Universal Orlando Resort for Beginners

Universal Orlando made a significant leap forward in 2025 with the opening of Epic Universe, adding a fourth park to its existing portfolio, which includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Our updated Guide to Universal Orlando Resort for Beginners covers everything you need to know to have a great vacation.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, we’ll help you plan smart, beat the queues, and make the most of new worlds like Super Nintendo World, the Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, Celestial Park, and the Isle of Berk.

Last updated: 14 September 2025

Jump Right Into Our Guide to Universal Orlando

Are you looking for specific information about Universal Orlando? Use our jumps.

• Universal Orlando Basics.
• New at Universal Orlando Resort.
• Planning your Universal Orlando vacation.
• Transportation at Universal Orlando
• Universal Orlando Useful Information
• Universal Studios Florida
• Islands of Adventure
• Epic Universe
• Volcano Bay
• CityWalk
• Universal Orlando On-Site Hotels
• Dining at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando: The Basics

While Universal Orlando Resort remains smaller than Walt Disney World, it has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Since the introduction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando has become a favored destination for many guests visiting Orlando. Epic Universe has taken the popularity to a whole new level, and Universal is quickly becoming the Number One resort in Orlando.

Universal Orlando: A Brief History

Universal Orlando Resort, commonly known as Universal Orlando, opened in 1990. The resort opened on June 7, 1990, with one theme park, Universal Studios Florida. Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened on May 28, 1999, marking the start of the resort’s transformation into a multi-day experience. In 2010, the first part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, which propelled Universal Orlando Resort to a new level of popularity.

Since then, the resort has continued to expand and now features:

• Three theme parks
• Volcano Bay waterpark
• CityWalk shopping and nighttime district
• 11 Hotels/Resorts

2025 was the biggest year yet for expansion, marked by the opening of Epic Universe and three new resorts.

What is Universal Orlando like?

Universal Orlando is loud, flashy & bold compared to Walt Disney World. While there are fewer attractions, the majority are big E-Ticket experiences. Universal does not create small filler attractions and finds little room to preserve sentimental and historical attractions. What this means is that attractions in Universal Orlando are usually an outstanding experience.

Universal Orlando will appeal more to families with teens, young adults, or those with a sense of adventure. While Walt Disney World probably offers a better overall experience for families with young children, there is enough for people of all ages to enjoy a couple of days at Universal.

Universal Orlando now takes at least three days to experience all the theme parks. However, you will struggle to complete everything in busy periods.

Should I visit Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World?

If time allows, you should visit both!

Both Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando offer unique experiences. While both resorts excel in certain areas, overall, they both provide an excellent experience.

What is new at Universal Orlando Resort

The big news in 2025 is the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe with a whole host of new lands and attractions to explore. The park has been built in a new area of land just outside the original resort. Also, three new resorts have opened: Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova Resort, and Terra Luna Resort.

Despite funding being directed towards the new park, there have still been some developments in the original resort:

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast

A rather silly moving walkway shooter attraction themed to the Minions. Like most shooters, I don’t really understand it, but it is good fun. The attraction opened in 2023 at Universal Studios Florida.

DreamWorks Land

Opened in Universal Studios in 2024 and improved the offerings for small children. In truth, much of it is simply a retheme of the previous Woody Woodpecker KidZone. However, the area does look great and features characters such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls. There are plenty of places for kids to explore and play.

Trolls Trollercoaster is an excellent introduction to rollercoasters for small children and is a retheme of the former Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.

Universal’s Great Movie Escape

2022 was a quiet year at Universal Orlando. These unique escape rooms, featuring Jurassic Park and Back to the Future, were the only new additions and were located in CityWalk.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

The high-speed, looping coaster around a Raptor Paddock opened in 2021 at Islands of Adventure. The ride features four inversions and a top speed of 70 mph. The ride remains arguably the top coaster in Orlando.

Universal Orlando Rumors

Unlike Walt Disney World, Universal keeps details of new attractions low-key. Often, Universal only confirms the opening of a new attraction near the scheduled opening date. For example, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit recently closed to make way for a new attraction. Despite ongoing construction and rumors, there has been no confirmation of what will replace it.

