The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Florida

Do you want to make the most of your time at Universal Studios? The following tips and advice will give you the advice you need to get the most out of your vacation!

Universal tips:

The app is where you find a map of the park, ride wait times, sign up for Virtual Line Passes, order your food for mobile pickup at a restaurant, and find the locations and times of upcoming shows. There is even a place in the app where you can set a parking reminder, jot down your location, and take a picture so at the end of the day; you remember where you have parked! The app is your friend!

2. Get to the park early and stay until closing –

The parking lot opens two hours before the park. Yes, we are hard core and got there at 6 AM. During less busy times of the year, you can get there closer to park opening time. Plan at least a half hour to get through parking, temperature screening (if still needed during COVID), and make your way to the park. During busier times it may take over an hour.

As you near the parking area, you will be able to access the virtual line passes if they are available. As your driver is making your way to the closest parking spot, everyone else in your party who has the app can be booking your ride on Hagrid’s and Jimmy Fallon’s for later in the day. Also, during busy times of year they allowed us to enter into the park earlier than the posted times which allowed us to get to our favorite rides while the lines were shorter. Most of the year, they stick to the operating hours. We tried to do our favorite rides while the rides were shortest first thing in the morning or later in the evening. Ride times are often much shorter at those times of the day.

If you are starting in Islands of Adventure, I recommend starting with VelociCoaster, Spiderman and Hulk, or head to Hogsmeade for Forbidden Journey. If you are starting in Universal Studios consider starting at Transformer and Mummy, or head to Diagon Alley and the Escape from Gringotts Ride.

3. Virtual Line Passes –

These open at various times during the day. As soon as you enter the parking area you can start claiming your passes for the day. More times open up usually at 11, 2, and 4 but whenever you are in line waiting is a great time to check the virtual line offerings. Make sure to stagger your ride times so they don’t overlap. Everyone in your party with the app can claim a virtual pass for your entire party. Take a screenshot, just in case you can’t make your ride time window. Sometimes they will still honor them if you miss your window, but don’t count on it! Also, don’t forget to put in the number of people in your party so all of you can ride together!

4. Going between the parks –

If you bought a dual park pass you can go between parks as many times a day as you would like. They will need to scan your park ticket and your fingerprint each time you cross.

There are three ways to get between the parks:

A. Ride the Hogwarts Express. If you are a Harry Potter fan this is a must do experience. Even if you are not, it is a relaxing but stimulating ride appropriate for the whole family. We recommend riding it both directions if you have the opportunity, but if you only have time for one ride, the trip from King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios to Hogsmeade Station is the way to go. Wait times can get extremely long for this ride so be aware that you may have a long wait. Enjoy the whole experience as you take in the awesome details throughout the train stations and along the Hogwart’s Express!

B. There is a shortcut to cross between parks in the alley beside Minions if you are in Universal Studios and the Cat and the Hat in Islands of Adventure. This walkway between parks isn’t open full park hours. Usually it is only open between 10 AM and 6 PM but hours may vary depending on the park schedule.

C. If the Hogwart’s Express line is too long and the shortcut is no longer open but you want to get over to the other park, you can take a stroll back out of the park, through Universal City Walk, and back into the main entrance of the other park. You may want to stop, get a picture by the Universal Ball, and enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at the Hard Rock Café or you may hustle back into the park to jump on the next ride!

Some of our Favorite Don’t Miss Rides:

I promise you, Do Not Miss these Rides!!!

Islands of Adventure

Jurassic World VelociCoaster – This is the newest ride in the park and is one you will not want to miss! It is so much fun and will be guaranteed favorite for many! There are two intense launches that reach 70 MPH as you drop through multiple inversions over land and sea! Plan for a long wait so try to hit it early in the day or later in the evening.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – We loved climbing on the motorcycle or in the side car for this amazing ride. It is one of our favorite rides in the whole park! Several of us were not huge roller coaster riders before coming to Universal but Hagrid’s changed that! This became the favorite ride for Roller Coaster lovers and even for those who were more apprehensive. At various times of year, this ride is only available with a virtual line pass. (I definitely recommend checking the line pass options as soon as you approach the parking lot.) When it reaches the time on your virtual line pass, head over past Hogsmeade Station to the Mystic Fountain. This is the where the line usually starts. We loved this ride so much that when we saw virtual line pass openings, we would all be on our phones trying to each book a staggered virtual line pass so that we could ride this multiple times a day.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster – This is an awesome roller coaster – don’t miss this one! We all loved it! Ok, I may have been super scared the first time but the more I rode it, the more I loved it! You must remove everything out of your pockets! You will go through a metal detector so anything left in your pockets will have to be removed and will slow down your party as you put it in a locker. So take the time to completely empty your pockets and place your items in the free lockers before entering the ride. We found that the wait times for Hulk are often inflated and that you really shouldn’t try to sneak anything onto the ride.

Spiderman – This is a really fun 3D ride. Lines get really long for this one so try to do this when ride times are under an hour.

