Experience Family Fun and Excitement at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida
September 9, 2025
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Universal Studios Screams Excitement
Visiting Universal Studios Orlando was on my list of places to visit once we moved to Florida. From the excitement of stepping into the movies, thrilling rides, and immersive attractions, you will find an unforgettable experience that adults and kids will love. Experience the immersive thrill of street riding on Fast and Furious Supercharged to the magical adventures inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, every area of this park is packed with excitement. There are more than 40 rides and shows, and cutting-edge technology that makes you feel like you are a part of the action, you are sure to be amazed! Find themed worlds from Jurassic Park, Minions, Transformers, and Diagon Alley, Universal Studios Orlando will be full of fun!
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando
Hours: vary by season. Typically opens between 8-9am.
Ticket prices: prices start at $100 per person. Prices vary by season.
Parking: prices starting at $25 a day. High top parking for our campervan was $30.05
Ticket deals: Ticket deals vary throughout the year. Discount tickets for Florida residents appear often. Example: Universal Florida residents’ tickets 2-park 1 day plus 2 free promo (2 free days) 5 adults 1 child May 2024 $1298.24
Tips for visiting Universal Studios in Orlando
Purchase your tickets in advance so you do not have to stand at the ticket counter prior to entering the park.
In order to ride Hogwarts Express you will need to purchase park-to-park tickets.
Arrive 30-60 minutes early to get in line before the gates open and then head straight to more popular rides first like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Download the Universal Orlando app which gives you real time wait times, mobile food ordering and show schedules.
Sometimes splitting up your group and going through the Single Rider line can cut down on your wait time. You risk not riding with your group and this doesn’t always work.
Stay hydrated especially on hot summer days. The park does offer free water so just ask for a cup and then you can fill it up over and over again to stay hydrated.
If you are traveling with little ones that cannot ride specific rides, you can child swap. One adult rides the ride and then switches, and the other parent can ride the ride without waiting in the line again.
Shop for souvenirs later in the day so you do not have to carry the packages all day. You can even have the packages delivered to your room if you are staying on site.
Shopping at Universal Studios
Find themed stores where you can pick out the favorite Harry Potter wand, stock up on Minion inspired gear at Super Silly Stuff or grab Simpsons memorabilia at Kwik-E-Mart in Springfield. If you are a movie fan, you will want to grab something at Jurassic Park souvenirs, Transformers collectibles, or retro Universal Studios gear.
Make sure you take home a magical keepsake and grab your kids a favorite souvenir at High Five Hideaway to take home to help them remember their favorite day with their family at Universal Studios.
Illumination’s Minion Land
Kids, and adults, will get a kick out of the mayhem the Minions create while visiting Illumination’s Minion Land. Here you will find two rides, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast or Despicable Me Minion Mayhem that transport you into the world of minions and villains.
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons at Universal Studios takes you straight to the show, filled with bright colors, humor, and Simpson History giving you the illusion you are in Springfield in the middle of Orlando.
A famous ride is The Simpson’s Ride where you will sit in a motion simulator and join the family on a wild ride through Krustyland. NOTE: if you get motion sickness easily, then do NOT ride this ride. Other rides include Hatchet & Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters, Kang & Kodos' Twirl n' Hurl
Stop at one of the multiple restaurants for some delicious foods. We ate at Flaming Moe’s and I tried the Flaming Moe’s drink in souvenir cup. This drink came “flaming” with dry ice effects in the souvenir cup for 8.99. I would not pay that again as it was not worth the hype and I believe my drink was Fanta. Inside Flaming Moe’s you can find restaurant options from Krusty Krab, Cletus’ Chicken Shack and more. This was our meal and cost inside Flaming Moe’s: Clogger Burger platter with Kurly Fries $17.49, Krusty Burger platter with Kurly fries $12.99, Souviner Flaming Moe $8.99 total $42.02. (2025 prices)
Enjoy carnival style fun with midway games and stop for a photo with characters such as Homere, Marge, Bart, Lisa or Krusty the Clown.
World Expo
The World Expo area at Universal Studios s themed around international intrigue and scientific discover with a futuristic feel. The main attraction is the Men in Black: Alien Attack ride (pics below) which is an interactive dark ride where you can zap aliens with laser blasters while traveling through a recreation of MIB headquarters in New York.
Other rides include Dolls: Let’s Play Dead, Galkn: Monsters of the North, and Fallout.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley feels like stepping right into J.K. Rowling’s magical world. Hidden behind a brick wall facade in London, you will enter through a narrow passageway and suddenly find yourself in Diagon Alley. When you see the Knight Bus, you know you are in the right place.
Look for the massive dragon perched atop Gringotts Bank and get excited as you anticipate the roaring and breathing of real fire out the dragons mouth several times an hour. Head into the bank for the main attraction ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts where you will be greeted by the goblins before riding on a roller coaster with 3D motion simulations through the underground adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermoine.
Need something for the kids to do as you travel to Universal Studios? This cute space themed journal is perfect for to keep kids busy during your trip. Purchase yours today!
Diagon Alley
Here along the cobblestone streets, you will find magical storefronts where you can purchase a wand at Ollivanders, or find magical supplies at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes or Madam Malkin’s Robes. You MUST grab a Butterbeer which is so delicious!
Dine at The Leaky Cauldron which serves British type foods such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and cottage pie.
If you have the interactive wand, if not you can purchase one at Ollivanders, you can find spell-casting spots marked with bronze medallions on the ground. Here you ill flick and swish to make your wand create magic and watch windows come alive or water appear at the well.
Diagon Alley is an experience you must not miss, even if you are not a Harry Potter fan.
