Join me as I share our experience at Universal Studios Resort in Orlando and help you decide if this park is right for your vacation! From our favorite thrills to a few mistakes we learned from, I’ve got the inside scoop on what to expect at Universal Studios.
Why Universal Studios?
First, I should admit—I’m not the typical theme park enthusiast. I love them, but my ride anxiety and motion sickness mean I skip most thrill rides. John, on the other hand, is a thrill-seeker and will ride just about anything. So, for us, a theme park day looks like this: John hits the big thrills, and I go for the chill experiences. I want to share this with you, to prove that no matter your ride preferences, theme parks have something for everyone. This trip was a great opportunity to explore Universal and give you some solid info if you’re planning your own visit!
A Quick Overview of Universal Studios Resort
For anyone new to Universal Studios Orlando, here’s a quick rundown. The park opened in 1990 and was built to expand the Universal Studios brand beyond Hollywood. The resort has evolved over the years, adding new attractions and lands, including Diagon Alley (part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) in 2014. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between Universal Studios and Disney, think of Universal as the fun, cheeky younger sibling—it’s less serious but no less fun.
Having last visited in 1999, the park felt both familiar and completely new to us, especially since we didn’t visit Islands of Adventure back then. While I missed some of the old attractions (RIP Jaws and Twister!), I was pleasantly surprised by the updated park. The atmosphere felt more laid-back than Disney, which I enjoyed, though sometimes the customer service wasn’t as polished. Despite this, I still had a fantastic time.
Ticket Prices
Let’s talk about ticket pricing. Universal can get pricey, depending on when you go, but it’s all about what you want to do while you’re there. A one-day, one-park ticket starts at $119, which gives you access to either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. You can also get park hopper tickets to experience both parks in one day.
For our trip in mid-December 2023, 2-day, 2-park tickets ran us about $370 per person. Here’s where the big price difference comes in:
Express Pass: If you’re serious about hitting all the big rides, I highly recommend adding the Express Pass. It’s about $330 for 2 days, or $390 for the Unlimited Express Pass, which lets you skip the lines as many times as you want on each ride.
We also stayed at the Lowes Royal Pacific Resort, which includes the Express Passes and park passes in the package. For two nights, the package price was about $2,000. When you break it down (ticket and Express Passes), the room was about $250 per night, which felt much more reasonable than paying $1,000 for a single night without those perks.
Is the Express Pass Worth It?
We debated this quite a bit. The crowds were moderate when we visited, but the Express Pass made a huge difference. We easily skipped long lines and got on all the rides we wanted in just 2 days. If you’re the kind of person who wants to maximize their time in the park, I’d say yes, it’s worth it. If you’re more into taking your time or not riding the big rides, you can likely skip it and still have a good time.
Exploring the Park
Minion Land:
Minion Land is a fun area, but it’s definitely kid-friendly. I rode both of the Minion rides, which were enjoyable but not too intense. The Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a motion-simulation ride, while Villain-Con Minion Blast is an interactive shooting game. Definitely fun, but not exactly a heart-pumping thrill!
New York:
This area is iconic, and it’s fun to walk around. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster is a big highlight here. It lets you choose your own music as you ride, and if you want a secret playlist, there’s a hidden list of codes. Transformers: The Ride 3D and Revenge of the Mummy are also here, which is a mix of indoor coaster and immersive storytelling!
San Francisco:
This is a charming area with a fun atmosphere, and it’s home to the Fast & Furious Ride. It’s a high-energy simulator that puts you on a “party bus” for an over-the-top experience with your favorite characters from the franchise.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley:
I loved Diagon Alley! As a Muggle who’s only seen the movies, I was amazed by how immersive the area was. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is a must-see. The Escape from Gringotts ride is one of the best story roller coasters in the park, and if you’re park-hopping, the Hogwarts Express is the way to get between parks. Unfortunately, it was down during our visit.
Springfield – Home of the Simpsons:
Walking into Springfield feels like stepping right into an episode of The Simpsons. The Simpsons Ride is a virtual roller coaster, and the Kang & Kudos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is a fun, spinning carousel.
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone:
This area is going through a transition, with Trollercoaster (a family coaster) and Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp coming in summer 2024. For now, E.T. Adventure is here, a nostalgic dark ride where you hop on a bike and fly through the skies.
Top Thrills
For John, the top thrills were:
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Escape from Gringotts
Top Chills
For me, I enjoyed soaking in the theming, checking out the shops, and watching the street performers. I also had to stop by Moe’s Tavern in Springfield for a Duff beer. The Beat Builders in San Francisco and the performances in Diagon Alley were also highlights.
Mistake I Made (Dining)
Now, for the rookie mistake of the trip: I was totally unprepared for dining. I didn’t check menus ahead of time, and we ended up getting food at Moe’s Tavern (good but not great). My tip for you: check the menus online before you go! Know where you want to eat and where to find it in the park so you’re not making last-minute decisions when you’re hungry.
Pro Tip: Some of the best places to check out are Minion Cafe, Finnegans’ Bar and Grill, and Today Cafe. We didn’t get to try them this time, but I’m definitely putting them on the list for next time!
Other Tips
- Single Rider Lines: Use these if you don’t mind splitting up for rides. It’s a great way to skip lines and still get the experience.
- Lockers for Bags: Smaller bags (like purses) can go into free lockers, but larger bags require a $2 rental per ride. Plan accordingly!
- Credit Card Issues: If you’re staying at the resort, make sure your park pass is linked properly to your credit card. We had issues on the first day, and the park staff had to explain why it wasn’t working.
So, is Universal Studios on your must-visit list or are you passing on it? If you love thrills and a more relaxed vibe compared to Disney, Universal is a great choice.
