Universal Studios Orlando is one of the most visited theme parks, located in Orlando, Florida. Featuring many rides for kids and adults, fantastic attractions, beautiful parades, colorful events, and more, Universal Studios Orlando is an excellent choice for kids and adults who want to spend an incredible time.
Here is the Universal Studios Orlando Ultimate guide, including what to wear, the attractions, rides, events, parades, food and more.
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- $115 + TAX (1 park – 1 day)
- $170 + TAX (2 parks – 1 day)
- $284.99 + TAX (2 parks – 1 day)
If you add Universal Express to your regular tickets, you get to skip the regular lines at rides and attractions. The Universal Express is valid for one time per person at participating rides ($69 + TAX), and the Universal Express Unlimited is valid for unlimited times per person at participating rides ($89 + TAX).
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- Regular Season: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Peak Season: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Spring Break, Summer, and Christmas Holiday)
- Fall Season: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Halloween Horror Nights starts at 6 p.m.)
All Hotels in the Universal Studios area offer a shuttle service from your hotel that would drop you off at the entrance of Universal Studios. The shuttles leave every 30 minutes approximately in most hotels and resorts. Also, some of the Universal Studios Resorts offer a water taxi service, this will drop you off at Citywalk area, really close to the entrance of the park.
Florida’s weather is humid, warm, and sometimes, I call it “crazy.” One moment it is sunny, and after 30 minutes it starts raining. Anyway, here are some suggestions for what you can wear when visiting Universal Studios Orlando.
Regular Weather / Spring & Fall(72°-85°)
- T-shirt
- Shorts or light pants
- Sneakers or Sandals
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Light Sweater
Summer
(90°- 100°)
- Tank top or light t-shirt
- Shorts
- Flip Flops
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Winter (32°-70°)
- Sweater
- Pants or Joggers
- Sneakers
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Here is a detailed list of the essentials I consider important to pack when you are going to a theme park. I have tried all the products listed, and I love them, that’s why I recommend them.
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E.T. Adventure
- Kid friendly
- Height: 34″ minimun required
Have you ever watched E.T. the movie? Did you like it? If yes, then you will definitely love this ride. You will get on a bike (those flying bikes you saw in the movie) with E.T. in the basket in front of you. You will be flying above the city on a journey of helping E.T. to save his planet. Kids love this attraction & adults love it too. At the end of the ride, the same E.T. will say bye to you (he will say your name).
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
- Kid friendly
- Height: 36″ minimun required
This roller coaster is great for kids. With ups and downs, turns and spins but without sudden drops. It’s the perfect ride to introduce the little ones to the fantastic world of roller coasters.
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- Kid friendly
- Height: 48″ minimun required
This funny alien from The Simpsons is very popular and one of the favorites of the little ones. Get to fly this ship, going up and down, spinning and having a complete look of all the Simpsons neighborhood.
The Simpsons Ride
- Height: 40″ minimun required
- 48″ and under: companion is required
This is a virtual reality roller coaster, loved by kids and adults. “Krustyland” gets sabotaged by “Sideshow Bob” who wants to destroy Springfield. Get on this adventurous ride with the Simpsons family: Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart & Maggie and be ready for all the excitement this attraction has to offer.
Men In Black Alien Attack
- Height: 42″ minimun required
- 48″ and under: companion is required
This ride will take you to New York City where you, as a Men In Black agent in training, need to keep Aliens under control. Using your laser gun, you must exterminate all the space creatures you find. Spoiler alert, there is one little problem… Those despicable little things have guns too! Every time you get hit by one of the aliens, your car would get out of control. The more points you get, the better. Remember, your goal is to become a “Men In Black” Agent.
Harry Potter & The Escape from Gringotts
- Height: 42″ minimun required
- 48″ and under: companion is required
Located in Diagon Alley, get into Gringotts Bank, pass through the lobby & see al the goblins that work there. Get in the elevator, and go underground to the vaults. Right there you will find the three inseparable friends, Harry, Ron & Hermione. They will help you escape out of Gringotts, fighting Bellatrix & “Who must not be named,” the same Voldemort in person! No worries, you will get out of there safe and sound (at least I did).
Hogwarts Express King’s Cross Station
- 48″ and under: companion is required
King’s Cross Station is located in London, walk through the solid brick wall to get to Platform 9 3/4, and boar the train. You will definitely enjoy this magical experience until you arrived at Hogsmead Station, your final destination.
To be able to Board the Hogwarts Express you need a “Park to Park” AdmissionTicket
Fast & Furious Supercharged
- Height: 40″ minimun required
- 48″ and under: companion is required
While you are in the line, you will see many vehicles from the original movie. This ride will take you to a scene of the “Fast & Furious” film with all the cast. A fantastic journey, full of speed and excitement.
Revenge of the Mummy
- Height: 48″ minumun required
This high-speed ride will transport you to the movie “The Mummy” where you must try to escape from all Imhotep tricks and spells, including fire, insects & creepy soldier mummies.
