Universal 2-park 1-day Itinerary with Express Pass – Can you visit two Universal Parks in one day? Yes, you can visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day.
While it is technically possible to visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day, it can be quite challenging and may not allow enough time to fully experience all the attractions and shows each park has to offer.
Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are part of the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, and they are located right next to each other, connected by the CityWalk entertainment complex.
Universal 2-park 1-day Itinerary
Planning one day at two Universal Studios can be an exciting and action-packed experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your day:
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the park before it opens to maximize your time. This will give you a head start on popular attractions and help you avoid longer lines later in the day.
- Start with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Begin your day by heading straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. This immersive land tends to get crowded quickly, so experiencing it early can help you enjoy the attractions with shorter wait times. Don’t miss iconic rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.
- Take the Hogwarts Express: Travel between Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and King’s Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios.
- Explore Diagon Alley: Make your way to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Ride the iconic Hogwarts Express train (requires a Park-to-Park ticket) to travel between the two parks. In Diagon Alley, don’t miss the thrilling Escape from Gringotts ride, and explore the magical shops and interactive experiences.
- Explore the Rest of Universal Studios: Once you’ve explored King’s Cross Station, continue exploring the rest of Universal Studios. Then make your way on back to Islands of Adventure.
- Enjoy Shows and Entertainment: Throughout the day, make sure to catch some of the live shows and entertainment offerings at Universal Studios. Shows like Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show, Animal Actors on Location, and the Blues Brothers Show offer unique and entertaining experiences.
- End with a Nighttime Spectacular: Finish your day with a bang by experiencing the park’s nighttime spectacular, such as Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration or The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (check the schedule for showtimes).
Remember to check the park’s schedule for any special events, shows, or parades happening on the day of your visit. Also, consider utilizing Universal Express Passes to maximize your time and minimize wait times for popular attractions. Have a fantastic day at Universal Studios!
Here are some Universal Studios tips to help enhance your visit:
- Purchase tickets in advance: Buying your tickets online in advance allows you to skip the ticket lines and head straight to the park entrance. It also gives you the opportunity to explore any available discounts or package deals.
- Arrive early or stay late: Arriving early or staying late can help you beat the crowds and experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. The first few hours after park opening and the last few hours before park closing tend to be less crowded.
- Utilize single rider lines: If you don’t mind riding separately from your group, take advantage of single rider lines. These lines are often shorter and can significantly reduce wait times for certain attractions.
- Consider Express Passes: If you want to minimize wait times and maximize your experience, consider purchasing Universal Express Passes. These passes provide access to shorter lines at participating attractions and can be a worthwhile investment, especially on busy days.
- Take advantage of Virtual Line: Universal Studios Florida offers Virtual Line for select attractions, including popular ones like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Use the official Universal Orlando Resort app to reserve your spot in the virtual line and enjoy other attractions while waiting for your turn.
- Plan your dining options: To save time and avoid long lines at dining locations, plan your meals strategically. Consider making dining reservations in advance or opting for quick-service options during off-peak hours.
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks: Florida’s weather can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated throughout the day. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of water fountains throughout the park. Additionally, pack some snacks to keep you energized between meals.
- Use lockers for convenience: Universal Studios Florida provides lockers near certain attractions for storing bags and belongings. Instead of carrying everything with you, use the lockers to lighten your load and enjoy the rides comfortably.
- Catch shows during peak hours: While the rides may have longer lines during peak hours, shows and entertainment offerings often have multiple showtimes and ample seating. Take advantage of this by catching shows during the busiest parts of the day to avoid long wait times.
- Stay updated with park information: Follow Universal Orlando Resort’s official social media accounts and download the official Universal Orlando Resort app to stay updated with the latest park information, including attraction wait times, show schedules, and any changes or announcements that might affect your visit.
Remember to be flexible and adaptable during your visit. Universal Studios Florida is a dynamic and exciting destination, and being open to changes in your plan can lead to unexpected and memorable experiences. Enjoy your time at Universal Studios Florida!
What time does Universal Studios open?
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are open 365 days a year. Operating hours normally begin at 9:00 am for the park and citywalk.
Our Costs
- Lockers: $10 ($2 each transaction)
- Universal 2-park 1-day Itinerary Park-to-Park Adult ticket is $184.00 per person. We also purchased the 2-Park Express Unlimited card at $129.99 per person. The tax on this order is $40.82.
- The total ticket price for two adults is $668.80.
What’s your favorite part of Universal? Let me know in the comments below!
XOXO,
Katie
What to pack for your Universal 2-park 1-day Itinerary? Read about what I Packed For One Day at Universal Studios.
