I know why you're here.
You're incredibly hyped about Epic Universe, right? …and you want to explore Super Nintendo World as soon as possible. Or maybe it's because you read somewhere that Islands of Adventure is one of the best theme parks in the world - home to roller coasters that often rank in the top ten on Earth (yes, we're talking about Hagrid’s and VelociCoaster). Or maybe you just want to check out Universal Studios, the theme park that started it all back in 1990.
We're here to offer some tips and info about Universal Orlando. Think of this as your first-timer's guide to Universal, where we'll cover prices, theme parks, and more (I mean, it's in the title, right?). We'll also point you to more in-depth guides so you can continue your journey to becoming a Universal expert while browsing Famvia.
Here is what we will cover:
- What can I Expect from Universal Orlando?
- The Universal Orlando Theme Parks
- How Much Do You Spend at Universal Orlando?
- What is Included in my Ticket?
- Where to Stay?
- Universal Orlando Features
Let’s roll!
What can I Expect from Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando is a place to have fun. That’s basically it.
It’s made up of three theme parks, one water park, a downtown shopping district called Universal CityWalk, and several hotels. The theme parks are the stars of the show, filled with roller coasters, motion simulators, and live shows. In that sense, it’s very similar to Walt Disney World. Universal Orlando is also known for attracting more teenagers and adults than Disney World… and honestly, that’s fair.
For more information about what Universal Orlando is all about, you can always check out our in-depth guide, where we talk about the theme parks, what you can find there, the best times to visit, and much more.
The Universal Orlando Theme Parks
Universal Orlando has four theme parks in total:
- Universal Studios
- Islands of Adventure
- Epic Universe
- Volcano Bay (water park)
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are located right next to each other, with Universal CityWalk connecting the two. Most of the Universal resorts are also located near these parks and the downtown district. In most cases, you can simply walk from your hotel to the theme parks. Volcano Bay is in the same area, and some resorts even offer a walking path to the water park.
Epic Universe, on the other hand, is located about 4 miles from Universal CityWalk. Only two Universal hotels are located next to Epic Universe, both with walking paths to the park: Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. These hotels opened in 2025.
How Much Do You Spend at Universal Orlando?
You need a ticket to enter any Universal Orlando theme park. You can buy a single-day ticket for one park or purchase multi-day tickets that let you visit different parks throughout the week. A single-day ticket starts at $119, while a ticket for Volcano Bay starts at $80.
Keep in mind that you also need to pay for your hotel (or wherever you're staying). Hotels at Universal Orlando start around $150 per night and include complimentary bus transportation to the parks. Some also let you enter select theme parks one hour before regular guests.
When you factor in tickets, hotels, food, and other expenses, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per person for a week-long vacation.
For more information about ticket prices and options, be sure to check out our guide.
What is Included in my Ticket?
Okay, you have bought a ticket, now you are asking… what else is included here?
Your park ticket gives you access to every ride at no extra cost - just head to the standard lanes and have fun! There are also paid FastPass-style options that let you skip the regular lines, but you’ll need an add-on called Universal Express for that. Some of the more expensive Universal hotels, known as Premier Resorts, include Universal Express access for free.
Food and drinks are not included with your park ticket. However, you're allowed to bring your own snacks and beverages from home, which can help you save some money.
Where to Stay?
Unless you live in Florida and near Universal Orlando, you’ll need a place to stay close to the theme parks. You can choose from a Universal Resort, a regular hotel, or an Airbnb.
Universal Resorts range from $150 to $600 per night, depending on the category. The most expensive options include Universal Express Unlimited, which lets you skip the regular lines for most rides at Universal.
All Universal Resorts offer complimentary transportation to the theme parks and allow early entry to select parks one hour before they officially open.
We have a guide here just for you talking about places to stay near Universal Orlando and the best dates to visit as well.
Universal Orlando Features
Great for Teens & Adults
Universal Orlando is great for kids, but even better for teens and adults. That’s because it features more thrill rides and roller coasters than, say, Disney World. Islands of Adventure is an amazing park for teens or an adults-only trip, with rides like VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ranking among the best in the world. The same could be said about Epic Universe and Universal Studios, with fan favorites like Revenge of the Mummy and The Bourne Stuntacular.
Harry Potter
Universal Orlando is the home of Harry Potter, and each theme park features a large area dedicated to our favorite wizard with the lightning-shaped scar. Universal Studios has Diagon Alley, Islands of Adventure has Hogsmeade, and Epic Universe features the Ministry of Magic. These areas include some of the best rides around, an incredible atmosphere, and plenty of fun restaurants and shops. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a wizard, you’ll love it here.
Epic Universe
Universal Orlando is also home to Epic Universe, the brand-new theme park launching in 2025. Epic Universe features several never-before-seen lands, including areas dedicated to Universal Monsters, Nintendo, and, yes,Harry Potter. With dozens of new rides, it’s safe to say that Epic Universe will be one of the top travel destinations in the coming years.
Islands of Adventure is AMAZING
Sure, Universal Orlando has Epic Universe and Universal Studios, but Islands of Adventure might just be the real star of the show. It's often ranked among the top five theme parks in the world, and for good reason. There’s something for everyone, from kid-friendly areas like Seuss Landing and Camp Jurassic, to some of the best roller coasters on the planet, including The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and VelociCoaster.
Universal CityWalk
Universal Orlando isn’t just about theme parks, oh no. Just like Disney has Disney Springs, Universal has Universal CityWalk, located between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. There, you’ll find great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and more. One of the best parts? You can stroll through CityWalk after a long day at the parks! Oh, just a reminder, you don’t need a ticket to enter CityWalk.
Universal Orlando is close to Disney World
If you're going to Universal Orlando, there's a 99% chance you'll also want to visit Disney World. Disney is about 40 minutes away from Universal, so having a car makes it much easier to travel between the two. A great strategy is to stay at a Universal Resort while exploring everything Universal has to offer, then switch to a Disney Resort when it's time to visit Magic Kingdom and the other Disney parks.
