Universal Orlando Itinerary | Planning Guide For Each Park

Universal Studios Florida

Morning:

Start your day with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ to kick things off with laughs and minimal queues.
Then make your way straight to Diagon Alley™ for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ before the wait builds up.
Wander the cobbled streets, peek into shops like Ollivanders™, and grab a quick Butterbeer to sip as you head towards your next ride.

Afternoon:

Dive into the action with Revenge of the Mummy™, a dark, high-speed indoor coaster with fire effects.
Follow that up with Transformers: The Ride–3D, where you join Optimus Prime in an epic battle.
Pause for lunch at Leaky Cauldron™, enjoying hearty British pub fare before heading to The Bourne Stuntacular for mind-blowing live action mixed with high-tech visuals.

Evening:

Head to The Simpsons Ride™ for a hilarious animated adventure, then test your aim at Men in Black Alien Attack™.
If time allows, take a nostalgic journey on E.T. Adventure™.
End your evening with Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, a dazzling show of water, lights, and movie magic.

Islands of Adventure

Morning:

Be at the gates early and head directly to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™; it’s one of the park’s most popular rides.
From there, conquer Jurassic World VelociCoaster™, a top-tier thrill ride with incredible speed and airtime.

Afternoon:

Refuel with lunch at Three Broomsticks™ in Hogsmeade for a hearty plate of roasted chicken or fish and chips.
Continue your adventure in Marvel Super Hero Island® and ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster® for pure adrenaline, then swing into action on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®.

Evening:

Cool down with water rides. Jurassic Park River Adventure™ is a must, and if you’re ready to get soaked, try Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®.
End the day strolling through Seuss Landing™, where whimsical architecture and nighttime lighting create a picture-perfect finale.

Epic Universe

Morning:

Once the gates open, head straight to Super Nintendo World™, the park’s hottest spot. Don’t miss Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, plus a fun spin on Yoshi’s Adventure.
Use your Power-Up Band to unlock interactive elements throughout the land, making the experience even more immersive and playful.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Celestial Park, where gourmet bites meet lush gardens and captivating art installations.
Afterward, dive into Dark Universe™ for monster-themed thrills with rides like Invasion of the Spider Vault and Phantom Dive.
For something lighter but just as magical, explore the family-friendly How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk™ and Rosie’s All-Better Clinic.

Evening:

Return to your favorite attractions with shorter waits. Re-ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment or enjoy a relaxing spin on the charming Magic Quartet Carousel.
If you’re up for one last thrill, take on the multi-launch coaster Eternity Flyer before winding down.
Cap off your night with the spectacular fountain, music, and light shows in Celestial Park.

Volcano Bay

Morning:

Claim a lounger near Waturi Beach to set up your base.
Start your day with the thrilling Krakatau Aqua Coaster™, a unique water coaster that winds through the park’s iconic volcano.
Then cool off on the Taniwha Tubes™, a set of multi-person tube slides with twists and turns.

Afternoon:

Break for lunch at Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, offering tasty island-inspired dishes.
Take a relaxing float along the Kopiko Wai Winding River or brave the adrenaline-pumping Ko’okiri Body Plunge™, a nearly vertical drop that’s sure to get your heart racing.
Don’t miss other favorites, like the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides™, which are perfect for group fun, and the Honu and Līlio Drop Slides™, which offer more fast-paced thrills.

Evening:

Watch the sunset from the sandy shores of Waturi Beach, soaking in the tranquil vibe. As the day winds down, squeeze in the high-speed Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides™ or the Punga Racers™.
Finally, unwind with a refreshing tropical drink from one of the beachside bars, such as The Feasting Frog™ or Whakawaiwai Eats™.

1-day, 2-parks itinerary

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, book a park-to-park ticket (34614), so you can ride the Hogwarts™ Express between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure as many times as you like.

Morning:

Start your morning in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida with Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, then explore spellbinding shops like Ollivanders™ and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes™.
Don’t miss nearby rides like Transformers™: The Ride-3D and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™ for more thrills before hopping on the Hogwarts™ Express to Hogsmeade.

Afternoon:

After lunch at Three Broomsticks™ (and definitely try the Butterbeer!), dive into Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ inside Hogwarts Castle.
Then get your adrenaline pumping with VelociCoaster™, The Incredible Hulk Coaster®, and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall™.
For a change of pace, take a watery break on Jurassic Park River Adventure™ or cool off with Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges™.

Evening:

As the sun sets, either head back to Universal Studios Florida for the high-energy The Bourne Stuntacular or enjoy a relaxing stroll through Seuss Landing™, taking in the whimsical lights and the serene lagoon views.
If time allows, squeeze in a fun ride on The Cat in the Hat™ or The Simpsons Ride™ before the parks close.

2-days, 3-parks itinerary

Universal Studios Florida + Islands of Adventure

Morning: Start your day in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida with Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, then wander through the spellbinding shops before boarding the Hogwarts™ Express to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.
Afternoon: Tackle Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, then refuel at Three Broomsticks™. After lunch, crank up the thrills with Jurassic World VelociCoaster™ and The Incredible Hulk Coaster®.
Evening: Head back to Universal Studios Florida for The Bourne Stuntacular, or take a leisurely sunset stroll down Hollywood Boulevard to end the night on a picture-perfect note.

