Universal Orlando Planning Guide

If you’re planning a Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure vacation, this 2025 Universal Orlando Planning guide is for you. This comprehensive Universal Studios planning guide will cover the following:

• How to plan a Universal vacation
• Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks
• How to save money at Universal Orlando
• The best time to visit Universal
• What kind of tickets to buy for Universal
• …and so much more!

I am a Universal Annual Passholder and a certified Universal Travel Advisor. Even more important, we love Florida theme parks (if you couldn’t tell!), and Universal Orlando is my favorite.

Over the years, Universal Orlando has expanded from a day trip during a Disney vacation to a destination all its own.

In the past couple of years, Universal has added Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, the Bourne Stuntacular, and the Jurassic World Velicocoaster, which are all big and epic attractions. Check out the 10 best thrill rides at Universal to learn about the new rides and more thrilling rides at Universal.

I also have a complete list of rides at Universal Orlando Resort so make sure to check that out before your vacation.

Epic Universe will double the size of Universal Orlando, and I’ll update this as soon as we get an official opening date. As of now, it’s expected to be in the summer of 2025.

Planning a Universal Vacation? I’ll be your Travel Agent!

Hi there! I’m Amy, I’m a Universal Travel Agent, Annual Passholder, Florida Resident, and mom of the Florida Travel with Kids-kids. I’d love to help you plan your Universal vacation! Working with a pro can ensure you have all the things you need to know before a Universal vacation. Contact me today to get started.

2025 Universal Planning Guide

This 2025 Universal Orlando planning guide covers Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. I also have a complete Volcano Bay guide with Volcano Bay hacks and tips if you want to check out Universal’s incredible waterpark!

Universal Studios Planning Guide

To start this Universal Orlando Planning Guide, let’s review some of the most common questions about visiting Universal Orlando.

Where to buy Universal Orlando tickets

Since this is a Universal Orlando planning guide, it only makes sense to talk about where to get tickets first.

There are three ways to buy Universal Orlando tickets. You can purchase tickets at the park, in advance online, or through a Universal Travel Agent.

Be careful about purchasing tickets online or anywhere else that is not official. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You don’t want to spend your valuable vacation time in an all-day timeshare presentation, do you?!

Do you need a rental car in Orlando?

If you need a car for your Orlando vacation, I recommend Discount USA Car Rental. Discount USA Car Rental offers the best rates, whether flying into Orlando or Sanford airports.

What is Universal Orlando?

Some people refer to Universal Orlando as “Universal” or “Universal Studios.” Universal Orlando is technically comprised of:

• Universal Studios
• Islands of Adventure
• Volcano Bay
• CityWalk
• Epic Universe (coming in 2025!)

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are the current main theme parks. They are next to each other and connect via CityWalk or the Hogwarts Express at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

To truly experience Universal, you need a park-to-park ticket. Like a Disney “park hopper” ticket, this ticket allows you to visit both parks in a single day.

Due to their proximity, it’s much easier to visit both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios in one day than Disney.

Even if the Hogwarts Express wait is long, it only takes about 20 minutes to walk between the two parks.

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s waterpark, arguably the best in the Orlando area. To access Volcano Bay, you’ll need to park in the main parking garage and take a bus.

A view of Volcano Bay from Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Alternatively, Cabana Bay Beach Resort has direct access to Volcano Bay.

CityWalk is the dining, shopping, and activity area similar to Disney Springs. City Walk is also connected to most Universal Orlando hotels via the “Garden Walk.”

The premier hotels, such as Loews Portofino Bay Hotel are the closest to City Walk.

When to visit Universal Orlando

If you’re traveling with children, you’re likely limited to school holidays. Unfortunately, many other people are also traveling with children on those dates.

If you can avoid popular dates such as the summer, winter holidays, spring break, etc., you will find fewer crowds and, sometimes, better prices.

If you’re traveling without children or willing to pull your child out of school for a couple of days, you will find that traveling outside of the popular dates will save time and allow you to do more things at the parks.

Unlike Disney, Universal Orlando has not started a reservation system.

The best days of the week to visit Orlando are Monday-Thursday. If you must visit on the weekend, I recommend purchasing an Express Pass and arriving early.

Common Mistakes at Universal Orlando

This deserved a blog post of its own, so I wrote one! Check out 20 Universal Orlando Mistakes to avoid.

Special Events at Universal Orlando

Universal has many special events throughout the year. The most popular are Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras, and Christmas.

Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights is a hard-ticket event (not included with your regular tickets) and takes place at night.

