be spending a lot waiting in line ups looking at your phone, having a portable power bank can come in handy.
• Sunglasses – Just don’t forget to take them off before going on any of the rides.

Prep for your Universal Studios trip

2. Stay at a hotel that offers Early Park Admission

If you really want to make the most of your day at both parks, consider staying one of the Universal Orlando hotels. This will ensure that you’re well rested and ready for a full day of exploring and adventures.

When staying at one of the Universal hotels, you’ll be in close proximity to the park and you can enter one of the parks 1-hour before scheduled opening time .

Below are some of the hotels that offer guests Early Park Admission:

• Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Offers a free Universal Unlimited Express
• Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Offers a free Universal Unlimited Express
• Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel® – Offers a free Universal Unlimited Express
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

3. Review the Theme Park maps before your trip

Before your trip, get familiar with the layout of the Theme Parks . Make note of which rides you want to check out and which restaurants you want to try.

Chances are, if you look at everything that Universal Orlando has to offer, you might not want to check out every single attraction.

So I recommend making a list of everything you want to do in the order of prioritiy.

This can help you maximize your time at the parks and make sure you won’t miss out on anything.

If you have younger kids in your group, aim to spend more time at Universal Orlando Resort. This park has more family-friendly rides and attractions.

If you have older kids in your group, aim to spend more time at Universal’s Islands of Adventure . Here you’ll find more thrill-seeking rides.

Which Universal Orlando park takes more time?

Islands of Adventure usually takes more time to do than Universal Studios. This is because Islands of Adventure has several popular rides, such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and the VelociCoaster.

Islands of Adventure is also a bigger park than Universal Studios, so naturally it will take more time to check out the attractions here.

Best rides at Universal Studios Orlando:

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• The Simpsons Ride (One of the best rides in Springfield)
• E.T Adventure
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Transformers: The Ride 3-D (One of my favorite 3D rides)

Best rides at Islands of Adventure:

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Hogwart’s Express: Hogsmeade Station
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• Caro-Seuss-el (One of the best rides at Seuss Landing)

4. Get to the park about 30 minutes before opening

Check the park hours and get to the gate a few minutes before opening.

We paid a little extra to park closer to the entrance (which allowed for in and out car privileges if needed) and this saved us some time when walking from the garage to the parks.

Of course having early access to the park is beneficial, but we had regular tickets and found that we didn’t need early access to make the most of our day at the two parks.

There was only a few people ahead of us in line at the gate to enter the park, so it was perfect and super quick to get inside.

If you are planning on taking photos in front of the Universal Studios globe, I suggest taking them before entering the park in the morning since there’s usually fewer people.

You’ll look your best in the morning before you start sweating from the Florida heat. (We went in early July).

Looking for more fun things to do while you’re in Orlando?

You may want to consider getting the Orlando Explorer Pass . This gives you free admission to over 15 top Orlando attractions, such as LEGOLAND.

Save up to 35% off vs. paying for individual tickets at the gate. You can learn more here .

When are the best months to visit Universal Orlando?

If you don’t want to deal with crowds on your trip, then try to visit during the slower times of year. The best months to visit Universal Orlando are January, February, Early May, and September.

If you can, try to avoid holidays, the summer months, and spring break. Most kids go back to school in September, so this can be a great time to visit.

5. Head to Universal Studios first

Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios first? I recommend visiting Universal Studios in the morning and heading to Islands of Adventure in the afternoon.

I noticed that when we came to the fork in the road, most people headed straight to Islands of Adventure and less people were walking to Universal Studios.

This is probably due to the fact that everyone is wanting to go see the Harry Potter rides at Islands of Adventure.

Either way, I recommend visiting Universal Studios in the morning when the crowds are quieter. If it is raining, most of the rides are indoors here, so you will be protected from the weather.

Should I start in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you may be wondering which park is better – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure or Diagon Alley at Universal Studios?

Islands of Adventure has the better Harry Potter world , so I would start your day here. There are three Harry Potter rides here, compared to Universal Studios which just has one.

If buying an interactive wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop is on your bucket list, then head here first before the crowds arrive. There is a shop located in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Harry Potter rides at Islands of Adventure:

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station
• Hogwarts Express
• Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

Harry Potter rides at Universal Studios Orlando:

Harry potter attractions at universal studios orlando :.

• Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees at Diagon Alley – This musical show features never-before-heard songs.
• Knockturn Alley – If you’re looking for a spooky walk-through attracthion, check out Knockturn Alley in Diagon Alley.
• Leaky Cauldron – For those who want to grab a bite to eat, dine at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. This is the only restaurant inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes – A novelty jokeshop run by the prankster twins Fred and George Weasley.

If you get early park admission , then you can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the park opens. This is a huge advatange if you’re a big Harry Potter fan.

PRO TIP : If you do get early park admission, I recommend getting to the park at least 30 minutes earlier so you can be the first in line.

Early park admission starts at 8:00am, but some guests that show up at 8:00am have to wait just as long to check out the rides inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

6. Head to the back of the park first

When we got to Universal Studios at 9:00am, we went straight to the back of the park to start the day with Revenge of the Mummy ride.

The line up said it was 10 minutes long, but when we walked in, we were able to ride right away – it was perfect!

The park provides free lockers for you to use while on the rides. You won’t be allowed to bring anything onto the big rides, so you’ll need to store your bags in the lockers nearby.

I recommend carrying a small daypack so it can easily fit inside the small lockers, otherwise you’ll have to pay for a larger locker rental.

Now that Diagon Alley has opened at Universal Studios Florida, the back of the park may be busier since this is where the new area is located.

My guess is that most people going to Universal Studios in the morning will be headed for Diagon Alley first so you can either take your chances by going early or visiting this area later before leaving the park.

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We stayed at Universal Studios from 9:00am – 1:00pm before heading to Islands of Adventure where we had lunch at The Three Broomsticks.

The longest we had to wait for a ride in the morning at Universal Studios was 25 minutes to go on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (the overall average wait was between 5 and 10 minutes).

7. Download the Universal Orlando app

Before your trip, I recommend downloading the official Universal Orlando app . This will give you detailed and interactive maps of the theme parks. Plus it’s also useful for:

• Finding rides and wait times (so you can maxmize your time).
• Show times and dining venue hours.
• Use filters to sort by park, type of ride, shows, dining and shopping.
• Locate the nearest restroom and family restrooms.
• Set a parking reminder to easily find your vehicle after a fun day at both parks.

The app also lets you book a Virtual Line slot for some select rides, such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

To see which ride offer a virtual line, open the app and click on “ Virtual Line Venues ” on the home page.

8. Place mobile food and drink orders

Restaurants can get extremely busy during peak meal times (lunch and dinner). To save time and skip the long lines, you can use the Universal Orlando app to order ahead from select restaurants.

You can place your food order at anytime during the day. Then when you’re ready to eat, simply tap “Prepare My Order” in the app and the restaurant will freshly prepare your meal.

PRO TIP : Another way to maxmize your time at both parks is to eat during off-peak meal hours when there are less crowds.

You can also bring snacks into the park, such as bottled water (maximum two liters) and small snacks that don’t require heating.

I would also avoid eating at Universal Citywalk or any sit down restaurant during the day. Try to plan your sit down meals for later at night so you can maximize your time at Universal.

9. Avoid going to the parks on the weekends

Naturally the parks will be busiest on the weekends during the summer months.

It is quieter in the off season, but for most people, summer is the prime time for traveling to Orlando. To make the most of your time, I highly recommend going during the week.

We went on a Tuesday in July and while it was busy, it was very manageable to see both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day.

PRO TIP : Be mindful of the hours for the day of your visit! Sometimes the park is open until 10:00pm, which means you can cover a lot of ground during the day.

However, sometimes the park can close as early as 5:00pm, so you’ll want to make sure you visit on a day when the park is open late.