We will keep you updated with the latest news on this page.

Planning your Universal Orlando Vacation

Planning your visit to Universal Orlando is a crucial step. The planning process typically does not require the same level of rigor as a trip to Walt Disney World, but it should not be overlooked.

Universal Orlando Tickets

Tickets for Universal Orlando are always cheaper to purchase in advance of your vacation. Tickets have become a bit more complex in 2025 following the opening of Epic Universe. Usually, the most significant decision is whether to purchase a Park-to-Park Ticket. Guests who do not buy this option cannot ride the Hogwarts Express.

To learn more about Universal Orlando Tickets and how to get the best value for your money, visit our Guide to Universal Orlando Tickets.

Express Pass

Universal Orlando Resort offers a paid system for priority boarding of attractions called Express Pass.

Guests who purchase an Express Pass present it at participating attractions to bypass the regular lines. Guests then join a shorter Express pass line, resulting in reduced waiting time at the attraction.

There are different options available at all parks, including Epic Universe. Express Pass is not inexpensive, and deciding whether to purchase it can be a challenging decision. You can learn more in our Guide to Universal Express Pass.

Universal Orlando Resort App

Free WiFi is available at Universal Orlando. Park WiFi has improved recently and is available throughout all the parks.

The Universal Orlando Resort App allows you to store tickets, access wait times, join Virtual Line Experiences, access showtimes, and more. There are handy interactive maps, and the app will even save the location of your parked car. You can now preorder food from select restaurants using the Universal Orlando Resort App.

Universal Pay allows you to add a debit or credit card to the App. This feature enables you to use the App throughout the park for contactless payments and mobile ordering payments. However, Apple and Google Pay are widely accepted and probably more convenient.

The Universal Orlando Resort App is available at the Apple App Store & The Google Play Store.

Virtual Lines

Universal has been using Virtual Lines for several years. The concept is simple: reserve your place using the Universal Resort App and join a much shorter line later in the day.

Currently, Virtual Lines are not in use at Universal Orlando, including at Epic Universe. However, ensure you have access to the App in case they are reintroduced.

Park Hopping

Transferring between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is easy, as there is only a short walk between the entrances of both parks.

Also, guests can travel between both parks by riding the Hogwarts Express at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However, you must have a park-to-park ticket to enter both Universal Theme Parks.

Epic Universe is a bit more complex, as the park is a few miles away from the original resort. Due to the current ticketing arrangements, it seems unlikely that many people will want to Park Hop from or to Epic Universe in 2025.

Child Swap

All Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure rides have a Child Swap facility. Child Swap allows the rest of a family to ride an attraction when a child is either too small or too young to experience the ride.

The young child sits with a parent, usually in a dedicated waiting room, while other family members ride. Once the first group is off the ride, parents take turns supervising, and the rest of the family rides without waiting. Usually, attendants will allow an older child to ride again.

To use Child Swap at Universal Orlando, speak to the Team Member at the entrance to the ride, who will advise you of the procedure to follow.

Meeting Characters at Universal Orlando

There are numerous character opportunities at Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure. Universal Orlando is home to the Avengers, Simpsons, Popeye, Scooby, Minions, and much more. Character meets are more informal than those at Walt Disney World and often have shorter wait times. The addition of Epic Universe has meant meeting new characters, including Nintendo Favorites Mario and Luigi, the Invisible Man, and Hiccup and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon.

The seasonal, The Grinch™ & Friends Character Breakfast, and the Marvel Character Dinner are the only character meals currently scheduled at Universal Orlando Resort.

Check the Universal Resort App for the latest information on where to find your favorite characters.

Orlando Weather

While it is unlikely, you can visit Orlando and not experience a fair measure of sunshine; however, this can be offset by plenty of rain and the occasional hurricane. Orlando’s weather can be unpredictable, and if you are not prepared, it can detract from the enjoyment of your vacation.

You can read more about the Orlando Weather, including our Top Tips to Beat the Weather, in our guide.

