Did you know that Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World? This city in Florida (the US’ very own Sunshine State) is jam-packed with iconic theme parks loved by people of all ages and nationalities.
One of the most popular theme parks here is Universal Studios Orlando, with world-class attractions that bring your favourite movies and characters to life. Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and meet the Minions, The Grinch, and other beloved characters!
Remember to wear masks and follow safety guidelines, which you can find on the Universal Orlando App
We've got you covered on the things you need to know about Universal Studios Orlando to plan ahead and have a seamless experience. Keep reading for the lowdown on the best rides, attractions, tickets, food, and other important info:
1. What parks are there?
Universal Studios Orlando is also known as Universal Orlando Resort, which houses a total of three theme parks. We understand that it can be a tad confusing for first-timers, but we’re here to break it down for you so you can skip to the fun!
Universal Studios Florida is home to Kind’s Cross Station, where you can board the Hogwarts Express. Image credits @Jenney_zipadeedoodahtravel on Instagram
Each of the three parks in Universal Studios Orlando has its own personality and accompanying attractions. First is Universal Studios Florida, the original theme park in the resort complex. Initially a working film and TV studio, this park takes you behind the scenes and lets you experience the action firsthand in all of its attractions, including King’s Cross Station where you can hop aboard the Hogwart’s Express.
Enter the magical Hogwarts Castle, which uses sound and light effects for its Forbidden Journey ride. Image credits @jasminbademusic on Instagram
Universal’s Islands of Adventure delves into the myths, comics, cartoons, and legends in a way that would excite the adventure and adrenaline seeker. Here you’ll find the most thrilling, cutting-edge rides, such as the renowned Jurassic Park™ River Adventure where you’ll river raft through dino-infested waters. The magical Hogwarts Castle also stands here, waiting for its magical students to visit.
The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is a four-person canoe ride with jaw-dropping twists and turns!
Volcano Bay is the third park in Universal Orlando Resort, where those who like to get wet and wild have the time of their lives. This water park has various water attractions ranging from scream-worthy waterslides to serene lazy rivers, perfect for your different moods.
With these three parks, there are different ways of approaching your visit to Universal Orlando Resort. Those on a time crunch might want to visit the one they think suits them best over the course of a day or two. Or you can visit all of them! Pro-tip: the entire resort spans over 1,000 acres in total, so if you plan to visit all three parks, you might want to stay a couple of days.
Feel free to choose between a one-day pass or a multi-day pass.
2. What rides are at Universal Studios?
A theme park is only as good as its rides and attractions, and there’s a reason why Universal Studios Orlando is at the top of its game!
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is one thrilling ride made better by the fact that you can pick music to listen to while screaming your hearts out! Image credits @tharinwhitephotography on Instagram
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in Universal Studios Florida provides a unique twist to rollers coasters, as you can pick your fave tunes, which will then be played on the speakers in your seat for you to jam out to during the ride. Scream or sing along—it’s totally up to you!
Escape to Gringotts is a 3-D attraction that can also be found in Universal Florida. Image credits @cupcakecastleslisa on Instagram
Potterheads, this next one is for you. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a ride that combines indoor roller coaster elements with 3-D elements that make you feel like you’re tagging along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione!
Other rides in the realm of Harry Potter include the Hogwarts Express, a train ride that takes you to and from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for pet owls and Platform 9 and ¾!
The VelociCoaster has a max speed of 113km/h! Image credits @cypressturismo on Instagram
Over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park fans will definitely enjoy VelociCoaster, a fast-paced roller coaster that lets you feel the thrill of a predatory chase while surrounded by prehistoric landscapes!
This whitewater raft ride is fit for all ages—as long as you’re taller than 42 inches! Image credits @hijonmelendez on Instagram
Still at Islands of Adventure, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is a rapids-shooting ride that offers fun for all ages; if you’re ready to get soaking wet, that is!
There’s more to see and do at Universal Studios Orlando, so make sure to check them out!
3. What movies are featured at Universal Studios Orlando?
A lot of fan favourite franchises are featured in Universal Orlando, with Harry Potter being one of the most popular. So go ahead and don your Hogwarts robes and your house colours, you’ll fit right in!
Robes, scarfs, wands, shirts, and other Potter merchandise abound at this Floridian theme park! Image credits @giojammies on Instagram
Lovers of the Marvel universe will also find their favourite superheroes in the mix, from the likes of Spider-man, Captain America, Wolverine, and more. If Autobots are more your speed, then keep your eyes peeled for Transformers sightings.
From rides to sidewalks, various dinos like the mighty T-rex are scattered throughout the park! Image credits @lakejebo on Instagram
Jurassic Park is another well-loved film franchise that comes to life at Universal Orlando, thanks to the multitude of rides, attractions, and even predatory beasts spread throughout the park. Watch out for the occasional dino sighting, folks!
Of course, there’s plenty more to see at the park itself, we wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise and give everything away!
4. Where can I get tickets?
The fastest and easiest way to get tickets is through Klook, where you can simply book your ticket, keep your digital voucher, and show it at the park’s gates—and yes, Klook users have a different cue at the park! Here are the park packages you can avail:
1 Day Base Ticket for 1 Park | Admission to: EITHER Universal Studios Florida OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure for one-day visit |
1 Day Park-to-Park Ticket for 2 Parks | Admission to: Both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for unlimited times on the same day |
2 Day Base Ticket for 2 Parks | Admission to EITHER Universal Studios Florida OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure per day |
2 Day Park-to-Park Ticket for 2 Parks | Admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day |
2 Day Park-to-Park Ticket 3 Parks | Admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay on the same day |
3 Park Explorer Ticket with Volcano Bay | With 14-day admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay on the same day |
5. What and where to eat there?
Your days will be jam-packed at Universal Orlando Resort so you need to refuel throughout the day. Luckily there are 100 food joints all throughout the three parks, ranging from kiosks, to self-serve diners and fancy sit-down restaurants. Here are some of the best food and restaurants you should try:
Contrary to the beer in its name, Butterbeer is non-alcoholic and fit for all ages! Image credits @magicandwishes on Instagram
If you’ve ever read or watched Harry Potter, you’ve probably wondered what Butterbeer tastes like. Find out what the fuss is all about at Three Broomsticks in Islands of Adventure! Other wizardly restaurants you should check out include Hogsmeade and the Leaky Cauldron.
This diner’s retro vibes will take you back to the golden age of jukeboxes and rock and roll. Image credits @becca_jump on Instagram
For some Back to the Future nostalgia, Mel’s Drive-In is a retro joint where you can get some diner favourites such as onion rings and root beer floats to match the jukeboxes and vintage cars out front.
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