HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Get ready for a rollercoaster of excitement as you plan your trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida! From magical marvels at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, to the thrill of the Jurassic World coaster that defies gravity, Universal is a portal into your childhood wonders. Here you’ll find your golden ticket to maximizing every moment with the ultimate one-day guide and itinerary! 🎢🎬✨

Keep reading to discover a one-day guide that includes endless fun at Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure!

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BOOK FLIGHTS AND HOTELS

RENT A CAR

Rentalcars.com is my go-to place for car rental! This will ensure you’re able to get around Orlando with ease.

LUGGAGE STORAGE

If you have an awkward time before or after your flight, this is my go-to luggage rental service!

SHOP MY FLORIDA FITS

3 UNIVERSAL THEME PARKS

Universal is actually made up of three theme parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and a water theme park Volcano Bay!

GET YOUR UNIVERSAL TICKETS

Make sure to book your tickets in advance! Note that ticket prices can vary based on the type of ticket you get, availability, and season. There are a few ways to go about purchasing your tickets:

You can also technically purchase tickets at the gate. However, this can be risky because if the park is sold out you’ll be unable to enter.

Pro Tip: I recommend ticket purchasing through GetYourGuide because of their flexible cancellation policy and payment plans!

TYPES OF TICKETS

Universal offers a One Park per Day ticket or a Park-to-Park ticket – where you can visit multiple parks in the same day.

If you’re planning to do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, you’re going to want to purchase the One Day Park-to-Park ticket.

For an added cost, if you want to skip the lines, you also have the option to purchase:

• Universal Express (permits you to skip the regular lines one time per ride at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure) or the
• Universal Express Unlimited Pass (permits you to skip the regular lines an unlimited number of times at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure)

Please be aware that these express passes can only be used on participating rides.

WHERE TO STAY

I had a lovely stay at the Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center. This is a mid-price range option. They have a great outdoor pool complex, fitness center, and were pet friendly! This place is perfect for any demographic – families, couples, etc.

Best of all, they offer a free shuttle to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney World Resort. If you choose to drive yourself, getting to Universal Orlando from this hotel is a breeze due to its close proximity. Note this hotel does not offer early admission.

10 WAYS TO GET DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

If you don’t want to pay full price for your Universal ticket (who does?!) – there are a few ways you can potentially score a discounted rate!

1. Multi-day tickets will reduce the daily cost!
Click to explore options on the official site.

2. Certain hotels will offer ticket packages.

3. Special pricing is available for Florida residents.
Click here to view Florida resident pricing.

4. Check your credit card travel portal to see if tickets are offered at a lower price.

5. No need for a Capital One account! Small business owners can enjoy Capital One’s complimentary Business Deals Program, which provides discounts on Universal tickets.
Read more and sign up here.

6. AAA Members can purchase Universal tickets through their portal, with potential for discounted rates.
Click here to explore AAA discounted pricing.

7. Active or retired Military personnel and Department of Defense civilians can also receive discounted pricing.
Click here to view military pricing.

8. Costco members can purchase Universal tickets through the Costco Travel Portal.
Click here to purchase through Costco.

9. Groups traveling with 20+ individuals can call 1-888-266-2121 for discounted group rates.
Click here to read more.

10. Universal Orlando Annual or Seasonal Pass holders will reduce your daily cost.
Click to purchase an annual pass.

Lastly, remember that tickets can potentially cost less if you travel during off-season.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

If you have the option, going during on a weekday can greatly reduce crowd sizes.

Universal’s off-season is considered late August, September, January, and February according to The Park Prodigy.

TOP ORLANDO TOURS

While you’re in Orlando, take advantage of these must-do activities & tours!

WHAT TO BRING

• Small Backpack | The park offers free lockers for use for each attraction/ride, and you can’t bring anything with you while riding. Keep in mind these lockers are small, and you’ll have to pay for a larger locker rental if your backpack is too big!
• Walking Shoes | You’ll absolutely need comfortable walking shoes. I recommend sneakers and/or close-toed options.
• Water Bottle | Stay hydrated! You’re allowed to bring in a maximum of two liters into the park. The two I linked below are my favorite.
• Light Snacks | The park permits you to bring your own snacks inside.
• Sunscreen | The Florida sun can be intense.
• Sunglasses | They don’t call it the sunshine state for nothing!
• Portable Charger | This just gives a peace of mind. Especially if you’re using the app throughout the day, you’ll want to ensure your phone battery makes it the entire time.
• Optional: Camera/poncho/hat

MUST BRING ITEMS

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO TIPS

• Explore the Universal Map before going and decide your top ride and attraction non negotiables.
• Arrive to the park as early as possible.
• Some affiliated hotels will offer early park admission, as early as 8:00 AM.
• Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are connected to one another, making them easy to access within one day.
• Be prepared to walk a lot and ensure your shoes are comfortable.
• Be prepared to stand and wait in lines.
• To reduce wait times, utilize the single rider lines.
• Keep an eye on the app for live wait times and adjust accordingly.

ONE-DAY ITINERARY

If you only have one day, just know you probably won’t get to see everything – but that’s okay! This is why it’s important to prepare by reviewing the park map and choosing your must-see attractions beforehand. You’ll want to get to the park early to maximize the time you do have. Below is a rough outline for the perfect one day at Universal:

Note that early admission begins at 8AM, regular park opening time is 9AM.

During high season the parks may open at 8AM, and early admission can be as early as 7AM.

• 9:00 AM: Arrive at the park
• 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Universal Studios

To enter Islands of Adventure, you’ll walk through Citywalk and within about 10 minutes you’ll be at the Islands of Adventure entrance.

• 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Grab lunch

The park allows you to exit and re-enter at your leisure, so you can get food outside of the park if you so choose! Make sure you have your ticket on hand for re-entry.

• 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Islands of Adventure
• 7:15 PM: Watch the night time lights at Hogwart’s Castle

UNIVERSAL MOOD BOARD

FINAL VERDICT

While you may not be able to see everything in one day, you can certainly explore the main areas and get to your top choices. You will truly get to heal your inner child if you visit as an adult, at least I did! Universal is truly the perfect mix of excitement and thrill, and the park has something for visitors of all ages. Always feel free to reach out to me via Instagram, TikTok, or Email if you have any questions!

I hope you enjoy your magical day at Universal Orlando!

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