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The ultimate theme park experience in Los Angeles: Disneyland Resort & Universal Studios Hollywood
Read all about Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park & Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles here
Universal Orlando Resort is one of the largest and most versatile destinations in Orlando. The resort consists of four unique parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and the newest theme park Epic Universe. Each park has its own atmosphere, top attractions and unique themed areas. In addition, you will find Universal CityWalk, the vibrant entertainment area full of restaurants, stores, bars, activities and live music.
Those wishing to stay longer can choose from a wide range of wonderful hotels, from affordable comfortable lodgings to luxury resorts.
One of the most beloved parts of Universal Orlando is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, spread across multiple parks. You can travel on the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. You read here All about the 3 different Harry Potter Worlds in Orlando!
With so many to choose from, it's pretty hard to decide where to start. Which park at Universal Orlando Resort suits you best?
Epic Universe is the newest theme park within Universal Orlando Resort and opened on May 22, 2025. It is the resort's third theme park and has its own entrance and plenty of new areas with rides, shows, merchandise and restaurants!
Celestial Park - The central area of Epic Universe, with lots of nature and views of the Helios Tower. You'll find Stardust Racers, a fast-paced two-lane roller coaster, and Constellation Carousel, a gentle ride for all ages, among others.
Super Nintendo World - A colorful world full of Mario and Nintendo themes. The biggest draw is Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, an interactive racing attraction. Also popular is Yoshi's Adventure, a family ride where you move quietly through the area.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk - A Viking village based on the famous movies. Here you can step into Hiccup's Wing Gliders, an accessible roller coaster, or opt for Fyre Drill, a fun water attraction where you can spray each other wet.
Dark Universe - A mysterious area starring classic Universal monsters. Major attractions include Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a thrilling darkride, and Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning roller coaster with a fast start.
Epic Universe is more spacious than the other Universal Orlando parks. From the central Celestial Park, you walk through a large portal that immediately brings you into a completely new world. As soon as you step through it, your entire environment changes: the music, decor and atmosphere immediately match the themed area you are walking into.
In this themed area, you first step into a Parisian setting inspired by the Fantastic Beasts films. From here you travel via the Métro Magique to London, where you arrive at the Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter films. The main attraction is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a modern darkride where you are taken through different parts of the Ministry of Magic. The area combines Paris and London in an innovative way and lets fans discover a different side of the Wizarding World, with stores, entertainment and many recognizable details from both film series.
Epic Universe has its own restaurants and snacks in each themed area that completely match the world you are in at the time. In Super Nintendo World, you'll find colorful snacks and dishes inspired by the Mario games, such as mushroom-shaped sandwiches or light pasta dishes in the Toad restaurant.
In Isle of Berk, the offerings are right in line with the Viking theme, with more robust meals such as grilled chicken, stews and hearty bread dishes.
Celestial Park offers more general and international options, ranging from bowls and salads to hot meals for a quiet moment between areas.
Dark Universe and Ministry of Magic also have their own style, from mysterious desserts to classic British and French flavors. Thus, even the food contributes to the experience of each world.
Want to know more about this brand new park? Then listen to our OORlando podcast on EPIC Universe, or view our blog about EPIC Universe!
Universal Studios Florida is the first park opened within Universal Orlando Resort in 1990. Located next to CityWalk, the park revolves entirely around several famous movies and series. Here you step into worlds you normally only know from the screen. Think of the Minions, Harry Potter or E.T. Universal Studios Florida offers a combination of 3D experiences, shows and various attractions.
Minion Land on Illumination Ave. - A cheerful area around the world of Despicable Me and the Minions, filled with colorful details and playful humor. The main attraction is Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast.
New York - Based on the famous city streets with classic brick facades. Here stands Revenge of the Mummy, an exciting indoor coaster with darkride elements.
San Francisco - Small but atmospheric, with references to the famous port city. The top attraction here is Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
Hollywood - A nostalgic area revolving around the magic of film. You'll find E.T. Adventure, one of the last original Universal attractions still operational.
