Universal Studios
Wizards, dinosaurs, superheroes and Super Mario, on both coasts, planned around your family.
Two Coasts, One Unforgettable Universe
Universal has two U.S. destinations, and they are very different trips. Universal Orlando Resort is a full vacation destination with three theme parks, a water park, CityWalk and 11 on-site hotels, including Epic Universe, which opened in 2025. Universal Studios Hollywood is a single park on a working film studio in Los Angeles, and it pairs perfectly with a Disneyland trip.
We know both well, and we’ll help you decide which one fits your family, how many days you need, where to stay and when Express Pass is worth it.
Universal Studios Florida
Step into the movies. Walk the streets of London into Diagon Alley, ride through the vaults of Gringotts, then hop on the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade with a park-to-park ticket. Little ones love DreamWorks Land and Minion Land, and thrill seekers can look forward to a brand-new Fast & Furious coaster in 2027.
Areas to explore: Production Central · New York · San Francisco · The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley · World Expo · Springfield · Minion Land · DreamWorks Land · Hollywood
Don't Miss
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hogwarts Express (park-to-park ticket required)
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
- DreamWorks Land for little ones
Universal Islands of Adventure
The thrill park. Islands of Adventure is home to some of the best coasters in Florida, plus Hogwarts Castle and the snowy village of Hogsmeade. Families with younger kids will find plenty too, from Seuss Landing to the splashy rides of Toon Lagoon.
Islands to explore: Port of Entry · Marvel Super Hero Island · Toon Lagoon · Skull Island · Jurassic Park · The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade · Seuss Landing
Don't Miss
- Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- The Cat in the Hat
Epic Universe
Universal’s newest park opened in 2025 with five immersive worlds: Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, all connected by Celestial Park. It sits on its own campus a short drive from the other parks, so plan a dedicated day.
Worlds to explore: Celestial Park · Super Nintendo World · The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic · How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk · Dark Universe
Don't Miss
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
- Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
- Mine-Cart Madness
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Stardust Racers
- Hiccup's Wing Gliders
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park built on a real, working movie studio. Ride the famous Studio Tour past soundstages and backlot sets, then explore Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the brand-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, which opened in September 2026. It’s easy to see in one or two days and pairs perfectly with a Disneyland trip.
Areas to explore: Upper Lot · Lower Lot · Super Nintendo World · The Wizarding World of Harry Potter · Springfield · Studio Tour
Don't Miss
- The World-Famous Studio Tour
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (new in 2026)
- Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- Transformers: The Ride-3D
Volcano Bay & CityWalk
Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s tropical water park, built around a 200-foot volcano with slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. It is closed for refurbishment from October 26, 2026 and is planned to reopen on or before April 1, 2027, so ask us before adding it to a winter trip.
CityWalk connects the original two parks and is free to visit, with restaurants, shops, mini golf and live music. It’s a great way to end a park day, and Luke Combs’ Category 10 venue is coming in late 2027.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Universal Orlando has 11 on-site hotels, and every guest gets Early Park Admission to select attractions and free transportation to the parks. Some hotels even include unlimited Universal Express, which can save hours in line. We’ll help you pick the right one for your family and budget.
Premier Hotels
Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay and Royal Pacific are walking distance or a short boat ride from the original parks and include free Universal Express Unlimited (not valid at Epic Universe or Volcano Bay). Helios Grand has its own entrance into Epic Universe.
Preferred & Prime Value
Great themed pools and family suites at a friendlier price. Sapphire Falls, Aventura and Cabana Bay are close to the parks, and Cabana Bay’s retro family suites are a favorite with bigger families.
Value & Epic Area Hotels
The most budget-friendly ways to stay on site. Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside offer free shuttles to the parks, and Stella Nova and Terra Luna are newer hotels right by Epic Universe.
Staying Near Universal Studios Hollywood
Two hotels, the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City and the Sheraton Universal, are right next to the park and CityWalk Hollywood. Many families also stay near Disneyland and visit Universal for a day; we’ll help you decide what makes the most sense for your trip.
What to Know Before You Go
Park Tickets
Universal Orlando tickets are date-based. Choose park-to-park if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and make sure your ticket includes Epic Universe. Hollywood tickets are simpler, with one park to plan.
Universal Express
Universal Express lets you skip regular lines on most rides. It’s sold separately, or included as Express Unlimited with Hard Rock, Portofino Bay and Royal Pacific stays (not valid at Epic Universe or Volcano Bay). We’ll tell you when it’s worth it.
How Many Days?
In Orlando, plan at least three park days, one each for Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, plus a fourth for Volcano Bay or a favorite repeat. Hollywood can be done in one full day, or two at a relaxed pace.
When to Visit
Weekdays outside school breaks are usually calmer. Halloween Horror Nights runs on select fall nights in both parks as a separate ticket, and summer and holidays are the busiest times. We’ll help you match crowds and events to your dates.
Getting There
In Orlando, Universal is about 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), and only about 15 minutes from Walt Disney World. In Los Angeles, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is the closest airport, and LAX is about 20 miles away.
Orlando vs. Hollywood
Orlando is a multi-day resort vacation with three parks, three Wizarding World lands and on-site hotels. Hollywood is a single park on a working movie studio and an easy add-on to a California or Disneyland trip. Many families do both!
What's New & Coming Soon
Recently Opened
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster (Universal Studios Hollywood, September 2026)
- Epic Universe, Universal's newest park (Orlando, 2025)
- Helios Grand, Stella Nova and Terra Luna hotels near Epic Universe (Orlando, 2025)
- DreamWorks Land (Universal Studios Florida, 2024)
On the Horizon
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster comes to Universal Studios Florida (2027)
- Volcano Bay reopens after refurbishment (on or before April 1, 2027)
- New signature restaurant at Islands of Adventure (2027)
- Category 10, a Luke Combs live music venue at CityWalk Orlando (late 2027)
- A new land replacing the Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure (details to be announced)
Dates and details for upcoming projects can change. We’ll always share the latest when we plan your trip.
Ready to Plan Your Universal Vacation?
Tickets, hotels, Express Pass, dining and more: we handle the details so you can enjoy the adventure. Schedule a call with one of our travel advisors to get started.