This special event features scare actors, haunted houses, special food and drinks, the HHN tribute store, and more. It is not recommended for guests under 13 years of age.

Christmas at Universal Orlando

Christmas at Universal features Grinchmas, a holiday parade with Macy’s balloons, the Holiday Tribute Store, and more.

Several areas in Universal Studios are decorated, including Diagon Alley, where Universal features a special projection show at Hogwarts Castle.

Some of the shows around Universal are also Christmas-themed during this time of the year.

How many days should I spend at Universal?

Gone are the days when guests spend one day of their Disney trip visiting Universal. There are plenty of people who enjoy Universal vacations without visiting Disney at all. We talk about this more here: Can Universal Orlando be done in one day?

I recommend spending no less than three days at Universal Orlando. If you are a Harry Potter fan, spending even more time enjoying the parks would be easy. I do have a guide for how to visit the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day but I strongly recommend as many days as possible!

What kind of tickets do I need for Universal?

When Universal Orlando added the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they did something brilliant—Universal split the Wizarding World between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Hogsmeade (the town where students attending Hogwarts would visit) is located in Islands of Adventure. Hogwarts Island, I suppose.

Hogsmeade is home to Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, The Flight of the Hippogriff, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. So yes, three of the four Wizarding World rides are in Hogsmeade.

Before you assume that you only need to visit Hogsmeade, the ever-so-iconic Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios, and it’s a must-see all on its own.

Escape from Gringotts, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes, Knockturn Alley, and more are located in Diagon Alley.

This is why, again, I recommend having a park-to-park ticket. A park-to-park ticket is also the only way to ride the Hogwarts Express, a must for any true Harry Potter fan.

Also, don’t miss NEW Vegan food at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Is Volcano Bay worth it?

Hopefully, I have convinced you to purchase park-to-park tickets, but is Volcano Bay worth it? Volcano Bay isn’t just another waterpark.

I’m not a big “water park” person, but I was so impressed by Volcano Bay. Volcano Bay is massive and features attractions such as the Krakatau Water Coaster and more.

If you like water parks, if your kids like them, or if you’re visiting Universal when it’s hot (almost always), I would include at least one day at Volcano Bay.

Do you need an Express Pass at Universal?

If you plan to visit Universal during a slow time and on a weekday, you probably won’t need an Express Pass. If you plan a summer vacation or holiday vacation, you’ll likely need the Express Pass.

The best rides and attractions at Universal Orlando

It should be noted that the best rides and attractions at Universal will be dependent on you. I wanted to include this just so that you are aware of the rides and attractions that are the most popular.

If you see lower wait times for any of these rides or attractions, make sure to hop in line ASAP.

Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure is currently the newest ride at Universal Orlando Resort. This will change when the new Velocicoaster opens, making Islands of Adventure even busier!

This Motorbike Adventure is a thrilling roller coaster with multiple launches, a backward section, and a drop section. It does not go upside down, but make sure kids do some other coasters before trying this one.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Also located in Islands of Adventure, Skull Island: Reign of Kong is a very popular ride despite being five years old.

The wait times can be long, so try to ride early or later in the day or use an Express Pass. If you’re visiting on a very busy day, I would say it’s okay to pass on this one, but many people would disagree with me.

The Incredible Hulk

This is the big, green roller coaster you can’t miss as soon as you walk into Islands of Adventure. It’s a top-rated roller coaster and typically has a longer wait.

If you find a wait time of 30 minutes or less, hop on because wait times can often be an hour or more.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

This is the first ride you see after walking into Universal Studios. Because it’s the first ride, it has one of the longest wait times.

Unless you have a little minion who loves the Minions (which I do,) this ride is worth skipping. It is cute, but it’s not worth waiting an hour. This is also, in my opinion, one of the worst rides for those with motion sickness.

Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see a blog post with all the bad rides for motion sickness.

For now, here are the rides that will make you sick at Universal:

• The Simpsons Ride
• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Transformers: The Ride 3D
• Storm Force Accelatron (a teacup-style ride)
• The Bourne Stuntacular (mot a ride, but the effects can cause motion sickness.)

I have many problems with motion sickness, so these rides may not be as bad for you as they are for me. Check out Worst rides for motion sickness at Universal to learn more.

Regardless, I recommend bringing whatever you use if you are prone to motion sickness.

The Bourne Stuntacular

The Bourne Stuntacular is not a ride but, as the name implies, a stunt show. It is based on the Bourne movies. When it first opened, I thought it was odd that it was based on movies from so long ago.

As it turns out, there are newer Bourne movies, and they are worth checking out! You can also check out 30+ movies to watch before going to Universal for more movies that will get you excited for your vacation.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as a whole, is easily the busiest area of Universal Orlando. This is partially due to the newest ride being Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure.

