You may have noticed fewer vacation tips online for visiting Universal Orlando compared to Walt Disney World. While many of your strategies for visiting any Orlando park are the same, there are some specific things to note at Universal, especially now that Epic Universe has joined the party. Avoid these common Universal Orlando mistakes and you’ll have a brilliant trip.
Attempt it all in 1 day.
Once upon a time, you could do Universal in one day. With Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, plus the Volcano Bay water park, you need time. We think three full days minimum for the two original parks (plus a fourth if you want Volcano Bay), and a separate, dedicated day for Epic Universe.
If you rush, you’ll spend your precious holiday standing in queues and missing highlights.
Not getting tickets in advance or only getting vouchers.
Ticket lines are often very long at Universal, and if you don’t buy in advance, be ready to wait in line.
Tickets are always cheaper in advance for everyone. If you buy them before travel, exclusive tickets are available for specific countries. These often work out much less expensive than tickets you can buy in the US. We live in the UK, and tickets purchased in the UK offer considerable savings.
Whatever you buy, aim for e-tickets you can load into the Universal Orlando app; avoid will-call vouchers that force you into a swap line.
Read our Guide to Universal Orlando Tickets for further information.
Not buying an Epic Universe Ticket.
Epic Universe has taken theme parks to a whole new level. It is expensive, but it will be a massive mistake not to visit.
As of now, you can’t “park-hop” into or out of Epic Universe the way you can between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Most tickets that include Epic give you a dedicated Epic day, not same-day hopping. Tickets may change for 2026.
Check your entitlements carefully so you get maximum value from your Epic Universe ticket.
Not getting a Park to Park Ticket.
The Hogwarts Express runs between Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure). You need Park-to-Park admission to ride it; there are no exceptions. Only consider buying a Single Park ticket if you have ridden the Hogwarts Express and are certain you don’t want to ride again.
Assuming the Hogwarts Express goes to Epic Universe
It doesn’t. Hogwarts Express is a two-park shuttle within the original resort only. Epic Universe is on Universal’s south campus, and you’ll travel there by road, not train.
While you can walk easily between Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, it does take time. Take a break from the heat and ride the Hogwarts Express. Plus, the story is different in both directions.
Misunderstanding Universal Express hotel benefits
Staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific includes FREE Universal Express Unlimited, but only at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
At Epic Universe, hotel Express isn’t included. Epic Universe has its own Express product, and (currently) it’s one-time-per-attraction, not Unlimited. Budget and plan accordingly.
Read our Guide to Express Pass to learn more.
Not pricing up the cost of a Universal Resorts before buying Express.
If you plan to buy a Universal Express Pass, compare the cost of staying in one of Universal’s Resorts that includes an Express Pass. These resorts can work out cheaper than purchasing an Express Pass, especially if there are four of you in the room.
The resorts that include Express Pass are:
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Remember, you get an Express Pass included for both check-in and check-out days.
Skipping Early Park Admission
Universal Hotel guests get Early Park Admission. It’s the best way to see the most popular lands with lower waits, especially Wizarding World and the hottest rides at Epic Universe. Check which park/attractions have Early Park Admission on your dates, and be at the turnstiles well before the Early Park Admission Starts.
Not downloading the Universal Orlando Resort App.
Make the Universal Orlando Resort App your best friend when visiting the parks.
The Universal Orlando Resort App allows you to store tickets, access wait times, join Virtual Line Experiences (when operating), access showtimes, and more. There are handy interactive maps, and the App will even save the location of your parked car. Using the Universal Orlando Resort App, you can now preorder food from select restaurants.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Universal Orlando so that you can access the App anywhere! The Universal Orlando Resort App is available at the Apple App Store & The Google Play Store.
Underestimating travel time between the two campuses
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure sit together at CityWalk, but Epic Universe is a few miles south. You cannot walk it. Plan transfer time and use Universal’s designated bus routes between hotels and Epic Universe.
Forgetting that seasonal events change hours
On Halloween Horror Nights dates, Universal Studios Florida closes early to day guests. If you don’t have a Halloween Horror Nights ticket, plan to be in Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, or Epic in the evening. Always check hours and event calendars in the Universal App.
Bringing one giant bag
Many headliners use free, time-limited ride lockers, and the standard lockers are small. Oversized lockers cost extra. Split the family kit into smaller daypacks and travel light.
Read our advice on what to pack in your Park Bag.
Ignoring the loose article rules on thrill rides
On selected coasters, you’ll pass through metal detectors and must stow every loose item, including phones, keys, and wallets, before boarding. Expect this at major coasters (e.g., Hulk, VelociCoaster, Stardust Racers). Save time by knowing the drill and using the lockers the first time you pass them.
Riding Water Rides first.
Universal Orlando has some of the wettest rides possible. You won’t get wet; you will get soaked on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
Bring spare clothes or ride them towards the end of your visit to prevent discomfort walking around the park.
Not having a break.
Many people will take a break during the mid-afternoon when the parks are at their busiest and hottest.
Consider returning to your hotel for a few hours. If you decide to stay in the parks, take plenty of time out and don’t skip meal breaks.
You forgot the sunscreen.
Many of the attractions at Universal Orlando are inside, but you will spend considerable time under the Orlando sun, especially at Epic Universe.
In the summer, many of us will find that our skin burns, and the Orlando Sun can be unforgiving. Plenty of sunscreen and a good hat are required when visiting the parks.
Our Guide to Orlando Weather has plenty of tips and tricks.
Forgetting height requirements and not using Child Swap
Most attractions have height restrictions at Universal Orlando. However, this does not mean you can’t ride!
Height restrictions are strictly enforced, but every marquee attraction offers Child Swap. One adult waits with the little one (usually in blissful air-con) while the others ride, then you swap without re-queuing. Ask the Team Member at the entrance on every big ride.
Ignoring Single Rider lines
If you’re happy to ride separately, Single Rider can slash waits across the resort. Single Rider lines are available at some of the biggest attractions, including several at Epic Universe. Check the App and signage; when it’s open, use it.
Not budgeting for the interactive extras (and time to use them)
Interactive wands in all three Wizarding World areas and Power-Up Bands in Super Nintendo World add loads of fun, but they cost extra and take time to enjoy properly. If they’re must-dos for your crew, plan them into your day and your budget (they are not cheap).
Buying more than one Butterbeer
Have you tasted Butterbeer? They are an acquired taste!
There is usually plenty to share. Buy one before deciding whether to make additional purchases.
Read More about Universal Orlando
Our Guide to Universal Orlando is a great place to plan any vacation.
Just got back a week ago from Universal.
Didn’t use/need virtual line for Hagrid. Posted wait was 50 minutes and we were on in 30.
Didn’t use express passes either. It can definitely be done without.
In one part of the article you indicate that getting to the park an hour early when staying at a resort is a great way to see Harry Potter then a few paragraphs later you say not to go in the early morning, wait until the afternoon. Kind of confusing.
It depends on whether you are staying onsite or not. Getting there early if onsite can be an advantage. With the general rush it might be better waiting. I’m going to update this post in the next few weeks and will take your comments onboard