The Definitive Guide to Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is a world-renowned theme park located in Orlando, Florida. The park is part of the larger Universal Orlando Resort, which also includes Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, and Universal’s CityWalk entertainment complex.

In addition dozens of amazing rides and attractions, Universal Studios Florida also features a variety of live shows, street performers, and character meet-and-greets. The park is also home to some of the best annual events include Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights and Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. 

It’s one of the most popular parks as in 2022, Universal Studios Florida hosted more than 10 million visitors which made it the 5th most visited theme park in the world. 

Click here to see our photo gallery for Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida – Theme Park Guide

Updated for 2024, in this definitive guide to Universal Studios Florida you will learn more about this amazing theme park including:

• Universal’s Rides & Attractions
• Parades, Shows and Entertainment
• Food & Beverage Options
• Shopping Venues
• Annual Events
• Ticket Costs
• Universal Express
• Directions & Parking

About Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is very well planned and you will find it fairly easy to find its rides, attractions and experiences. You can purchase your tickets at a number of ticket windows immediately upon passing through the main arches.  This area also includes guest services as well as an office for the guests who have purchased the VIP experience.

Guests enter the park through two gates behind the ticket buildings where a team member will scan your ticket or annual pass.  Once inside the park you will find facilities for lockers and stroller rentals, bathrooms, a photography store and a huge gift shop where you can find just about all things Universal.

There are eight separate themed areas throughout the park surrounding a central lagoon which hosts Universal’s nighttime shows and spectaculars.  These themed areas are:

• Minion Land on Illumination Avenue
• New York
• Hollywood
• San Francisco
• Diagon Alley – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Springfield
• DreamWorks Animation Land
• World Expo

Universal’s hours of operation vary throughout the course of the year but the parks typically open at 9:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM during the summer months. However, hours do vary during the year.

Minion Land on Illumination Avenue

Officially opened in August 2023 is Minion Land on Illumination Avenue which is located immediately after the main entrance area to the park. The area is based on the popular Despicable Me movie franchise which features the lovable yellow Minions and their master, Gru.

Minion Land features a variety of attractions, dining options, and entertainment. Some of the highlights of the area include:

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride: Go along for a wide ride with Gru, his girls and the Minions for an anniversary celebration of Gru’s adoption of the girls.  There are three individual phases of this ride with the first two watching the characters on video screens.  Due to the low capacity of this ride and the popularity of the Despicable Me movies, wait times are longer than most at this park and  could exceed one-hour during peak days.  
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast: Officially opened in August 2023, riders put their shooting skills to the test on an interactive blasting type game that features state-of-the-art gaming technology.  

• Illumination Theater: Guests will enjoy meeting a number of characters from the Despicable Me and Sing movies.  These characters include the Minions, Gru and “The Girls” as well as a number of characters from Sing.

Shopping, entertainment and food & beverage options within Minion Land include:

• Minions Cafe
• Bake My Day
• Freeze Ray Pops
• Pop-A-Nana

Click here to see the photo gallery for Minion Land

New York

Just like the Big Apple itself, you will find Central Park, the Guggenheim Museum and the New York Public Library.  There is also a faux Macy’s store right next to the faux Paradise Theater. 

Additionally, there is a vast amount of theming in this area that references a number of films including Genco Olive Oil from The Godfather movies.  Don’t forget to check out the Christmas store which open 365 days a year.

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit:  One of the best roller coasters of all the Orlando area theme parks, you will climb straight up and drop straight down while riding up to 65 miles per hour behind the Music Plaza stage and the Streets of New York. There is even a non-inverting loop right after the big drop.  One of the great aspects of this ride is that you get to choose your own music.  Ride times vary and operation is weather dependent so we would recommend you get in line if you see a wait time of 30 minutes or less.

• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon: Try and beat Jimmy as your ride through the streets of New York and beyond.  Your experience begins as you enter the studios of The Tonight Show!  Check out a number of interactive experiences, meet Hashtag the Panda and listen to the Ragtime Gals hip-hop barbershop quartet.  

• Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster: Themed after the Revenge of the Mummy movies, this is one of the the best indoor roller coasters in Orlando!  But beware, the curse is real and the you ride through warrior mummies, fire & locusts to prevent the Mummy Imhotep from taking your soul.  Wait times can vary but are typically around 30 to 40 minutes on an average summer day.  There is a special “tour” that you can request but is only offered during “slower” days.   The tour gives you all the details within the queue as well as takes you back stage and see the ride up close and personal.  Lockers are available as you will not be able to bring anything on this ride.

• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride- 3D: Ride along with EVAC as you fight off Megatron while helping Optimus Prime & Bumblebee get the All Spark out of NEST.  This is an indoor 3D ride with a themed queue.  Wait times can vary but are typically around 30 minutes on an average summer day.
• The Blues Brothers Show: Not to be missed.  Watch Jake, Elwood and their friends rock the streets of New York with their rhythm and blues music.
• Finnegan’s Bar & Grill:  Just like the Irish pubs you will find in New York City.  it’s a great place to grab a pint and shake off the Florida heat as well as get a bite to eat.  This is a very popular restaurant opens at 11:AM and can get crowded during peak days.  Click here to check out the menu for Finnegan’s.
• Louie’s Italian Restaurant:  The perfect spot for some Italian food including pizza, pasta, meatball subs and more.  Louie’s opens at 11:AM and is a quick service dining restaurant. There is also a gelato and Italian ice bar open seasonally.  Click here to check out the menu for Louie’s.

Additional food and beverage options in New York include:

• Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
• Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
• Starbucks:  

The New York area plays host to a number of events including the spot for Universal’s Christmas tree (right in from of Macy’s) as well as shows including Marilyn Monroe.  The Universal Parade as well as their holiday parade runs through New York and makes a stop right in from of Macy’s as well.  Santa Claus lights the Christmas tree during the holiday season.

Click here to see our photo gallery for Universal Studios Florida

Hollywood

Welcome to Hollywood!!!  Enjoy walking through old Hollywood and see all the sites and sounds from the golden age of film.  This is also a great spot for character meet and greets.  We’ve seen a number Universal favorites including the Simpsons, Betty Boop, Scooby Do, Dora and more.

• The Bourne Stuntacular:  This new live-action stunt show is located in the former spot of the Terminator 3D.  This show is based on the Bourne film franchise and per Universal, “this cutting-edge, edge-of-your-seat live show will blur the lines between stage and cinema in a hybrid form of entertainment that has never been seen before”.

• Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-up Show: This is an exciting and fun makeup show with a great sense of humor.  It is fun for pretty much all ages but just don’t get picked to go up on stage.  Show times do vary but typically start in the late morning and run several times a day.

Other shopping, dining and entertainment venues in the Hollywood area include:

• Cafe’ La Bamba
• Mel’s Drive-In
• Schwab’s Pharmacy: 
• Brown Derby
• TODAY Cafe’

Click here to learn about on-site hotels at The Universal Orlando Resort

San Francisco

• Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride: Based on the movie franchise, you will hop on a party bus for a fully immersive 3D ride with Dom, Letty, Hobbs and the rest of the gang while fighting off Shaw and avoiding the FBI.  This ride has a highly themed queue with a number of vehicles and references to the movies.  While this is a nice ride, it was a little bit of a disappointment based on all the hype but still take the time to check it out.  Just don’t wait for more than 20 minutes.

• Richter’s Burger Co.: Hold on to your burger during the earthquakes in this two-story dockside quick service dining restaurant.  And don’t forget to get a milkshake to go along with your burger.  There is both inside and outdoor seating at Richter’s.  Click here to see the menu for Richter’s.
• Chez Alcatraz:  This is a fantastic outdoor bar to grab a cocktail or an appetizer and just relax.  There is also a massive great white shark (could it be Jaws?) hanging next door that is the perfect stop for a photo op. 
• Lombard’s Seafood Grille: Enjoy waterfront dining at one of the best restaurants on this side of the park.  This sit down full service restaurant is the flagship in this park and offers an array of seafood, sandwiches, salads and burgers.  Definitely try the Lobster roll or the fish tacos- they are fresh and tasty.  Lombard’s opens at 11:30 am and serves until park closing.    Click here to see the lunch and dinner menu.

Learn about on-site hotels at The Universal Orlando Resort

Diagon Alley – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Diagon Alley / London area of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was opened in May 2013 to huge crowds. The entire area is very carefully themed after London in the storyline of the Harry Potter series.  Once you walk through the brick walls Universal is transformed and you will be completely immersed into the world of magic.

Surrounding Diagon Alley is a mock up of London with its traditional row homes, shops and even Kings Cross Station.  There is even a 3-deck bus out front.  This area is one of the main reasons to visit Universal Studios Florida is surely an area which you will want to spend some time.

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: This is a must do ride when visiting Universal.  Enjoy enjoy walking through the queue at Gringotts Bank and see the four chandeliers that consist of 62,000 crystals as well as the lifelike goblins.  You will head down into the mysterious vault where you help Harry and his friends break out of the bank and escape from Lord Voldemort.  Watch out for the fire breathing dragon!  Since this is one of the featured rides, plan on a considerable wait.  During summer days wait times can easily exceed 60 minutes. Lockers are available as you will not be able to bring anything on this ride.

