Universal Orlando Resort: Your Complete Guide to the Theme Parks, Hotels, and More

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

Universal Studios started in California in 1915. In 1964, the movie studio debuted the now-famous tram tour, which later brought about the introduction of Universal Studios Hollywood, a film-themed park. Then in 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened its doors in Orlando, providing sights that resemble the ones in Hollywood. In the thirty years that followed, Universal Orlando has multiplied step by step and now consists of the world’s most visited subject parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), the Volcano Bay water park, the CityWalk shopping and eating location, 8 accommodations, and new and interesting Harry Potter worlds delivered within the 2010s. And the inn hasn’t stopped, but.

This summer, Universal Studios Florida will welcome DreamWorks Land, a new family-themed area that will include a Trolls-themed coaster, a Kung Fu Panda play area, and a Shrek meet-and-greet. Also, in 2025, the much-anticipated Universal’s Epic Universe will open, featuring five new immersive lands like Super Nintendo World and the thrilling Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic experience. It’s set to be the biggest theme park development of the decade.

If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, here’s everything you need to know — from must-see rides to the best places to stay, according to Travel + Leisure’s theme park experts and regular visitors to Universal Orlando.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Florida and its resorts depends on your travel purpose. Do you want the best weather? Fewer crowds? The high-quality climate is inside the iciness and spring (January to May), whilst the warmth and humidity are low (June to September), and earlier than the Atlantic storm season (June to November) has begun. If you want to avoid heavy visitor crowds, time your experience out of doors during college vacations consisting of spring and winter weather and summer vacation. Keep in mind that Universal’s popular activities, inclusive of Halloween Horror Nights, also draw out-of-height travelers and nearby annual pass holders.

In the past few years, the off-peak months have not been completely empty. I’ve visited Florida’s theme parks every month throughout the year, and I’ve found it best to visit in the months of late January to February, early May, and late September to early October for the fewest crowds and most comfortable weather.

Tickets and Annual Passes

Tickets

A one-day park ticket to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure starts at $119 for adults.

One-day two-park tickets, which assist you to tour between each park (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) at some stage in the day, begin at $174 according to the day (you need a park-to-park price tag to trip the Hogwarts Express).

A one-day ticket to Volcano Bay costs $80.

Universal Orlando uses a dynamic pricing calendar, so tickets cost more on busy days.

Remember, the more days you stay, the cheaper the per-day ticket price, and Universal Orlando often offers specials, including discounts on multi-day packages.

Express Passes

Universal gives line-skipping passes for a further rate (you can get those without cost at a few motels—greater on this later). You can buy those passes while you e-book your tickets or at the park (if they may be had at the time of your visit).

• The basic Universal Express Pass costs $79.99 to $289.99 per character. It permits you to skip the ordinary strains as soon as you are at one of the collaborating attractions at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.
• Universal Express Unlimited—$109.99 to $319.99 per person — allows you to skip the lines for participating attractions as many times as you want.
• The Volcano Bay Express Pass allows you to skip the virtual line once for every participating attraction.

Annual Pass

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

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is a movie-, TV-, and amusement enterprise-themed park inspired by the unique park in Hollywood. It features several lands prompted by using backlot sets (which include New York, Hollywood, and San Francisco), as well as Minion Land, Harry Potter World—Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield U.S.A. (domestic of The Simpsons), and the approaching DreamWorks Land.

Major Attractions and Rides

• Features major attractions such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (for the Hogwarts Express ride) and the Revenge of the Mummy indoor coaster.

The kid-fun Minion Land features attractions like Despicable Me. Minion Mayhem and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.

Where to Eat

The Leaky Cauldron is a must-visit place in the Wizarding World to taste butterbeer and other British food. Also, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill is a popular place to grab a drink. Butterbeer ice cream is a hit at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlor. Moe’s Tavern is a fun photo op where you can take a great picture with Duff Bear. And the new Illuminations Minion Cafe that recently opened at Universal Studios Florida is a fun and cheerful place to eat. The cafe serves delicious dishes like fresh salmon and cauliflower bowls, fresh salads, and sandwiches that I absolutely loved during my recent visit.

