‌

Universal Studios Orlando hours: Opening times for each park, seasonal tips & more

Universal Studios Orlando

May 23 TO Jun 9 Timings Days (May 23 TO Jun 9)	TIMINGS
Monday	09:00–21:00
Tuesday	09:00–21:00
Wednesday	09:00–21:00
Thursday	09:00–21:00
Friday	09:00–21:00
Saturday	09:00–21:00
Sunday (Today)	09:00–21:00

Jun 10 TO Jun 10 Timings Days (Jun 10 TO Jun 10)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:00–20:00
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	Closed
Friday	Closed
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

Jun 11 TO Jun 30 Timings Days (Jun 11 TO Jun 30)	TIMINGS
Monday	09:00–21:00
Tuesday	09:00–21:00
Wednesday	09:00–21:00
Thursday	09:00–21:00
Friday	09:00–21:00
Saturday	09:00–21:00
Sunday	09:00–21:00

Park hours vary each week and may change seasonally, so it's best to check the schedule before your visit.
On-site hotel guests or those with qualifying tickets can avail the early admission option that lets you enter the park 30 to 60 mins before the official opening time, giving you a head start on popular rides and attractions.

Best time to visit the Universal Studios Orlando

Weekday vs Weekend

Start your day early and get to the park right at opening time, when temperatures are typically between 68°F and 75°F (20°C to 24°C), and lines for popular rides are much shorter.
Weekdays are your best bet to do more with less waiting times. Tuesday to Thursday usually have the lightest crowds.
The parks stay open longer on weekends and there’s often more entertainment, but be prepared for bigger crowds and queues that can go on for up to 2 hours. Pro tip: Book an express pass if you’re planning on visiting during the weekend.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season runs from June to August and during big holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Spring Break. It’s the most exciting time to visit with lots of entertainment, and longer park hours.
Looking for lighter crowds and better prices? Visit during the low season from mid-January to early March or mid-September to early November, when the parks are quieter.
Holidays bring extra magic. From Halloween Horror Nights in the fall to festive Christmas decor and themed shows in December, special events make these days extra memorable. Just be ready for bigger crowds.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

Timings of Universal Studios Orlando parks

Guests in front of Universal globe and fountain at Universal Studios Orlando, Florida.

Universal Studios Florida

Opens: between 8am and 9am, depending on the season and day of the week
Early park admission: not available
Closes: between 7pm and 10pm, depending on the season and day of the week
Last entry: 1 hour before closing

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

Man posing with Islands of Adventure tower at Universal Studios Orlando.

Universal Islands of Adventure

Opens: 9am daily
Early park admission: from 8am (select guests and tickets only)
Closes: between 7pm and 10pm, depending on the season and day of the week
Last entry: 1 hour before closing

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

Entrance to Universal Epic Universe theme park with ornate archway and decorative elements.

Universal Epic Universe

Opens: 10am daily
Early park admission: from 9am (select guests and tickets only)
Closes: between 8pm and 10pm, depending on the season and day of the week
Last entry: 1 hour before closing

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

Guests enjoying a water ride at Universal Studios Resort waterpark in Orlando, Florida.

Universal Volcano Bay

Opens: 10am daily
Early park admission: from 9am (select guests and tickets only)
Closes: between 5pm and 8pm, depending on the season and day of the week
Last entry: 1 hour before closing

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

Universal CityWalk Orlando waterfront with boat and vibrant nightlife.

Universal CityWalk Orlando

Opens: 8am
Early park admission: Not Available
Closes: Between midnight and 2am, depending on the season and day of the week

(Hours will vary seasonally. Find the seasonal opening hours here.)

Note: Volcano Bay will close for the season starting October 26, 2026, and is currently scheduled to reopen on or before March 24, 2027. The park is typically closed on select dates during the fall and winter months for seasonal maintenance.

How long should I spend at Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Florida: Set aside a full day to explore Universal Studios Florida's movie-themed rides, shows, and iconic attractions like Diagon Alley and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Islands of Adventure: You'll want at least one full day at Islands of Adventure too, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan or plan to tackle thrill rides like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
Epic Universe: Since Epic Universe is the largest and newest park, give yourself a full day (or more) to explore its immersive lands like Super Nintendo World and the Celestial Park hub.
Volcano Bay: A half-day at Volcano Bay is great for casual fun, but if you want to relax in a cabana, hit all the water slides, and enjoy the wave pool, plan for a full day.

Frequently asked questions about Universal Studios Orlando hours

Is Universal Studios Orlando open every day?

Yes, all Universal parks are open daily, year-round. An exception is Volcano Bay which closes on select off-season dates. It is scheduled to close starting October 26, 2026, and reopen on or before March 24, 2027.

What is Early Park Admission, and who gets it?

Early Park Admission lets certain guests enter select attractions up to one hour before official opening. It’s available for Universal hotel guests and those with qualifying tickets.

What time should I arrive at the park?

Aim to arrive 30–45 mins before the listed opening time, especially if you have Early Park Admission. That gives you a head start on the most popular rides.

Can I visit multiple parks in a single day?

Yes, if you purchase a Park-to-Park ticket you can visit multiple parks in one day. It's the only way to ride the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and it also allows fast travel between the two theme parks.

How can I check today’s opening hours?

The best way is to use the Universal Orlando Resort app or visit the official website. Park hours, attraction wait times, closures, and showtimes are updated daily.

How long does it take to experience each ride?

On average, rides last between 2–7 mins. Don’t forget to factor in queue times, which vary based on crowd levels and can go on for anywhere from 15 mins to 2 hours.

Do ride wait times fluctuate during the day?

They do. Popular rides like VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s often have the longest waits mid-morning to early afternoon. Use the Universal Orlando App for real-time wait times.

What time do nighttime shows and fireworks start?

Shows like The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle and Cinematic Celebration usually start after sunset, around 8pm to 9pm.

How long does it take to get through security and the entrance gate?

Expect 15–30 mins during peak times. Arriving early gives you a head start on rides and helps beat the rush.

Can I see all the Harry Potter attractions in one day?

Yes, but you'll need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express between both parks. Allocate at least 4–5 hours for the full Wizarding World experience.

More reads

Universal globe at entrance of Universal Studios Resort, Orlando, Florida with palm trees.

Plan your visit

Guests smiling during a bus transfer experience.

Getting there

Universal Studios ticket held in hand at Universal Orlando, Florida.

Save time with the Express Pass