Joseph Bordoy Travel Genie
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Universal Orlando Resort

Bigger thrills, movie worlds you step into, and, since May 2025, a fourth theme park, Epic Universe. Universal pairs naturally with a Disney World trip, or stands on its own for families with older kids and teens.

LocationOrlando, Florida
Parks3 theme parks + Volcano Bay water park
Newest parkEpic Universe, opened May 22, 2025
Best forOlder kids, teens, thrill riders, Harry Potter fans
Plan on2–4 days, or added to a Disney trip
The Universal globe at Universal Orlando Resort

The parks

  • Universal Studios Florida

    Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Illumination and Minions, Springfield (The Simpsons), Transformers, and Men in Black.

  • Universal Islands of Adventure

    Hogsmeade and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing, and The Lost Continent.

  • Universal Epic Universe

    Opened in 2025 with five worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

  • Volcano Bay & CityWalk

    A water theme park built around a volcano, plus CityWalk's restaurants and nightlife between the parks and hotels.

Who it suits best

  • Great for: teens and thrill-seekers, Harry Potter and Nintendo fans, and families adding 2–3 days onto an Orlando trip.
  • Know before you go: more rides have height requirements and bigger intensity than Disney's, with mostly younger kids, sequencing and expectations matter.

What Joseph helps with

  • Deciding how many Universal days you actually need, and whether Epic Universe makes the cut
  • On-site hotel choices, including Premier hotels where Universal Express passes are included for Studios and Islands of Adventure
  • Park-to-park tickets, required to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two Harry Potter lands

Family tips

  • Express changes the math. Staying at a Premier hotel can be worth it for a short trip once you price Express passes separately.
  • Do Harry Potter early or late. Both lands are at their best, and least crowded, at the edges of the day.
  • Don't stack it onto tired legs. If you're combining Disney and Universal, put a break day between them.

How I’d plan it

The question I get is usually whether to add it onto a Disney trip or make it the trip. My answer depends on your kids. Under about 8, Disney can happily eat the whole trip. With tweens and teens, Universal can honestly be the main event.

How I’d build it: stay at a Universal hotel if the budget allows it. Early entry to the parks and being a boat ride or a walk from the gates changes the whole feel of a day with kids.

And I wouldn’t stack Universal days back to back with your biggest Disney days. The plan can look fine on paper. Your legs will have opinions.

From my blog

Adding Universal to your Orlando trip?

Tell me your dates and your kids' ages, and I'll tell you honestly how many Universal days fit, and which parks to prioritize.

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