Everything you need to know about Spring Break at Universal Orlando

Spring Break is one of the busiest times of the year at Universal Orlando. In 2027, expect the biggest crowds from mid-March through the week after Easter, which is March 28, 2027.

You can still have a great spring break trip. The key is an Express Pass, an early start, and a hotel close to the parks.

I’ll be honest: this is a time when my family avoids the parks as much as possible! I love Mardi Gras, but we try to go in February and then again in April. We rarely visit in March. However, I know that’s when many people plan trips to Universal, so we created this post just for you!

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, travel blogger, Florida resident, and long-time Universal Annual Passholder. Contact me for more information if you’d like help booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you.

Spring break at Universal Orlando at a glance

• Busiest weeks: mid-March through the week after Easter (March 21 to April 4, 2027)
• Lighter weeks: early March and the second half of April
• Easter 2027: Sunday, March 28
• Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida: February 6 to March 27, 2027
• Volcano Bay: closed for refurbishment until on or before April 1, 2027
• Weather: highs around 79°F (26°C) in March and 84°F (29°C) in April
• Best way to skip lines: stay at a hotel with free Express Passes, or buy Universal Express
• Single Rider lines may be a good “hack” for families with older kids

When is spring break at Universal Orlando in 2027?

Spring break at Universal Orlando runs from early March to mid-April. Most U.S. schools take one week off during that window, so crowd levels depend on which week you pick.

Week	What to expect
Early March	Busy on weekends, lighter on weekdays
Mid-March	Very busy as most schools and colleges are on break
March 21 to 28, 2027 (week before Easter)	One of the busiest weeks of the year
March 29 to April 4, 2027 (week after Easter)	Still very busy
Mid to late April	Crowds drop off

If your school’s break is flexible, early March or late April is the better choice. If I had a choice, I’d pick early March or late April over anything in between.

How crowded is Universal Orlando during spring break?

Universal Orlando is very crowded during the peak spring break weeks. Popular rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, VelociCoaster, and Battle at the Ministry can have long wait times almost immediately. 

Weekends are the most crowded days because locals join everyone at the parks. If you can, plan your biggest park days for Monday through Thursday.

The parks often open earlier and stay open later during spring break. Check Universal’s park hours before you plan each day. Going earlier or staying later can be key to doing everything you want. 

Is Volcano Bay open for spring break 2027?

Volcano Bay is closed for refurbishment and will reopen on or before April 1, 2027. If your spring break is in March, plan on no water park days.

If you’re going in April, check that Volcano Bay has reopened before you buy a ticket that includes it. Our Volcano Bay tips cover how to plan your day once it’s open.

What is Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando?

Mardi Gras is Universal’s spring event at Universal Studios Florida. In 2027, it runs from February 6 to March 27.

It includes a parade, food booths inspired by Carnaval celebrations worldwide, and concerts on select nights. It’s included with a regular Universal Studios Florida ticket.

Mardi Gras is our family’s favorite special event at Universal. I highly recommend checking it out if you can!

Early spring break families get Mardi Gras. Families going the week after Easter will miss it.

Do you need an Express Pass for spring break at Universal?

Yes. Spring break is one of the times when an Express Pass makes the biggest difference. 

You can get one in two ways. You can stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, which include free Universal Express Unlimited. Or you can buy Universal Express for each person in your group.

Hotel Express Passes work only at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe has its own Express Pass that is sold separately. Universal Express can sell out on the busiest days, so buy it when you book.

Read more in our guide to Express Passes at Universal Orlando.

What if you don’t have an Express Pass?

If Express Passes just aren’t in the budget, I have some tips. The best thing to do is plan your days around your must-do rides. Plan to go early, stay late, or both. Make sure to stay in a Universal hotel to take advantage of Early Park Admission.

The parks get a bit quieter at night, so stay later, and you may find much shorter wait times.

If the kids in your family are a little older, Single Rider lines can be a helpful hack for rides with very long lines. Your party will be split up, but you can wait together, and it can significantly shorten your wait.

I will warn that Single Rider lines work best on rides with lots of seats, like The Mummy, MIB Alien Attack, or Spider-Man. It may not save much time (if at all) on rides like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure.

Where should you stay at Universal for spring break?

The best place to stay at Universal for spring break is a hotel that includes free Express Passes. That means Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort. These hotels book up early for spring break, so reserve as soon as you know your dates.

This is a great fit for families who want to skip most lines and walk to the parks. It’s also a good fit for families who plan two or more days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

If you’re on a budget, Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel are both within walking distance of the parks. Every Universal hotel includes Early Park Admission, which matters more during spring break than any other time.

If Epic Universe is your top priority, look at Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, or Helios Grand Hotel.

Compare every hotel in our guide to Universal Orlando hotels.

Do you need a rental car for spring break in Orlando?

You don’t need a car if you stay at a Universal hotel and only visit Universal. A car helps if you want a beach day or a day at Disney World.

I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. Spring break is a busy time for Orlando rental cars, so book early.

If you have little ones, Orlando Stroller Rentals delivers strollers to Universal hotels.

Spring break at Universal Orlando tips

1. Use Early Park Admission. The first hour is the best time to ride the most popular attractions.
2. Be at the gate before opening. Spring break lines build fast after the first hour.
3. Buy an Express Pass, or stay at a hotel that includes one.
4. Use Single Rider lines if your kids are old enough to ride alone.
5. Plan your Epic Universe day on a weekday.
6. Take a midday break at the hotel pool. Head back to the parks for the evening.
7. Pack sunscreen and refillable water bottles. March and April afternoons get warm.
8. Watch the weather. Spring showers are usually short, and outdoor rides close during lightning.

Read our list of Universal Studios hacks and what to pack for Universal for more ideas.

Spring break at Universal Orlando FAQ

When is spring break at Universal Orlando in 2027?

Spring break at Universal Orlando runs from early March to mid-April 2027. The busiest weeks are March 21 to April 4, the weeks before and after Easter.

Is Universal Orlando crowded during spring break?

Yes. Spring break is one of the most crowded times of the year at Universal Orlando, especially on weekends and Easter week.

Is Volcano Bay open during spring break 2027?

Volcano Bay is closed for refurbishment until on or before April 1, 2027. Families visiting in March should not plan on a water park day.

Is Mardi Gras included with a Universal ticket?

Yes. Mardi Gras is included with a regular Universal Studios Florida ticket. In 2027, it runs from February 6 to March 27.

Is an Express Pass worth it during spring break?

Yes. An Express Pass saves the most time during busy weeks like spring break. It sells out on the busiest days, so buy it early.

What is the weather like at Universal Orlando in March and April?

March highs are usually around 79°F (26°C), and April highs are around 84°F (29°C). 

Spring break at Universal Orlando

Spring break at Universal Orlando is busy, but it’s still a great time to go. Pick your week carefully, book your hotel early, and plan on an Express Pass.

Contact me if you’d like help planning your spring break trip to Universal Orlando!

We have lots more Universal travel tips on the blog. Check them out!

• The best time to visit Universal Orlando
• 2026 Universal Orlando Planning Guide
• Express Passes at Universal Orlando
• Which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Passes?
• Special events at Universal Orlando
• The ultimate guide to Epic Universe
• 20 smart things to know before going to Universal Orlando

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family that loves traveling Florida with kids!

Did you enjoy this post? I’d love it if you would pin it for later!