For the best places to eat while visiting London, check out this blog post:
Eat Like a Local: Best Places to Eat in London for Every Budget
Knight Bus
Check out the 3-story purple Knight Bus from Harry Potter that is located on the London Embankment outside Diagon Alley. You can look inside the windows and see the curtains, beds, chandelier and shrunken head which is one of two actual props at Universal Studios that was used in the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
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Hogwarts Express - King’s Cross Station
Riding on Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station is a unique experience you cannot miss. Stepping onto the train provides an immersive experience making you feel like you are a part of the movie.
Find the entrance in the London waterfront area, just past the red telephone booth and King’s Cross Station facade. Once inside you will see a realistic train, with luggage trolleys, station signs, and even the chance to experience the magical illusion of walking through Platform 9 3/4.
Find cozy seating and watch out the window as you experience a storytelling journey with scenes similar to the movie outside.
NOTE: You must have park to park tickets in order to ride this train. From Universal, it will take you to Universal Islands of Adventure and back again, providing a different story each way. It is worth the park-to-park ticket for this attraction.
Want to experience the real King’s Cross Station? Check out my blog post for visiting this location in London, England.
The Perfect Budget Friendly 5-Day Self-Guided Tour of London, England
San Francisco
San Francisco area at Universal Studio is charming waterfront district with a laid-back coastal feel. You will find fishing piers, seafood eateries, and a harbor look. One of the main attractions is the Fast and Furious - Supercharged ride where you will board party buses and find yourself in a high-speed chase with Dom Toretto and his crew. This ride is very immersive and packed with action and street racing.
Along the waterfront, you can find fine dining such as Lombard’s Seafood Grille a sit-down restaurant or for a quick bite, try Richter’s Burger Co themed after the 1989 San Francisco earthquake with tilted walls, and cracked decor. Other rides in the area are Jason Universe.
Heading to the real San Francisco in California? Check out my blog post for more details.
6 of the Best Places to Visit in San Francisco, California with kids OR Tips for Visiting Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
New York
New York at Universal Studios sends you into the bustling streets of the Big Apple with iconic architecture, movie magic and a little old-school charm. This area is designed to look like the streets of New York, with cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts, and New York Public Library facade.
The main attraction is Revenge of the Mummy an indoor roller coaster with an eerie film set into a high-speed, dark ride, perfect for adrenaline seekers. You can also find the Race Through New York Starting Jimmy Fallon, a simulator ride that takes you through the streets of New York with Jimmy as your guide. Other rides include Haunted House Access Pass B, El Artista: A Spanish Haunting, Grave of Flesh, Terrifier, and Transformers the Ride 3D.
Find New York dining options from Finnegan’s Bar and Grill with Irish American pub style vibes and food. You can also find street food carts throughout with typical street foods from hot dogs to pretzels.
Hollywood
The Hollywood area at Universal Studios provides glitz and glamour style vibes with palm trees, art deco facades, and iconic Hollywood landmarks. This areas feel is designed to give you that timeless charm.
Rides in this area include E.T. Adventure, Haunted House Access Path A, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks. You can also find spectacular shows including Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show. Look out for street performers and costumed characters as you roam the streets of Hollywood.
Many dining options are available from old-school Hollywood eateries to quick service spots.
Heading to California soon? Check out my blog post on visiting the iconic Hollywood Sign.
From the Hills of the Hollywood Sign to Coastal Views in Los Angeles California
DreamWorks Land
DreamWorks Land at Universal is a colorful, family friendly area that showcases the animation’s most beloved movies and brings them to life. Areas include Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda with play zones, character meetups, and rides.
Multiple rides include Mama Luna Feline Fiesta, Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, Trolls Trollercoaster, King Harold’s Swamp Symphony, and Poppy’s Playground.
You will also find snack areas for the kiddos and shopping areas for souvenirs. Keep your ears open for the music, shows and live appearances of your favorite characters.
Places to stay in Orlando
I use booking.com to book most of my hotel stays (unless I use my travel agent portal). Here two of our favorite places to stay while visiting Orlando.
Check out the Hyatt House Orlando Airport for an excellent place to stay. Our room had two rooms with a mini kitchen for your convenience. There was also a nice pool and seating area to relax after a long day at the parks.
Our other hotel is Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North which was the perfect spot to stay while visiting the parks. If you have read any of my blog posts, you know I love to be outside so when I discovered the patio area with fire pit and bar, I was hooked. I enjoyed staying outside at night and enjoying the warmth of the firepit while reading a book. The rooms spacious and gave us plenty of room to spread out.
Other Orlando related blog posts
Unlock the Excitement at Universal CityWalk in Orlando, Florida
Enjoy Multiple Cuisines at the International Food on Wheels Festival in Orlando
Experience a F.R.I.E.N.D.S Inspired Cafe at Baldwin Perk in Orlando
Excitement comes to an end, for now
You will find your trip to Universal Studios Orlando is a full experience full of thrilling attractions. Find places to shop for souvenirs, to magical wands at Ollivanders. Dining is an adventure with multiple dining options such as sipping on a quirky Flaming Moe’s drink or a delicious butter beer while exploring the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, where you can see the fire-breathing dragon that towers high above the shops.
Everywhere you turn, you will be amazed at the worlds you can explore and the entertainment waiting to be explored. We had a lot of fun exploring each section of Universal Studios and made a point to return again and again.
Need help booking a Disney trip? Check out the link for more details.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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Universal Studio brings the excitement of stepping into the movies, thrilling rides, and immersive attractions, you will find an unforgettable experience that adults and kids will love. Experience the immersive thrill of street riding on Fast and Furious Supercharged to the magical adventures inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, every area of this park is packed with excitement.