Universal Orlando Guide

Planning a Trip to Universal Studios

Three Parks. Endless Awesome.

This page is your ultimate guide to planning a trip to Universal Studios! At Universal Orlando Resort, the world’s most amazing stories and breathtaking adventures come together in the most awesome ways imaginable. It’s the ultimate vacation destination. With the thrills of three amazing theme parks, the comforts of eight extraordinary hotels plus so much more, Universal Orlando guests wake up where the action is every day of their stay.

Universal Studios

At Universal Studios Florida, you’re the star— experiencing one jaw-dropping adventure after another. Dodge evil villains. Defend the earth. Face a fire-breathing dragon. Wander into animated worlds. Go beyond the screen, behind the scenes and jump into the action of your favorite films.

Islands of Adventure

In Universal’s Islands of Adventure you’ll walk side- by-side with super heroes, beasts and magical creatures to enter lands where imagination is real. Your adventure begins in the only park named the #1 Amusement Park In The World, five years in a row—by TripAdvisor®  Travelers’ Choice.

Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay is an all-new kind of water theme park where thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony. Drop from the heights of a towering volcano. Splash along Waturi Beach. Feel the rush of the Krakatau Water Coaster and live the carefree island life as you slide, ride and play in a beautiful tropical paradise.

Benefits of Using The Park Prodigy to be Your Universal Trip Planner:

Magic Rewards Program: You’ll always save when shopping for Universal Orlando tickets and vacation packages vs booking direct. 

Free Universal Park Plans: Save up to three hours in the parks with our free park plans. 

Your Vacation is About to Get Real

This isn’t make-believe. This is as real as it gets. It’s a place where you can step right into the action of your favorite films and TV shows. A place where the rides are fast, the drops are steep, and the adrenaline is real. Fight alongside super heroes. Dodge dinosaurs. Unwind on a winding river. The butterflies are real. The excitement is real. Universal Orlando Resort’s three theme parks plus entertainment across the entire destination are yours to enjoy and explore. The adventure is real and waiting for you at Universal Orlando Resort. You in?

Shop Universal Orlando

Buy Universal Orlando Tickets

Shop from a variety of Universal Orlando Base tickets and Universal Orlando Park-to-Park tickets

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Universal Express Passes

Enjoy express access to both parks and skip the regular lines on most rides and attractions each day you have a valid Universal Express Pass!

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Halloween Horror Nights Tickets

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights brings together stories and visions from the world’s most notorious creators of horror.

Tickets and Vacation Packages to Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Guide to Buying Tickets

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Shop Discount Universal Orlando Theme Park Tickets

Explore three amazing theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort – the movie and TV-based excitement of Universal Studios Florida, the worlds of legendary heroes at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the tropical paradise of Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. From spectacular hotels offering a range of exclusive theme park benefits to the best in dining and entertainment, Universal Orlando Resort is a vacation of endless awesome.

Save up to $30 per ticket! 

Universal Orlando Guide to Booking Vacation Packages

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Universal Orlando Vacation Planning When Booking Packages

Every Universal Orlando hotel comes with more awesome every day. There’s a Universal hotel that lets you relax and play in your own style and on your budget. A Mediterranean seaside escape. Rock star nirvana. South Seas relaxation. Cool Caribbean charm. Iconic retro fun. Modern style. Casual, summer vibe. Your choice.

Save up to extra $250 off your next Universal Orlando vacation package! 

We’ll give you everything you need to plan around the crowds! We also give you everything you need to purchase discounted Universal Orlando tickets based on the time of year!

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Universal Studios Orlando Guide Tips & Tricks

Download the Universal Orlando App

This is an absolute must-have for your upcoming Universal Stay. The best part is it’s absolutely free! The Official Universal Orlando App will help keep your plans on track! Here’s what the app has to offer:

Take Advantage of Early Park Admission

Alohomora! Universal unlocks the doors to both Wizarding World’s of Harry Potter exactly one hour early for select guests.

We find this to be a great way to get on some of the most popular rides at Universal Orlando with very to little wait.  

Enjoy Free Universal Transportation

No rental car, no problem! Universal Orlando Resort has a super convenient transportation system. All hotel guests and guests visiting the parks can take advantage of complimentary transportation via shuttle bus, van service and water taxis. These shuttle buses are available from Universal’s CityWalk to all three theme parks (and even SeaWorld!).

Universal Dining Plan & Perks

Universal’s CityWalk is home to some pretty amazing restaurants. From casual to upscale dining, there’s something for every type of crowd. Universal currently has two dining plan options. They both allow you to prepay your party’s meals in exchange for dining credits. Dining plans are exclusively available for pre-purchase with a vacation package. Or you can visit a Universal Ticket Center upon arrival. 

Character Meets/Greets

No Universal vacation planner is complete without character meet and greets! See some of your favorite characters on stage in unforgettable family shows, and find out where you can meet more characters for photos.

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Hollywood Character Zone 

  • Woody Woodpecker®
  • Betty BoopTM
  • Doc Brown from Back to the Future
  • Scooby-Doo

Illumination Theater

Visit Minion Land’s unique ‘meet & greet’ location and pose for photos with Illumination film characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, along with characters from the film ‘Sing’.

Meet Spider-Man and the Marvel Super Heroes®

  • Spider-Man
  • Captain America
  • Wolverine
  • The Green Goblin

DreamWorks Destination

  • Madagascar 
  • Trolls 
  • Puss in Boots 
  • Kung Fu Panda 

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.

Jurassic World franchise TM & © 2024 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2024 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends TM & © Ward Productions, Inc. The Simpsons TM & © 20th Television. Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening for Universal Volcano Bay. Valid at select attractions at each park. Attractions are subject to substitutions without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Based on the weighted average price of a 2-Park Universal Express Unlimited pass ranging between $119.99 and $359.99 per person. Cabana Bay Beach Resort TM & © 2024 UCF Hotel Venture II. All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.