Universal Orlando has so many things to do but it can be overwhelming to plan your visit. In this post I am sharing my must do at Universal Orlando list. These are the best things to see and do across the Universal Orlando Resort.
Wondering what to do at Universal Orlando and not knowing where to start? I get it and I wanted to create an easy go-to list that you can come back to as you plan your trip.
We have been annual passholders for over 8 years and these are some of our favorite things to do at Universal. Universal is home to many incredible attractions but they also have great entertainment and family fun things to see.
For this list I am sharing my can’t miss rides at Universal and my list of non-ride favorites that we like to include in our visit.
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets before you arrive to get the best deal and save time!
Must-Do Rides at Universal Orlando
These are the rides I would not miss when visiting Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. Everyone is a bit different on what type of rides they like. My picks include some thrills will an emphasis on theme, storytelling, and overall fun of the ride.
- Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure)
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Universal Studios)
- The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man (Ride, Islands of Adventure)
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (Epic Universe)
- E.T. Adventure (Universal Studios)
- Monsters Unchained (Epic Universe)
- Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios)
- Jurassic World: VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure)
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (Epic Universe)
- Plan a part of your day to ride the water rides.
Must-Do Non-Rides at Universal Orlando
This is where I will share my must see and do at Universal that include shows, walk throughs, and photo-ops. If you are looking for best dining check out this post: 10 Best Places to Eat at Universal Orlando
- Take a photo in front of the Universal Globe.
- Ollivander’s Wand Show (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios)
- Walk through the Truffula Trees at Seuss Landing (Islands of Adventure)
- Explore all 3 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Each park has a Harry Potter area)
- Watch The Bourne Stuntacular Show (Universal Studios)
- Plan a visit during the Universal special events like Holidays and Mardi Gras.
- Order a Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. My favorite is frozen.
- Cast Spells with an Interactive Wand at all 3 Wizarding Worlds.
- ET Photo-Op inside the gift shop exit of ET.
- Explore Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes Store in Diagon Alley (Universal Studios)
- Watch for Kreacher at 12 Grimmuald Place (Universal Studios)
- Explore Knockturn Alley at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley (Universal Studios)
- Watch the Gringotts Dragon Breathe Fire (Universal Studios)
- Get a Pink Donut from Lard Lad Donuts (Universal Studios)
- Make up a name on E.T. (Universal Studios)
- Order a Duff Beer at Moe’s Tavern (Universal Studios)
- Watch the Blues Brothers Show (Universal Studios)
- Take a photo on Horton’s Nest in Seuss Landing. Located outside near the Cat in the Hat gift shop.
- Watch The Tales of Beedle the Bard at Diagon Alley (Universal Studios)
- Walk “through” Platform 9 3/4 in the queue for Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade (Universal Studios)
- Take Your Picture Under “the Adventure Begins” at Islands of Adventure (Islands of Adventure)
- Send a Postcard from Owl Post at Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure)
- Mystic Fountain at the Lost Continent (Islands of Adventure)
- Explore Camp Jurassic (Islands of Adventure)
- Ride Hogwarts Express Both Ways (Islands of Adventure)
- Walk through Hogwarts Castle in the Forbidden Journey Line (Islands of Adventure)
- Watch a Dinosaur Hatch at Jurassic Park Discovery Center (Islands of Adventure)
- Experience the Raptor Encounter (Islands of Adventure)
- Listen for Moaning Myrtle in the Women’s Bathroom at Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure)
- Take Your Picture in Horton’s Nest (Islands of Adventure)
- Photo-Op Speech Bubbles at Toon Lagoon (Islands of Adventure)
- Take a picture in front of each portal at Epic Universe
- Meet Toothless at How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk (Lines are often long, Epic Universe)
- Purchase a Power-UP Band at Super Nintendo World to make the land interactive. (Epic Universe)
Final Thoughts
This is a long list and I update it as I discover new things to include. If this is your first visit to Universal, don’t feel like you have to do it all. Pick a few that sound interesting to you and plan around that.
If you have a big Harry Potter fan in your group you may want to spend time casting spells, exploring, and using the interactive wands. If you love shows you will want to include those.
The goal of this list was to help you get started planning, not overwhelm. Decide on what works best for your group because no matter what you choose you will have a great trip to Universal.
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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.
