Can Universal Orlando be done in one day?
Can Universal Orlando be done in one day? This is a really common question! Universal Orlando used to be thought of as a one-stop extra add-on for your Disney vacation. However, that isn’t necessarily the case now! If you’re wondering if you can visit Universal in one day, the short answer is probably not, but I’ll go into more detail. I’ll also give tips on visiting Universal in one day if you attempt it.
By the way, we also have a guide for how to visit the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day.
Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal travel agent, travel blogger, and Universal Annual Passholder. If you have lots of questions about a Universal Orlando vacation or would like to let an expert handle the trip plans at no additional cost, contact me.
Can you visit Universal Orlando in one day? Yes, but you shouldn’t! Let’s discuss Universal and why it’s not a one-day destination.
Quick tip: Having a car can be handy during your Universal vacation. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They have the best prices, and you don’t have to pay until you pick it up!
Can you visit Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios in one day?
When you ask if you can visit Universal in one day, I will assume that you are talking about the two main parks (for now): Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Universal Orlando also has a waterpark (Volcano Bay); you can’t visit all three in a day. To truly enjoy Volcano Bay, you need at least a half day, and preferably a full day. Check out more information here: 15 Genius Volcano Bay Tips.
Epic Universe will open in 2025 and will be a multi-day experience in itself! For now, I will assume you’re asking if you can do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day.
You need two days to explore Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure fully. As a long-time Annual Passholder and Universal Travel Agent, I’d recommend three: one day for each park, plus an extra day for anything you missed or to re-do anything you loved.
Let’s assume you only have ONE day. Can it be done? Maybe. I don’t recommend it, but if you only have one day and want to see everything you can, you can try it! Here are my tips for how to do Universal Orlando in one day.
If you only have one day, hopefully it won’t rain!
1. Visit during a less busy time:
Visiting all of Universal in one day during busy times won’t be possible. For the best chance, I recommend visiting during the week during the slower months (school months, away from breaks).
2. Get an Express Pass:
Can Universal Orlando be done in one day? The only way I’d even try would be with an Express Pass! An Express Pass doesn’t guarantee a short wait on a busy day; it guarantees a shorter wait. If the regular lines are long, the Express Pass line will be long, too, but about half.
3. Plan your day in advance:
Figure out what you have to ride and what you don’t mind skipping. Do you want to see the shows? Check showtimes in the Universal app before you leave. For anything with a long line (Hagrid’s, Minion Mayhem, etc.), try to ride early in the day or in the evening.
Pro-tip: The Harry Potter areas open during early park admission and can often have the longest wait times. Try to ride the Wizarding World rides as early as possible.
You may also want to plan your dining and determine where you want to eat. Make sure to have the app for Mobile Ordering. Plus, the app will have wait times, a map, directions, and many other things you’ll need if you visit Universal in one day.
What you can skip at Universal Orlando
If you want to know can Universal Orlando be done in one day and, if so, what should be skipped, here’s the answer.
I know this will be controversial, so please note that these are my personal opinions.
- Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon—Unless you love the show, this is worth skipping, as there are many better screen rides.
- Fast and Furious – Supercharged – This is famously the most hated ride at Universal for a reason. It just isn’t good.
- Trollercoaster—Dreamworks Land is adorable, but this is a basic kiddy coaster, and if there is any line, you should skip it.
- Horror Makeup Show—I’ve seen this once and wasn’t impressed. You don’t want to miss the Bourne Stuntacular Show, and Animal Actors is also very cute. Of the three main shows, this is the easiest to skip.
- Stormforce Accelatron—This is just a regular tea-cup-style ride. It’s worth skipping, especially if you have motion sickness.
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall – If the line is long for this 10-second ride, just skip it.
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges—I don’t recommend skipping this one unless you want to stay dry or semi-dry. You will get soaked, so be prepared.
- Flight of the Hippogriff—Like the Trollercoaster, this is your standard kiddie coaster and worth skipping if it is long.
If you aren’t traveling with young kids, it may be worth skipping some of the other kid rides (such as the Suess Landing rides). Otherwise, they are cute and generally have short wait times if the park isn’t busy.
Can Universal Orlando be done in one day?
Can Universal Orlando be done in one day? Maybe, but I don’t recommend it! If you decide to try it, I hope these tips for doing it in a day helped. If you have any other tips to add for visiting Universal in one day, please share them in the comments.
I have lots more Universal travel tips here on the blog. Check them out!
- What to pack for Universal Studios (and what to wear at Universal)
- All the Universal Orlando Hotel Types explained
- How to visit the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day
- Hidden secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- What is a ghost room at Universal Orlando?
- A complete list of rides at Universal Orlando
- Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites Review
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.
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