Springfield, U.S.A. - The world of The Simpsons, complete with humor, striking colors and recognizable buildings. The main attraction is The Simpsons Ride.
World Expo - A sci-fi inspired area with futuristic elements. The top attraction is MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack.
DreamWorks Land - A playful area aimed at families, inspired by Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. The most fun ride is the Trollercoaster, a family-friendly roller coaster.
Diagon Alley is one of the popular areas of Universal Studios Florida, especially as a Harry Potter fan. The area has been recreated in detail, giving you a real sense of walking through the wizarding world. Visit Ollivanders, where you can pick out your own wand, or step inside Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Fred and George Weasley's colorful joke store.
Also found here is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a thrilling ride through the underground vaults of the famous bank. In addition, the Hogwarts Express departs from Diagon Alley, taking you to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure (one of Universal Orlando Resort's other parks).
In The Wizarding World, visit The Leaky Cauldron for classic British dishes with a magical touch. In the San Francisco area is Lombard's Seafood Grille, a cozy restaurant with seafood dishes and water views. Fancy something easy? Then head to Mel's Drive-In, a 1950s-style diner where you can go for a quick bite.
In addition to attractions, there are also many shows and encounters with famous characters from the movies. The Bourne Stuntacular show combines live action with impressive special. For animal lovers, there is Animal Actors on Location, a light-hearted family show in which trained animals show what they can do. During this humorous show, learn how animals are trained for movies and series and watch them perform spectacular tricks.
In addition, you will find several Character Meets scattered throughout the park, where you can meet characters from the movies and have your picture taken with them. Think Marilyn Monroe, The Minions, Shrek or Trolls.
At Islands of Adventure you can go on adventures in different worlds . Each area has its own theme, from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park to superheroes in the Marvel area. You'll find roller coasters, interactive rides, water attractions and shows.
Port of Entry - The atmospheric entrance area of the park with stores and eateries; a quiet starting point before heading into the various themed areas.
Marvel Super Hero Island - Tough, colorful and action-packed. The biggest crowd-pleaser is The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Show Lagoon - A playful and brightly colored area, best known for its water attractions that are especially popular on hot days.
Skull Island - Dark and adventurous, with Skull Island: Reign of Kong being the main ride.
Jurassic Park - A world full of dinosaurs. The eye-catcher is VelociCoaster, one of Orlando's most exciting roller coasters.
The Lost Continent - An area inspired by ancient myths and legends, today mostly an atmospheric thoroughfare.
Seuss Landing - Cheerful, colorful and perfect for young children, with quiet Dr. Seuss-style attractions.
Hogsmeade is the recreated wizarding village from the Harry Potter films, complete with snowy roofs, atmospheric stores and cozy restaurants. You'll visit the famous wizarding school Hogwarts, where you'll actually step inside for the attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. On this ride, you'll fly past recognizable scenes from the movies and experience an adventurous journey through and around the castle. From Hogsmeade, you can travel on the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Three Broomsticks is a popular spot for a Harry-Potter-style hot meal. You'll find classic British dishes like fish and chips, shepherd's pie and spare ribs. You can also visit Mythos Restaurant, known for its beautiful theming and a menu of Mediterranean and American dishes, such as pastas, bowls and grilled meats. For a quick bite, Burger Digs in Jurassic Park is a fine choice, with simple options such as burgers, chicken dishes and fries.
At different times of the day, you can watch short shows and performances in the park. In Hogsmeade, you'll see the Triwizard Spirit Rally and the Frog Choir. In Marvel Super Hero Island, superheroes regularly appear for short demonstrations or photo opportunities, and in Seuss Landing there are cheerful performances especially for children.
Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando Resort's water park. The atmosphere is tropical, with the imposing volcano Krakatoa as its striking centerpiece. The park offers relaxing beaches, family-friendly pools as well as exciting slides. Volcano Bay offers a wonderful day of refreshment and relaxation for the whole family!
The Volcano - The iconic heart of Volcano Bay, formed by the volcano Krakatau. Here you'll find the park's most spectacular slides, including Ko'okiri Body Plunge, Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, Punga Racers and the popular Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which races through and through the volcano.
