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.
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit. Between choosing hotels, deciding how many days to visit, picking the right park tickets, and budgeting for food and transportation, there are many details to consider.
This complete guide on how to plan a Universal Orlando trip walks you through everything step-by-step so you can create the perfect vacation for your family.
How to Plan a Universal Orlando Trip (Step-by-Step Guide)
Most first-time visitors spend time comparing Universal Orlando hotels, park tickets, and travel dates before building their Universal Orlando itinerary. 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.
Step 1: Decide Where to Stay at Universal Orlando
Benefits of Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort
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.
Staying Off-Site vs On-Site
Deciding to stay off-site vs. on-site depends on how much time you are planning at the theme parks, if you are visiting other Orlando theme parks, or if you prefer a vacation rental over a hotel.
I prefer to stay on-site because of the convenience and perks for on-site guests. It also may be the less expensive option when you factor in gas, car rental, and parking fees. It is important to compare costs when deciding which option is best for you.
Some of our favorite Universal resorts are Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Dockside Inn & Suites, and Stella Nova Resort.
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.
Step 2: Choose Which Universal Orlando Parks to Visit
There are 3 theme parks, 1 water park, and a shopping and dining area at the Universal Orlando resort. This gives guests many options for how to plan their trip and offers something for all ages.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is the original Universal Orlando theme park. It has different themed lands including Minions Land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, The Simpsons, and DreamWorks Land.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is divided into 5 different themed lands that include Seuss Landing, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon, and Marvel Super Hero Island. Islands of Adventure includes many thrill rides as well as my favorite ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Epic Universe
Epic Universe is the newest theme park to join the Universal Orlando resort. It opened in May of 2025 and has 4 immersive lands. They are Isle of Berk-How to Train Your Dragon, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe.
Volcano Bay Water Park
Volcano Bay is one of the nicest water parks I have ever been to. It is like a hidden oasis among the parks and when you step inside you are transported to an island getaway. There are thrilling water slides, splash pads, and a beach to cool off on at the park.
Step 3: How Many Days Do You Need at Universal Orlando?
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 and one day at Volcano Bay.
With the opening of Epic Universe a week long stay at Universal will give you plenty to do. I find that 4-6 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. Read this post to compare Universal Studios vs Islands of Adventure.
Step 4: Plan Where to Eat at Universal Orlando
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.
Quick Service Dining
Universal has some of the best quick service dining across the 3 theme parks. I am always trying new dining spots and have reviews of many of them.
I recommend Mead Hall at Epic Universe, Minions Cafe at Universal Studios Florida, and Circus McGurkus at Islands of Adventure. These are all great options for dining inside the parks.
Table Service Dining
If you are looking for table service dining CityWalk has the best options. Thankfully it is easy to step out of the park to eat and then return after your meal. This works best if you are at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
For Epic Universe I suggest eating inside the park. There are two table service dining options to consider. Atlantic, a full service seafood restaurant, and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant.
When to Make Dining Reservations
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.
Step 5: Plan Your 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.
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.
Ticket Costs
Universal Ticket pricing depends on date of visit as well as how many days you visit. For example if you purchase a 5 day park ticket you will pay less per day than a 2 day park ticket. Ticket prices start at $140.00 a day for a one day ticket.
When I am planning our trip I start at the Universal Orlando site. They usually have the best special offers. From there I will compare it to a reputable third party seller like Get Your Guide.
Special offers and deals happen at different times of the year and it is worth checking your dates and being flexible.
Hotel Costs
Hotel costs are also dependent on how long you stay and what time of year you are visiting. School breaks and spring break will have a higher nightly rate. Most hotel stays cost less the longer you stay.
For the value resorts expect to pay around $150.00 a night. As you move up the hotel tiers to the signature resorts nightly rates start at $500.00 a night.
Food and Transportation Costs
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.
If you want to save money on your Orlando trip consider dining at quick service locations or packing snacks for your time in the parks. We also split meals to stretch our budget.
A week long vacation will typically cost anywhere from $5500.00 and up for a family of 5. It depends on if you have to purchase airline tickets and what type of ticket deal you can secure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universal Orlando Trips
These are questions that I often get when asked about planning a Universal vacation. I update this often as more questions come up.
Best Time to Visit 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. Presidents day week and the months of March, April, and July are busy with winter breaks/spring break crowds. October through December are also 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 but you should plan to visit when the timing works best for you. 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 at Universal Orlando?
If you are visiting with small children you will need a stroller at Universal. There are designated areas to park your stroller at the entrance of attractions because they are not allowed in the queues.
Can you Visit Two Universal Parks in One Day?
Yes. You can do Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day although you will not be able to do everything, especially if it is a busy day. The close proximity of the parks to each other make visiting both parks fairly easy. Guests can also ride the Hogwarts Express to visit both parks.
If you want to experience Epic Universe and another park you will need to take the Universal shuttle between the parks. Keep in mind the time it takes to exit the park, take the bus, and enter the next park. It may not be worth doing Epic Universe with another park.
What Should You Pack for Your Universal Park Day?
Only pack what you will need. Think essentials like sunscreen, snacks, water bottle, portable charger. You are required to use a locker for some of the attractions at the park, so packing only what you need is recommended.
Final Thoughts
At the beginning stages of your planning go through the 4 steps I mentioned and make a list of places you want to stay, everything you want to do, and your budget. From there you can trim things down if necessary, decide on dates, and book your Universal hotel stay.
Quick Universal Orlando Planning Checklist:
- Decide how many days to spend at Universal Orlando
- Choose which parks to visit
- Book your Universal Orlando hotel
- Purchase park tickets
- Plan dining and reservations
- Set your trip budget
Planning a Universal Orlando trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you decide where to stay, how many days to visit, and what parks you want to experience, the rest of the trip planning becomes much easier.
With the right preparation, you can build a Universal Orlando itinerary that fits your family’s budget, schedule, and must-do attractions.
Head to the main menu to start looking into the parks, hotels, and dining options available or check out this post with my best first time tips for Universal Orlando.
If you are overwhelmed with planning or just want someone to make all the reservations for you consider using a travel agent. Our friend Nikki at Royal Treatment Travel is amazing and has helped us plan and book many of our trips. She finds the best deals and her service is complimentary for most theme park vacations! It is a win-win. Learn more here.
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