If you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resort for the first time, then you’ve come to the right place! Universal Orlando Resort is an incredible destination for a fun-packed holiday of a lifetime and it’s the perfect place for families, couples, or even solo travellers to make some fantastic memories.
If you’re in the planning stages of your trip, you might have quite a few questions on how to make the most of your trip. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with the answers to them all, including information about Express Passes, hotels, and tickets. We’ll even answer queries you didn’t even know you had!
So, let’s dive in!
1. Is Universal Orlando Resort a hotel?
Universal Orlando Resort is the name of a resort in Orlando, Florida. It’s not just a theme park, it’s made up of:
- 3 theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe
- 1 water park: Universal Volcano Bay
- 11 hotels
- 1 entertainment, shopping, and dining complex: Universal CityWalk
There are 11 hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, and staying at one of these gets you exclusive benefits including:
- Early Park Admission
- Free Express Unlimited Passes (selected hotels only, more about this later!)
- Complimentary transport between the hotels and the parks
- Shopping at Universal Orlando Resort shops delivered to your hotel (restrictions apply)
- A room key to pay for shopping and dining at Universal Orlando Resort
- Priority seating at selected restaurants
2. Is Universal Studios worth it if you don’t like rides?
Absolutely! There’s way more to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Orlando Resort than just thrill rides and roller coasters.
Summary – things to do at Universal Orlando Resort if you don’t like rides
- Try one of the smaller rides instead
- Watch a show
- Meet the characters
- Go to Universal Volcano Bay
- Enjoy fine-dining
- Shop for souvenirs
Inside the theme parks, there are attractions to suit everyone, from little spinners to shooter games.
There are also some spectacular shows to watch. For example, The Bourne Spectacular is a live-action stunt show based on the film franchise whilst at the Horror Make-Up Show, you can learn more about how horror movies are created.
If you’re travelling with children who don’t like rides, then they can meet some of the characters in the parks. The Marvel Super Heroes hang around Marvel Super Hero Island, waiting to save the day. You might bump into the Transformers near the ride of the same name or enjoy a pre-historic encounter with Blue, a real-life dinosaur (well, almost), at Raptor Encounter.
And that’s just the theme parks! You’ve also got Universal Volcano Bay, where you’re guaranteed to have a splashing good time. If you’re not a fan of big water slides, then never fear – you can float down the Kopiko Wai Winding River or relax in the sun on Waturi Beach instead.
There’s a fantastic food scene at Universal Orlando Resort, with some excellent restaurants to choose from in the theme parks, hotels, and at Universal CityWalk. Treat yourself to a special meal at one of the fine dining restaurants. Our favourites include Bigfire Restaurant, Mythos Restaurant, and The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel®.
If retail therapy is more your thing, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied here, where you can buy everything from souvenir pin badges to a whole new wardrobe. There are shops throughout the theme parks and at Universal CityWalk to browse through.
3. Does Universal Orlando Resort have a disability pass?
Universal Orlando Resort offers the Universal Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) for guests who have difficulty with extended waits in a conventional attraction queue environment. The pass covers the guest with disabilities and up to five other people.
Guests using a mobility device do not need to apply for a pass as the attraction queues are accessible.
Find out more information about accessibility at Universal Orlando Resort here.
4. Which Universal Orlando Resort park is bigger?
Each of the three theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort is around the same size. You can fit 55 football pitches into Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe!
Theme park | Size |
Universal Studios Florida | 108 acres |
Universal Islands of Adventure | 110 acres |
Universal Epic Universe | 110 acres |
5. Where is Universal Studios in America?
Universal Studios Florida is part of Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. Orlando is located in Orange County, Central Florida.
There is also Universal Studios Hollywood in California. Here, you can see some real-life movie sets on the Studio Tour and explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™️.
6. Can I vape at Universal Orlando Resort?
Smoking and vaping at Universal Orlando Resort are only permitted in certain areas, in line with local laws. Areas where you can smoke or vape are:
Location | Smoking/vaping area |
Universal Studios Florida | Near the park exit |
Universal Islands of Adventure | Near the park exit, opposite the Islands of Adventure lighthouse |
Universal CityWalk | To the left of Red Coconut Club |
Universal Volcano Bay | At the Wave Village (East) |
Universal Epic Universe | Near the park exit by the toilets |
7. Can I bring water to Universal Orlando Resort?
Yes, you can bring water to Universal Orlando Resort, and we would strongly encourage you to do so. You will need to stay hydrated in that Floridian heat. You are welcome to bring up to 2 litres of bottled water per person into the theme parks and water park.
