Are you ready for an epic adventure at Universal Studios Florida? Hold onto your hats (and broomsticks) for these Universal Studios travel tips that will make your experience more magical than a ride on the Hogwarts Express! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a minion-in-training, or a wizard in disguise, these tips will ensure your journey through this fantastical world is as smooth as butterbeer.
How to plan a trip to Universal Studios Florida
It’s a good idea to look at the park map ahead of time and plan your itinerary based on the attractions you’re most interested in seeing. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of our must-see attractions at two parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
The area is crisscrossed by a waterway where pontoon boats provide free transportation between the area’s hotels and CityWalk, making it easy to get around.
The complete Universal Orlando Resort Site Map will help you navigate through the parks:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park
- The bars, restaurants and shops at Universal CityWalk
- The hotels on the property
An important thing to know before visiting Universal Orlando’s theme parks is that it’s not just roller coasters, but also virtual reality simulations. Some rides are even a clever mix of both, creating an extraordinarily immersive experience!
There are many questions that need to be asked prior to booking Universal Studios tickets.
- What rides to do first at Universal Studios?
- How many days do I plan on spending here?
- What are the best times to go on rides at Universal?
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
We recommend starting your tour with a visit to the home of Gru, the father of the popular Minions. While you wait, you’ll be led through several rooms where Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the Minions will interact with you. Then you’ll be seated in front of a giant screen for a 4D experience. During the simulation, you’ll be transported to Gru’s lab while you become a Minion. Laughs guaranteed!
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
For thrill-seeking teens and adults, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a must. It’s a real roller coaster where the seats are equipped with speakers on both sides of the passengers’ heads. As soon as you board, you’re invited to choose the song you’d like to hear during the ride. So you can scream to the sound of your chosen rock music as you’re launched into the air at a 90-degree angle.
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
After you’re dizzy, you’ll enjoy wandering through the world of The Simpsons, where you’ll find your favorite Springfield shops. You can buy merchandise at Kwik-E-Mart, grab a drink at the Duff Beer Factory, and taste a real Krusty Burger at the restaurant of the same name. Then you can continue your experience on The Simpsons Ride, a fun and colorful ride that will make you think you’re on a roller coaster when you’re actually sitting in a wagon in front of a 75-foot screen.
E.T. Adventure
Right next to Springfield is the E.T. Adventure ride, featuring the famous alien from the 80s. You’ll find yourself on a flying bike with E.T. in the front basket, and you’ll have to outwit government agents and fly over the city to help your friend get back to his planet. One thing’s for sure, the smooth ride in this somewhat vintage ride will bring back memories for fans of this classic.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is by far the most popular universe at Universal Studios Florida. The decor has been created with such remarkable attention to detail that even the most skeptical will be won over. Like everywhere else in the park, the staff are costumed to match the universe they are in and take their roles very seriously: it makes the experience all the more extraordinary!
To enter, you must go to London (a replica, of course), on the “Muggle” side, and pass through the brick entrance behind the Leaky Cauldron. And then the magic happens: you are in Diagon Alley! You can spend hours shopping in shops, each more realistic than the last. You’ll see animated windows where needles knit by themselves, and you can buy candy, real costumes, butterbeer, and a host of other items from the Harry Potter universe. Be sure to stop by Ollivander’s, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Gringotts, the wizarding bank.
At Gringotts, you’ll have the chance to board a thrilling roller coaster that takes you to the underground galleries of the bank, complete with special effects and 3D screens. A truly magical experience!
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are connected by the Hogwarts Express. The train, which is an attraction in itself, makes round trips between Track 9 ¾ and the village of Hogsmeade, home of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once on board, you’ll be assigned a cabin, and once the train starts moving, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary production: through the closed doors of the cabin, you’ll see the shadows of dementors, and through the window (which is actually a screen), you’ll see Hagrid on his motorcycle!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
When you get off the train, you’ll be directed to the village of Hogsmeade, which is all dressed in white. In fact, the roofs are covered in fake snow! Just like Diagon Alley, you can shop or stop for a drink and a bite to eat. Continue on to the stunning replica of Hogwarts Castle. It’s like being there! Inside is the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, where you’ll feel like you’re flying on a broom thanks to a rotating seat system and 3D technology. You’ll even be wearing Quidditch glasses!
At the end of your visit to the wizarding school, head over to the little bridge that leads to Jurassic Park: it’s the best spot for a photo in front of the castle.
Jurassic Park
In the world of Jurassic Park, you find yourself in the middle of the jungle, with the movie’s theme song (a classic!) and dinosaur screams as a backdrop. You can have fun taking pictures in front of various set pieces, including a 4×4 truck from the movie.
The must-see attraction? The Jurassic Park River Adventure! You’ll board an inflatable raft for a cruise that begins quietly and then takes you into the forbidden zone of Jurassic Park, where dangerous creatures lurk. On the menu: T-Rex attacks and a 25-meter drop where you’ll get completely soaked!
The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Marvel Super Hero Island
For fans of real roller coasters, this one’s for you! The Incredible Hulk Coaster is known for its intense emotions. Before you can blink, you’ll be catapulted with the force of a fighter jet. In fact, you’ll reach full speed in just over 2 seconds! At nearly 108km/h, Hulk’s power propels you upside down and sends you rolling faster and faster down the track, where you’ll find yourself upside down more than 7 times. Enough to scream at the top of your lungs… if you can!
Seuss Landing
If you’re with little ones, the world of Dr. Seuss (Seuss Landing) is for you. As soon as you enter this playful and colorful world, you can meet and take pictures with famous Dr. Seuss characters such as the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, and Thing One and Thing Two. Most of the rides and attractions are accessible and suitable for children. If you are planning to visit during the holidays, know that Seuss Landing is decorated for the holidays – a must see!
