Universal Studios (Orlando) Travel Guide
Welcome to the magical realm of Universal Studios Orlando, where adventure and enchantment await at every turn! Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or just looking for an unforgettable experience, Universal Studios has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the must-know details to ensure your visit is nothing short of extraordinary. Including the best places to see and top things to do in Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
How Many Days to Stay:
To fully immerse yourself in the magic of Universal Studios, we recommend planning for at least two to three days. There are two parks in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal itself. You will need at least one day per park to ensure you get the full experience and to not miss out on any rides. There are also two Harry Potter Worlds here as well. Hogsmeade, located in Islands of Adventure and then Diagon Alley, located in Universal. Click on the link for a more in depth guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
This allows you to explore all the attractions, shows, and dining options without feeling rushed. Plus, with multiple days, you can revisit your favorite spots and discover new hidden gems.
Best Time to Go:
The best time to visit Universal Studios Orlando, is during the off-peak seasons. This typically falls in late winter or early spring and late fall when crowds are smaller, lines are shorter, and the weather is milder. However, if you’re visiting during peak times, consider purchasing Express Passes to make the most of your time in the park.
I personally don’t believe the Express pass is worth it. They are usually very good about moving you through the lines quickly and efficiently, and sometimes, part of the fun is actually standing in like and watching the animations or screens they place in the queue!
Get there bright and early so you can have all day to spend at the park!
What to Do There:
Experience Thrilling Rides: Get your adrenaline pumping on iconic roller coasters like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Don’t miss fan-favorite attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Revenge of the Mummy. In Diagon Alley, join Harry, Ron and Hermoine as you Escape through Gringott’s bank! There are rides for all ages here!
I do recommend taking some Dramamine before hand if you are prone to motion sickness as a lot of the rides place you in front of screens and have you sit in a cart that moves in accordance to the screen.
If you’re looking for more thrilling rides then I think Islands of Adventure is the way to go. The new Velocicoaster is an extremely thrilling ride. Along with the attractions at Hogsmeade, such as Hagrid’s Motor Bike adventure! There is no shortage of water rides either with the Ripsaw Falls ride and Jurassic Park Water ride!
Meet Your Favorite Characters:
Keep an eye out for beloved characters roaming the parks, ready to greet fans and pose for photos. From SpongeBob SquarePants to Spider-Man, you never know who you might run into! In the Dr. Seuss world as well there are tons of characters running around to say hi to the kids!
Catch Live Shows:
Take a break from the rides and enjoy live entertainment throughout the parks. From high-energy stunt shows to musical performances, there’s always something exciting happening at Universal Studios.
In the Wizarding World there are performances with magic and singing, you can catch animal shows in the Jurrasic World park, the avengers can be seen running around and doing stunts and there are constant live performances in the several theaters of the park such as comedy shows, short movies, musicals etc! So even the non-thrill seeker still has something to do
Indulge in Delicious Dining
- The Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley): Step into this iconic wizarding pub and feast on traditional British fare, including savory pies, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. Don’t forget to try the famous Butterbeer!
- Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade): Located in the heart of Hogsmeade, Three Broomsticks is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal after a day of magical adventures. Feast on rotisserie chicken, spare ribs, and buttery mashed potatoes while taking in the rustic charm of this cozy tavern.
- Mythos Restaurant (Islands of Adventure): Voted as one of the best theme park restaurants in the world, Mythos Restaurant offers a diverse menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. From grilled lamb chops to seafood paella, there’s something to satisfy every palate at this award-winning eatery.
- Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Universal Studios): Craving fresh seafood? Look no further than Lombard’s Seafood Grille, where you can indulge in a variety of oceanic delights, including crab cakes, shrimp scampi, and grilled salmon. Be sure to dine on the outdoor patio for stunning views of Universal’s lagoon.
- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen: Calling all chocolate lovers! Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a whimsical steampunk-inspired eatery offering an array of decadent desserts, milkshakes, and savory dishes. Indulge in gourmet burgers, pasta dishes, and, of course, an assortment of handcrafted chocolates.
- Finnegan’s Bar & Grill: Transport yourself to the streets of Dublin at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy classic Irish pub fare and live entertainment. From shepherd’s pie to corned beef and cabbage, the menu is filled with hearty comfort food that pairs perfectly with a pint of Guinness.
Shop for Souvenirs:
Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs to commemorate your trip! Browse through shops filled with exclusive merchandise, including apparel, toys, and collectibles inspired by your favorite Universal Studios franchises.
Stay at some of the Best Resorts in the Park!
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly comfort or luxurious indulgence, there’s a perfect place to stay for every traveler. Plus, staying on-site comes with added benefits like early park admission and complimentary transportation, making your Universal Studios experience even more convenient and enjoyable.
Take a leisurely boat ride from your hotel over to the gates and get dropped off at the front entrance! Take in the beautiful scenery and sounds of Florida and the the park
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort:
- Experience retro-themed fun at this vibrant resort, featuring colorful accommodations inspired by the 1950s and 60s.
- Enjoy family-friendly amenities, including a lazy river, two large pools, a bowling alley, and a game room.
- Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or even swanky Volcano Bay view rooms for a unique stay.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel:
- Experience modern accommodations and breathtaking views at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, a sleek and stylish tower hotel.
- Enjoy amenities like a rooftop bar and grill, a virtual reality game room, and a pool with a poolside bar.
- Stay in smartly designed rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, vibrant décor, and tech-savvy features like in-room tablets for controlling lights and TV.
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort:
- Live like a rock star at the Hard Rock Hotel, where rock ‘n’ roll meets luxury accommodations.
- Take advantage of exclusive perks such as early park admission, priority seating at select restaurants, and complimentary transportation to the parks.
- Enjoy music-themed amenities, including a 12,000-square-foot pool with an underwater sound system, a rock-inspired restaurant, and a rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia collection.
- This is where we stayed on our trip and it was absolutely marvelous. the pool, the bar, the short walk to the resort, the lobby, continental breakfast. I highly recomend!
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites:
- Experience affordable accommodations without sacrificing comfort at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites.
- Relax in spacious rooms and suites featuring coastal-inspired décor and modern amenities.
- Enjoy family-friendly amenities such as a surfboard-shaped pool, a game room, and on-site dining options.
In Conclusion:
Universal Studios Orlando offers endless opportunities for fun, excitement, and adventure. With thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and magical experiences, it’s no wonder why millions of visitors flock to the park each year. By following this travel guide and planning your visit wisely, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to make your dreams a reality at Universal Studios Orlando!