This page is an introduction to the two Universal Florida Resort theme parks.
Here you’ll get a good overview of the basics and links to each of the detailed pages for each park.
Universal Orlando Resort has two different theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Each park is varied in size, look, and feel, but both offer attractions and a combination of entertainment, parades, and nighttime shows. You’ll also find many varieties of food at various prices, plus lots of souvenirs for sale.
Theme Park Admission
The proper theme park admission is required for park entrance.
A park to Park ticket is required to experience both parks in the same day and to ride the Hogwarts Express between the Harry Potter sections of each park.
General Public Tickets are available for sale as part of a Universal Package, online at universalorlando.com, or at the theme park ticket windows.
Here at Universal Orlando for Military we have a lot of content dealing with Military Discounted Tickets.
The two main types of military tickets for Universal are:
- Universal Orlando’s Freedom Pass (a hugely discounted year long pass)
- Regular Military Discounted Universal
These special military tickets can be purchased as part of a Universal Package, from your Base Ticket Office, or a Base the sells long distance.
Attractions
On the Theme Park Pages, I’ll be describing the seating capacity and layout of the attractions in the parks. You will find all types of ride vehicles at Disney World; from small continuous feed ride systems to huge stadium seating theatres.
Many rides are of the continuous feed variety. This means that the ride vehicles are mounted one after the other on a track and while running continuously follow each other around the track through the ride. The ride is not turned off (except for handicap boarding) and you board and exit the ride from a moving beltway (like at an airport) moving at the same speed as the vehicles.
When I mention seating capacity, I’ll use terms like theatre seating, four across, and 2+. What I mean when I use the + sign which is usually with the number 2 is that two adults can comfortably sit in the vehicle, 3 can squeeze in or mom and dad with 2 smaller kids. You are free to try to fit all four of you in one car or split up into two.
Height Restrictions
Some of the more thrilling attractions have height restrictions. If children are shorter than the set limit, they cannot experience the attraction. Universal will not bend on these restrictions as they are for safety purposes; in many cases they have to do with the attraction seating and associated restraint capability. Keep in mind that in some cases just because your child is tall enough to ride, doesn’t mean they are mature enough.
On the linked theme park pages, attractions with height restrictions will be designated like this: (H33) the H designates height restriction and the following number designates how many inches tall you must be in order to ride. In this example (H33) you must be 33 inches tall to ride. Universal staff will measure those in question.
Many Universal attractions have a supervising companion height requirement, that is if you are not above the designated height, you must ride with someone who is. These are designated like this: (AH48) the A for adult, and the rest as just above.
Attractions with a max height will be designated like this: (H36-56) with 36 inches being the minimum and 56 the max.
Nowhere is this more confusing than at Pteranodon Flyers – (H36-56) (AH48). where you must be between 36 and 56 inches to ride, but if you are not 46 inches must be accompanied by someone who is.
Child Swap
All of the attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure offer Child Swap, sometimes referred to as Kid Swap, Baby Swap, or Rider Switch. This allows guests to skip an attraction (either because they are not tall enough or they do not want to ride) and gives everyone else in the party the ability to ride the attraction without having to wait in line twice.
To use the system, inform the attendant stationed in front of the ride’s entrance that you would like to use Child Swap. It is important to ask before you enter the queue, because each attraction handles Child Swap a little differently; some feature separate rooms, others have designated areas, and one or two may have a separate line depending on just how busy the parks are when you visit.
During a Child swap, the whole party waits in line together. Then some of the party will ride, while the rest of the party waits with the individual who can’t/doesn’t want to ride. After the first person or group rides they will wait with the individual who can’t/doesn’t want to ride while the second person or group rides.
Universal Express Pass
When you purchase Universal Express Pass, you get to skip the regular lines at most of your favorite rides and attractions. Express Pass costs an additional fee on top of your theme park ticket.
Express Pass is not added to your ticket, it is a stand alone feature.
Express Pass Types:
Theme Park
- Universal Express Pass – Skip the regular lines at most popular rides and attractions once per ride or attraction.
- Universal Express Pass Unlimited – Skip the regular lines at most popular rides and attractions as many times as you want.
Volcano Bay
- Volcano Bay Express Pass – Skip the Virtual Lines at SELECT participating rides and attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
- Volcano Bay Express Plus Pass – Skip the Virtual Lines at ALL participating rides and attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
You can purchase Universal’s Express Pass online, at the Universal entrance gate ticket windows or at locations in the parks.
Express Pass Cost
The cost for Express Passes is variable based on demand; higher attendance days cost more than lightly attended days.
- Universal Express Pass – Prices start at $80 and go to $220 per person per day
- Universal Express Pass Unlimited – Prices start at $110 and go to $250 per person per day
- Volcano Bay Express Pass – Prices start at $20 and go to $ 150 per person per day
- Volcano Bay Express Plus Pass – Prices start at $40 and go to $220 per person per day
Other ways to get and Express Pass: Guests at Universal Orlando’s Premier Hotels receive Universal Express Pass Unlimited as part of their stay. And those who purchase VIP tours also receive Universal Express Passes.