• Ollivanders: Let the wand choose the wizard at this gift shop specializing in all things wands.  There is a “show” where a lucky person will work with a wand expert to find their perfect wand.
• Gringotts Money Exchange: Great animatronics with a life like goblin behind the bank counter.  Don’t forget to ask the banker a question.
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard / Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees stage show:  Two outstanding shows at the Wizarding World that will entertain both muggles and wizards/witches.

• Leaky Cauldron restaurant: Like in the movies, this restaurant it themed after the “grubby-looking pub and inn”.  Enjoy bangers and mash, Toad in the Hole as well as other great British food at a fair theme park price.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Click here to see the lunch and dinner menu.
• Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour: Some of the best ice cream in all of theme parks in Orlando is found there.
• Knight Bus: The triple-decker bus from the Harry Potter movies is parked right out front.  Hear the chatter from the shruken heads and have pose for a photo op with the bus conductor.
• Fountain of Fair Fortune: Grab a brew or a Butterbeer at this established named for one of the fables in The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
• The Hopping Pot:  Walk up to the counter and order one of the Delicious drinks or light snacks as you watch all the muggles walk about Carkitt Market.
• Knockturn Alley:  Go find your favorite shops devoted to the Dark Arts including Borgin and Burkes.  You will see the Vanishing Cabinet as well as a number of other items from Potterworld lore. 

Hogwarts Express  – King’s Cross Station

Guests can board the Hogwarts Express train at King’s Cross Station in London and take a ride from to Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. 

You will need a park-to-park or annual pass to get on board the Hogwarts Express.  Wait times will vary but can exceed 60 minutes during summer days.

Make sure you get an interactive wand and cast the magic spells at all the locations within Diagon Alley.  And don’t forget to check out the fire breathing dragon on top of Gringotts Bank.

Endless Summer tip – find the phone booth and dial “MAGIC”.

Click here for our Complete Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Springfield (The Simpsons)

This highly themed area bring you right into the world of Bart, Homer and the rest of the Simpsons family.  There are a number of great places to eat, rides and attractions to try as well as a number of carnival type games to enjoy.

• The Simpsons Ride:  Take a ride with the Simpsons through their favorite theme park called Krustyland in a virtual reality roller coaster ride (motion simulator).  Be on the lookout out for a giant Lisa that near the end of the ride.  Wait times will vary but can exceed 30 to 45 minutes during summer days.

• Kang & Kodo’s Twirl ‘n’ Hurl:  A great family-friendly ride with a Simpsons twist.  You will be the pilot of your own space craft swooping up and down around Kang and Kokos.  Wait times are generally less than 20 minutes on the typical summer day.
• Duff Brewery: Grab an ice cold Duff beer in this open-air bar.  There is even statute of Duff himself.  In addition to Duff beer, they offer a number of snacks and beverages.
• Fast Food Boulevard and Flaming Moe’s Tavern:  There are a number of different eats and drinks here but you will definitely need to try a Flaming Moe.  Click here to check out the drink menu at Flaming Moe’s.

Learn about on-site hotels at The Universal Orlando Resort

DreamWorks Animation Land 

The all-new DreamWorks Animation Land opened in June 2024. As you step into DreamWorks Land, you’re immediately transported into a realm where animation leaps off the screen and into the real world. The attention to detail is astounding, with every corner of the park meticulously crafted to replicate the iconic settings of DreamWorks’ cinematic universe.

• Trolls Village: Guests will enjoy this playground that features a giant mushroom for climbing.

• Trolls Trollcoaster: This kid-friendly roller coaster is the highlights of Trolls Village as well as DreamWorks Land.

• Kung Fu Panda Village: Join Po in Kung Fu Panda Village which will feature a water playground known as Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp. This playground will include water cannons, dump buckets and other features where guests can cool off from the Florida heat.  There is even a carousel themed after Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.

• Shrek’s Swamp: Guests will enjoy a meet & greet with Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey just outside of his cottage.  In addition to the meet & greet, Shrek’s Swamp will feature a water play area with an interactive lily pad.

• The E.T. Adventure: You and your group will take a interplanetary ride on bicycles with ET to bring his magical healing powers home and save his planet.  The E.T. Adventure is one of the few remaining original attractions from when Universal first opened.  This attraction is entirely indoors and has an enjoyable queue with a number of references from the movie.

• Animal Actors on Location!: A fantastic animal show that shows how animals interact on set.  You can see how the animal actors perform via a variety of live skits and interactions.  From dogs and cats to birds and more, this show is well done and a great stop from all the walking that we do around a theme park.

Learn about on-site hotels at The Universal Orlando Resort

The World Expo

Although one of the smaller sections of Universal Studios Florida and located at the end of the park, the World Expo hosts one of the most popular attractions in all of the Universal Orlando Resort. 

• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack:  Themed after the movie series, get trained by Agent J and Zed to shoot aliens and score points. This is one of our favorite rides at Universal and if you shoot the aliens that are up high, you will score more points that those at ground level. And at the end of the ride, make sure you push the red button to get 100,000 in bonus points.  And if time allows, ask one of the Agents for the “Secret Immigration Tour” where you will go downstairs into the “Immigration Room”.  There are lockers immediately adjacent to the ride entrance as there you can’t bring personal belongings with you.  Wait times can easily exceed 30 minutes on a typical summer day but if your group allows for it, try the single rider line.

One of the coolest gift shops throughout Universal Studios Florida is MIB Gear which is located at the exit of the attraction and to the right of the Men in Black Alien Attack building.

Learn about on-site hotels at The Universal Orlando Resort

Parades and Shows

The Universal Mega Movie Parade opend at Universal Studios Florida on July 3, 2024. This parade is Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade to date, combining 13 brand new floats with nearly 100 performers. It celebrates iconic movies, including E.T., Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Jaws, and Jurassic World, among others. 

The new lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida, titled “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular,” debuted in June 2024. This nighttime show features a cinematic journey with music from iconic movies, including the Harry Potter series. The show promises to be a sensory experience with the use of drones, fountains, and projections to create a dazzling spectacle on the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. It’s part of Universal Orlando Resort’s lineup of new experiences for the summer.

Annual Events at Universal Studios Florida

In addition to all the rides and attractions, Universal Studios Orlando hosts a number of special events throughout the course of the the year. Three of our favorites are Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios and the Holidays at The Universal Orlando Resort.

Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is Universal’s most popular annual event and has been running for the past 29 years.  On select nights from early September to early November the park entire transforms into a huge scare fest.   

Typically Universal has a number of haunted houses and scare zones as well live entertainment.  If you are planning on visiting Universal, get their early as the first weekend these houses opened to the public the park reached capacity and guests were unfortunately turned away. 

Universal will also keep several rides open during Halloween Horror Nights. These rides typically are:  Transformers The Ride – 3D, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black Alien Attack, The Simpsons Ride, Escape from Gringotts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida is one of Florida biggest parties.  This event is hosted every year and typically runs from early February to early April and is very family friendly.

Sections of the park transform into the big easy and there are weekend concerts, Cajun and creole food and one of the biggest Mardi Gras parades outside of New Orleans.  And yes, those on the float throw out beads to the crowd. 

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Although this is a completely resort wide event, we are going to focus on the what is offered exclusively at Universal Studios Florida. 

Christmas in The Wizarding  World of Harry Potter

You will see both London and Diagon Alley be transformed with holiday decor and special entertainment.  Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees will have a special show prepared for the holidays and is should not be missed.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

Just like the one held in New York (but on a smaller scale), you will find a number of floats including the Minious, Shrek and others in this amazing parade.  And don’t forget that Santa Claus is part of the fun as well.  Get a spot by Macy’s in New York and watch Santa light the tree.

The parade typically starts at 5:15 PM or 5:30 PM depending on the date but also runs at 8:00 PM from December 25 to December 30th.

Holiday Concerts with Mannheim Steamroller

Enjoy outstanding live performance by Mannheim Steamroller free with the price of admission on select Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season.  Make sure you get to Music Plaza early as most shows are standing room only.

Click here to learn more about about the Holiday’s at the Universal Orlando Resort

Parking at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has two massive parking garages located at 6000 Universal Boulevard, directly across the street from the theme parks and CityWalk. 

As of  March 2024, parking fees at Universal are as follows:

• Regular Parking:  $30.00 per day
• RV / Bus Parking: $40.00 per day
• Prime Parking: $50.00 to $60.00 per day (seasonal)
• Prime Upgrade: $20.00 to $30.00 per day (seasonal)
• Valet before 6:PM:  $30.00 for 2 hours and $65.00 to $75.00 for over 2 hours
• Valet after 6:PM: $30.00 for 2 hours and $40.00 to $75.00 for over 2 hours
• For Preferred Annual Passholders: 50% off standard valet price

Valet parking and prime parking is free to Premier Annual Passholders while Preferred Annual Passholders get free regular self-parking and discounts on valet and Prime self-parking.  

After 6:PM guests do not have to pay for regular self-parking (not valid during Halloween Horror Nights).  Additionally, there is free regular parking with the purchase of two matinee movie tickets (11:AM to 6:PM).  Parking fees will need to be paid in advance and then reimbursed upon presentation of a parking receipt.

The parking garages are patrolled regularly by Universal security personnel and there are call boxes located throughout. Rideshare services as well as taxi and bus transportation is also located in the parking area.