Experiences
Universal Orlando: Harry Potter, Epic Universe and the theme parks
The Hogwarts Express steams between the parks, roller coasters roar and wands wave in Diagon Alley. How to plan Universal Orlando.
You walk through a brick wall in London and suddenly you are in Diagon Alley. The dragon on top of the bank breathes fire, children wave wands to make shop windows come alive, and from the platform the Hogwarts Express leaves for the next park.
Universal Orlando is Disney's biggest rival in Florida, and the first choice for teenagers and anyone who loves speed and film worlds. The resort has three theme parks, a water park and its own evening and dining district.
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How to do it
Buy a park-to-park ticket if you want to see the whole Harry Potter world. The train between the parks requires one.
Stay at a Universal hotel for early entry, and at the top-tier ones for faster queues included.
Arrive before opening and do the most popular rides first.
Allow three to four days for all the parks.
The parks
Universal Studios Florida: film-based rides and Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.
Islands of Adventure: Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, Jurassic Park and some of the wildest roller coasters.
Epic Universe: the newest park, opened in 2025, with Super Nintendo World, the dragons of How to Train Your Dragon and a new Harry Potter world.
Volcano Bay: a water park with a giant volcano and slides.
CityWalk: restaurants, bars and evening buzz.
Portofino Bay Hotel
An Italian harbour town in the middle of Orlando. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Disney or Universal?
With young children, Disney World is often the better choice. With teenagers, or if you love Harry Potter and speed, Universal comes first. Many people combine both on one Orlando holiday.
Book experiences: See tickets and experiences in Orlando
Where to stay for Universal Orlando
Universal's own hotels are within walking distance or a boat or bus ride of the parks, and give early entry. The most upmarket also include faster queues on most rides.
Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Italy in Florida
Portofino Bay is built like an Italian harbour town, with boats to CityWalk and the parks. It is one of the hotels that include faster queue access, which saves hours.
Book your stay: See rooms at Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Royal Pacific Resort
South Seas style near Islands of Adventure. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Universal's Loews Royal Pacific Resort: South Seas style
Royal Pacific has a South Seas theme and is within walking distance of Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. Faster queue access is included here too.
Book your stay: See rooms at Universal's Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Universal's Aventura Hotel: modern and better value
Aventura is a modern hotel near Volcano Bay, with a rooftop bar and views over the parks. A better-value choice that still gives early entry.
Book your stay: See rooms at Universal's Aventura Hotel
When is the best time to go?
January to March and September to November often bring shorter queues and pleasant temperatures. Summer is hot with afternoon downpours. Autumn often has special Halloween events in the evenings.
When should you book?
Universal hotels: several months ahead for holidays.
Epic Universe tickets: before you travel, they can sell out.
CityWalk restaurants: a few days ahead.
Frequently asked questions about Universal Orlando
Where should I stay for Universal Orlando?
Stay at Portofino Bay or Royal Pacific if you want faster queue access included. It covers Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, not Epic Universe. Aventura is a better-value alternative with early entry.
Do you need a park-to-park ticket for Harry Potter?
Yes. To see both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade and ride the Hogwarts Express between them, you need a ticket for both parks.
What is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is Universal's newest Orlando park, opened in 2025, with Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon and a new Harry Potter world.
How many days do you need at Universal Orlando?
Three to four days for all the parks including Epic Universe. Add a day for Volcano Bay.
Is Universal or Disney better?
Universal suits teenagers and thrill seekers best, Disney suits young children. Many people do both.