10. Go to the park with a small group

Or if you’re traveling with a large group, break up into smaller groups so you can move from ride to ride quickly.

Most rides are built for 2-4 people to ride together. If you go to the park with a large group, I recommend breaking up into groups of 2-4 people and exploring the park this way instead of as a large group together.

Smaller groups can get on rides quicker than larger groups and they also move a lot faster around the park.

We were in a group of two and this was a great size since we could move from ride to ride with good speed.

If you are with a large group and split up into smaller groups, keep a cell phone handy (there is free WiFi in the parks) and arrange for spots to meet during the day, as needed.

11. Use the Single Rider lane

The Single Rider lane is your best bet to actually do both Universal parks in one day. Each ride is made to fill every seat.

If a group is riding with an odd number and there is an empty seat in their vehicle, a single rider is used to fill that empty seat.

It’s a lot easier to hit up all the attractions and rides on your list if you don’t mind splitting up and using the Single Rider lane.

Just keep in mind that you may not be able to ride together and you might have to ride next to a stranger. But if you don’t get to ride together, your party will at least be close behind.

Arrange to meet at the exit if one of your group members gets to ride before the other (you will have to wait about 30 seconds at the exit since most cars on the rides are right behind each other).

Since the afternoon is usually busier at the parks, we didn’t want to waste time waiting in long line ups for rides, so we were able to head to the front using the Single Rider lane.

For example, we went on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and it was a 60-minute wait at around 2:30pm.

Instead of waiting in the regular line, we headed to the Single Rider line and only had to wait about 10 minutes.

Using the Single Rider line was very useful for us since we didn’t have the Express Pass. This also helps save you money if you don’t want to spend extra to get the Express Pass.

12. Plan the next ride you want to go on while waiting in line at your current ride

Once you have the map of the two parks, you can plan your next stop or ride you want to go on while waiting in line at your current ride. This can help you do both Universal parks in one day.

For example: If you are waiting in line to ride The Mummy, pull out the map and look at the rides around you and decide which one you want to visit next .

This helped us save time instead of walking around the park looking for something to do next.

Accept that you will not be able to ride every single ride or see every single show at the both parks in one day.

For older teens and adults, chances are you won’t be interested in riding the rides made for small children and vise versa – young children are probably not tall enough to ride on the large roller coasters.

For example, we walked through the Dr. Seuss area at Islands of Adventure to check out the place, but we didn’t end up riding on any of the rides there since they were for younger children.

Overall, it was a great day and in the evening we were able to head back to Universal Studios to catch the parade and ride a few rides a second time around.

As I mentioned above, the longest we had to wait for a ride was 25 minutes (with the average being a 5-10 minute wait).

By using these tips, we were able to see and do everything that we wanted at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

13. Plan your schedule around show times

If you want to see any of the shows, it’s a good idea to plan your day around the show times. Choose a time that works for your schedule and make it a priority.

You can always head to a ride when the lines are quiet, but show times are fixed. Early show times usually have the least amount of crowds .

For later show times, I recommend arriving early to make sure that you secure a seat for your group.

14. Ride the Hogwarts Express

The best way to move between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is to take the Hogwarts Express. This makes it easy to do both Universal parks in one day.

In Universal Studios , the Hogwarts Express train is located at King’s Cross Station in the London area of the park.

At Island’s of Adventure , the Hogwarts Express train is located at the entrance of Hogsmeade . The train ride lasts about seven minutes.

15. Use the Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

When planning your Orlando vacation, crowds are one of the most important factors to consider.

When there are heavy crowds, this means there will be longer lines, slow service, and it may become difficult to make theme park reservations.

Using a crowd calendar can help you determine how crowded it will be on the dates you’re considering visiting Universal Studios.

Tuesday is usually the best day to go to Universal Studio if you want to avoid crowds, while Saturday is the busiest day at the theme pak.

PRO TIP : On busier days, you’ll want to use the Universal app to reserve a Virtual Line Pass for select rides and experiences in the park.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to be on property to select a Virtual Line reservation time.

Universal Studios Orlando in one day FAQs

Can you do universal in one day.

Yes, it’s possible to do Universal Studios Orlando in one day. While you won’t be able to see all of Universal in one day and do absolutely everything, you can check out the most popular rides and attractions. The Express Unlimited Pass is ideal if you want to visit as many attractions as possible in one day.

Can you do Islands of Adventure in one day?

Yes, it’s possible to do Islands of Adventure in one day. You won’t be able to see or do absolutely everything that this park has to offer, but you can check out the main rides and attractions. If you have more time, then I recommend spending three full days exploring Islands of Adventure with a park-to-park pass.

Do you need 2 days for Universal Studios?

No, you can easily do Universal Studios in one day. If you want to take your time going through the park (or have young kids), then you may want to spend 2 days doing Universal Studios. I would personally spend one day at Universal and 2 days at Islands of Adventure.

How long does it take to do Universal Studios?

You can easily do Universal Studios in about 3-4 hours. Most people don’t find it necessary to see absolutely everything in the theme park. This gives you enough time to check out the main attractions and rides.

How many days is enough at Universal Studios?

One day is enough at Universal Studios. If you want to take it slower, then I recommend spending two days at Universal Orlando.

Do you need separate tickets for Universal and Islands of Adventure?

You will need to purchase a Park-to-Park ticket . This will give you access to BOTH Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks on the same day.

Can you walk between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure?

Yes, it’s easy to walk between both parks. To get to Island’s of Adventure from Universal Studios, exit the park and head to the Island’s of Adventure entrance through Citywalk. This takes around 10 minutes.

If you have a Park-To-Park ticket , which is needed to visit both Universal parks in one day, you can ride the Hogwarts Express.

In Universal Studios, the Hogwarts Express train is located outside of Diagon Alley. At Island’s of Adventure, the Hogwarts Express train is located at the entrance of Hogsmeade. The train ride lasts about seven minutes.

Can you come and go from Universal Studios?

Yes. If you visit the park in the morning, you can leave at lunch time and return again in the afternoon or evening on the same day. The parking is valid for all day. Just make sure to keep your receipt to show your proof of purchase for parking and your Universal entry ticket.

How long does it take to do everything at Universal Studios?

Three days is ideal if you want to do absolutely everything at Universal Studios. Getting the Park-to-Park pass can allow you to easily come and go from each park so you can explore and revisit your favorite attractions.

If you just want to do the main attractions and rides at Universal Studios, you can easily do this in one day. The Express Unlimited Pass is ideal if you want to visit as many attractions as possible and do both Universal parks in one day.

Can you see all of Harry Potter world in one day?

Yes, you can do both Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day. You’ll need a 1 Day Park-To-Park pass to visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Keep in mind that if you do everything in both Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day, it will leave little time for other attractions in the parks.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then I recommend getting a 2 Day Park-To-Park pass so you can spend one fully day exploring both Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the next day seeing the other attractions.

What is the best month to go to Universal Studios?

The spring time (April and May) are some of the best months to visit Universal Studios. The weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Another good time to visit is the week after Labor Day until mid-December (excluding Thanksgiving weekend and other holidays).

Is it worth going to both Universal parks?

Each park offers different rides, attractons and experiences. Universal Studios Florida is based more on movies and TV shows while Islands of Adventure is where you’ll find the fantasy and thrill rides.

If you like Marvel super heros and Harry Potter, then you’ll love Islands of Adventure. If you’re more of a movie and pop-culture lover, then you’ll want to head to Universal Studios.

Where can I eat and shop outside of the parks?

Many of us know that food, drinks and shopping can be expensive at Universal Studios. One way that my boyfriend and I saved money on restaurants, shopping and other activities, was to use the Orlando Discount Card .

The Orlando Discount Card allows you to receive up to 50% off at over 100 of the city’s most popular restaurants, attractions and shops .

