Universal Orlando Parks are a fun adventure for guests of all ages. For those seeking thrills to meeting your favorite characters, there is something for everyone, but what parks are at Universal Orlando? Let’s dig into an overview of the Universal parks as the first step to planning your Universal Orlando vacation.
The Universal Orlando parks are located in Orlando, Florida and offer immersive rides and attractions to their guests. It has become a world-class theme park destination for families of all ages.
We have spent many vacations at Universal Orlando and have explored so much of the parks. This is the first step in your Universal vacation planning so let’s get into how many parks are at Universal Orlando and a little bit more about each of them.
What are the Universal Orlando Parks
There are 4 theme parks at Universal Orlando:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Islands of Adventure
- Epic Universe
- Volcano Bay (water park)
Guests visiting the Universal parks also have the option to stay at one of the 11 hotels on property as well as shopping and dining at Universal CityWalk.
Below I will share a quick overview to each of the parks and then you can start searching the site for more guides to planning your Universal Trip.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is the original Universal park. There are 13 rides and attractions at the park. These range from roller coasters to kiddie rides.
Attractions include Despicable Me and Illuminations Minion Land, Transformers, E.T. Adventure, Men In Black Alien Attack, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley.
There is also a Simpsons area and a DreamWorks Land especially geared to little kids. This area features Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is home to Seuss Landing, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade, Marvel Super Hero Island, and Jurassic Park.
There are more thrill rides at Islands of Adventure like the Incredible Hulk, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Velocicoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, and Skull Island: King Kong.
Be sure to check out the water rides at Islands of Adventure like Jurassic Park, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Popeye + Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges. You will get soaked on these attractions!
Universal Epic Universe
Epic Universe is the newest theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort. It has 5 unique and immersive lands. They are: Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.
Being the newest park and having the most technologically advanced rides at Universal, this park can be a challenge to navigate. The wait times are often well over 90 minutes for multiple attraction.
With that being said it is a gorgeous park and each land is impressive and very thought out.
Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay is the water park at the Universal Orlando Resort. This water park is really well done and guests feel as if they stepped into a tropical oasis.
There are attractions for all ages from lazy rivers and splash pads to more adventurous slides. If you have time during your Universal Orlando vacation it is a great place to include in your plans. Read this article to learn more about visiting Volcano Bay.
Final Thoughts
The parks at Universal all offer a unique theme park day. I have my favorite spots in each of them.
Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida is incredible and a perfect way to enter the world of Harry Potter.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is my favorite ride at Islands of Adventure and we also make a point to ride it. We always rope drop Hagrid’s to be the first in the park to ride.
At Epic Universe we loved using the Power Up Bands in Super Nintendo World to feel like we were inside the video games.
Volcano Bay for me is all about finding a chair to relax on the beach with the view of the Volcano. If you need a relaxing day but still want adventure this is the place for you.
The Universal Orlando parks are a great place to spend your vacation. With 4 parks it really is a week long destination.
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