Epic Universe

Morning: Dive straight into Super Nintendo World™ with Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge and a cheerful spin on Yoshi’s Adventure. Then, step into the Ministry of Magic for a one-of-a-kind Wizarding World experience exclusive to Epic Universe.
Afternoon: Break for lunch in the lush Celestial Park, then spend your afternoon soaring through How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and braving Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Evening: Savor dinner under the stars in Celestial Park as the night sky and park lights create a magical send-off to your day.

For families with kids

Universal Studios Florida

Rides:

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ (start here while the line is short)
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster (gentle coaster for all ages)
E.T. Adventure™ (a nostalgic must)
The Simpsons Ride™ (zany fun for older kids)
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (virtual thrills without height worries)
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl (colorful spinner ride)

Meet & greets:

Hollywood Blvd characters (meet Scooby-Doo, Shrek, Transformers)
DreamWorks Destination (meet Poppy and Kung Fu Panda)

Shows/attractions:

Animal Actors on Location!
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show (funny, suitable for older kids)
The Bourne Stuntacular (action-packed stunt show)

Eat & drink:

Mel’s Drive-In (burgers and shakes)
Louie’s Italian Restaurant (pizza, pasta, family-friendly)

Shopping:

The Universal Legacy Store (one-stop shop for park merch)

Islands of Adventure

Rides:

The Cat in the Hat (storybook dark ride)
Flight of the Hippogriff™ (beginner coaster)
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges™ (splash ride)
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™ (interactive spinner)
Caro-Seuss-el™ (Dr. Seuss carousel)
Storm Force Accelatron® (spinning ride in Marvel Island)

Play zones:

Camp Jurassic (caves, rope bridges, slides)
If I Ran The Zoo™ (Dr. Seuss-themed play area)

Eat & drink:

Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous™
Thunder Falls Terrace (BBQ)

Shopping:

Island Market
Export Banana Stand

Epic Universe

Rides:

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge™ (exciting yet family-friendly racing adventure)
Yoshi’s Adventure™ (gentle ride perfect for younger kids)
Magic Quartet Carousel™ (colorful carousel fun for all ages)
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk™ (immersive and thrilling but suitable for families)
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment™ (dark ride with spooky fun for older kids)

Play zones:

Celestial Park (safe, lush outdoor play and picnic areas)
Power-Up Plaza (interactive Nintendo-themed play area where kids can explore and play)

Eat & drink:

Celestial Café (kid-friendly menu with light meals and snacks)
Turbo Tacos (quick, tasty handheld options like tacos and nachos)
Tiny Tasty Treats (artisan ice creams and desserts that kids love)

Shopping:

Family Fun Emporium (toys, plushes, and souvenirs perfect for kids)
Electric Emporium (fun Nintendo-themed gear for the whole family)

For solo thrill‑seekers

Universal Studios Florida

Rides:

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™ (start your adrenaline rush here with your own music playlist)
Revenge of the Mummy® (dark indoor coaster with thrills and surprises)
Transformers™: The Ride-3D (fast-paced 3D action)
Men in Black™ Alien Attack (sharpen your aim in this interactive shooter)
Fast & Furious – Supercharged™ (high-speed chase experience)
The Simpsons Ride™ (wild, fun simulator ride)

Shows/attractions:

The Bourne Stuntacular (live-action stunt show with heart-pounding effects)
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show (behind-the-scenes laughs and scares)

Eat & drink:

Fast Luigi’s (grab quick pizza slices to keep your energy up)
Food carts offering churros, pretzels, and hot dogs for on-the-go snacks

Shopping:

Dark Arts™ Prop Shop (collectibles and memorabilia)

Islands of Adventure

Rides:

VelociCoaster™ (one of the fastest and most intense coasters)
The Incredible Hulk Coaster® (classic high-speed thrill)
Jurassic Park River Adventure™ (wet splashdown adventure)
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man™ (award-winning 3D ride)
Skull Island: Reign of Kong™ (dark ride with impressive animatronics)
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall™ (vertical launch thrill ride)

Eat & drink:

Burger Digs (fast-casual bites with Jurassic themes)
Blondie’s Sundaes (perfect post-ride sweet treat)

Shopping:

Marvel Alterniverse Store (exclusive Marvel gear and souvenirs)

Epic Universe

Rides:

Eternity Flyer (multi-launch coaster with high-speed thrills)
Invasion of the Spider Vault (immersive dark ride)
Midnight Chase (a high-speed night-themed coaster)
Phantom Dive (a drop tower that mixes vertical free falls with spinning gondolas)
Volt Runner (This launch coaster comes with electric-themed effects)

Eat & drink:

Energy Elixir Bar (quick refuel with specialty drinks and snacks)
Turbo Tacos (handheld tacos, loaded nachos, and fresh guacamole)
Celestial Café (light fare with a futuristic vibe)