Some of the restaurants include TGI Friday’s, Red Lobster, and Carrabba’s Italian Kitchen.

Some of the attractions include Ripley’s Belive it or Not!, Gatorland, and WonderWorks. Some of the shops include Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Orlando Premium Outlets. See the full list of participating establishments .

What time does Universal Studios open?

Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ are open 365 days a year. Operating hours normally begin at 9:00 am for the park and citywalk.

Staying in Orlando for more than just a day?

If you’re staying in Orlando for longer than just a day, you probably want to check out some other nearby attractions. This may include Disney World, Gatorland, LEGOLAND, among others.

We got to check out the alligators during our Orlando vacation and loved our experience!

If you’re planning to visit other attractions, consider getting the Orlando Explorer Pass. You can save up to 35% vs. paying for individual attraction tickets.

The Orlando Explorer Pass   is a multi-attraction GO City pass where you can choose to visit 3 or 5 top attractions all for ONE low price, including the LEGOLAND , Sea Life Aquarium , and Gatorland .

Is the Orlando Express Pass worth it?

Yes! GO City currently have a TrustScore rating of 8.5/10 on Trust Pilot , which makes it one of the highest rated sightseeing passes.

This flexible sightseeing pass can be a great option if you want explore Orlando at your own pace while making huge savings on popular attractions.

How the Explorer Pass works

Buy your pass online – pick a 3 or 5-choice Explorer pass for one flat rate. Then download your pass instantly to your smartphone or print it at home.

No cash or tickets are needed. Once you have your pass, you’re all set. Visit your top 3 or 5 attractions easily. All you have to do is present your Orlando Explorer Pass be scanned at each attraction and you’re good to start your sightseeing adventure.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

1 day at Universal Studios: the Ideal Roadmap

we love the Disney parks in Orlando, but there are other places you can enjoy on your trip. For example, have you ever considered the possibility of passing 1 day at Universal Studios?

On this post

Universal is one of my favorite parks in all of Orlando. It's okay that I'm suspicious to say because I worked there. But even if I'm suspicious, that qualifies me well enough to put together a 1 day script at Universal!

I hope this script from Universal Studios pleases you as much as the one we've already posted here about the Island of adventure.

Universal's theme park has some incredible options for attractions for all types of tourists. Therefore, you will definitely find something you like there.

If you only have one day in your travel schedule to spend at Universal Studios, you'll need a great roadmap to make the most of what the park has to offer.

That's why we decided to help and create a suggestion for a daily activity in the place so that you can have fun with your family.

So, if you want to spend 1 day at Universal Studios, this is the ideal itinerary. Keep reading to find out which are the best attractions in the place!

Tips before enjoying 1 day at Universal Studios

Before we get started with our roadmap, let's clarify some information like how it will work.

First, we'll split the day into morning, afternoon, and evening, assuming you'll be spending all three periods at Universal to enjoy all it has to offer.

The second point is that we are not going to include any attractions from Islands of Adventures. We have one 1 day script at Islands of Adventures and, ideally, you don't try to do both on the same day.

Not that it's not possible to do both parks in the same day. But this itinerary focuses on 1 full day in 1 park only. Soon we will launch a 1-day Universal + Island itinerary for those traveling with a tighter travel time!

Therefore, today's script will deal exclusively with the Universal Studios part, without the adventures of the Mummy, some of Harry Potter and the Hulk's famous roller coaster .

In addition, our itinerary was designed to have some gaps for breaks and opportunities for flexibility.

That is: you can exchange one attraction for another, repeat tours or take extra time to rest, if you want. There is slack for that.

In addition, we think about activities based on the Universal Express Pass 🇧🇷 We recommend that you buy this type of ticket to make the most of the day.

1 day at Universal Studios: what to do in the morning

One of the highlights of Universal Studios' parks are the areas of Harry Potter 🇧🇷 Both in this and in Islands of Adventure, they are great points of attraction for the public.

Therefore, areas tend to be crowded during the main hours of the morning and afternoon. That's when they get really crowded.

However, Universal Studios has an advantage: there are two attractions, with the rest being shops and photo spots.

So with the Express ticket and arriving as soon as the park opens (or at the pre-opening hour designated for Universal resort guests), you can take full advantage of this area and have the rest of the park to yourself when most people come. to the Harry Potter area.

So, when you enter the park, go directly towards the Diagon Alley , the Harry Potter-themed area at Universal Studios.

There, you will participate in your first two attractions:

Attraction 1 – Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

We will start our day with a very fun adventure in Diagon Alley, the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts .

This tour mixes 4D cinema with roller coaster tracks to tell an exciting story and an adrenaline-filled ride, in addition to the presence of actors from the Harry Potter franchise.

Attraction 2 – Ollivanders

The second attraction you should visit in the Harry Potter area is Ollivanders, the park's famous wand shop.

The attraction is simple: you will stay with your daughter and people are separated by age. Then, groups enter the store together for a performance and some children are chosen to be chosen by a wand.

In the end, everyone is directed to the wand shop where they can buy their own. The sellers are very attentive and the service is excellent.

Attraction 3 – Diagon Alley

After riding the two attractions in the Harry Potter area, we recommend that you take the rest of the morning to enjoy the care taken in creating Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.

Visit all the stores and be ready to spend some money on gifts and utensils. The best stores are the following:

• Borgin and Burkes: a shop with "black magic"-like merchandise, including Slytherin, Death Eater and Voldemort memorabilia;
• Scribbulus: a store with items for writing, such as pens, inks, diaries and stationery in general;
• Quality Quidditch Supplies: shop for Quidditch clothing and equipment, including the Golden Snitch, bats and more;
• Magical Menagerie: shop with plush animals from the Harry Potter series;
• Madam Malkin's Robes for ALL Occasion: Harry Potter themed clothing store (including Hogwarts uniform).

The trick is to arrive early to find the best products and the stores are still well organized, as the place tends to get a little messy in the afternoon.

The problem is loading all purchases afterwards. For this, we recommend going to the park with backpacks.

Attraction 4 – MIB: Alien Attack

Before going to lunch, we recommend taking a walk from Diagon Alley to the World Expo, an area with two attractions.

From there we will only add to Men in Black: Alien Attack, a joke based on the MIB movie.

The attraction is really fun: you get into a cart equipped with a laser gun. The cart goes through a rail in the movie set and you need to shoot the alien animatronics.

Each alien gives an amount of points and whoever has the most at the end of the tour, wins. It is very fun!

The other attraction of the World Expo, however, is different. This is Fear Factor Live, a 30-minute show where the public can participate in some incredible challenges.

Challenges include hanging from an enormous height or drinking an ?insect milkshake? disgusting.

The problem is that Fear Factor only starts at 1 pm (it lasts 30 minutes) and it's better to leave the afternoon for other attractions.

Lunchtime: Meal options

After a morning of magic and alien attacks, there's nothing like a good lunch to satisfy your hunger and recharge your batteries for an afternoon marathon.

Ideally, you should eat around noon. One option is to try to eat a little before or after to avoid queues at the restaurants and toys, but it's up to you.

Below, we have listed some good restaurants within the area where you are already at Universal Studios for your meal. See below!

Leaky Cauldron

The restaurant Leaky Cauldron it is located in Diagon Alley and is inspired by the Leaky Cauldron from the Harry Potter movies and books.

It is a counter restaurant and serves British cuisine, such as the famous Fish & Chips ($15.99).

Here they also serve the famous butterbeer, for $6.99 dollars.

Krusty Burger

If you fast forward a bit past the World Expo, you'll find yourself in the Simpsons themed area. There are also some food options there.

One of them is Krusty Burger, which serves burgers and some vegetarian options.

The price of snacks is around $15 dollars, and can reach $19 or $12 depending on the version.

Other restaurants worth mentioning in the area Springfield are:

• Cletus's Chicken Shack;
• Luigi's Pizza;
• Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck.

