Universal Orlando: Inside guide

The lowdown: Slide, jump and boogie into the worlds of Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls. Meet the main ogre himself at Shrek's Swamp Meet and train in the art of kung fu with Po in Panda Village. Ride a positively awesome Trollercoaster and enjoy sweet tunes and treats galore in the Trolls area – or head back to Shrek’s domain for a Shrekzel (a pretzel shaped like Shrek’s head).

Let Hagrid, the incredibly kind half-giant and Hogwarts groundskeeper, take take you on a rip-roaring journey through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, a ride inspired by his flying motorbike. Who knows what creatures you’ll see?

The lowdown: Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster opened in Summer 2021. Join Owen, Claire and Dr. Wu as you track down fierce Velociraptors. Be warned – they’re fast – the thrill of the chase will have you travelling at speeds of up to 70 mph, propelling to 155 feet and dropping 80 degrees. You’ll need all eyes on these predators.

Best for: Your favourite films made into blockbuster attractions, including: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™ and epic rides with TRANSFORMERS and Illumination's Minions.

The lowdown: At the studios, some of the best attractions are old favourites and nostalgic classics. Speaking of old – dare to disturb an ancient curse on Revenge of the Mummy and you’ll be at the mercy of a rollercoaster in the pitch dark.

Know this… Mmm… doughnuts… unleash your inner Homer Simpson in Springfield, where you’ll find some of Universal Studios’ most instagrammable eats: there’s even a real-life Krusty Burger. Or make Minion mayhem at llumination’s Minion Cafe and tuck into a sweet treat at Bake My Day.

Best for: The Incredible Hulk Coaster® that'll elevate your superhuman prowess and Jurassic Park Velociraptors who look alarmingly happy to see you.

The lowdown: Island-hop between super heroes, dinosaurs and a giant ape called Kong. That’s King Kong to you. At The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Hogsmeade™ launch straight into the stories with a forbidden journey and learn to love some odd magical creatures in The Flight of the Hippogriff™. After your fill of fun explore Skull Island: Reign of Kong™ and take your Mary Jane on the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®.

Know this… On a hot day, triple up on the water rides. Head to the back of the park for the Jurassic Park River Adventure, then jump on Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls® and Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges®. Done all three? You’ve gotta be soaking.

Best for: Staying cool and seeking thrills. Try the Ko’okiri Body Plunge – a 125 foot drop through the middle of the park’s ginormous, vertiginous volcano.

The lowdown: Universal’s Volcano Bay is a surprisingly innovative ‘water theme park’, which uses the latest tech so you can queue virtually. That means you can be on the beach, slurping a rainbow soft-serve ice cream whilst you wait. There are a whopping 19 attractions – that's a lot for a water park, so you can easily spend a full day here. There are two rivers – one is calm, but one rushes you around like a rinse cycle.

Know this… You’ll be given a waterproof wearable – called a TapuTapu – which holds your place in the queue for your next ride.

The lowdown: Universal Orlando is the only place in the world where you can experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at two parks connected by the wonderful Hogwarts™ Express⁴. Diagon Alley™ is at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade™ is at Universal Islands of Adventure. Faithfully detailed, right down to the last shrunken head in Knockturn Alley, the world boasts magic, excitement, and astonishing rides. Look out for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, the newest coaster at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Hogsmeade™.

The lowdown: Two new Universal Orlando hotels will be opening in 2025.

Stay for: Feel the magnetic force as you transcend the blackhole vortex entrance at Universal Stella Nova Resort. Inspired by the infinite vastness of the universe, you can expect a luminous, ultramodern and surreal stay when it opens in January 2025.

Find out more about Universal Stella Nova Resort

Stay for: Explore this unknown landscape and enjoy an otherworldly experience at Universal Terra Luna Resort. Awash with a solar system of colours and spaceship-styled windows, this is destined to be the most exciting launchpad for your Universal adventure when it opens in February 2025.

Find out more about Universal Terra Luna Resort

Stay for: The newest hotel, sister to Surfside Inn and Suites, may be the most value conscious, but there's been no scrimping on style. The warm colour scheme echoes sands and sunsets and the natural woods in the lobby are designed to make you feel like you're at the end of a pier.

Book a stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Stay for: Laid-back, fuss-free, two-bedroom suites, with lots of room for the family. This resort has a surfer theme to match its waterfront location – which includes a surfboard-shaped pool.

Book a stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Stay for: With its sleek design, smart-room technology and commanding views you're guaranteed a stylish stay. There’s a gorgeous pool deck and an underwater sound system in the pool. After a long day out at the parks take in the 360-degree views from the rooftop at Bar17 Bistro or purchase some s’mores and toast them up in the fire pits.

Book a stay at Universal's Aventura Hotel

Stay for: If you can pull yourself away from your inflatable ring (purchased at the hotel) on the lazy river, you’ll find a charismatically retro hotel with two pools and in-room pizza delivery. Plus, you can comfortably sleep a family of six in one of the family suites.Upgrade to a Volcano Side room for impressive water theme park views.

Book a stay at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Stay for: The biggest pool of any Universal Orlando hotel. You might be tempted to centre your holiday around the rum bar, but kids will centre theirs around the water slide.

Book a stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Stay at any of Universal's hotels and enjoy special access to the theme parks with your Universal Orlando Explorer ticket, giving you Early Park Admission^† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal Volcano Bay up to one hour before the park opens. (Valid theme park admission required. Select attractions.)

Stay for: This palmy green paradise is straight out of the South Pacific, but you can eat Pan Asian cuisine at the Islands Dining Room. Get your loud shirt out, your aloha on and a Mai Tai ordered pronto – you'll soon be transported to the tropics.

Book a stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Stay for: Live music from the Velvet Sessions, an unbeatable pool scene, and music memorabilia – look out for gowns worn by superstars. Don’t miss the food: the Palm restaurant knows how to serve up legendary steaks and massive Nova Scotia lobsters.

Book a stay at Hard Rock Hotel®

Stay for: Italian indulgence – there's an atmospheric piazza, elegant interiors, fine dining and three pools. For the best lounging around, head to the Villa Pool.

Book a stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Stay at either Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel^®or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and enjoy FREE⁸ Universal Express Unlimited ride access. This means you can skip the regular queues in Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure – less waiting, and more time by the hotel pool. (requires theme park admission. Not valid at Universal Volcano Bay)