Universal Orlando Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone who has ever visited a theme park has a selection of tips for having a better time on their next visit. These are our favorite Universal Orlando Tips & Tricks.

It is easy to make mistakes when on vacation. Usually, these mistakes will have little impact on your vacation, but occasionally, they will reduce your enjoyment. With the opening of Epic Universe, it is perhaps easier than ever to make mistakes at Universal Orlando as we get used to the new park on a different site. Here is our list of Mistakes you Must Avoid at Universal Orlando.

Transportation at Universal Orlando

Transportation at Universal Orlando Resort is a lot simpler than at Walt Disney World. However, the opening of Epic Universe has brought a few challenges.

Arriving & Parking

Universal Orlando now operates across two campuses:

• CityWalk campus (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & CityWalk): Park in the two multi-storey garages, clear security, then walk through CityWalk to the parks. Day guests for Volcano Bay also park here and take the dedicated shuttle from the lower level of the South Garage.
• Epic Universe campus: A separate surface lot with its own security and entrance. Epic Universe is a couple of miles away from the original Universal Orlando Resort.

Typical 2025 parking prices (dynamic and subject to change):

• Regular self-parking: $32
• Prime Parking: $50–$60
• Prime Upgrade: $18–$28 (when available)
• RV/Bus: $42
• Self-parking is complimentary after 6 p.m. on most non-event nights (excludes major events like Halloween Horror Nights).

Valet

• Up to 2 hours: $32
• Over 2 hours before 6 p.m.: $65–$75
• Over 2 hours after 6 p.m.: $40–$75

Annual Passholder Parking Perks

• Premier: Free Prime self-parking or Valet
• Preferred: Free self-parking; 50% off Valet
• Power/Seasonal: No standard free parking benefit (occasional promos may apply)

Rideshare & Drop-off

Signed rideshare and taxi areas are provided at both campuses. Follow the on-site signs from the toll plaza/garage. Charter and coach drop-off zones sit next to the main security hubs.

EV Charging, Fuel & Assistance

• EV charging: Chargers are available in/near Valet at CityWalk and in designated bays at Epic Universe.
• Fuel: The on-property station is Mobil, 5981 Turkey Lake Rd (formerly Hess).
• Vehicle assistance: Universal offers complimentary vehicle assistance if you should be unlucky enough to suffer a breakdown in the parking lot. If you need help, ask a parking assistant.

Prices and operations can vary on peak days and for special events. Check Universal’s parking information on the morning of your visit.

Hotel Transportation at Universal Orlando

Guests staying at any of the Universal Orlando On-Site hotels have access to complimentary resort shuttles. Shuttles are via water taxi or bus and will transport you to all parks, including Volcano Bay.

• Water Taxis: Complimentary boats connect CityWalk with Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, and Loews Sapphire Falls. There is then a short walk to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios.
• Shuttle Buses: All Universal hotels run free buses to CityWalk, Volcano Bay, and Epic Universe. Frequency varies by time of day. These will also run if Water Taxis pause service due to bad weather.
• Walking Paths: Signed footpaths link several hotels to CityWalk. Cabana Bay, Aventura, and Sapphire Falls also have direct walking access to Volcano Bay.

Airport Transportation to Universal Orlando

There’s no free transportation from Orlando’s airports. Guests on a Universal Orlando Vacation Package can add the paid Universal SuperStar Shuttle to take you from Orlando International to your resort. Otherwise, pre-booked shuttles, town cars, taxis, and Uber/Lyft are all easy options from MCO.

Car seats: Florida law requires appropriate restraints for children aged five and under in private vehicles. Taxis are exempt from the statute, but you’re still responsible for your child’s safety. Rideshare vehicles (Uber/Lyft) are not exempt, but you can usually request a car seat (extra fee).

Getting Between Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando

Disney and Universal don’t transport to each other’s parks. The quickest and easiest method is to take a taxi or use Uber/Lyft directly from your hotel. Bell services will call a cab if you prefer. For bigger groups, a pre-booked car/van can be cost-effective.

Shared shuttles (e.g., Mears) make multiple stops and can take longer, but can be a cost-effective option for solo or single travellers. Once you’re three or more people, an Uber, Lyft, or taxi is usually cheaper and faster.