However, it’s primarily due to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter simply being so darn magical. If you love a good controversy, you can check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter vs. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

I have already written about Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips and tricks, so make sure to check that out. I also have a post about the secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, or even if you’re not, the entire Wizarding World is a must-see.

Under-rated rides at Universal

I thought sharing some of Universal’s underrated rides in this Universal Orlando planning guide would be fun.

I thought about sharing over-rated rides at Universal, but I’ll save that for another day.

The Mummy (Universal Studios)

The Mummy is one of my favorite roller coasters. Not just at Universal, period. I love the Mummy. It’s so fun, and it’s dark, and it’s hilarious to ride with first-timers who have no idea what is happening.

I don’t even love the Mummy movies, but the ride is truly one of the best in Universal. The wait time is often relatively short, so check it out too!

Animal Actors on Location (Universal Studios)

The Bourne Stuntacular gets all the love, but Animal Actors on Location is the best show in Universal. In my opinion, anyway.

This adorable show features dogs, cats, birds, and even a pig. It’s fun for kids, but honestly, I will see it without my kids any day. I go to this show so much that they are starting to recognize me.

If you love animals, this show is a must-see. It’s located near the Spongebob Store in Universal Studios.

Pteranodon Flyers (Islands of Adventure)

I was trying to think of an underrated ride at Islands of Adventure, and this is the only one that came to mind.

Now, you can’t ride Pteranodon Flyers without a child, but you’re in luck if you are a child or have a child.

One of the highlights of this ride in the past couple of years has been having a birds-eye view of the construction of the Velicoaster. Now that the coaster is completed, you can get a great view of the ride itself! If you look carefully, you can even spot some of the raptors.

A bit more on rides at Universal

I had a few more tips for rides and attractions in this Universal Orlando Planning Guide and didn’t know where to throw them in, so here they are.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is the large red roller coaster just inside Universal Studios. You can choose a song to rock out to during your ride, which is a lot of fun!

You might not know that there is also a Rip Ride Rockit secret song list. Make sure to know the numbers for your favorite songs before you get on the ride.

Unless you’re a Fast and the Furious fan, Fast and Furious Supercharged is worth skipping. It’s fairly new, and Universal still closes it down when the parks aren’t busy. That is because we all hate it. 😂

I think E.T. Adventure is a ride with a lot of nostalgia for some, but it’s horribly overrated. If you grew up riding E.T. Adventure. Then you’ll love it. If you didn’t, you could skip it.

Dining at Universal Orlando Resort

Dining at Universal is much simpler than dining at Disney. There are fewer in-park options, and reservations are rarely required.

Universal does not offer many fine dining options, but Mythos in Islands of Adventure is often rated as one of Orlando’s best theme park restaurants.

Mythos is one of the best theme park restaurants out there!

Both The Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron are popular with Harry Potter fans. However, both restaurants are often rated better for their ambiance than their food.

Universal is also behind Disney in accommodating guests with allergies or dietary preferences, but they are always adding more allergy-friendly and vegan options.

If you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, or vegan, check out gluten-free options at Universal and how to eat vegan at Universal.

Although Universal offers dining plans, and although they aren’t essential, they can help make your Universal vacation a little bit easier.

Universal Dining Plans

Universal is no longer offering dining plans, but they do have the Coca-Cola Freestyle cups.

• Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup $16.99: Includes the Freestyle refillable cup and one day of refills. Additional days can be purchased for $9.99 per day.

The Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup allows you to refill your cup at locations throughout the parks and CityWalk. It is important to note that the cups do not work at the Universal Resorts.

Where to stay at Universal

One of the biggest questions about planning a Universal Orlando vacation is where to stay at Universal.

At first glance, staying in a Universal Orlando Resort seems more expensive. That is because staying in a Universal hotel is more expensive, but it’s worth it in many situations.

You may find a better deal at a Partner Hotel, but here is what they don’t tell you.

The shuttles from the Partner Hotels only run limited routes.

This means you’ll have to pay to park, walk, or Uber back and forth between your hotel room unless you’re arriving and departing at certain times.

It’s much easier to stay in a Universal Resort and enjoy complimentary daily transportation. You’ll also find Universal resorts for almost any price range.

It’s also fun to plan a resort day and hang out at the lazy river at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. You can also pool hop at all of the resorts, no matter where you’re staying, and enjoy the restaurants or spas at any other resort.