1 day at Universal Studios: what to do in the afternoon

After having lunch, we continue with our 1 day itinerary at Universal Studios, moving on to the afternoon activities.

If the morning was a little less hectic because of the dedication to Diagon Alley, let's make up for the time lost here in the afternoon and do as many attractions as possible.

So we'll start with the Springfield: Home of the Simpsons area, which is themed after America's most famous family.

Therefore, we will go directly to the famous The Simpsons Ride to start the afternoon work.

Attraction 5 – The Simpsons Ride

The attraction of the simpsons works like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Basically, you enter a cart in a room with a 4D cinema.

From there, we watch a scene from The Simpsons on a roller coaster and our car reproduces the movements that appear on the screen.

The tour is very interesting and eventful, with many references to classic episodes of The Simpsons. Anyone who is a fan of the series, therefore, will notice many inside jokes and incredible moments.

Ride 6 (optional) – Kang & Kodos' Twirl'n'Hurl

If you have a child on your 1st day at Universal Studios, you might be interested in this attraction.

Kang & Kodos is a spinning toy that simulates space travel with aliens from The Simpsons.

The tour is very quiet and designed for children. Adults will not find it very funny, unless they are accompanied by their children or nephews.

If not, you can take the 10, 15 minutes you would spend here for a visit to…

Attraction 7 (optional) – Moe's Tavern

Do you know Moe's Bar, where Homer used to go in The Simpsons cartoon? So he was recreated in the Springfield area.

You can visit it, have a beer and eat some snacks to have a little fun.

Leaving Springfield, we'll need to pick up the pace. It is at this time that the Universal Express will be worth it , as it will reduce waiting time at attractions.

Let's go through Woody Woodpecker's KidZone (area for children of Pica Pau) and return to the park entrance, arriving at Production Central.

Attraction 8 – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Another successful simulator on our 1-day itinerary at Universal Studios. This time, the theme is Despicable Me.

The simulator is very successful, but it is a little less intimate than the previous ones, as it is a large group activity.

Attraction 9 – Shrek 4D

If you're not tired of 4D simulations, you'll love Shrek 4D .

The show is very impressive and is very successful due to the quality of the 3D and the effects that move the audience. Also, the characters are very funny and the story is fun.

However, you need to understand English to understand it.

Ride 10 – Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit

Shall we add a little adrenaline to our 1-day Universal Studios itinerary? So how about one of the best roller coasters in Orlando?

This roller coaster is quite extreme, reaching an incredible 105 kilometers per hour and a maximum height of 51 meters.

The Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is surprising for its almost completely vertical ascent, with 90º, and then falls at high speed, with many curves and inversions.

If you like adrenaline, you need to include this attraction in your itinerary.

Attraction 11 – Transformers: The Ride 3D

We're going back to a simulator after that roller coaster ride, but don't think that's going to lower the intensity level of our script.

On the contrary: if you want to enjoy 1 day at Universal Studios, you need to go to the most insane attractions in the place, including the Transformers one.

In The Ride, you are an ally of the Autobots in the fight against the Decepticons, the villains of the franchise.

The adventure is absolutely insane, with some of the best times you'll ever spend at Universal Studios.

Seriously, you will be amazed by the quality of this simulator, one of the best in Orlando.

Dinner time: meal options

After so much adventure, it's time for a meal break and your dinner. Again, we'll list some options below for your convenience.

Check it out below!

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

Finnegan's Bar & Grill is a respected restaurant at Universal Studios.

Here, you will have a very tasty and complete meal, perfect if you have saved on lunch or breakfast.

They serve a bit of everything, including dishes like Fish & Chips, Irish salad, beef stew and other options.

Richter's Burger Co.

A hamburger option for your dinner is Richter's Burger Co., in the San Francisco area (the next area on our 1-day Universal Studios itinerary).

The restaurant has some very interesting sandwich combos (chicken or other foods), as well as classic hamburgers.

Lombard's Seafood Grille

This is a tasty option for seafood lovers.

O Lombard's Seafood Grille it is also located in the San Francisco area and offers seafood dishes such as tuna, grilled fish and oysters.

How to finish your 1 day script at Universal Studios

After dinner, it's time to finish our 1 day at Universal Studios. To do so, we will enjoy the last two areas of the park that we have not yet visited.

The first one we're going to, leaving the Production Center at the entrance, is the New York area. In it, we have two great attractions and a musical show (which we will leave for another opportunity).

Attraction 12 – Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

If you have already been to Disney parks , you probably know the Rock N Roller roller coaster. It is known as the “Aerosmith rollercoaster”.

On that roller coaster, we're in the Aerosmith limo and we have to cross Los Angeles at top speed.

Universal Studios now presents its own version of this roller coaster.

This is the simulator Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon , starred by the famous talk show host Jimmy Fallon.

In it, we accompany Jimmy in a very high speed car through the streets of New York, narrowly escaping accidents.

The simulator is very exciting and, if you know English, you will have fun with Jimmy Fallon's jokes.

Attraction 13 – Revenge of the Mummy

A classic attraction at Universal Studios, enjoyed by everyone who has visited the place, is Revenge of the Mummy.

The toy mixes a roller coaster with a simulator, presenting a story where we must explore a pyramid in Egypt and escape from the Mummy.

The adventure also uses practical effects such as fire and smoke to build the experience of the attraction.

Attraction 14 – Fast & Furious: Supercharged

We finished our 1 day at Universal Studios with the Fast & Furious: Supercharged simulator.

The attraction is inspired by the Fast and Furious franchise, but it is not among the most exciting in the park.

At the beginning, we walked through a huge warehouse, with some classic cars from the franchise and a history.

In the end, the animal gets the Fast and Furious style and our car accelerates a lot, with a visual show in the simulator.

Other options for your 1-day itinerary at Universal Studios

What we listed above was our ideal itinerary for 1 day at Universal Studios. Using the Express ticket, you will be able to enjoy all the attractions without any problems.

However, this itinerary is not the only one for a day of adventure at Universal Studios. There are other possibilities for combining attractions and things to do.

Check out some below!

Finish on CityWalk

Instead of ending your day with the New York and San Francisco area simulators, you can have dinner and head to CityWalk.

CityWalk is a kind of mega-promenade that unites the two parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

An interesting option to end your day of fun is to go to CityWalk and enjoy some of the entertainment options there.

There's a lot to do on CityWalk. One of them, for example, is going to the movies.

There is a Universal Cineplex at CityWalk with 20 movie theaters. Also, the place offers a Movie and Dinner package.

In this package, you pay around 22 dollars and get a meal at local restaurants and a ticket to see a movie there.

Another good option is Hard Rock Live, a concert hall that is next to the famous hard rock cafe 🇧🇷 The place welcomes many names in music, famous or unknown, for a fun night out.

One of our favorite entertainment options is Rising Star.

The place is a bar with karaoke prepared by a live band. In practice, you go onstage with a band and while they play, you sing.

The experience is incredible and you feel like a real rockstar.

In addition to these activities, there are still several stores for shopping and other entertainment options at CityWalk.

Change park

In case you have limited time on your trip, an interesting thing to do is to enjoy the Hogwarts Express at Diagon Alley and change parks.

So you can visit Islands of Adventure on the same day as Universal Studios.

For this, it is important to have the ticket that allows you to change parks in the Universal complex, as it is mandatory to get on the Hogwarts Express.

In addition to the train ride, the trip from one park to the other still has several mini-attractions, such as the presence of Fred Weasley and Buckbeak, the hippogriff.

To do this, however, you will not be able to follow the order of the script that we have determined here.

What we recommend is that you start the morning with an overview of the main attractions and simulators and, before lunch, go to Diagon Alley. Spend some time there (maybe have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron) and head to Islands of Adventure to end the day.