Transformers: The Ride 3-D
- 3D – 4D Ride
- Height: 40″ minimun required
- 48″ and under: companion is required
This attraction is one of the favorites for many kids and adults. You will get on board of a NEST vehicle, helping Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to defeat Megatron and the deceptions.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Height: 51″ minimun required
This ride is perfect for the adrenaline lovers, and it would take you to the sky with sudden drops at 65 mph. While you are enjoying this thrilling experience, your favorite music is playing. When you get in the car ride, you can choose a song of your preference.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Kid Friendly
- Height: 40″ minimum required
- 48″ and under: companion is required
Who doesn’t love the minions? You will have the opportunity to join Gru, The girls, and the silly minions in this funny and fantastic ride. Kids love this adventurous attraction, full of surprises. You would enjoy every second from the beginning to the end.
Shrek 4D
- Kid friendly
- 3D – 4D Ride
- 48″ and under: companion is required
Enjoy all the special effects in this fantastic adventure. Lord Farquaad has kidnapped princess Fiona, and you must help Shrek and Dokey on this dangerous mission to bring her back.
I suggest downloading the Universal Orlando Resort App for free. Sign up and create an account. In this app, you will find everything you need, including an interactive map where you can check the waiting time for the rides, dining choices, and restrooms location. Also, you can check “The Virtual Line” where you can secure a spot in rides like “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Fast & Furious” without making the line.
You will find so many places to grab food in Universal Studios. Also, you are allowed to bring your own food if that is what you prefer. Snacks, Sandwiches, Water, and Juices are some of the options that you can get into the park with no problem. No glass containers or alcohol are allowed (you can buy beer inside of the park). But you will find a lot of restaurants so don’t worry about the eating part.
Here is a list of the restaurants you can find along the park.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
This Irish – American Pub and Restaurant is located in the New York area. The menu includes authentic Irish dishes, Salads, Burgers, and many more.
Lombard’s Seafood Grille
Located in the San Francisco area, this waterfront restaurant is the perfect place for seafood lovers. Shrimp dishes, Clam chowder, and many more options to choose from you will find in Lombard’s.
Mel’s Drive-in
This vintage restaurant from the ’50s offers American food, including Milkshakes, Chicken Strips, Burgers, and Fries. Amazing vintage cars are parked at the front for you to admire and take a couple of pictures.
Louie’s Italian Restaurant
This restaurant offers delicious Italian food, including Pasta, Meatballs, and their very famous pizza. Outside of the restaurant is a counter for quick order, you can buy their tasty pizza by slice there and sit down to enjoy the view of New York streets.
Starbucks
Featuring its signature Coffee, Frapuccino, Tea, Juice, and many other drinks, Starbucks is one of the favorite places. This famous franchise offers sandwiches, protein boxes, fruit salads, snacks, and some sweets for you to enjoy with your beverage.
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
Located in the Simpsons area, this food truck is an excellent choice to grab and go. The menu offers many options of tacos, including beef, chicken, and fish.
Cafe La Bamba
Styled after the famous Hollywood Hotel, This restaurant offers burritos, ribs, salads, tacos, and chili. A great choice for Mexican-Spanish food lovers.
Classic Monsters Cafe
This restaurant recreates some of the most famous horror movies from Universal Studios, the menu includes a variety of food like burgers, fries, hot dogs, ribs, chicken, salads and more.
If you want to enjoy unlimited sodas, and frozen non-alcoholic drinks you can buy the Universal Refillable cup, sold in most of the restaurants and kiosks in the park for $15.99 approx.
Along Universal Studios you will find many little shops selling water, sodas, beer, popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs, churros, chips, and other snacks.
Universal’s Superstar Parade
Enjoy this funny parade, featuring Dora the Explorer, Diego, Despicable Me characters, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Secret Life of Pets. This parade is fantastic for the little ones, the music and the colors are great for dancing and having a lot of fun.
Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration
This original show takes place on selected nights. Featuring some of the most famous movies, you will be amazed by the impressive special effects, projections, water, lights. This evening show is a must-see when you are visiting Universal Studios.
Mardi Gras: Florida’s Bigger Party
Every year This event takes place on selected nights from February to April. Colorful costumes, great performers, incredible decorations, and more, are the perfect time to enjoy dancing to the beat, and why not? Catch a flying necklace. You will enjoy this fantastic and authentic New Orleans grand experience without leaving Florida.
Halloween Horror Nights
This creepy event takes place every year on selected nights from Late September to November. Halloween Horror Nights are not recommended for kids under 13, and also costumes and masks are not allowed in the park. Enjoy, laugh, run, and be scared for the horrifying characters along with the haunted houses. If you are brave, and you are a horror movie fan, you would definitely love this frightening spectacle.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
This fantastic event takes place from November 15th to January 5th every year. You can enjoy the incredible and colorful Macy’s Parade, including some of the most loved characters.
Including the minions, toys, elves, the grinch and the most loved for kids and adults: Santa Claus on his sleigh accompanied by his reindeers. This parade is beautiful and definitely a must-see when you visit Universal Studios on holidays.
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Universal Studios Orlando is an excellent place for the whole family. Little kids, teens, and adults can enjoy many attractions, rides, and fantastic events throughout the year. If you want to get more info, find out about special events, and buy tickets online check Universal Studios Website.I would love your feedback, your ideas, and suggestions. Have you been to Universal Studios Orlando? Which ride/attraction was your favorite? Share your experience with me in the comments section.
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