Universal Studios Orlando: tickets, attractions and Harry Potter

Are you looking for the ultimate adventure in Orlando? Then Universal Orlando is the place for you! This exciting theme park has something for everyone, from the incredible rides to the delicious food.

Universal Studios Orlando
Finally at my happy place: Universal Studios Orlando. The rides are out of this world!

To help you get the most out of your stay at Universal Orlando, we’ve put together 10 insider tips and some other important info to help you make the most of your trip.

What is Universal Orlando Resort?

Map des Universal Orlando Resort
Map of the Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando is a theme park in Orlando, Florida. It is operated by Universal Parks & Resorts and is the largest resort of its kind in the world. The park is home to many exciting rides, thrilling shows and numerous shopping and dining options.

Universal Orlando is divided into two theme parks and a water park: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. All parks offer a variety of attractions and experiences for all ages.

Get cheap discount tickets for Universal Studios Florida from the world’s largest theme park ticket provider!

You can now take advantage of cheap discount tickets for Universal Studios in Orlando! In the city famous for its attractions, visitors have the opportunity to save on admission and experience some of the most thrilling rides and shows available. With options ranging from day passes to multi-day passes to annual passes, everyone can find something that fits their budget and schedule. Click here for special discount tickets from the world’s largest theme park ticket provider.

Cheap discount tickets for Universal Studios in Orlando: to the offers >>

Universal Studios offers an unbeatable experience that won’t disappoint! So don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get cheap discount tickets to Universal Studios in Orlando – you won’t regret it!

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida
At the entrance to Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is not only a must for Harry Potter fans, but also for all theme park lovers! This is where you will find the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley.

There is an incredible selection of rides, shows and attractions to choose from. From the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster to the Revenge of the Mummy – everyone will find something to thrill them here.

Rip Ride Rockit
So much fun. Rip Ride Rockit

At Universal Studios Florida, you can spend a unique day with your family or friends – and be sure to take lots of photos! With all the thrilling attractions, it’s no wonder Universal Studios Florida is such a popular place for anyone looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

More about Universal Studios Florida >>

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Jurassic World VelociCoaster in Islands of Adventure
The top hat of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster in Islands of Adventure is impressive

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a fantastic place to spend a day! There are so many different themed worlds to explore, from Harry Potter to Marvel Superhero Island to Jurassic Park.

Each area offers unique attractions, restaurants and stores. Whether you’re a fan of the Universal brand or just want to have fun, Islands of Adventure is a truly magical place. With so many different rides and shows all waiting to be discovered, Islands of Adventure is the perfect place for a day of adventure and excitement!

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Volcano Bay Water Park

Universal’s Volcano Bay – The ultimate water park from Universal in Orlando

There is also the Volcano Bay water park. This new park is the perfect place to cool off, with epic rides and attractions for all ages. From the breathtaking Krakatau Aquatic Coaster to the thrilling TeAwa The Fearless River, there’s something for everyone!

You can plunge into the Lazy River or relax in the wave pool – whatever you choose, you’re sure to have fun.

Universal Orlando also offers a variety of entertainment options, including Universal CityWalk, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Visitors can also take advantage of Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, which offer exclusive benefits and amenities. Universal Orlando is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.

More about Universal’s Volcano Bay >>

The best times to visit Universal Orlando – actually always

Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley
This sight is incredible. Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

But that’s just my opinion. My wife and I just love it when the park is full, the vibe is extremely positive and just plain good (that’s how the Yanks are and why I love them so much), plus Universal brings everything possible to the streets (shows, themed food, street performers everywhere, parades, laser shows and so on).

Mardi Gras Parade Universal Studios Orlando
Mardi Gras Parade Universal Studios Orlando

That’s why we always go to Mardi Gras in March and Christmas in early December. That’s when it’s really crowded and lots of fun. And what many people forget: The opening hours are also very long then. One of the two parks is usually open until 10 pm and the other until 9 pm. So more time to have fun.

At less busy times (it’s never empty here, so if you’re not in the mood for good-humored people, you shouldn’t come here), the parks sometimes close at 6 p.m., which is not enough for me. You don’t get that unique atmosphere because it’s not as crowded and there’s less entertainment on offer.

What I’m trying to say is that the best time to visit Universal Orlando depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting during the weekdays and outside of vacation and travel times in the US.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, consider visiting on weekends during peak seasons. And my tip to check is a “crowd calendar”. This is a calendar that shows you exactly how crowded a park is on a given day, based on past years and expert predictions.