Universal Orlando Useful Information

Many guests have questions about Universal Orlando Resort, but often the answers are not easy to find. We have batched together some of your most common problems in a Modern Life is Good section containing Universal Orlando Useful Information. If you have a question, you will likely find the answer here. Information includes food allergies, locker hire, first aid, strollers, VIP Tours, and more.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is loud, flamboyant & bold, plus it lets you become the star and ride the movies! This outstanding theme park is home to The Simpsons, Transformers, the Minions, and more. Most attractions are big E-Ticket events, and the park houses some of the biggest attractions in Orlando. Universal doesn’t keep many small “filler” rides or long-running sentimental favorites (E.T. the exception).

Universal Studios Florida tends to appeal most to families with tweens/teens and young adults (or anyone who loves thrills). There are now more options for little kids than before, thanks to DreamWorks Land, but the overall lineup still skews towards older children. Most guests will need 1–2 days to explore everything; you may need extra time during holidays and school breaks.

Read Our Guide to Universal Studios Florida to learn more.

Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure was Universal Orlando’s second theme park, opening on 28 May 1999 alongside CityWalk. The park is framed as a journey through “islands” of discovery, and it’s home to Harry Potter, Marvel, Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss, and a greatest-hits collection of Orlando thrill rides.

This is one of the best-themed parks in Orlando. Transitions are seamless; Hogsmeade feels snow-dusted even in August, and Jurassic Park’s foliage does half the storytelling. The attraction lineup leans “Big E-ticket”, so thrill-seekers will be grinning. Teens will likely enjoy Islands of Adventure more than any of the Disney Parks.

Read our Guide to Islands of Adventure to learn more.

Epic Universe

Universal’s Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s newest park and the first major park to open in Orlando since 1999. Debuting on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe is designed as a journey through multiple immersive “worlds” of adventure radiating from a central hub. It’s home to a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter land, the video game realm of Super Nintendo World, the Viking village from How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal’s own Classic Monsters. 

Epic Universe is arguably the most immersive theme park Universal has ever built. Each land is a self-contained world. The theming is astonishing, from the cobbled streets of 1920s Paris in the Wizarding World to the lush cliffs of Berk. The central Celestial Park offers open spaces, gardens, and cosmic touches to catch your breath between high-intensity adventures.

The attraction lineup leans heavily on big E-ticket rides and brand-new technology. Thrill-seekers and teens will be grinning ear to ear here. At the same time, Epic Universe caters to younger visitors more than Universal’s other parks.

Visit our Guide to Epic Universe to learn more.

Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park opened on May 25, 2017. The park replaced Universal’s earlier water park Wet ‘n Wild. As this is Universal’s water park, expect big thrills when you visit. However, there is plenty of fun for kids, too.

To access Volcano Bay, guests are transported from the main Universal Orlando parking lot via a free bus. There is no parking on-site. Additionally, there is complimentary transportation from Universal Resorts.

Universal Express Pass is available at Volcano Bay, but is not included in Resort Express Pass.

The main feature of the park is Krakatau, a 200-foot artificial volcano. The volcano holds three fantastic drop capsule slides. Attractions include wave pools, slides, raft rides, play areas & a lazy river.

Volcano Bay, the Lands

The park is split into four lands, each inspired by Polynesian Themes:

The Volcano

Krakatau streams waterfalls during the day and fiery lava effects at night. The volcano is home to 4 fantastic attractions:

• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge is a near-vertical drop with a trap door start.
• Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides are among the tallest drop capsule slides in the world.
• Punga Racers is a four-lane racing slide.

Wave Village

Overlooks the waters of Waturi Beach at the base of the volcano. Wave pools, slides, and relaxing areas are all located at Waturi Beach.

River Village

It is the home of attractions for all ages, including the park’s youngest guests.

Rainforest Village

Rainforest Village includes both high-thrill attractions and areas to relax. Attractions include several high-thrill raft rides.