Harry Potter’s Forbidden Journey – Fun 4D ride. It reminds me of Soarin’ in Epcot or Disneyland, but you are on a Forbidden Journey with Harry Potter. Walking through Hogwart’s Castle is part of the fun as you wait in line for this ride. Even if you have a Universal Express Pass, you may want to go through the regular line later in the evening so you can enjoy the whole experience.

Flight of the Hippogriff – This is best for those who have younger children or those who aren’t big roller coaster fans, this is a short and family friendly rollercoaster. For the thrill seeker, you might be disappointed in this one, so wait until evening and the line is short to enjoy this ride and the ambiance of the Hippogriff’s lair.

Universal Studios

Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket – One of the favorites for roller coaster lovers. This ride has some big drops but the awesome tunes which you choose before the ride starts keep this ride rockin’! You must remove everything out of your pockets! You will go through a metal detector so make sure you use those lockers before getting in line! An absolute favorite ride for many so prepare for long lines.

Revenge of the Mummy – This indoor roller coaster was fun for all of us. Our youngest riders got a little scared by the story but after riding it once were willing to try it again and again. There aren’t big drops but there are a lot of surprises!

Transformers – Our favorite 3D ride outside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Don’t miss it! Several Transformers figures can be found nearby for pictures at various times of day! Check the app – in the map under “Shows” you can click on “Meet the Transformers” to see the showtimes. Check this early in the day so you know when your favorite Transformer will be there for photos.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – Definitely a must do! Walking through Gringotts is part of the fun as you wait in line for this ride. Universal has done an amazing job making you feel that you are really there in the World of Harry Potter! Even if you have a Universal Express Pass, you may want to go through the regular line later in the evening so you can enjoy the whole experience.

Hogwarts Express – King Cross Station – If you have purchased a dual park pass (which I definitely recommend), make sure to take the train from King Cross Station. Experience platform 9 ¾ this direction! Before going inside, visit the Knight Bus driver and his “friend.”

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – Fun 3D theater experience as you race Jimmy Fallon through the streets of NY. Sometimes this is only available with a virtual pass so check the virtual line options throughout the day.

Men in Black – Similar to Toy Story Mania but this time you are shooting the Aliens all around town. We loved this ride. The line is usually short, so go back and enjoy it over and over again and improve your score!

Ollivander’s Wand Shop is a fun experience and is in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Lines can be long at certain times of year. Let your wand choose you and then try out all the amazing experiences you can have with your interactive wand throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Pick up a Butterbeer while you are there! Our favorites are the warm and frozen butterbeer!

Borne Stunt Show – This is the only live action show currently being held in the park. It’s an exciting performance and is really well done. Show times can be found in the app under shows. It’s close to the entrance of the park, by Shrek. Plan to arrive early for this 30 minute show.

Other Fun Rides if you have extra time:

Islands of Adventure:

The next three rides are all water rides. You will DEFINATELY get wet on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto’s.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – We had some who loved and some who hated this one. It’s a fast ride and you will get soaked!!! Be prepared to leave your phones and bags with a non-rider. There are also lockers for a fee that you can use for your gear before entering the ride.

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – This was one of my kid’s favorite rides in the park. It is a great ride but one thing you must know is that you WILL GET SOAKED! Be prepared to dry out in an air dryer afterward, choose a warm time of day, or wear a poncho. (We just grabbed the $1 ones at Walmart before entering the park – but we are so glad we did!) YOU WILL GET WET! There are covered storage areas in your raft to try to keep your extra gear dry but sometimes they get wet too.

Jurassic Park River Adventure – Fun adventure through Jurassic Park! There is an 85 foot drop and a chance that you will get wet, especially if you are in the front but most people won’t get more than a mist of moisture from this ride. Pick up a turkey leg while you are in Jurassic Park. It was voted some of the best turkey they’ve ever had by my crew!

Dr. Doom’s Fearfall – Classic Drop tower. Super fun unless you don’t like drops! The line for this usually isn’t very long.

Pteranodon Flyers – Smaller guest can enjoy this high flying pteranodon ride. Riders over 56″ must be accompanied by a rider less than 36″ tall. Our youngest flyers really enjoyed this ride.

Kong – A fun 3D ride but if the lines are long this is one to skip.

Universal Studios:

E. T. Adventure – A sweet gentle bicycle ride over the city, similar to Peter Pan in Disney. It’s in a distant location so take time to ride this if you have extra time.

Fast and Furious – If you are a Fast and Furious fan this would be a ride not to miss but for everyone else, if the line is long, you may be disappointed. There are tons of cool cars to look at though as you are waiting in line.

Simpsons – If you love the Simpsons, you probably want to go on this ride. I got sick from this 3D ride. If you are not a Homer and Marge fan this is a great ride to skip if you have limited time.

Minions – This is a cute experience but this line moves really slowly and can be really long. Not worth the wait unless you can get a short line.