Express Pass – Attractions that participate in Universal’s pay for short ride wait times program will be designated like this on the individual park pages.: (EP).
Single Rider Lines
Quite a few attractions at Universal Orlando Resort have single rider lines. These lines are used to fill all available space on the ride vehicles. For instance, a party of three will take up two rows in a ride vehicle that seats in rows of two. A rider from the single rider line will be placed in that empty seat. The single rider lines move much more quickly than the standby line, but if you are in a group, you almost certainly will not ride (in the same row or even the same ride vehicle) with others in your party.
Attractions with single rider lines:
Universal Studios Florida
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Islands of Adventure
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Look for (SR) in the attraction descriptions.
Single rider lines are “subject to availability” and may open or close at any time.
Virtual Lines
Universal Orlando offers a Virtual Line option for a few attractions. You sign up via your Universal app (as early as possible in the day) in order to be assigned a time to show up at the ride queue and enter the line. Rides with with this option are designated as: (VL)
Virtual Line Features
- Select a return time once you’re on property and ride the same day.
- Set your group size to get a return time for multiple people.
- Add another attraction after your return time has passed.
Attractions with virtual lines:
Universal Studios Florida
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Fast And Furious – Supercharged
Islands of Adventure
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Characters
Universal Orlando has Character Encounters (meet and greets) in set locations, impromptu locations in the parks, and at Character Dining Meals.
Character Encounters are locations where you and or your child get to interact one-on-one with a Universal character, get an autograph if desired, and pose for a picture(s).
Check your daily park schedule or the Universal Orlando app for times for the impromptu meet and greets. The set location meet and greets are held in buildings all day long.
Character Dining is currently offered at:
The Marvel Character Dinner.
Includes:
• Buffet dinner at Cafe 4
• 1 non-alcoholic beverage
• 1 Digital photo* taken during the Dining Experience (via My
Universal Photos)
$49.99 per adult (ages 10+), plus tax
$24.99 per child (ages 3-9), plus tax
Reservations are required and must be made up to 24 hours before arriving by calling 407-224-3663 or booking online.
Dining
Each park offers – Counter service, grab-and-go carts, and table service restaurants.
The many outdoor food carts are too plentiful and changing to list here. You’ll find carts selling, popcorn, drinks, adult beverages, ice cream and frozen treats, turkey legs, and fresh fruits & vegetables.
During Character meals, designated Disney characters (different at each location) will circulate through the dining area periodically. They will stop by each table for personal interaction, autographs, and pictures.
Mobile Food & Drink Ordering – You may use your Universal Orlando app to order and prepay for meals at designated Counter Service restaurants. Just complete your order and then upon arrival click the “I’m here, prepare My Order” button, then go to the online pickup line/window once the app advises you it is ready. Some locations have a single pick up location and others have numbered ones, the app will let you know. A credit card stored by the app is required.
On the Theme Park Pages look for these keys to the rough cost of restaurants and the meals they offer:
- $ = Less than $15 per adult
- $$ = $15 – $30 per adult
- $$$ = $30 – $60 per adult
- $$$$ = over $60 per adult
- B = Breakfast
- L = Lunch
- D = Dinner
- S = Snack
Shopping
As you tour Universal’s theme parks you will find a wide variety of merchandise and souvenir options available to you.
You’ll find Universal character and theme park centric items like stuffed characters, clothing, hats, and many other varied items.
Package Pickup and Delivery
When you shop throughout Universal Orlando Resort, there’s no need to carry your purchases around. They will either hold them for you so you can pick them up on your way out, or if you are staying on property they will deliver your items directly to your Universal Orlando hotel.
Universal also offers a ship to your home option.
For Package Pickup – Your purchases will be ready for you to pick up at least 3 hours after purchasing during regular store hours, from 11 am to midnight. Your purchases will be delivered to a location near the theme park exit so you can pick them up on your way out.
Pick Up Locations:
- Universal Studios Florida – At the gift shop immediately adjacent to the exit turnstiles.
- Islands of Adventure – At the open-air Ocean Trader Market outside Islands of Adventure Trading Co. across from Croissant Moon Bakery.
For Package Delivery to Your Hotel – Your purchases will be available the next day at luggage services or at the front desk for you to pick up. Package deliveries to hotels are made the following day between 9 am and 4 pm. Don’t use package delivery the day of your check out. Instead use the pick-up services in the park.
For both options just let the cashier know you’d like to take advantage of this free service when you’re making your purchase.
