This beginners guide to the Universal Orlando resort will cover everything you need to know about visiting Universal in Orlando Florida.
We have visited the Universal parks and resorts in Orlando, Florida many times as a family of five, and there is a reason we return year after year- It is a great place for a family vacation!
The big theme parks in Orlando are Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Both offer amazing entertainment and are great choices for a family vacation.
Today I want to share what theme parks are at Universal Orlando, where to stay at Universal Orlando, and other things to know about planning a visit to the Universal Orlando Resort.
Basics Guide to the Universal Orlando Resort
There are 3 theme parks at Universal Orlando: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe (opening 2025).
Guests visiting the parks have their choice of 11 hotels on property. Universal also has Volcano Bay (water park) and Universal CityWalk (shopping & dining area).
Want more details? Read on for a full guide to Universal Orlando theme parks and the Universal Resort Hotels.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is the original Universal park.
Here you will find attractions like Despicable Me and Illuminations Minion Land, Transformers, E.T. Adventure, Men In Black Alien Attack, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley.
There is also a Simpsons area and a DreamWorks Land especially geared to little kids.
My favorite ride at Universal Studios Florida has to be Escape from Gringotts. This is inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley is incredibly themed and if you are a Harry Potter fan it is a must. Honestly, I wasn’t even a big Harry Potter fan during our visit and I was blown away with the attention to details and the immersive feeling.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is home to Seuss Landing, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade, Marvel Super Hero Island, and Jurassic Park.
There are more thrill rides at Islands of Adventure like the Incredible Hulk, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Velocicoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, and Skull Island: King Kong.
Be sure to check out the water rides at Islands of Adventure like Jurassic Park, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Popeye + Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges. You will get soaked on these attractions!
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is also home to two of the most popular attractions at Universal Orlando resort.
They are Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Velocicoaster. Both are rollercoasters with Velocicoaster being way more intense.
These are both very popular attractions and will get long lines. Ride them with early entry or as soon as the park opens.
Epic Universe (Opening 2025)
Epic Universe is the brand new theme park being built and set to open in 2025.
It will have 5 lands: Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.
More attractions and details are being announced so stay tuned.
Tickets for Universal Orlando Resort
To experience Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day and experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, guests will need a park to park ticket.
If you purchase a park-to-park ticket you can ride the Hogwarts Express(Train), that transports guests between parks.
You must have a park-to-park ticket to ride this. If you choose to go with a 1 Park/1 Day pass you can still enjoy the Wizarding Worlds at the park you visit for that day, but you will not have access to ride the Hogwarts express.
I suggest comparing ticket prices with the Universal website to find the best offers. Check out ticket prices for Universal Orlando resort.
Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay is the water park at the Universal Orlando Resorts. It offers virtual lines and is one of the prettiest water parks I have ever visited.
There are attractions for all ages from lazy rivers and splash pads to more adventurous slides. If you have time during your Universal Orlando vacation it is a great place to include in your plans.
Universal Orlando Resorts
There are currently 8 resorts at Universal Orlando, 3 more will be added in 2025. The resorts offer special perks like early park admission, express pass(not all resorts), and on-site transportation as well as pricing that fits any budget.
Signature Collection($$$$)
- Loews Portofino Bay Resort (includes Universal Express Pass with stay)
- Hard Rock Hotel Review (includes Universal Express Pass with stay)
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort (includes Universal Express Pass with stay)
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening 2025)
Prime Value Hotels ($$)
- Universal’s Aventura Hotel Review
- Universal’s Stella Nova Resort (opening 2025)
- Universal’s Terra Luna Resort (opening 2025)
Value Inns & Suites ($)
- Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort Review
- Universal Surfside Inn and Suites Review (Endless Summer Resort)
- Universal Dockside Inn and Suites Review (Endless Summer Resort)
CityWalk Entertainment Complex
CityWalk is an shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at Universal Orlando. After a day at the parks or if you want a break for lunch, you can walk over to CityWalk to enjoy a great meal.
Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen is a favorite because of the chocolate bread and amazing milkshakes. We have played mini-golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf and there are so many different restaurants to choose from.
Universal’s CityWalk gets extremely busy after parks close and it does cater to an older crowd as the night goes on. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.
Everyone entering the Universal Orlando Resort will walk through security at the CityWalk entrance. Then guests can proceed to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure or CityWalk. Epic Universe is not located in this area and will have its own entrance.
FAQ’s about Universal Orlando
Is Universal Orlando and Disney World the same park?
Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World are not related. This is important to know when planning an Orlando vacation.
They are close in proximity, about a 15-20 minute drive, but they are different. You can visit both parks during your Orlando visit but be sure to do your research so you understand what parks and resorts are at what theme park.
Check out this article to compare: Walt Disney World vs Universal Orlando | What Theme Park is Best for Your Orlando Vacation
How Many Days Do You Need for Universal Orlando Theme Parks?
If you want to visit both parks and water park you would want at least 3 days. When Epic Universe opens you will want at least 4. Currently I would recommend 5 days and when Epic Universe opens I would recommend a week.
Are there Universal Orlando ticket deals?
Occasionally there are buy 2 days, get 2 days free ticket offerings. These can be found on the Universal Orlando website and also with our partner Undercover Tourist. Check the latest Universal ticket deals.
Are you ready to start planning your Universal Orlando vacation? Head to my Universal Orlando vacation planning for a step by step guide to plan your best trip!
Thank you for reading my post! This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Although we try to provide the most up-to-date prices, we do not guarantee prices listed on our site. At times we are compensated or hosted by destination and brands. All opinions are honest and my own. If you would like to learn about how I work with affiliate partners you can read more here.
Want to hear more from me? Subscribe to my Five for the Road Substack where I share the latest posts from the blog, plus destination and theme park news I am excited about. It is like a coffee chat delivered to your inbox. 🙂
Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.