Shrek – Similar to Minions. If the line is short, go for it! Otherwise, enjoy more time in other areas of the park.

Food:

All of the food we ate in both parks was really good. Look on the app at the menus and place mobile orders while you are waiting in line for rides. You may be able to get your food faster and easier when your ride is done. Some of the best food we enjoyed at the park was:

Turkey Legs in Jurassic World
Gyros and kebabs at Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House. It is located by the Mystic Fountain close to where you get in line for Hagrid’s.
Pizza – We ordered a large pizza which fed our family well at Louie’s Italian Restaurant in Universal Studios and Café 4 in Islands of Adventure.
The Hopping Pot – Grab some butterbeer and other treats and relax while you are entertained by the interactive fun of Diagon Alley as you enjoy your snacks. You can grab butterbeer in multiple locations in Diagon Alley and in Hogsmeade. They serve four types of butterbeer – Regular, Warm, Frozen, and Ice Cream. You need to try the butterbeer ice cream here! Frozen Butterbeer is our favorite of the drinkable butterbeers.
More Butterbeer – There are actually two other options if you really want to try all of the different kinds of Butterbeer – Butterbeer Fudge (found in Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley or Honeydukes in Hogsmeade) and Butterbeer Potted Cream (at The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley or The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade)
Thunder Falls Terrace – Many meals here are included with the meal plan to get nice large filling meals.
Meal plans- The meal plans are a great option for ease and simplicity, especially if your party plans to split off into smaller groups. If you are traveling on a tighter budget, meals that can feed multiple people such as pizza or some of the larger combo meals may be a better option.
Refillable Drink Cups – We enjoyed stopping frequently for Icee and soda refills, but you need to consider that you will need to stash it on its side in a locker for many rides.

What to bring into the park?

Should we bring a Backpack?

We would not recommend bringing a backpack unless you have nonriders in your group. Most of the thrill rides will not allow you to bring any loose items onto them. There are larger lockers available for a fee, but you get a free small locker for each one in your party using your entry ticket. The free lockers are outside many of the rides and any loose articles will need to be placed in a locker before going on. The free lockers are very small. A string backpack is about the maximum size bag you can fit in one of the free lockers. Here is a link for more information on the lockers.
Fanny Pack or small, thin bag – The lockers are only 14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in. and so fanny packs and or smaller bags fit in them nicely. We were able to fit 3-4 fanny packs in each locker. We loved taking a 16 oz disposable water bottle, snacks, medication, a disposable poncho in each person’s bag.
Snacks and food – We could have a nice breakfast before leaving our hotel room. We would pack a nutbutter or Nutella sandwich and a bunch of dried fruit, protein/granola bars, and a disposable water bottle in our individual fanny packs. Each person could then snack while in line mid-morning. We would usually stop at a restaurant mid-afternoon (when the lunch crowd had left.) See the section above for our favorite food choices. Sometimes we would take the time for a fun dinner or grab some fun snacks throughout the park and grab dinner after the park closed. Do not miss the Butterbeer Ice Cream! It’s available in Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour or the Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley in Universal Studios or the Islands of Adventure you can find it at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade.
Sweatshirts – Our advice is to bring a sweatshirt only if temperatures necessitate it. Even when we went in December, it was nice to have a sweatshirt in the morning and evening, but it was a hassle and not necessary in the middle of the day. Most of us chose to go without and were fine even though we arrived before the park opened and left at closing.
Ponchos – in case of rain or if you want to ride on the water rides this is nice to have on hand. During the summer month this may not be as important as in the cooler months. We actually had people to try buy them from us as we were coming off the rides and they were heading on. We bought the disposable $1 ones that you can get at the dollar store or Walmart/Target before coming into the park. If you are done with the water rides you may brighten someone’s day by offering yours to someone heading on.

Express Passes – are they worth it?

It depends:

If you are going during a time of year such as spring break, Thanksgiving, or the Christmas/New Year’s holiday season and your budget allows I would definitely encourage you to consider the express pass.

If you are going to buy an express pass, consider purchasing the unlimited pass. The basic express pass only allows you to ride each ride once. It is cheaper to buy your express passes ahead of time than in the park. Sometimes they sell out of them in the park during busy times.

It can be expensive, but you can get it for free by staying in three of the Universal Hotels. When you stay in the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you not only get free express passes for everyone in your room, but you will also be able to get early entrance into the Wizarding World or Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. When you do the math, you may find that you save money, if you plan to get express passes, by staying in one of these hotels.

If your budget doesn’t allow it, that’s ok! You will definitely have some waits to ride the most popular rides but if you utilize the app and plan what you are most interested in doing, you will still have an amazing vacation!

Conclusion

I hope that you have the wonderful vacation that you hope for! Everyone’s goals will be different and different parts of the park will appeal to different people. I hope that you take the time to take pictures, enjoy the many musical artists that perform through the parks, and enjoy your time together! I hope you make many wonderful memories!

The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Florida

Universal tips: