If you are planning a Universal Orlando travel itinerary, this guide has everything you need to know to make the most of the parks, avoid queues, save money and ensure an incredible experience.
Universal Orlando Resort has three incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, besides the CityWalk, an entertainment hub filled with restaurants and shops. With good planning, you can explore it all without stress.
Essential Planning for your Trip
Before traveling, it is important to organize details such as the best time to visit, accommodation and purchasing tickets.
Best time to visit
📌 To avoid crowds and enjoy attractions without waiting in long lines, choose low season periods:
✅ January to early March – Mild climate and less crowded parks.
✅ End of April to beginning of June – Pleasant days and shorter queues before school holidays.
✅ September to November – Great for those who want a pleasant climate and less crowds.
🚫 Avoid:
- July and December – High season, huge queues and higher prices.
- American Holidays (Spring Break, Thanksgiving and Christmas) – Parks reach maximum capacity.
Extra tip: Use the capacity calendar from Universal to plan your visit more accurately.
How to save on tickets
Tickets can be expensive, but here are some strategies that can help you save:
- Buy online and in advance – Avoid paying more by purchasing at the box office.
- Park-to-Park Tickets – They allow you to visit two parks on the same day and are necessary to take the Hogwarts Express train between the Harry Potter parks.
- Promotions and packages – There are often discounts for those who purchase multiple days.
Tip: Avoid scalpers and unofficial sites to avoid the risk of falling for scams.
Where to stay near Universal
Choosing good accommodation can make all the difference on your trip:
🏨 Hotels inside Universal (benefits such as early entry and free transportation):
- Hard Rock Hotel (luxury) – It’s just a few minutes walk from the parks.
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort (intermediate) – Offers free Express Pass for guests.
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort (budget) – Excellent value for money and direct access to Volcano Bay.
🏨 Hotels on International Drive (cheaper alternative):
- Rosen Inn International – Economical and well located.
- DoubleTree by Hilton – Comfortable and close to parks.
Day-by-Day Itinerary at Universal Orlando
Day One: Universal Studios
🎢 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Radical roller coaster with custom soundtrack.
🧙 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley – Immersive experience in the world of Harry Potter.
👻 Revenge of the Mummy – One of the best indoor roller coasters.
Tip: Use Single Rider to reduce wait times at popular attractions.
Day Two: Islands of Adventure
🦖 Jurassic World VelociCoaster – One of the most thrilling roller coasters in the world.
🧙♂️ Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle – A must-see for Harry Potter fans.
🛶 Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges – Get ready to get wet on this fun rafting trip!
Tip: Arrive early to be one of the first to get in line for the VelociCoaster.
Day 3: Volcano Bay and shopping
🌊 Krakatau Aqua Coaster – Unmissable water roller coaster!
💦 Ko'okiri Body Plunge – Radical water slide with an almost vertical drop.
After relaxing, take the opportunity to do some shopping at Orlando International Premium Outlets or not The Mall at Millenia.
Tips to Avoid Queues and Make the Most of the Parks
Single Rider and Express Pass: is it worth it?
- O Express Pass allows you to skip the line at most attractions, but it comes at a high cost.
- The option Single Rider It's free and reduces waiting time for those who don't mind going alone.
Strategic times for popular attractions
⏰ Arrive before the park opens to avoid queues at the most popular attractions.
⏰ Enjoy the end of the afternoon – Many people leave early for dinner, so the lines are shorter.
⏰ Use the official Universal app – See real-time queue times and plan your day.
Where to Eat at Universal Orlando
Unmissable themed restaurants
🍫 Toothsome Chocolate Emporium – Specializing in incredible desserts.
🍗 Three Broomsticks – Harry Potter themed restaurant.
🍕 Luigi's Pizza – For fans of The Simpsons.
Budget-friendly options for quick meals
🍔 Mel's Drive-In – Classic 50s style burgers.
🌭 Hot Dog Hall of Fame – Custom hot dogs.
🥤 Drink refills – Buy a refillable cup and save.
Extras that Make a Difference on your Trip
Useful apps for the park
📱 Universal Orlando Resort App – Shows wait times and interactive maps.
📱 Google Maps – Ideal for calculating routes and avoiding traffic.
Free services you need to know about
💧 Free water – Ask for glasses of water in restaurants free of charge.
📶 Free Wi-Fi – Available in parks and CityWalk.
🔐 Free Lockers – To store backpacks in extreme attractions.
Transportation and Parking
🚍 Transportation options:
- Universal Hotels Offer Free Shuttle Buses to the parks.
- Uber and Lyft are good alternatives to avoid the cost of parking.
🚗 Parking Tips:
- O CityWalk offers free parking after 6pm, except for special events.
- Normal parking costs from $30 per day.
Common Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ Not using sunscreen – The Florida sun is strong, even in winter.
❌ Not booking restaurants in advance – The most popular ones sell out quickly.
❌ Don't bring extra clothes – Some attractions get quite wet.
❌ Forgetting to charge your cell phone – Bring a portable charger so you don’t run out of battery.
Conclusion
Now that you have the perfect itinerary for your trip to Universal Orlando, all you need to do is plan every detail to make the most of it! With these tips, you will avoid lines, save money and ensure an unforgettable experience.
📌 Have you been to Universal Orlando? What was your favorite attraction? Comment below and share your tips! 🚀