Finish in Diagon Alley

Finally, the third alternative for completing the tour that we can give is to return to Diagon Alley before the park closes.

There, you will have an hour, an hour and a half to do your shopping in peace, enjoying the best of the Harry Potter stores (and less public too).

Of course, as we already said, the stores will be more disorganized and it is possible that some products will not be in stock. However, you won't need to carry anything during the day.

So, it might be interesting to go back to Diagon Alley before the end of the day to buy those products you dated in the morning.

Finally, two last tips that we reinforce is to try to stay at the Universal resort and buy the Express.

As a Universal Resort guest, you get early entry to the parks and have an extra hour to enjoy before the general public arrives. With Express, you spend less time in queues.

To give you an idea, a 50-minute queue can be reduced to just 10 minutes (the average using Express).

That way, you can enjoy practically everything in the park in just one day, making room for other adventures on your trip.

For those who like to see in more detail. We have some videos of our trips to Orlando inside the Unvirsal Studios park and we show you some little things there in detail.

That was our 1 day itinerary at Universal Studios. As you can see, following our tips you can enjoy the park a lot, especially the popular Harry Potter area.

If you are planning a trip to Orlando, contact us and learn how we can help you design custom travel itineraries to make your dreams come true !

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook , Instagram or Youtube channel. In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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Can You Do Universal Studios Hollywood in One Day? (A Guide and Plan)

*FYI - this post may affiliate links, which means we earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For the full scoop on what this means, feel free to check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

This post originally appeared on Happy to Wander, who was a guest of Universal Studios Hollywood and provided complimentary passes in exchange for a review.

As avid movie lovers and pop culture nerds, stopping by Universal Studios Hollywood is one of our favorite things to do in LA.

We’ve now been several times, each time visiting for only a single day. While most visitors (especially newbies to the park) find the prospect of cramming everything into one visit very daunting, we’re here to let you know it’s not difficult at all, and well worth the effort (and needed caffeine!).

Read on for a guide on how to plan the perfect day at Universal Studios Hollywood, including tips on how to create your own itinerary and game plan.

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First: Can You Do Universal Studios Hollywood in One Day?

You 100% can make the most of Universal Studios Hollywood with only a single day.

In fact, this is how most visitors tend to do it.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a relatively small theme park compared to others, with a limited number of absolute “must do” attractions (in our opinion).

If you plan in advance, and visit smartly, you’ll be able to do everything on your list within a single day.

While this will no doubt be an action-packed day, all the fast-paced running around will be worth it!

Universal Studios Hollywood: the Basics

Where to stay: The park is super centrally located in LA, so you don’t necessarily need to stay at one of the nearby hotels (there’s a Hilton and Sheraton on-site). Staying anywhere in Hollywood will place you close to the park. As long as you have access to the Metro (the park is at the Universal City station) or a car, then you’ll be fine.

When to go: If you are only visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for one day, you’ll want to make the most of it and avoid spending half your day in line! So, ideally, you’ll want to avoid peak times like weekends and holidays (especially when the kids are off school).

What to wear/bring: Opt for comfy clothes and shoes that you wouldn’t mind getting wet! A waterproof daybag is a must, and remember to pack for some layers since it can get chilly at night.

Universal Studios Hollywood in a Day: A Park Overview

The park is huge, but doable in a day if you plan correctly! Here’s a quick overview of the different sections you can look forward to, to help you plan the best way to see Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Upper Lot

Roam around Super Silly Funland (from Despicable Me), enjoy a beer at Moe’s Tavern or try your luck at being zombie bait in the Walking Dead attraction.

The Upper Lot is home to some of the park’s lower impact rides like the Simpsons Ride, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the Shrek 4D experience. AKA for scaredy cats like us!

This is also where you’ll find a lot of gift shops, restaurants and shows… plus the park’s recreation of Springfield (from the Simpson’s), and yes, it’s pretty amazing.

The Lower Lot

The Lower Lot is where thrill junkies get their fix.

Famous rides like the Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park and Transformers can be found here.

To arrive at this adrenaline haven, you’ll be relying on a series of suuuuper long escalators called the Starway which can take 5-10 minutes to traverse depending on how busy it is.

For this reason, aim to do all the Lower Lot rides at once, to avoid going back and forth.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The absolute highlight of the park (for us anyway) is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

TIP: 100% arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Here, you can walk through real-life Hogsmeade, with wonderful gift shops like Honeydukes and Ollivanders, grab a bite to eat at the Three Broomsticks, or of course, go for a ride on The Flight of the Hippogriff.

The ultimate star of this section is the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, which is honestly the most mindblowing ride I’ve ever been on in my entire life. I smiled like a crazed child and went 3 times.

The Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood

You’ll be given a schedule of the day’s shows upon entering the park, so be sure to strategically pick which ones you’ll want to attend.

The Waterworld stunt show is a classic, but the Special Effects Show and Animal Actors show are really fun to watch as well.

The Studio Tour

The studio tour is by far one of the best (and most famous) attractions in the entire park.

Tours last about an hour, and are available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

During this hour magic ride of happiness, you’ll be taken through the famous Universal Studios backlot on a multi-car tram, where you’ll get to see famous sets, props and  lots  of cool surprises along the way.

Prioritize this attraction because it’s a must!

Meeting characters

If cheesy photo opps are your thing (which, let’s be honest, of course they are), be on the lookout for different characters who will be roaming around the park.

These include the minions, the Simpsons, Scooby Doo, Spongebob, Shrek and many more.

Tips for Enjoying One Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

Wondering the best way to see Universal Studios Hollywood in a day? Here are some golden tips to keep in mind.

1. Buy your tickets in advance (online) and get the fast passes

If you only have one day to spend at Universal Studios Hollywood, the biggest buzzkill ever would be waiting forever in line just to get in.

Avoid this by planning ahead and getting your tickets in advance online! You can browse the different ticket options on the Universal Studios website.

Now, one of the big questions when it comes to Universal Studios Hollywood is: are the fast passes worth it?

And while I acknowledge that they’re rather pricey, they did  genuinely save us hours of waiting in line, and I can’t imagine how our day would have gone without them. 

We were able to basically walk right into most rides (with no more than a 10 minute wait on any attraction).

If you’re on a time crunch (e.g. working with only a day at the park), then this pass will be an absolute lifesaver.

2. Make a game plan

I’m not going to lie, Universal Studios provides fertile ground for explosive arguments. There’s long line-ups, screaming children and in the summer, searing heat.

Without a game plan laid out for the day, it’s likely that you’ll miss something you wanted to do/see, or spend more time arguing than doing anything else.

We’ll explain how to put together your own game plan below.

3. Pack light

Some rides at Universal Studios Hollywood do not allow bags and force you to place them in lockers.

To avoid wasting time at lockers, then make sure you pack as light as possible and only bring what you need, preferably without a bag.

4. Be ready to compromise

Unless you’re visiting Universal Studios Hollywood fo a day on your own, then odds are you’ll be with a companion that will have slightly different ideas on how to spend the day.

And with only one day available, you’ll need to make certain decisions about what to skip and what to prioritize.

The answer to making sure you avoid arguments is to compromise! Maybe pick two attractions each that are non-negotiable and plan around them.

4. Lastly: be unashamedly enthusiastic!

With only one day to spend at Universal Studios Hollywood, the worst thing you can bring with you is a “meh” attitude.

You only have one day here, so make the most of it!

Truly, there’s no better place to embrace your inner fanboy/girl than Universal Studios Hollywood, so dive in headfirst with your childish enthusiasm!

How to Make Your Own Universal Studios Hollywood One Day Plan

There are many one day touring plans for Universal Studios Hollywood, but to make the most of your time, you should really make your own customized itinerary based on your own interests.

So, here are some tips.

First, we suggest mapping out your day according to which shows you want to see.