Participating Stores:
Universal Studios Florida
- Borgin and Burkes
- Brown Derby Hat Shop
- E.T.’s Toy Closet & Photo Spot
- It’s A Wrap
- KWIK-E-MART
- Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions
- Magical Menagerie
- MIB Gear
- Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC
- On Location
- Quality Quidditch Supplies
- Sahara Traders
- San Francisco Candy Factory
- Scribbulus
- Silver Screen Collectibles
- Simpsons Games
- SpongeBob StorePants
- Studio Sweets
- Super Silly Stuff
- Supply Vault
- Universal Studios Store
- Wands by Gregorovitch
- Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
- Williams of Hollywood
- Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- All the Books You Can Read
- Betty Boop Store
- Cats, Hats, & Things
- Comic Book Shop
- DeFoto’s Expedition Photography
- Dervish and Banges
- Dinostore
- Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
- Gasoline Alley
- Historic Families – Heraldry
- Honeydukes
- Islands of Adventure Trading Company
- Jurassic Outfitters
- Jurassic Park Games
- Marvel Alterniverse Store
- Mulberry Street Store
- Ocean Trader Market
- Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC
- Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe
- Port Provisions
- Shop of Wonders
- Spider-Man Shop
- Toon Extra
- Toon Lagoon Games
- Treasures of Poseidon
Universal’s Volcano Bay
- Waturi Marketplace
Universal CityWalk
- Quiet Flight Surf Shop
- Rock Shop
- Universal Studios Store
If you make a purchase at a location that does not offer this service, you can take your purchase to one that does and use the service there.
Bag Check… Bag Check…… Bag Check!
Everyone entering Universal Orlando Resort’s parks and CityWalk is required to pass through security.
Universal uses older standard technology, x-ray machines for bags and items and walk-through metal detectors for people.
I have a whole page dedicated to security, so that you’ll know what to expect, see: Universal Orlando Security Overview
Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi service is available for free in all Universal theme parks and resort hotels!
Strollers, Wheelchairs, and Scooters
Strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters, are available for rent from Universal at the theme parks.
Strollers – Universal’s strollers are made from rigid plastic and they don’t recline. They do offer a canopy for sun protection and seat belts. Note: these plastic strollers really heat up in the afternoon Florida sun!
Universal Stroller Price – Single $35 per day.
There is a pouch on the back to hold items, but no cup holders. These strollers can only be used within the park, which means at the end of a long day, you will be stuck carrying your children back to the water taxi, car or hotel.
They are not available at Volcano Bay or at the Universal Hotels, which means more carrying children around. Note: infants and children under age 2 don’t do well in these strollers; they just aren’t designed for them.
There are many Orlando area companies that rent modern strollers at reasonable prices. These companies deliver to and pick up from your resort, so you’ll have the use of the stroller for the entire vacation, not just in the parks.
I recommend Amusement Park Rentals for your stroller rental needs!
Scooters and Wheelchairs – The same is true for Scooters and Wheelchairs, Universal rents them in the parks and at Downtown Disney but you cannot take them elsewhere and Universal’s prices are high.
Universal Scooter Price – $65 per day at both parks and $85 per day for a scooter with a canvas shade at Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Wheelchair price – $15 per day
There are many Orlando area companies that rent Scooters and Wheelchairs at more reasonable prices. These companies deliver to and pick up your rental, so you’ll have the use of the stroller for the entire vacation, not just in the parks.
I recommend Amusement Park Rentals for your Scooter rental needs!
Lockers
All Day Lockers – Lockers are available for rent on a daily basis at the front of each theme park. Many find it convenient to stash sweatshirts for later in the evening, purchases, camera bags, or other bulky items for later retrieval.
Current rates are: $10 per day for a small locker (12″ x 10″ x 17″), $12 per day for a large (15.5″ x 13″ x 17″), and $15 per day (Magic Kingdom and Epcot only) for a jumbo one (17″ x 22″ x 26″) in addition you’ll be charged a $5 refundable key deposit. Your locker fee is good for locker use the entire day at any park, so save the receipt.
Large lockers measuring 12” x 13” x 16.9” are available to rent for $12 per day near the park entrances of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Family-size lockers measuring 12” x 16.25” x 16.9” are available to rent for $15 per day at Universal Studios.
Single-Time Use Lockers at Attractions – Some Universal Orlando Resort rides do not allow loose items and there are some other rides that you might not want to have loose items anyway.
Universal provides single use standard-sized lockers (14 in x 5.5 in x 16.9 in) for free and larger lockers (12 in x 13 in x 16.9 in) for oversized items can be rented for a fee.
Lockers are located at:
Universal Studios Florida
- Revenge of the Mummy
- MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
The following water-based attractions offer single-time use lockers for an additional fee.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls
Early Park Admission
Those staying at Universal owned hotels are eligible for early entry into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before the parks open to others. Early Admission is very popular and the lines can get long by the time Universal opens the gates.
In the picture above the line grew behind me and stretched through CityWalk back towards the parking structure.
Available Attractions:
Universal Studios Florida
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Ollivanders
Volcano Bay also offers a 30 minute early admission to Universal Hotel guests.
Available Attractions:
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Honu of the Honu Ika Moana
- ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Waturi Wave Pool
Wrap Up
That’s it for this theme park overview, check out the pages for each individual park below:
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
What to Wear in Universal’s Parks (external Link)
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