TapuTapu at Volcano Bay

Universal has used a system called TapuTapu to manage waits at Universal Orlando. However, it is getting retired on October 1, 2025. If you visit before that date, check the Universal website for information.

Dining at Volcano Bay

A selection of dining venues is available in River Village, Rainforest Village & Wave Village. The flavors of the South Pacific region inspire food & drink.

Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk is the entertainment complex at Universal Orlando Resort, containing a selection of bars, restaurants, shops, and other entertainment offerings. Day visitors to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure enter Universal Orlando Resort through CityWalk before entering the theme parks.

Universal CityWalk is bright, modern, and loud & is a contrast from Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. Reception to CityWalk is mixed, and an additional entertainment area is planned for construction on the Epic Universe site.

The area is open until 2 am most nights (although it closes earlier on some midweek nights) and offers complimentary self-parking from 6 pm. You can book reservations for several of the CityWalk Restaurants in advance.

Many of the shops at CityWalk sell the same products you will find in the theme parks. You can save time in the parks by leaving your shopping until you visit CityWalk.

Several of the bars and clubs at CityWalk have a cover charge. The cover charge often kicks in at 10 pm, but it varies by venue, plus admission is restricted to adults 21 years or older during these periods. Deals are usually available, which allow access to several venues for one price.

Universal Orlando On-Site Hotels

There are now eleven resorts at Universal Orlando. All Universal Hotel guests benefit from being close to the theme parks, free internal transportation, and early access to a park for 1 hour each morning before regular guests. Loews manages all Universal Orlando Hotels.

Universal Resorts are split into several price categories. Three of the Signature Resorts even come with a complimentary Express Pass Unlimited for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Visit our Guide to Express Pass to learn more.

Visit our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Hotels to learn about each hotel.

Dining at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has a decent mix of Table Service, Quick Service, and carts, but if you’re used to Walt Disney World’s endless choice, you’ll still find Universal’s in-park range smaller. However, it is improving, while Disney’s range appears to be shrinking. The good news: quality has stepped up in recent years in the parks, but CityWalk and the on-site hotels remain the strongest bets for a memorable meal.

Inside the parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure each have two solid table-service staples, and Epic Universe adds another two proper sit-down options in Celestial Park. However, the best dining options are in the Resorts, and we recommend trying BiCE (Italian) at Portofino Bay, Strong Water Tavern (Caribbean) at Sapphire Falls, and Flora Taverna (Mediterranean) at Helios, among others.

Price-wise, in our experience, Quick Service can be a touch pricier than Disney equivalents, while Table Service often comes out cheaper, though menus vary wildly. Wizarding World meals and drinks remain eye-wateringly expensive for what you get, but the theming is half the purchase.

Universal does not offer a traditional dining plan; occasionally, they run short-term “dining credit” promos on specific hotel packages (e.g., late-2024 to April 2025), but those aren’t the old all-inclusive plans.

TIP: Use Mobile Food & Drink Ordering in the Universal app at peak times; many venues support it, and you can even flag allergen notes.

Restaurant Reservations at Universal Orlando

Most full-service venues across the resort accept reservations via Universal’s site or App. Some CityWalk spots also appear on OpenTable. You don’t need Disney-style 60-day panic; day-of reservations are often available. That said, book ahead for prime times, holidays, and headliners like Mythos, Cowfish, Toothsome, Bigfire, plus Atlantic and Blue Dragon at Epic Universe.

Food Allergies at Universal Orlando

Most dining locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort can cater to food allergies. We have found that staff at some sites are not as knowledgeable as at Walt Disney World. However, getting a safe, good-quality meal at most locations isn’t challenging.

Many restaurants have allergy-friendly menus available on the Universal Orlando website. However, we recommend speaking to a staff member before ordering, as additional dishes are often available.

If you have additional queries, email Guest Services before you visit.

You are also able to bring your own food into the parks. If there are any queries from security staff, tell them that a party member has a food allergy/intolerance. Policies can change, so always check the official page before packing.

Learn More

Are you also planning to visit Walt Disney World? Our Guide to Walt Disney World is essential to help plan your vacation. The guide has been running for several years and is updated regularly with the latest information.