Because these shows occur at set times throughout the day, they’re the least flexible part of your itinerary, so pick the ones you want and go from there.

You’ll receive a schedule of the day’s events when you enter the park.

Next, it’s a good idea to be strategic about which attractions you do first.

If you arrive shortly before the park opens, you’ll have free reign to the lowest wait times you’ll receive during the entire day, so if big time attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are high on your list, be sure to do that first.

It would also be smart to do the park section by section as some bits (especially the Lower Lot) take a while to get to.

Bouncing back and forth between sections will lose you a significant chunk of time.

For inspiration, here is the plan we followed for our one day at Universal Studios Hollywood:

OPENING: Run straight to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Do Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey right away, and then Flight of the Hippogriff. Come back for the other sightseeing later because you should prioritize busy rides first!

NEXT: Head to the Lower Lot. These rides get busy later in the day so try to do as many as you can in the morning. If you plan to ride all of the the Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park and Transformers, then make sure to do them all in one go because returning to the Lower Lot later is a bit time consuming.

NEXT: If you’re not hungry yet, take some time to do the rides you want to do in the Upper Lot, like the Simpsons Ride, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. You might get hungry while doing this, but we recommend either eating early or late to avoid peak time crowds. We prefer the latter!

LUNCH: For lunch, we returned to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and ate at the Three Broomsticks. We then walked off our food comas exploring Hogsmeade. You can skip the Ollivander’s show unless you’re a huge Harry Potter fan.

AFTER LUNCH: If you’re feeling too full to hurl yourself on a big ride, then this might be a good time to try the Studio Tour or a show. We went to Waterworld and saved the Studio Tour for later. While the line usually moves quickly, crowds seem to lessen closer to closing time.

THEN: See some more shows! While shows are busy, they require less wait time and planning than rides, so that’s why we like to save them for later.

THEN: Aside from opening, just before closing is the best time to avoid crowds for popular attractions, so take this time to either re-do your faves, or see some more popular attractions like the Walking Dead experience. Again, just before closing is usually a good time to do the Studio Tour.

We hope this guide to enjoying Universal Studios Hollywood in one day was helpful!

Thanks so much for reading. We had an amazing time exploring the park in only one day, and we’re confident you will too. Best of luck with your own one day plan for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood!

GeekTrippers Team

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Enjoy 5 Days at Universal Orlando for the Price of 3 With the Park's Latest Ticket Offer

Just in time for the opening of new rides and shows across the resort.

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

If a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is on your summer bucket list, then you (and your wallet) are in luck as Universal Orlando Resort has announced a new ticket offer. And with an entire slate of new attractions and shows, you won’t wait to miss out. Available exclusively to residents of the U.S. and Canada, the theme park destination is now offering 2 days free when you buy a 2-park, 3-day ticket starting as low as $255.99, per adult, plus tax, Universal Orlando Resort shared with Travel + Leisure . The ticket deal grants visitors five days of access to its theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, for the price of three.

The offer is valid for one park visit a day for any 5 calendar days during an 8 consecutive calendar day period. Prices start at $255.99 and vary based on first date of use. With dozens of thrilling attractions for all ages, including mischief making in Minion Land and classic rides like E.T. Adventure, you’ll have plenty of time to experience all that it has to offer with this special. And for those looking to beat the heat, guests can also upgrade their ticket for access to Universal Volcano Bay water theme park, an award-winning South Seas-inspired paradise.

The savings extend to Universal’s 8 on-site resorts, with a current deal offering 20 percent off 4-night stays. With the utmost of convenience being close to the parks and flexibility for all budgets. No matter which hotel you choose, all include exclusive perks, like transportation to the theme parks and early entry.

And the deal comes at a perfect time as this summer is stacking up to be bigger than ever with several brand new experiences at Universal Orlando.

Beginning June 14, guests can step into the colorful worlds of their favorite fictional characters, including Shrek and the Trolls, when DreamWorks Land officially opens. That day will also mark the exciting debut of new in-park entertainment, including CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, a nighttime spectacular celebrating iconic films, and Hogwarts Always, an all-new castle projection show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade that takes guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts.

Come July 3, Universal will debut its largest daytime parade to date, Universal Mega Movie Parade. Later this summer, fan favorite Halloween Horror Nights returns Aug. 30 with all new haunted houses and frightening fun.

And that is all leading up to what will be an exciting new addition when Epic Universe , a brand-new theme park home to Super Nintendo World , opens at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025.

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Guide to Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort

I’ve lived in Orlando for almost 10 years now, and a top realization that I’ve had is that summer seems to last forever here (complimentary). With that being said, it makes you feel like you should be at the beach EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Unfortunately, for some of us that live centrally, it’s not as feasible as it sounds. But don’t worry — whether you’re driving distance from the beach or several state lines away, Universal Endless Summer Resort at Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect solution for your beachy dreams. 

ABOUT THE HOTEL

Endless Summer Resort provides double the beach theming because it is split into two sister hotels: Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites . Pick your vibrant getaway to get the vacay started — plus you’ll get exclusive theme park benefits so you don’t miss any of the action. 

Price Range: $

Perfect for: Families, groups or couples who want an affordable place to hang-out with all the fun, summery vibes. 

Theming: One of the main inspirations for the Endless Summer Resort comes from “Endless Summer” the movie. These sister hotels will absolutely transport you back to the 60s with surf-filled summers, the Beach Boys and dreamy sunsets. Get ready for the best summer vacation ever, regardless of the season!

• Surfside: Right when you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by the sickest waves you can catch in Central Florida, complemented by open glass windows filling the room with sunshine. The color scheme for Surfside includes bright oranges, blues and yellow. Think: beach. Surfboards are all over the hotel’s premises — a whopping 1,435 of them! 
• Dockside: The lobby at Dockside will make you  feel like you’re surrounded by the sea from the shore or catching the sunset from a dock. The light browns and subtle tones of sand will engulf you, plus the nostalgia is real with the essence of cool breezes and summer sunsets.

• Standard: Each standard room can accommodate one to four people with two queen beds and 313 square feet of space. In addition, expect to have separate bath and vanity areas for multiple guests to get ready at once. 
• 2-Bedroom Suites: These suites are an absolute hit for families or groups because they offer 440 square feet of living space, along with a kitchenette (yes, with a mini-fridge and microwave for all the snacks) and accommodations for up to six people. My favorite  feature of Endless Summer Resort’s suites is that there’s a cozy picnic table to hang out in the kitchenette area. 
• Early Park Admission: Endless Summer guests can enjoy the luxury of Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before the theme parks open.
• Onsite Resort Complimentary Transportation: Resort guests have access to free shuttle buses that will transport to and from Universal Studios Florida , Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk . 
• Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: Using your room key, you can conveniently charge purchases to your room throughout the resort, including the theme parks and CityWalk! 
• Complimentary Purchase Delivery: After you charge a souvenir purchase to your room, select stores will deliver it directly to your hotel.

Pools & Splash Pad

Surfside: The pool here is not just grand (it would take over 1,200 regular surfboards to fill its square footage) but it’s totally shaped like a surfboard — coolest Easter Egg ever! Surf is love, surf is life at Endless Summer Surfside. 

Dockside: A large factor in hotel searches includes the pool vibes, and this one definitely checks out. Dockside not only has two massive pools, but it also has a fun splash pad for the kids. Sit back and relax in any of the many chairs that surround the pools and get your tan on. 

Poolside Activities

Along with the massive pools, add to the fun with the poolside activities offered at each hotel (like ping pong and cornhole). Make sure to check with the front desk to see what you and the fam can participate in. 

Fitness Center

You’re on vacation! But if you must — yes, there is a fitness center for you to get some exercise in before hitting the theme parks. Both hotels have state-of-the-art centers with machinery for all your fitness needs. 

Take a break and try your hand at the claw machine or show off your best skills on the arcade and video games at both hotel’s convenient game rooms. 

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Take a break from the extremely awesome surfboard pool and grab a quick bevvy from the poolside leisure lounge that is Sand Bar — can’t ever be too far from your next drink! 

PRO TIP: Don’t skip out on the Disco H2O at this poolside paradise, it’s one of my favorite cocktails around the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels!

Beach Break Cafe

The surf is up and Beach Break Cafe is serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner with a laidback SoCal style. This food court offers familiarity, innovation and affordability.

Surfside’s Starbucks location can be found right in the lobby. Trust Starbucks to keep your summer satisfaction going with their delicious drinks and snacks. 

Surfside Pizza Delivery

One of the coolest features of Endless Summer Resort is that both sister hotels have a pizza delivery system in place, which means double the pizza and double the fun. When you’re beat to the bone and can’t be bothered, totally rely on Surfside Pizza Delivery to keep you going seven days a week. 

Pier 8 Market

Head to Pier 8 Market for all the flavor and fun that this food court has to offer, with five different stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s also a variety of grab-and-go items if you’re looking for a quick bite. 

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to check out the snack pantry area that also includes a variety of options for different dietary needs.

The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar 

This beachy bar has all the drinks from signature cocktails, wine and beer to nonalcoholic beverages and smoothies — everything you could possibly want for a relaxing pool day. Truly get the Endless Summer experience by ordering an Endless Summer Lemonade at The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar . 

The Oasis Beach Bar 

Pool-hop your way over and find tranquility poolside at The Oasis Beach Bar . It provides a nice shaded break away from the sun, especially with a Watermelon Margarita in hand. 

Stop by Starbucks , which is conveniently located in the hotel lobby, for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up of all your favorite snacks and drinks. Iced matcha lattes make my world go round — so no judgment here. 

Sunset Lounge

The Sunset Lounge , found right in the lobby of Dockside Inn and Suites is the best gathering spot after a long day in the theme parks. Gather your friends and fam, grab some drinks (try the Red Sky at Night) and let the good times roll. 

Pizza Delivery

When you’re tired from a long theme park day and can’t muster the energy to go out for dinner, don’t worry — Dockside Pizza Delivery has you covered. You can order for delivery to your room Monday to Sunday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. or if you’re wanting pizza earlier in the day, try picking up from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

WHERE TO SHOP

Universal Studios Store

Stowed away in each of the hotels’ lobbies is a Universal Studios Store for your last-minute essentials and must-have souvenirs. From sunblock and swimsuits to theme park merchandise, you’ll find everything you need for a successful summer vacay at Universal Orlando Resort. 

PRO TIP: Make sure to have your room key setup for charges and easy shopping.  

Want to start planning your stay at Endless Summer Resort? Click here to make your reservation now!

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Discover Universal Intern. Goldendoodle lover, self proclaimed foodie, "Harry Potter" fanatic.

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Summer at Universal Studios Orlando New Limited Events 2024

U niversal Studios Orlando has been through some changes in recent years, but, that hasn’t stopped them from giving us more reasons to visit the parks. With Universal Discounts for Summer, a Brand New DreamWorks Land, and new park experiences, there is plenty to do this summer at Universal Studios Orlando. 

Ready to plan a Universal Studios Orlando Vacation in 2024 ? Might  as well jump right in! There are new lands, and loads of reasons to visit the parks, and start a new annual tradition. With the arrival of Universal Studios EPIC Universe it will be good to get in the practice of  visiting! While EPIC Universe won’t be included in the Universal Annual Pass for the first year, if you’re thinking you might be visiting more than once this year, see if the Universal Studios Annual Pass may be a better deal than individual tickets. And if you’re settling into the Orlando area to tackle both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios check out the 12 Closest Hotels to Universal Studios and Disney World.

DreamWorks Land Opens June 14, 2024

With the arrival of DreamWorks Land in Universal Studios Florida , comes a beautiful new land, filled with colorful characters and memorable experiences. Replacing the area including Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster, other attractions replaced include Fievel’s Playland, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek and Donkey’s Meet and Greet. These attractions have all been closed to make room for new spaces.  DreamWorks Land  opens on June 14, 2024, and includes a variety of areas featuring Trolls, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek. Restaurants here include Swamp Snacks and Trolls Treats. 

• Trolls Trollercoaster : This child size coaster includes a caterpillar Caterbus, and friends Poppy, Tiny, Satin and Chenille, helping you to escape the creepy spiders! 
• Trolls Area : This area of the park includes Poppy’s Playground, King Harold’s Swamp Symphony, and the Mama Luna Feline Fiesta. 
• Po Live! Interactive Show : This meet and talk experience includes Po interacting with you via a digital screen. While babysitting his baby cousin, Po will share training in the ways of Kung Fu, an whip up some delicious snacks during the visit. 
• Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp : Visit the ancestral home of Po and the pandas where you can meet and train with Po, and interact with the elements of this area; including making music on the gong in the courtyard. 
• Shrek’s Swamp Meet and Greet : Meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey outside Shreks cottage in the swamp. This is a new space for meeting these friends and proves to offer lots of fun!

Hogwarts Always Begins June 14, 2024

Head to Hogwarts in Universal Islands of Adventure , to see Hogwarts Castle light up the night in an all new show, Hogwarts Always begins June 14, 2024. Featuring four different endings to the show, each celebrates a Hogwarts House with a colored pyrotechnic display of lights and music. Features of the event include dialogue from Harry Potter characters; Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more. Note that this show REPLACES the The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle . 

Delight in the nighttime extravaganza, Hogwarts™ Always, an incredible new projection show. Enjoy a journey through iconic moments of a year at the beloved school of witchcraft and wizardry, all set against the majestic background of Hogwarts™ castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade™. On select nights.

Cinesational Symphonic Spectacular June 14, 2024

Beginning June 14, 2024, the Cinesational Symphonic Spectacular is at Universal Studios Florida , at the Lagoon. Featuring music and stories from Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Jaws, Shrek, Trolls, Universal Monsters, How to Train Your Dragon and more, this show combines lights and music to cover the night sky. The lagoon includes 228 fountains that reach up to 131 feet in the sky. an excellent backdrop for a 4K projection show, this show includes 600 drones to help create the  story on the water. 

Thrill to a cinematic journey with stirring soundtracks evoking the mystery and magic of Harry Potter™, the pulse-pounding thrills of Jurassic World and the gripping suspense of Jaws. On select nights.

Mega Movie Parade July 3, 2024

Universal Studios Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida begins Wednesday, July 3, 2024, and includes  13 new floats, and 100 performers, celebrating some of the most iconic films. You can expect to see film favorites like E.T., Back to the Future, Jurassic World, Ghostbusters, Jaws, Shrek, Trolls, Minions and more. Available to be seen on select days, be sure to check out the Universal Studios App for current show times. 

Your favorite characters leap off screen onto the streets for a daytime parade. Feel the roar of the T. rex, enjoy the adventure of E.T., embrace your true colors with Trolls and more. On select days.

Summer Discounts at Universal Studios 2024

Ready to save some money at Universal Studios? We love the perks come from staying on property at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel , but you can also get things like Early Park Admission and the Universal Express Pass deals, other ways too! Check out all the Summer Deals at Universal Orlando. 

Play 4 Days From $74 Per Day

Enjoy four days of thrills at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure when you purchase a 2-Park Play 4 Days Promo Base Ticket.

• Visit one park per day
• Upgrade to a Park-to-Park ticket to visit multiple parks in the same day
• Upgrade to a 3-Park ticket to visit Volcano Bay**
• Ticket price determined by first date of your visit; check price calendar

Get 30%* off a 3-Park, 5-Night Vacation Package

Stay at either Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel and you can have both. Plus, Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ up to one hour before the parks open (valid theme park admission required), along with complimentary transportation and walking paths to Universal’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk. For Arrival Dates Apr. 11, 2024–Mar. 6, 2025. Book the 3 Park 5 Night Package.