You can also refill your bottles in the parks for free. There are water fountains and drink refill machines where water is complimentary. You can also ask the staff in the restaurants to fill your bottle for you.
You can bring specific food or drinks that are needed for medical reasons in the parks.
8. Can I use cash at Universal Orlando Resort?
You can pay with cash everywhere at Universal Orlando Resort. You can also pay using a credit or debit card if you prefer. If you’re staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, you can even use your key card to pay for shopping and dining.
The currency at Universal Orlando Resort is US dollars. You can exchange money before you travel or when you get to Orlando at Guest Services in the park or at the front desk of your hotel.
9. How much is the Universal Orlando Resort Express Pass?
The Universal Orlando Resort Express Pass allows you to skip the regular queue at selected attractions, joining what is usually a shorter line and reducing your wait time. There are two versions available:
- Universal Express Pass: allows you to ride selected attractions once
- Universal Express Unlimited Pass: allows you to ride selected attractions as many times as you like
The cost of a Universal Orlando Resort Express Pass varies, depending on the time of year. Prices start at around £64 per day for a five-day Universal Express Unlimited Pass*.
Top tip: If you stay at selected Universal Signature Hotels, you’ll get free Universal Express Unlimited Passes for each guest in your room for every day of your stay, including the days you check in and check out.
Participating hotels are:
10. How much is the Universal Orlando Resort annual pass?
There are several options available for getting an annual pass for Universal Orlando Resort. Seasonal Passes, Power Passes, and Preferred Passes have restrictions on the dates you can go to the parks, whereas the Premier Pass has no restrictions. There are also additional perks, like discounts and freebies, with each pass tier.
The cheapest option is a Seasonal Pass, starting at $424.99 for the two-park option, and the most expensive option is a Premier Pass, costing $1,094.99 for the three-park option*.
11. How much is the Universal Orlando Resort VIP tour?
A VIP tour is a fantastic way to go behind the scenes at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s a great way to spend the day if you’ve been to Universal Orlando Resort a few times and want to do something different, or as a way to celebrate a special occasion.
There are several tours to choose from, and on each one, you’ll get a VIP tour guide who knows everything there is to know about the parks and is eager to share their insider knowledge with you. You’ll also get front-of-the-line access to all of the attractions.
Tours start from $299 per person*, and prices don’t include theme park admission, so you’ll need to buy your tickets separately.
12. What are Universal Orlando Resort’s opening hours?
Universal Orlando Resort park hours vary depending on the season and the day of the week. In summer, they are likely to open earlier and close later, so you have more time to experience the attractions.
Usual opening times for the parks are around 9am to 9pm but check the Universal Orlando Resort website for your selected dates to be sure. Universal CityWalk is open later into the evening, sometimes staying open until 1am.
13. Are Universal Orlando Resort tickets transferable?
No, Universal Orlando Resort tickets are non-transferable. You should always buy them from a reputable website, like AttractionTickets.com, and avoid purchasing second-hand tickets, as you may not be able to use them.
14. Are Universal Orlando Resort tickets cheaper online?
You get better value for money when you buy your Universal Orlando Resort tickets in advance online. Tickets are usually cheaper when you buy them before you travel, plus you can take advantage of special offers.
You’ll also find a wider choice of ticket types online, so you can select the one that’s going to suit you and your family best.
15. How much is Universal Orlando Resort parking?
Parking is available for visitors to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and Universal Volcano Bay. Pricing is seasonal and can also vary depending on the day.
For a regular self-parking space, you can expect to pay around $32 per day*. If you are staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel and you have a car, you’ll also need to pay for parking there.
Now you’ve read the answers to these questions, you can comfortably call yourself a Universal Orlando Resort expert! All that’s left to do is to book your trip of a lifetime. Have a look at our Universal Orlando Resort hotel and ticket packages to get started.
