24 December, 2024

Best tips for 1 day vacation at Universal Studios, Florida

We have visited 3 Universal and 2 Disney theme parks in our vacation. The theme parks are huge and there are many awesome and not-to-miss rides. It is overwhelming to plan a trip to Disney / Universal. Before reading this 1-day Universal Studios theme park itinerary, please read this basic planning post.

Universal Studios covers wonderful themes for all ages, including the Harry Potter world, the Minion world, and Hollywood. Here are the tips and travelogue for one day.

The purpose of this post is to make your planning easy. The list of rides and activities depends largely on the age of the kids, your interests, patience for long wait times, energy, preferences, etc., This current guide is made in mind for a family with 2 kids aged 9 and 11 years. 

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Tickets and App:

We purchased 3 park , 5 day tickets. 

From Universal site, that means -

The 3-Park 5-Day Base Ticket Dated entitles one (1) guest admission to ONE (1) Universal Orlando Resort theme park per day: Universal Studios Florida, OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure, OR Universal’s Volcano Bay. Ticket is valid for any five (5) calendar days during an eight (8) consecutive calendar day period which commences on and includes the date selected. The ticket will expire in full on the expiration date printed on ticket. Unused days shall be forfeited.

Check here for ticket prices. Ticket prices will vary depending on season. Also, consider packages including accommodations and early access. 

Installing the Universal App is very important for you to scan tickets at the entry, check wait times for the rides, navigate in the park, check food stalls, and restaurants, order food online, check show timings, etc.,

Here is the link to install Universal Android / IOS app. 





Express pass:

Let's discuss Express Pass. Express Pass allows you to skip long lines, especially during peak seasons like Christmas. 

If you have early access, can wait for 2 hours without missing rides, and don't have very young kids, you might not need an Express pass at all. We didn't use an Express pass, and it worked fine for us.

If you don't have more time to spend in the park, here are the express pass options.

Early Access:

One of the best benefits of booking a vacation package or multi-day ticket is the Early Park Admission. 

Rides that might be included in early access (these will change by season and peak days): 

  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and 
  • Olivanders

Park is usually open at 9am and early access is at 8am. Please check the Universal app the day before for the correct list of rides with early access. Some days, early access is not available.

We got early access due to the package we booked.

Our Itinerary:

1. Harry Potter and the Escape fromGringotts 


We first went to this popular ride and the waiting time was around 1.5 hrs or more even with early access. Loved this ride. But, if you have motion sickness, it is tough. 

We didn't do Olivanders and Hogwarts Express. Hogwarts Express needs a park hop ticket. 

We walked through the San Francisco and New York theme areas. 

Image by Kes Sinanan from Pixabay




2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit


The lines are big for sure. This is a thrilling roller coaster ride with speeds reaching 65 mph.

3. Transformers - Ride 3D


This is a 3D simulator Dark Ride. Good for people who love transformers. The theming is good. 

You will feel real 3D effects. You will experience A motion platform, 3D effects, and intense battle sequences. 

We couldn't do Revenge of Mumy due to large lines, but I heard it's good. This is a roller coaster thrill ride. 






4. Fast and Furious Super Charged 


This is a motion-based dark ride.

5. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem


The lines are too long, but this is worth it. A fun shooting game for kids. The theming is good. Not a thrilling ride though.

We did this and liked it.






6. Illumination Villion Con Minion Blast 


Another fun family activity. But, lines are always long for Minion stuff.

7. The Bourne Stuntacular


Wonderful show and it is very highly recommended. We loved this a lot.  Don't miss this show at all.


8. E T Adventure


After lunch, we tried this family fun ride. It's not a thrill ride, but amazing. Everyone with kids should experience it. A simple old-style ride.

The Simpson's ride and Kang and Kodos Twirl are basic old-style rides. We didn't try them.

9. Men In Black Alien Attack


This is an interactive Simulating ride. It's a very good shooting game with 3D. Loved this.

We felt, there is not much in Universal Studios except for the Minion stuff and Harry Potter-related rides. Others seemed a little laid back and old-style. ET adventure and Men in Black are worth a mention. 


Image by Eyang Sabur from Pixabay



Shows:


There are some good shows like The Bourne Stuntacular and Dreamworks Imagination celebration. Do try them for sure!

Character Encounters:



Photos with Spongebob and Transformers are fun. Minion Land is also fun to watch characters.

Photo Packages:

After you exit every ride, you can get photos. The below link has some photo packages. One-day photos are around $89 which is really expensive. 

Photo Packages at Universal

That's our itinerary for Universal Studios with early access.

We had complimentary shuttle access between the park and our resort, which was very helpful after a tiring day. Food at the resort is amazing and that made it easier to hit the bed early. 

The Endless Summer resort also has a few swimming pools, a lounge area, multiple restaurants, laundry, and all other basic facilities.

Here is the link to reserve Vacation packages from Universal.

Until next time,


 

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