Wave Village - The relaxation zone with wide beaches and pools at the base of the volcano. Highlights include Waturi Beach (the large wave pool) and The Reef, a quieter pool overlooking the slides. Also located here are Puka Uli Lagoon and the Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides.
River Village - A family-friendly area with play areas and quiet water attractions. You'll find the Kopiko Wai Winding River, a quiet lazy river, and two great raftslides: Honu and Ika Moana. For young children, there are Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef.
Rainforest Village - The most adventurous part of Volcano Bay, with the most violent slides and whitewater experiences. The top attraction is TeAwa The Fearless River, a strong current river where you are taken by waves with a life jacket. You will also find the raftslides Maku and Puihi, and the versatile Taniwha Tubes.
At Volcano Bay, you can book extra comfort for a relaxing day at the water park. With a cabana, you have your own shaded area with comfortable chairs, a safe and service for food and drinks. An accessible alternative is premium seats: two luxurious sunbeds with umbrella and a small safe, ideal as a permanent base between water attractions.
Volcano Bay has a surprisingly diverse selection of dining options. At Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, you'll find Huli-Huli-chicken, pulled-pork bowls and fresh tropical salads, among other things. Whakawaiwai Eats is ideal for something quick, like pizza, pretzel hot dogs or mac-and-cheese. Scattered throughout the park are several tropical bars where you can go for refreshing cocktails, mocktails and smoothies.
Compared to the other Universal parks, Volcano Bay feels more peaceful. Between water rides, you can rest on the beach and enjoy the view of the volcano. Thanks to the combination of relaxation and adventure, this park is a nice change during your visit to Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, you can cool off here during your Orlando vacation!
Universal CityWalk is the entertainment area located directly in front of the entrances to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You automatically walk through it when you walk to either of these parks, making it a logical place to grab something to eat, shop or just relax before or after your theme park visit. You don't need a ticket to visit CityWalk, which means you can visit it even if you're not going to the parks.
CityWalk is known for its wide range of restaurants and bars. At The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, you'll enjoy creative desserts and savory dishes in a steampunk setting. The Hard Rock Café Orlando is a popular spot for a hearty meal, while VIVO Italian Kitchen is a good choice for fresh pastas and other Italian classics. Sweet tooths can visit Voodoo Doughnut for colorful doughnuts with unique flavors. For drinks, for example, Lone Palm Airport or Red Coconut Club is a fine place to end the evening.
In addition to restaurants, you'll find a variety of shopping and entertainment options at CityWalk. You can shop at Universal Studios Store, the large gift store with merchandise from all the parks, or at boutiques such as Fossil and surf shop Quiet Flight, among others. For entertainment, you can go to the movie theater, play a round of miniature golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf or catch live music at one of the bars. So there's always something to do, even if you don't have any more attractions on the schedule.
CityWalk is ideal for a relaxing evening after a day in the parks. It is also a convenient place to start your visit on your arrival day or end it on your departure day. Be aware of busy times around dinner time. Therefore, we recommend making a reservation at one of the restaurants to avoid a long wait. Even if you don't go to the Universal parks, CityWalk is a fun place to wander around, enjoy the entertainment and discover new restaurants or stores.
Staying overnight at Universal Orlando Resort makes your visit extra relaxing. Its location and atmosphere will make you get more out of your days at the parks and make your vacation feel complete. Universal Orlando Resort operates with three hotel categories: Value, Prime Value and Signature. The hotels are all located in or immediately adjacent to the resort and offer a pleasant mix of comfort and theming.
Those who stay at one of Universal Orlando Resort's hotels benefit from convenient perks:
Florivida will help you find accommodations that are perfect for your trip!
With proper preparation, you will get the most out of your visit to Universal Orlando Resort. That way you can relax and enjoy and make the most of everything the resort has to offer.
Universal Orlando offers several ticket options. You can choose 1-Park-a-Day tickets, Park-to-Park tickets that allow you to visit multiple parks in one day, or 3-Park tickets that also include Volcano Bay.
