Are you planning a Universal Orlando vacation? This complete guide to how to plan a Universal Orlando trip will give you step by step details for everything you need to know for planning your trip to the Universal Orlando resort.
The Universal Orlando resort is located in Orlando, Florida and includes multiple theme parks, resorts, and an entertainment complex.
There are a lot of different articles here to help you plan your trip but for this post I want to share the basics that you need to know to get started planning your trip to Universal.
How to Plan a Universal Orlando Trip
There are 4 categories you need to consider when planning your Universal trip. They are:
- Where to Stay: On property, off property, Transportation needs
- What Parks to Visit: Research the different parks, what type of park tickets do you need? How many days?
- Where to Eat: Reservations, Quick Service Dining, Sit Down Meals
- What is Your Budget: Bringing it all together to plan the best trip that works for you.
Where to Stay
I always recommend staying on property at a Universal hotel when visiting Universal because it is convenient and personally I like staying inside the “theme park bubble”.
I have an entire article about Where to Stay at Universal to get you started. The Universal Resort offers budget to luxury accommodations and perks for guests that stay on property.
Those perks include early park admission for all the hotels, transportation to and from the theme parks, and express pass for guests staying at specific hotels.
What about off-site property? I tend to lean toward staying on property unless you are planning on visiting other theme parks during your trip. If this is a Universal Orlando trip staying on property is a good choice. When you factor in gas, car rental, and parking fees you will find prices to be comparable.
Transportation for Your Universal Orlando Trip
Transportation from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the Universal Orlando Resort is something you need to consider. There is not a specific shuttle that takes you to and from the airport and parks.
There is on-site transportation to and from the theme parks and the on-site resorts.
We have used many different types of transportation from Uber or Mears. They are all comparable with price for our family of 5. I suggest comparing prices to help you decide which fits in your budget.
If you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World or other Orlando theme parks it will most likely be cost effective to rent a car. Don’t forget to include parking cost at the resorts as well as theme park parking costs.
If you stay on-site and do not have a car, you will not have to worry about parking costs and the resort provides complimentary theme park admission. Universal does charge a nightly parking fee at their hotels.
What Parks to Visit
If this is your first visit to Universal Orlando I suggest planning at least a single day at each of the parks. That would be one day at Universal Studios, one day at Islands of Adventure, one day at Epic Universe (opening May 22, 2025) and one day at Volcano Bay.
Universal Orlando offers 1 day park tickets as well as park-to-park tickets that include admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. *Ticket options will be changing very soon with the opening of Epic Universe. I will update upon release.*
How Many Days Should You Spend at Universal Orlando
I find that 3-5 days is the sweet spot to get everything done and explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This time frame allows you to see everything at each park and not rush through anything.
Once Epic Universe opens I expect Universal to be a week long destination. Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025 and it will have an impact on how many days guests visit the parks.
Where to Eat
When planning a theme park vacation don’t forget to consider where you want to eat. Do you prefer a sit down restaurant each day or would you rather find casual dining options. Typically we like to do a mix of both.
At Universal I recommend making reservations around 2-4 weeks before you arrive for sit down restaurants. Some are busier than others but most places will have availability about a month before.
Read this article for my best places to eat at Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando Vacation Budget
Everyone has a different budget when it comes to a family vacation. I never recommend planning a trip that is out of your budget. I encourage you to research different options and compare the prices to see what works best for you.
How much does a trip to Universal Orlando cost?
The major costs of a Universal Orlando trip is tickets, accommodations, food, and transportation. Tickets and accommodations are usually the first thing people look at.
A week long vacation will typically cost anywhere from $4000.00 and up. It depends on if you have to purchase airline tickets and what type of ticket deal you can secure.
Food and transportation are usually the places we try to save the most. We will splurge on a few meals during vacation but also order take-out on some nights. We also pack to-go breakfast to save money on meals out.
FAQ’s For Universal Orlando Vacations
These are questions that I often get when asked about planning a Universal vacation. I update this often as more questions come up.
Best Month to Go To Universal Orlando
The best time to visit the parks are when the crowds are low and the weather is nice. Late summer and when kids are in school are the best times to visit.
During school breaks the parks are busy. This is usually the months of March, April, and July. October through December are busy around holiday breaks.
Expect lower crowds and lower prices during the less busy times. Realistically the next few years (at least) are going to be busy at Universal. There will be quieter times like I mentioned above but don’t let crowds scare you away. Just make a plan and go for it if you want to visit and can only visit during certain times.
Do you need a stroller for Universal?
Expect to do a lot of walking when you are at the parks. If you are traveling with young children a stroller may be important to have.
Can you do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day?
Yes. You can do both parks in one day although you will not be able to do everything, especially if it is a busy day. I don’t recommend it but if you are only going for Harry Potter attractions it may work for you.
What Should I Pack for my park day?
Only pack what you will need. Think essentials like sunscreen, snacks, water bottle, portable charger. You will need to use a locker for some of the attractions at the park so packing only what you need is important.
Is Star Wars at Universal Studios?
No, Star Wars is at the Disney World parks. Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park, How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo, Dr, Seuss, and DreamWorks are at the Universal Orlando parks.
Now you are ready to start planning your Universal Orlando trip! Head to the main menu to start looking into the parks, hotels, and dining options available.
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Leah has been planning and writing about Universal trips since 2016. She loves finding the best places to eat and stay during her visits to the park. Leah enjoys the little details that make visiting the parks so immersive and special, and sharing that with her readers.
