Universal Studios – Orlando – pack your bags travel

Unleash Your Family’s Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort

Looking for a vacation that thrills every member of the family? Universal Orlando Resort is the ultimate destination for fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories. With four amazing theme parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay water park, and Universal’s Epic Universe—there’s nonstop action waiting around every corner. See height requirements below

Your family can swing through the streets with Spider-Man, escape from Gringotts™ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and race through jungles with dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. Younger kids will love the colorful fun of Seuss Landing, while teens and parents can take on high-speed coasters and cinematic rides that put you right in the middle of the action.

When it’s time to relax, enjoy family-friendly dining, lively entertainment at Universal CityWalk, and resort hotels with themed pools and early park access.

Whether it’s magic, adventure, or just pure fun you’re after, Universal Orlando Resort brings it all together in one unforgettable family getaway. We can help you start planning today—the adventure of a lifetime is just around the corner!

Need help deciding which parks fit your family best?
Need help deciding how many days to spend at Universal?
Need help deciding whether to stay at a Universal hotel or staying off property?
Did you know you get into the parks 1 hour early if you stay at a Universal hotel?
Prices for staying at a Universal value hotel begin at $240 per night (prices vary based on the time of travel and promotions)
Need help understanding the perks of staying at a Universal hotel?

We take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your trip. We would love to help you.

Insider Tips:

Best time to go for low crowds is Tuesdays-Thursdays, from September through January (excluding holidays). Summers can be unbearably hot and humid, it’s also very crowded, as are all holidays.
Universal Orlando has several different ticket options. The most important thing to know is how many parks you want to go to each day. If you want to go to more than one park you’ll need a park to park ticket. If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express you’ll need a park to park ticket. If you purchase a 1 park ticket - for any number of days, you cannot ride the Hogwart’s Express at all.
If you will be going during a busy time, consider buying the Express Ticket (in advance). A few things to note about the express ticket:
- With this ticket you can only go in the short line ‘one’ time per ride and show.
- If you have the ‘park to park’ ticket, you need to buy the express ticket for however many parks are included with your regular admission tickets: 2 parks, or 3 parks, etc.. If you only buy the 1 park express ticket you can only get in the short line for ‘one’ park.
- The express tickets do not include Hagrid’s Motorbike ride.
You can also buy the Unlimited Express Ticket so you can use the short line for all rides and shows as many times as you want - not just one time. Be sure to buy the unlimited express ticket for the same number of parks as your admission tickets. They do not include Hagrid’s Motorbike ride.
If you’re staying at a Universal hotel, you receive the following perks: 1) one hour early admission - be there at least 30 minutes before the 1 hour early entrance so you can be up close to the entrance gate. 2) free hotel/park transportation unlimited 3) purchase souvenirs and have them delivered to your hotel - you don’t have to carry them around.
If you’re staying at one of the Deluxe Universal hotels, you receive all of the perks above, plus, you get the unlimited express tickets for free!
If you’re not staying at a Universal hotel, go to the park early - at least 30 minutes early, so you can get on the rides while the lines are shorter.
Buy your tickets in advance - don’t waste time buying tickets the day you go
Remember that rides run consistently, but shows are only at certain times. If there are shows you don’t want to miss, plan your show schedule and then plan the rides around that
Are you celebrating a birthday - stop by any of the stores and ask for their free birthday button
Use the single rider lines for a shorter wait time
Take advantage of child swap
Bring a water bottle and they’ll fill it for free at the restaurants
You’ll want to watch the Harry Potter movies if you haven’t seen them before - this will help you enjoy Harry Potter world so much more
Ride Hogwarts Express between the 2 parks if you have the park to park tickets
Most of the rides at Universal are not geared for small children. Read the height requirements below to see how many rides your kids can actually go on before purchasing tickets to the park.
Universal City Walk has excellent restaurants - be sure to reserve them in advance or you’ll have an hour+ wait time, if you can get in at all.
Diagon Alley usually has smaller lines first thing in the morning or after 4:00 pm.
Visit Gringotts Money Exchange in Diagon Alley to trade your cash for authentic 'wizard currency' you can use to buy food, drinks, and souvenirs throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The highlight? Interacting with the delightfully grumpy, animated goblin banker behind the counter. And don’t worry—any unused wizarding banknotes can be exchanged back for regular money at Guest Services.
Don’t miss the Fire-Breathing Dragon in Diagon Alley - it goes off about every 10 min
Be sure to try a Butter Beer (no alcohol)

Park Height Requirements

Children must be 34”-48” to ride most of the rides

*Rides for children of all heights at all 3 amusement parks::

Villain-Con Minion Blast – must be able to stand on their own – Universal Studios Florida
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl n Hurl – at Universal Studios Florida
The Hogwarts Express – at Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – at Islands of Adventure
Caro-Seuss-el – at Islands of Adventure
Constellation Carousel – at Epic Universe
Fyre Drill – at Epic Universe

*Although all children can enjoy these rides, they must be accompanied by an adult

Volcano Bay Waterpark Height Requirements:

Most waterslides have a minimum height requirement of 43”- 48”

Under 48 inches with a life jacket

Puka Uli Lagoon – Children under 48″ must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.
The Reef – Children under 48″ must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.
Waturi Beach – Children under 48″ must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.

Under 48 inches only

Tot Tiki Reef – Please note that Tot Tiki Reef is designed for children under 48″ tall.
Runamukka Reef – Please note that Runamukka Reef is for children under 54″ tall.