There are so many reasons to visit Orlando, but Universal Orlando Resort is up there with the best of them! With three unique parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and their newest water park, Universal’s Volcano Bay, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained. There is also the free-to-enter Universal CityWalk, open until 2am every night, featuring a large selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

What Are the Ticketing Requirements for Each Park?

You need a separate ticket to enter each of the three parks. However, tickets are usually sold as two or three-park bundles giving you the best value for money. These Universal Orlando ticket packages are available to book through our website and we guarantee to be the cheapest place to buy them in the UK. Each of these tickets gives you 14 days unlimited admission to each of the three parks. You do not need a ticket to enter CityWalk but you will need to pay for car parking if you arrive before 6pm.

What’s the Difference Between the Universal Parks in Florida?

There are many similarities between Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. Both parks contain themed attractions, rides and shows to appeal to customers of all ages. With the current ticketing structure available in the UK though, you would have to buy tickets for both parks anyway, so why not visit each one? Our guide to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure gives an in-depth view of each park, including a list of rides and attractions, height restrictions and ride duration, as well as reviews from previous customers. Volcano Bay is a one-of-a-kind water theme park and features a combination of thrilling water rides and relaxing pool areas.

What is the Universal Express Pass?

The Express Pass enables you to skip the regular lines at each attraction and head straight to the front of the queue. These can be purchased inside the parks when you arrive. The cost of these will vary depending on how busy the parks are and at what time of day you purchase them. If your time is limited or you are only interested in going on the rides, without taking in everything else that Universal has to offer, then this might work in your favour. Our customer-experience review of the Express Pass and how it worked for them is an interesting read if you think this might be something that would interest you.

What Rides Are Included With the Universal Express Pass?

You’ll find that most of the rides at the Universal parks are included in the Universal Express Pass. Here’s a full list to help you plan your day†:

Universal Studios:

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• The Simpsons Ride
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
• Revenge of the Mummy
• E.T. Adventure
• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster

Islands Of Adventure:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Storm Force Accelatron
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• Caro-Seuss-el
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Poseidon’s Fury

Volcano Bay:

• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Punga Racers
• Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Honu of Honu ika Moana
• ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
• Taniwha Tubes

† Participating rides subject to change by Universal Orlando

How Do I Get to Universal Orlando Resort?

Universal is located north of International Drive and the best way of reaching it is by driving. The resort is well signposted from the I-4 and is quite straightforward. Driving around Florida is much easier than people think and our competitive car hire prices make this option affordable to all customers. For those looking to avoid driving whilst on holiday, or if you would prefer a day off from driving, then ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are increasingly popular in the area. A recent Lyft journey (June 2019) from one of our villas to the park entrance was less than $30.  

How Much Does Parking Cost at Universal?

Universal currently charges $26 per day for Regular Parking†, or $36 for Prime Parking† if you want to get a little closer to the park entrance. Entrance is free after 6pm unless Halloween Horror Nights are being staged; on these days it is free after 10pm†. It is the same car park for guests of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, with a shuttle bus operating to take guests to the water park.

† *Prices and times are subject to change by Universal.

Can I Take A Bag Into Universal?

Yes you can. However these will be checked before entry by security personnel.  

Are There Lockers at Universal?

Yes, all three theme parks have lockers of varying sizes available that you can rent for the day and revisit as often as you wish. Many rides have smaller, free-to-use lockers for loose or valuable items to be placed in before taking the ride.

Where Are the Harry Potter Rides Located?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located across both of Universal Orlando’s main parks. Diagon Alley is found at Universal Studios and this is where you can find rides and retail outlets including Gringotts Money Exchange, Escape from Gringotts, Magical Menagerie, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Tales of Beedle the Bard, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment. Parked outside Diagon Alley is The Knight Bus, a perfect photo opportunity as well as having the chance to hear the Shrunken Head chatter away. Over at Islands of Adventure you can explore Hogsmeade and enjoy the fantastic Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Honeydukes sweet shop, watch the Frog Choir or buy a wand at Ollivanders (also available in Diagon Alley). Don’t forget to sample a glass of Butterbeer here and take away the souvenir mug as a lasting reminder of your holiday. Our Universal Ticket packages allow you to travel between both parks as often as you wish on the Hogwarts Express!

Is There A Child Swap Facility at Universal?

Yes there is, but that doesn’t mean that you can swap your child for a better behaved one! It simply means that both guardians and parents can queue up with all of the family and then the non-riders can wait in the designated area with one parent or guardian, whilst the other gets to enjoy the ride, and then they can swap over.

What Happens in Cases of Bad Weather at Universal?

In bad weather, such as rain, lightning or heavy winds, some of the rides at Universal Orlando Resorts may have to close for safety reasons. Often, this is only for a short while whilst the storm passes and this is an ideal time to enjoy lunch or see some of the indoor attractions that haven’t been affected. Universal do not operate a refund policy due to bad weather.

Hopefully this little guide will help you to maximise your time at Universal Resort in Orlando. Here at Debbie’s Villas we offer a range of villas for rent near Universal Orlando which can make the perfect place to rest after your visit to the parks. Check out our whole range today or look at our informative website for more tips and tricks to getting the most out of your Orlando holiday.