Checking current pricing for all Universal Resorts here:

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay
• Loews Royal Pacific
• Aventura Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

You get free Express Passes by staying in a Premier Resort. Premier Resorts include Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific.

I also have a Loews Royal Pacific tour and review. As a bonus, the Premier Resorts are closer to Universal, and you can walk or take a water taxi.

You can check out The Best Place to Stay at Universal Orlando for even more tips.

What to pack for Universal

I have a detailed post about what to pack for Universal, but I wanted to share the quick version in this Universal Orlando planning guide.

Here are a few things to keep with you at Universal Orlando:

• A small backpack or bag. If you can get away with it, bring a bag or bags small enough to fit in Universal’s free lockers. Unlike Disney, Universal does not allow bags on most rides, except 3-prong fanny packs on some rides. Check out The best bags for Universal Studios.
• Sunscreen. It’s hot and sunny in Orlando. If you tend to burn, make sure to have some reef-safe natural sunscreen on hand.
• Water bottles. Why pay $5 for water and create more plastic when you can just bring your own?
• Snacks. Universal has plenty of snacks, but they also allow you to bring in snacks if you’d like.
• A lanyard. Most park guests keep their park pass in a lanyard. I have an entire blog post about lanyards for Universal (seriously) if you want to check it out.
• Motion sickness medicine, if you need it.
• Universal App, on your phone, of course. You can check ride times, look at a map, mobile order, and more.

What to wear at Universal

• Lightweight clothing. Make sure to pack layers in the winter as mornings are cooler, but it can get hot in the afternoon.
• A mask, if you choose to wear one. Masks are now optional at Universal, but feel free to bring them if it makes you more comfortable indoors, etc. Make sure to bring extras because they will get sweaty, wet, dropped, snotty, etc.
• Comfortable shoes. I wear Teva sandals but choose whatever is comfortable for you. Remember to bring extra socks, or even extra shoes, if you plan to go on water rides. This is precisely why I wear sandals!

My typical Universal attire includes a tank top, shorts, Teva sandals, and a Loungefly backpack. 

How to save money at Universal Orlando

Maybe you found this Universal Orlando planning guide because you want to know how to save money at Universal.

I know you’ve been waiting for it, so here is how to save money at Universal Orlando.

First, I’ll be honest: theme parks are expensive. 

The tickets, the food, the souvenirs, it adds up! The best way to save money at Universal is to set a budget and stick to it. Whether it’s a food budget or a souvenir budget, decide how much you plan to spend before you leave. Check out our review for Endless Summer: Dockside Inn and Suites, Universal’s Ultra Value Resorts!

Annual Passes

Purchase an annual pass if it makes sense for your family. If you plan to visit more than once a year, an annual pass might make more sense than purchasing multi-day park tickets.

Sides and snacks

Choose sides or kids’ items at restaurants. I am the queen of sides. I can eat at Thunder Falls Terrance in Islands of adventure for about $6.

During special events such as Mardi Gras, it’s easy to save money by eating the smaller but surprisingly filling snacks.

How to Eat at Universal on a Budget can help with more tips.

Express Passes

Express Passes are expensive, but they’re also a great way to see everything with limited time. If you’re visiting during a busy time (summer, Christmas, etc.), it might save money to stay in a Premier Resort vs. purchasing Express Passes on their own.

Bring your own food

The best way to save money on food? Bring your own. Universal allows you to bring in food and snacks, which can be a great way to save money if you don’t want to splurge on theme park food.

Souvenirs

Universal Souvenirs are cute, but they are pricey. There are plenty of stores around Orlando selling discounted Universal merchandise.

You can even pick up Universal-themed Souveniers at Walmart and Target!

My youngest son loves the little snapping dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. They are $12; Target sells them for $5. You’re welcome.

Still, there are some things you should buy at Universal for the experience! Check out 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Harry Potter must-buys.

Universal Orlando Planning Guide

I hope this Universal Orlando Planning Guide was helpful! If you need even more help planning your Universal Orlando vacation, contact me today.

Want even more Universal Studios tips and tricks? Check out:

• The 10 best thrill rides at Universal
• The best food at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Hotels
• Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• First Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• The Best Instagram Spots at Universal Orlando

Looking for a place to stay during your Orlando vacation? Of course, I always recommend staying at an onsite Universal Resort. You can check out tours of all of them on my YouTube channel.

Perks to staying at a Universal resort include free transportation throughout the day and early park admission. The Premier Resorts (Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific, Hard Rock) also include a free Express Pass for every day of your stay.

Check the pricing for your dates here:

• Loews Portofino Bay
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Loews Royal Pacific
• Aventura Hotel
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

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