Shopping:

Electric Emporium (glow-in-the-dark gear)
Thrill Seeker Outfitters (adrenaline-inspired apparel)

For couples

Universal Studios Florida

Rides:

E.T. Adventure™ (a charming, gentle journey perfect for sharing some nostalgia and whimsy together)
Hogwarts™ Express (cozy up on the magical train ride between parks, complete with different scenes each way)
The E.T. Adventure™ (classic and heartwarming, a sweet, slow ride to relax and reminisce)
Transformers™: The Ride-3D (exciting, immersive, and a shared adrenaline rush)
Revenge of the Mummy® (thrills with a supernatural twist for couples who love a little edge)

Shows/attractions:

Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show (a lighthearted and entertaining break with behind-the-scenes fun)
The Bourne Stuntacular (a high-energy stunt show perfect for date day thrills)

Eat & drink:

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill (cozy, Irish pub vibes with hearty dishes and a great date-night atmosphere)
Lombard’s Seafood Grille (a romantic sit-down spot with waterfront views and fresh seafood)

Shopping:

Universal Legacy Store (pick up matching keepsakes or unique couple’s souvenirs to remember your day)

Islands of Adventure

Rides:

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (wander Hogwarts Castle and share this immersive ride experience)
The Incredible Hulk Coaster® (hold hands tight and scream together on this classic high-speed coaster)
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall™ (a vertical thrill with spectacular views, perfect for an adrenaline jolt)
Jurassic Park River Adventure™ (cool off together on this splashy dinosaur-themed ride)
The Cat in the Hat™ (light, whimsical fun perfect for a relaxing shared moment)

Play zones:

If I Ran The Zoo™ (stroll through this whimsical Dr. Seuss-themed play area for a laid-back break)

Eat & drink:

Mythos Restaurant (known for its beautiful setting and delicious cuisine, ideal for a romantic dinner)
Thunder Falls Terrace (casual BBQ with a view, great for a relaxed lunch or early dinner)

Shopping:

Oakenshield™ Store (browse handcrafted wizarding wares and themed gifts together)

Epic Universe

Rides:

Rosie’s All-Better Clinic (a charming, slower ride perfect for enjoying together in a whimsical setting)
Magic Quartet Carousel (classic carousel fun with a romantic twist under colorful lights)
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk (an immersive ride that’s both thrilling and magical)
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (dark ride thrills for couples who love a bit of excitement)

Play zones:

Celestial Park (a beautifully themed outdoor area perfect for strolling hand-in-hand)

Eat & drink:

Celestial Park Dining (enjoy casual dining under the stars with craft cocktails and light bites)
Tiny Tasty Treats (share artisan desserts and ice creams as you soak in the evening ambiance)

Shopping:

Family Fun Emporium (pick out keepsakes or fun souvenirs to commemorate your day)

Tips to plan your perfect day at Universal Studios Orlando

Use the official app: Keep the Universal Orlando app handy to check real-time wait times, find show schedules, and navigate the parks easily. You can also order food through the app to save time waiting in lines for meals and snacks.
Balance your day: Alternate high-energy rides with slower-paced shows and attractions to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day. Save shows for midday or evening as a cool break from the heat and to recharge.
Stay comfortable and prepared: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot throughout the day. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during hot Florida days. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho since afternoon showers are common but usually brief.
Single rider lines: Use single rider lines where available (like Revenge of the Mummy® and VelociCoaster™) to significantly cut wait times if you don’t mind riding separately.
Make use of the rider swap program: If visiting with kids or non-thrill riders, take advantage of rider swap so one adult can wait with them while the other rides, then switch without waiting again.

Frequently asked questions about the Universal Orlando itinerary

How many days do I need for Universal Orlando?

Ideally, plan at least 2 full days to cover Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure comfortably. Adding a 3rd day lets you explore the brand-new Epic Universe without rushing.

Can I visit multiple parks in one day?

Yes, you can. With a park-to-park ticket, you can hop between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure via the Hogwarts™ Express as many times as you like. This is perfect for Harry Potter fans and those wanting to maximize rides.

What’s the best way to avoid long lines?

Arrive early, use the official Universal Orlando app for live wait times, and take advantage of single rider lines where available. Also, consider rider swap if you’re visiting with kids or guests who don’t want to ride certain attractions.

Which rides are best for families with young kids?

Start with gentle rides like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, The Cat in the Hat™, and explore kid-friendly play zones like Camp Jurassic™.

Can I use the Universal Orlando app to order food?

Yes, the app lets you order meals and snacks ahead at many locations to save time waiting in lines, which helps keep your day moving smoothly.

What should I wear and bring for a day at Universal Orlando?

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes are a must. Don’t forget sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a lightweight rain jacket or a poncho for those sudden Florida showers.

How do I use rider swap at Universal Orlando?

Rider swap allows adults visiting with children or non-riders to take turns on attractions without waiting in line twice. Ask a team member at the ride entrance to get started.