Universal CityWalk

Located right outside of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk, also known as the “Epicenter of Awesome,” offers shopping and dining as well as the new “Universal’s Great Movie Escape” experience. Some of my favorite restaurants at CityWalk are “Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food” and “Cowfish,” which serves burgers and sushi. There are also many other options like “Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville,” “Hard Rock Cafe,” and “Universal Studios Store.” “Voodoo Doughnut” is a popular place to enjoy sweet donuts; this place is very attractive before or after the park as visitors walk around with donuts in light pink boxes.

Hotels

Universal Orlando currently has eight resorts operated by Loews Hotels (more will come as the “Epic Universe” expands). These resorts are divided into four categories based on amenities and benefits: Premier, Preferred, Prime Value, and Value. Value hotels start at $99.20 per night, while Premier hotels typically cost around $350, so you can find options for a variety of budgets.

I’ve stayed at four of these eight resorts, and all of them offer great amenities for their price. Premier hotels offer perks like free Express Pass and easy access to theme parks, making them great value hotels, while Prime Value hotels come with comfortable, clean rooms and fun themes.

Premier Hotels

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort are Universal Orlando’s top-tier resort category and include free Universal Express Unlimited passes (which allow you to skip lines) and other perks. I’ve stayed at all three of these hotels and experienced them.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is typically the most expensive, but it’s also the best themed, as its design and décor are inspired by the Italian town of Portofino. It has three themed pools, a spa, eight restaurants, and 750 guest rooms. Plus, you can get to the parks via free water taxis, shuttles, and a walking path.

The California Mission-style Hard Rock Hotel is ideal for music lovers and is also great for families. It has 650 guest rooms, a 12,000-square-foot pool, four dining outlets, and shuttles and water taxis to the parks.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort has a tropical theme and several restaurants and lounges. This is a great premier resort, which is usually the cheapest, but the amenities and Express Passes offered make it a great choice. The atmosphere is peaceful and within walking distance to the parks.

Preferred Hotels

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is Universal Orlando’s only Preferred-level hotel. It has 1,000 rooms and offers shuttles, water taxis, and walking trails to the parks. It also has several dining options and a beautiful pool nearby.

Prime Value Hotels

Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel fall into Universal Orlando’s Prime Value Hotels category. These hotels give you early entry to the parks as well as shuttles and walking trails. Cabana Bay has over 2,000 guest rooms and is a great choice for families. It features a charming mid-century design, an on-site bowling alley, and large pools.

Value Hotels

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort—Surfside Inn & Suites and Endless Summer—Dockside Inn & Suites are the most affordable hotels at Universal Orlando. These hotels give you access to early park admission, shuttles, and walking trails. Dockside has 2,050 rooms, while Surfside has 750 rooms.

Major Events

Universal Orlando hosts three major events a year: Universal Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and Holidays at Universal Orlando.

Universal Mardi Gras

This event runs from winter to early spring and features traditional New Orleans parades, live entertainment, and carnival-inspired food items. The event is held at Universal Studios Florida, and admission is included in your theme park ticket.

Halloween Horror Nights

This event is specifically for fear enthusiasts and takes place on special nights at Universal Studios Florida. It features haunted houses, scary events, and special food and drink items. This event is not suitable for children and is only recommended for children 13 and up.

Holidays at Universal Orlando

This event is a great way to celebrate the holidays, featuring Dr. Seuss and Grinchmas themes, Macy’s Holiday Parade, and other exciting activities.

Travel Planning and Budget Tips

Travel Tips

If you want to enjoy both the two theme parks and the water park, I would recommend spending at least three full days so you can spend enough time in each park. If on a budget, book Premier Hotels so you can get an Express Pass and make the most of your time without waiting in line. With the Express Pass, I experienced almost all the major attractions in two days.

One-Day Itinerary

If you just want to enjoy two parks in one day, it’s best to get an Express Pass with a two-park ticket.