Save 20%* on 4-Nights at a Universal Orlando Hotel

Enjoy Early Park Admission and Complimentary Transportation as part of your Universal Orlando Hotel purchase! Find a Universal Orlando Hotel.  

Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free* on a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket

Get two days free when you buy a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket online and enjoy four days of thrills at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Grab the Buy 2 Get 2 Offer. 

Universal Studios This Summer

There you have it! The new things coming to Universal Studios Orlando at both parks. Be sure to take in the events at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. With EPIC Universe on the way, there is plenty to get excited about at Universal Studios. We recommend downloading the Universal Studios App to get a lay of the land, and be sure to stop by CityWalk for shopping and food before heading home! 

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Seize the Summer with Universal Orlando Resort’s Best Deal on Tickets Yet

Summer is the perfect time to book a thrilling getaway to Universal Orlando Resort with a new ticket deal.

The start of summer means it’s time to start planning those family vacations. Some of those often include amusement parks and family friendly activities so there’s never a dull moment.

Universal Orlando Resort just rolled out an exciting new ticket deal that offers guests two free days of admission with the purchase of a three-day ticket.

RELATED:  These Are the Haunted Houses Coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2024 In Orlando

Here’s what you get with the new ticket deal, plus a sneak peek at some new attractions. 

What does the new Universal Orlando Resort ticket deal include?

This promotion is available now in the U.S. and Canada. Residents can take advantage of the deal that provides five days of thrilling adventures at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for the price of a three-day ticket, starting at just $255.99 per adult plus tax. Guests can also upgrade to include Universal Volcano Bay water theme park for the ultimate tropical escape. To complement the theme park excitement, Universal Orlando’s hotels are offering special deals, including a 20% discount on stays of four or more nights.

Guests can also opt to upgrade their tickets to include Universal Volcano Bay, a water theme park designed for both relaxation and excitement.

What else is there to do at Universal Orlando Resort?

There are more than 60 exhilarating experiences across its theme parks to explore. Five days of admission will allow ample time to explore all the attractions. Whether it's causing mischief with the Minions in Illumination’s Minion Land , racing alongside a Velociraptor pack on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, or flying through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, there’s something for every member of the family.

Universal Orlando Debuts Its Epic Universe Theme Park for the First Time

New attractions at universal orlando resort.

Starting June 14, Universal Orlando will unveil a host of new experiences, including DreamWorks Land , inspired by beloved characters from Shrek , Trolls , and Kung Fu Panda . Visitors can also enjoy the new nighttime lagoon show , CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular , and Hogwarts Always , a castle projection show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Additionally, on July 3, Universal Studios Florida will debut its largest daytime parade, the Universal Mega Movie Parade, bringing iconic film characters to life.

For more details and to book the “Get 2 Days Free with a 2-Park, 3-Day Ticket” offer, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com .

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Immediate Rule Change Hits Universal Studios Park Over Guest Behavior

in Universal Studios

One Universal Studios location has made a major change to a long-standing park rule, specifically aimed at guests visiting from overseas.

With five resorts dotted across the globe, Universal offers a range of movie-inspired experiences for both kids and kids at heart. While Universal Orlando Resort is its biggest location (with two theme parks, a water park, and a third park, Epic Universe, on the way ), some of the best experiences can actually be found at parks further afield.

Related: Super Nintendo World Coaster Will Have Guests Jumping From Track Mid-Ride

For example, Shrek  fans can explore an entire land based on Far Far Away at Universal Studios Singapore, which is also home to the only Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon roller coaster. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Beijing boasts Transformers: Metrobase (complete with a replica of The Incredible Hulk Coaster themed to a Decepticon Driller).

Some of these parks also house long-retired attractions in the U.S. If anyone is still mourning the loss of Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida, they can make the pilgrimage to either Singapore or Universal Studios Japan, the latter of which also houses Jaws.

While the version in Orlando was axed to make way for the Diagon Alley expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jaws is still in full swing at the Osaka theme park. Like Florida, the Japanese theme park features an equally scarily realistic Great White Shark animatronic , which is often the subject of visitors’ photographs.

The only issue is that Universal Studios Japan has strict rules regarding photography. The “Rules & Manners” section of its website explicitly states that “to ensure that all guests can enjoy the park safely and comfortably,” guests are prohibited from “photography during an attraction.”

Related: Walt Disney World Rule Break Ignites New Wave of Guests Trespassed for Life

Guests so frequently try to take pictures aboard Jaws that signs in line remind them of this rule. However, it seems like these rules may now be redundant, as Universal Studios Japan has now reportedly lifted this rule (primarily due to the number of international visitors taking pictures regardless).

“Starting Tuesday, May 28, 2024, it will be permitted to take photos and videos while riding Jaws,” reports USJ 1 . “This is thought to be because there are so many foreign visitors taking photos, and USJ crew members have felt limited in how much they can keep up with the attention, leading to a review of operations.”

速報） #USJ ジョーズ撮影OKに 2024年5月28日(火)よりジョーズの乗車中の写真・動画撮影がＯＫになりました。 これはあまりにも外国人客の撮影が多く、USJクルーも注意するのに限界を感じ、運用を見直したからと予想されます。 今後は『SING』も写真ＯKになるかな？？中国ではＯＫなので。 #ユニバ pic.twitter.com/88NtfyK5Ni — ＵＳＪのツボ (@usj1) May 29, 2024

Those visiting the Universal park this week report that the “no photography” signs are still present in the queue area, but Universal team members are now encouraging guests to take pictures (as long as you don’t use flash).

I heard a rumor that from May 28th #ジョーズ it was okay to take photos on the attraction, and when I checked with the crew I was told it was OK and they told me to “take lots of photos!” There are still signs prohibiting cameras on the Q line, but you can take pictures as long as you don’t use a flash. #USJ #USJファン #JAWS

5月28日から #ジョーズ のアトラクションが撮影OKになったという噂を聞きつけ、実際にクルーに確認したところOKとのことで「いっぱい撮ってきてください！」と言われました！ Qラインにはまだカメラ禁止のマークがありますが、フラッシュを焚かなければ撮影OKです #USJ #USJファン #JAWS pic.twitter.com/KIhWJcklTx — 🌠🇸‌🇭‌🇴‌🇺‌🇮‌🌠 (@SHOUI55) May 29, 2024

Prior to these changes, multiple guests had complained about the number of international park guests taking photos on rides. “It was good to ride Jaws, but there were a lot of foreigners who didn’t listen to the instructions that taking pictures was prohibited, so I couldn’t enjoy it,” @ORCHIDEA0106 wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Some attractions—such as The Flying Dinosaur—require guests to put their phones and loose belongings in lockers before riding. The Jurassic Park roller coaster previously added metal detectors to prevent guests from sneaking their phones aboard.

Do you plan on visiting Universal Studios Japan any time soon?

• Cast & crew

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event... Read all After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

• L. Frank Baum
• Winnie Holzman
• Gregory Maguire
• Cynthia Erivo
• Ariana Grande
• Jonathan Bailey
• 2 nominations

• Madame Morrible

• Miss Coddle

• Glinda's Father

• Dr. Dillamond

• Girls Brigade

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia The name of the Wicked Witch, Elphaba, was created by taking the phonetic pronunciation of the original "Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum 's initials, L-F-B, which became Elphaba.

Glinda : Don't be afraid.

Elphaba : I'm not afraid. It's the Wizard who should be afraid of me.

• Connections Featured in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: Chip n' Dale: A New Legacy (2022)
• Soundtracks No One Mourns the Wicked Written by Stephen Schwartz Performed by Ariana Grande

Technical specs

• Dolby Atmos
• IMAX 6-Track

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