Crowd calendar from Undercovertourist

Meet Optimus Prime at one of the many meet & greets

In my opinion, the best crowd calendar comes from Undercovertourist.com – and for good reason. Undercovertourist.com’s crowd calendars are an invaluable tool for vacation planning, as they provide accurate information on expected wait times at theme parks and attractions in Orlando.

Not only that, but the forecasting technology uses a predictive algorithm to make more accurate predictions about when crowds are likely to be larger or smaller than average. This means you can plan ahead with confidence for a stress-free vacation. This is especially important at Disney.

It’s also important to know that Universal Orlando offers special events throughout the year, such as Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights and the Holiday at Christmas. If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider visiting during one of these special events.

to the calendar >>

Insider tips to make the most of your Universal Orlando experience

We have annual passes to Universal Studios because we come here often

To get the most out of your experience at Universal Orlando, here are some insider tips to keep in mind:

  • Take advantage of Universal Express Passes if it’s in the budget. Because it’s not cheap. With these passes, you can bypass the regular queues at almost all attractions.
  • Use the Universal Orlando app. The app provides wait times, park maps and details about shows and events.
  • Take advantage of Universal Orlando’s free Wi-Fi. This allows you to stay connected while you explore the park. The Wi-Fi is simply very good, not like in Germany. There are even guests walking around the park streaming live.
  • Get there early. Later in the day the park is often crowded, so arrive early to take advantage of the short queues to ride the most popular attractions.
  • Take advantage of Early Park Admission: early park admission is an invaluable tool for your visit. With Early Park Admission, Universal Orlando guests can gain access to select attractions and experiences in the park 1 hour before regular park opening. This gives you the chance to experience the park in the first hour, without long queues and large crowds. The prerequisite is either an annual pass, which we have, or being a guest at one of the now eight Universal hotels.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking, so you should wear comfortable shoes. Everyone’s feet hurt in the evening, believe me. For us, it’s always between 20 to 25 km a day.
  • Take a refillable water bottle with you. Free water is offered throughout the park at the food stands and vending machines. We always take a 0.5 l bottle with us or buy one in the park. I’m not so keen on water, which is why I buy several drinks in the park during the day. But my wife only drinks water and always fills up her bottle for free at the drinks machines.
  • Pack light. Pack light and avoid taking bulky items with you.

More tips for the Universal Orlando Resort in my video

If you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resort, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make the most of your vacation. You’ll find the best of them in my video and you can check out the park right now.

How you can save money on tickets

One of the best ways to save money on tickets is to buy them online in advance. If you’re planning a multi-day visit, consider buying a multi-day ticket. The biggest rookie mistake is to buy tickets at the ticket booths at the entrance to the Universal parks. I have to admit, we did this many years ago, but it is a waste of time and money.

Tickets cost 15 to 20 % more on site than in Universal’s online ticket store. It is often even cheaper with discount ticket providers on the Internet. However, it is important to pay attention to the providers. There are many dubious providers with bait offers that turn out to be useless in retrospect.

My favorites are the two largest ticket providers worldwide for theme parks attractiontickets.com or getyourguide.com.

Here are the best ticket offers at getyourguide >>

Here are the best discount tickets at attractiontickets >>

You can also save money by taking advantage of Universal Orlando’s annual passes. These passes offer exclusive benefits, such as free parking and discounts on food and merchandise. Of course, it’s not worth it for 1, 2 or 3 days, but for 4 days or more, everyone should do the math.

The best rides at Universal Orlando

In the Waiting Line of Escape From Gringotts – a thrilling ride here

Universal Orlando is home to some of the most thrilling rides in the world. Here are some of the best rides at Universal Orlando:

  • The Incredible Hulk Coaster – This thrilling roller coaster takes passengers on a wild ride through the sky and offers incredible views of the park.
  • Revenge of the Mummy – This thrilling roller coaster takes riders on a wild ride through an ancient tomb.
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – This thrilling ride takes you through the vaults of Gringotts Bank.
  • The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – This thrilling ride takes passengers on an immersive journey through the city of New York.
  • The Hogwarts Express – This ride takes visitors on a magical journey between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

My top 10 attractions at Universal Studios Orlando

The best restaurants at Universal Orlando

Here are some of the best restaurants at Universal Orlando:

  • Mythos – This fine-dining restaurant offers incredible views of the park and a variety of delicious Mediterranean dishes. And it’s been named the best theme park restaurant in the world for years. And let me tell you, that could be true. The food here is very good, which is why you should book well in advance. It is usually very busy.
  • The Cowfish – This restaurant offers delicious burgers and sushi.
  • Lombard’s Seafood Grille – This restaurant offers delicious seafood dishes.
  • Finnegan’s Bar & Grill – This Irish pub offers delicious dishes. And the pizza here is an insider tip. Super tasty.
  • Leaky Cauldron – This restaurant offers traditional British cuisine.
  • The Three Broomsticks is an iconic restaurant in Universal Orlando that offers its guests a traditional British pub experience. Set in the magical world of Harry Potter, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a day in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade village.

Best hotels and resorts from Universal Orlando

Staying at a Universal Orlando resort hotel has many benefits, especially when it comes to visiting the theme parks. Guests of all resort hotels enjoy early park admission, which allows them to enter an hour before the parks open to the general public. This gives them a head start on the attractions that are open at that time and allows them to get in line for some of their favorite rides before the crowds arrive.

In addition, Universal Orlando Resort’s premium hotels offer complimentary Express Passes. This allows guests to bypass the regular queues and get to some of the most popular attractions. With Express Passes, they can also enjoy preferred seating at select shows and other locations in the park.

Here are Universal Orlando’s premium hotels and resorts:

  • Hard Rock Hotel – This hotel offers luxurious amenities and is located just steps away from the park.
  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – This hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a pool and spa.
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort – This resort offers luxurious amenities and is located just steps from the park.

You can find all hotels directly at Universal here: to Universal Hotels >>

New at Universal Studios Florida: Welcome to Minion Land!

Welcome to Minion Land!

Imagine you’re strolling through the bustling streets of Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida. You’ve just entered the new center of mischief, home to Gru’s familiar yellow helpers, the Minions. With a slight tingle of excitement, you open the imaginary door to this yellow-washed paradise. “Banana!”, a chorus of Minions greets you in their typically comical way.

Bake My Day: sweets and merchandise

Bake My Day: sweets and merchandise

Let’s move on to “Bake My Day”, a pink paradise full of sweet treats. Cupcakes, macarons and s’mores – who can resist? And it looks like Bob, the cute one-eyed Minion, is busy baking a huge pile of banana cupcakes. “Banana!” he shouts, as if he’s guessed your sweet tooth.

In the Bake My Day store

Freeze Ray Pops: A refreshing stop

Freeze Ray Pops

Right next door, Freeze Ray Pops beckons with a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector. The ever clumsy Stuart seems to have trouble not spilling his ice cream while giggling to himself with his unmistakable laugh “Hehehe”.

Minion Café: Time for a meal

And when hunger strikes, the “Minion Café” is the place to be. There, the ever-enthusiastic Dave serves a selection of delicious dishes. From various bowls and sandwiches to the irresistible “Minion Tots” and the “Fluffy Unicorn Cupcake”, there’s something for everyone here.

Pop-A-Nana: a crunchy surprise

But that’s not all! A new challenge awaits you at “Pop-A-Nana”: Banana popcorn. It’s so unique and delicious that even Gru’s three adopted daughters – Margo, Edith and Agnes – can’t get enough of it.

One Size Fits All: The fashion world of the Minions

How about a first stop at “One Size Fits All”? Here they offer Minion-style overalls, perfect for any budding villain. A Minion who looks suspiciously like Kevin shows you the way and assures you in his gibberish that “tulaliloo ti amo!” – they love you!

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast: Let’s go on an adventure!

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast: The new attraction in Minion Land

The crowning glory of your visit could be an encounter with Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the other members of the Vicious 6, who will take you on an exciting journey through Minion Land. You’ll be invited into the world of Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, an interactive blaster game experience that will make you feel like a true supervillain.

Let’s go on a journey of discovery!

And don’t forget to keep your eyes open throughout your adventure. You might bump into Gru, Lucy and maybe even the lovable Kyle. So pack your laugh muscles and get ready for a day of Minion fun!

Conclusion: Universal Orlando is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation

With thrilling rides, delicious restaurants and an abundance of entertainment, Universal Orlando has something for everyone. To make sure you get the most out of your experience, keep these 10 insider tips in mind. With these tips, your visit to Universal Orlando is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Start planning your trip today and discover the magic of Universal Orlando!

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