Florivida also offers special 14-day tickets that allow unlimited access to the parks throughout your vacation and daily hopping between Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe. This type of ticket is not always available directly through Universal and gives much more flexibility than standard tickets.
By booking through Florivida, you can be sure to choose the right ticket for your plans! We will advise you personally, explain the differences clearly and help you make a daily schedule that fits your trip. That way you'll be well prepared and won't have to figure out everything yourself, making your visit to the Universal Orlando parks a lot more relaxing.
The best travel time for Universal Orlando is in the spring or fall. Temperatures are pleasant then and it is often less crowded than in the summer months or during school vacations.
To experience all four parks, we recommend at least four days. That will give you enough time to do the main attractions without rushing. Of course, you can also plan more days if you want to take it slower or explore certain areas more extensively.
With an Express Pass, you can skip queues at many attractions. The Universal-App is useful for current wait times, maps and ordering food. Lockers are available at many attractions and in the parks themselves. Bring comfortable clothing and shoes, and consider sun protection during hot days.
Universal continues to continually innovate and expand. With the opening of Epic Universe, new attractions and interactive experiences, the resort remains one of the most surprising places in Orlando.Ready to experience Universal Orlando for yourself? Discover our trips to Universal Orlando Resort and see which tickets or packages best fit your plans. Would you rather put something together yourself? Then plan a (online) appointment To work with us to put together your dream trip!
Universal CityWalk is the entertainment area between the parks of Universal Orlando Resort. You will find restaurants, stores and entertainment options. Admission is free.
Universal Studios Florida is more suitable for those who like movie worlds, simulators and shows. Islands of Adventure focuses more on action, with bigger roller coasters and adventure rides but also has a family-friendly area. If you have the time, it is definitely worth visiting both parks.
Yes! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is spread across three parks: Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and the new Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe. The Hogwarts Express connects Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
No, that is no longer feasible with the advent of Epic Universe. You could still possibly combine Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day with a Park-to-Park ticket, since the parks are within walking distance of each other. But visiting all three theme parks simply takes too much time. To experience everything properly you need several days.
It depends on what you are looking for during your visit, your travel party and your personal preferences. Universal Studios Florida is ideal if you like movie worlds, shows and rides that are less intense, making the park suitable for families. Islands of Adventure suits thrillseekers better thanks to its larger roller coasters and adventure rides. Volcano Bay is a good choice for a relaxing day by the water, with slides and quiet beaches. Epic Universe is the newest park and offers all-new worlds and attractions.
Popular favorites include VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe. In Dark Universe, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a big new crowd-pleaser, while Hiccup's Wing Gliders in Isle of Berk is just the sort of accessible roller coaster for many audiences. Don't forget classics like Revenge of the Mummy and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which have been among Universal Orlando's favorite attractions for years.
Yes. There are many family-friendly rides and themed areas such as Seuss Landing. Not all rides are suitable for young children, but there are choices for every age!
Hotels at the resort are ideal because of their location and benefits such as early access and transportation to the parks. There are many options at Universal Orlando Resort, Florivida is happy to help you find accommodations that are perfect for you!
Not mandatory, but it can be convenient on busy days. With Express Pass, you have faster access to many attractions. It can be a good choice during school vacations, weekends or if you only have one day at a park and want to do as much as possible. Guests at select Signature hotels get Express Pass included, making it extra attractive to stay at the resort.
Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025. The park has since become one of the largest expansions ever within Universal Orlando Resort, attracting many visitors due to the all-new themed areas, modern attractions and the resort's updated design
Walt Disney World focuses primarily on classic Disney stories, family experiences and a broader vacation world with four theme parks, water parks and extensive resorts. Universal Orlando feels more compact and more focused on action, big franchises and more intense attractions. It is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced roller coasters, movie worlds like Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World and modern rides with lots of effects. Many travelers combine both resorts in one vacation to experience the best of both worlds.
Read all about Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park & Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles here
Rick just got back from the group trip to Universal Epic Universe & we have an important piece of news....
Read all about the snacks & attractions in the 3 areas: Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts & Ministry of Magic.
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