The Best Two-Day Touring Plan for Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando Plan of Attack – Itinerary and Planning Tips

A few years ago, you could accomplish almost everything at Universal Studios Orlando in just one day. I remember visiting the park for the first time and we finished the park in less than 6 hours. That was during the good ol’ days when the main attractions were E.T. Adventure and Back to the Future: the Ride.

Within the last 10 years, Universal has added a lot of major developments like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and improved popular events like Halloween Horror Nights. They have even bigger plans for the future and will open a fourth park called Epic Adventure around 2023. This will hold the most anticipated land, Super Nintendo World that will feature video game-themed attractions like a Mario Kart ride.

As for the present, if you haven’t visited in a while then you probably don’t know how to start planning. It helps to look at a two-day itinerary so you can get an idea of how a day at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure should go. The itinerary I created highlights all the must-do rides and entertainment you won’t want to miss. You don’t want to walk out of the park and realize you missed something amazing!

P.S. If you’re visiting for more than two days, you can still use this itinerary to your advantage. It will give you an idea of all the major attractions and shows that you won’t want to miss. I’ve got some tips for longer visits at the end of this post too.

Before we launch into the itinerary, I have three resources and some insider tips that will help you make the most of your Universal Studios vacation!

Universal Studios Planning Resources

And I’ve got a free gift for you! It’s a downloadable PDF of the itinerary that is written in this article. That way you can print it off and use it to plan your vacation easily. You can access it from my FREE Theme Park Resource Library when you sign up for my newsletter. (There are a bunch of other goodies inside the Resource Library too!)

5 Insider Tips For Planning a Universal Studios Vacation

#1 How to Start Your Day Right at Universal Studios

Start your day early so you can get all the rides with long waits done first. It’s advisable to arrive at least 45 minutes before the park opens. Team Members usually let people in a little early to wrangle everyone into a holding area then they will release you once the park officially opens.

If you are staying at Universal resort and have an early entrance, then you can arrive about 30 minutes before your appointed time.

#2 Can’t-Miss Rides at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida

The most popular attractions are listed in order of popularity below. Try to tackle the first 2-3 rides before the crowds pick up in the afternoon. Then you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy the parks at a leisurely pace. This advice is especially relevant for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

The Most Popular Rides at Islands of Adventure

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
The Incredible Hulk Coaster

The Most Popular Rides at Universal Studios Florida

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Revenge of the Mummy
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (Virtual Line)
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Transformers: The Ride-3D

#3 Do you need to purchase a Universal Express Pass?

Purchasing a Universal Express pass will cut down on wait times and make your day go a little quicker. This is a similar system to FastPass at Disney World with the exception that the Express pass costs money. The Express lines tend to be shorter than FastPass lines because fewer people use it. That said, you can usually accomplish everything you need to without a pass. This is an added convenience that’s totally optional.

#4 Cut Down on Wait Times with Single Rider Lines

Single Riders Lines are a great way to cut down on wait times and the best part is that it’s free! You do have to be comfortable with splitting up your group and sitting with other guests on the ride. This option works great if you’re traveling with a group of adults or if you already plan to use the rider switch/child swap option.

Single Riders Lines at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Single Riders Lines at Universal Studios Florida

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Revenge of the Mummy
Men in Black Alien Attack
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Transformers: The Ride 3-D

#5 What You Need to Know about The Hogwarts Express and the Park-to-Park Pass

This Hogwarts Express is the train that transports you between Kings Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Some people think the Hogwarts Express is just a train, but it’s actually an attraction. There are magical Harry Potter elements and even a mini-show inside the train cars. The line for the train is just as magical too.

The important thing to note is that The Hogwarts Express is only accessible to guests who purchased a Park-to-Park pass. A Park-to-Park pass allows you to hop back and forth between Islands of Adventures and Universal Studios Florida.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure – One Day Itinerary

A Little Note: The itineraries do not account for the Park-to-Park Pass, Express Pass, or Early Entrance. Using any of these options will definitely cut down on your wait times and allow you to get more done or repeat attractions.

*For reference, I’ve marked all the most popular attractions with an asterisk!

ARrive and Hit the main Attractions

Grab a doughnut and coffee from Voodoo Doughnuts in CityWalk.
Arrive at the turnstiles at least 60 minutes prior to park opening
Head straight to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures*
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey*
Skull Island: Reign of Kong*

Marvel Super Hero Land

The Incredible Hulk Coaster*
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man*
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall*

Break for Lunch

Lunch Option #1: Have a quick lunch at Three Broomsticks. I suggest ordering the Beef Pasties! These delicate puff pastries filled with savory beef and veggies are so good.

Lunch Option #2: Have a nice sit-down meal at Mythos. This restaurant is highly recommended by Universal lovers. I once had a decadent Gnocchi Bolognese pasta here that I still dream about.

The Lost Continent

Poseidon’s Fury
Visit the Mystic Fountain (Interactive entertainment)

Tackle the Wet Rides

Jurassic Park River Adventures* (Catch Raptor Encounter while you’re in Jurassic Park.)
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

A Word on Wet Rides: These wet rides are no joke. Wear a poncho or bring a change of clothes with you. There’s nothing more miserable than walking around in a soaked pair of undies.

The first time I rode Jurassic Park I thought I would experience a sprinkling of rain. What I got was a torrential downpour. With no change of clothes, I was forced into buying a Jurassic park t-shirt. This made it clear to everyone that I was a theme park amateur. Don’t be like me.

Seuss Landing

Sure, this area is meant for kids, but it’s a nice break from exciting superheroes and the crowds in Hogsmeade. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train gives you a great view of the park and is best enjoyed around sunset. If you grew up with Dr. Seuss, you’ll find this land nostalgic and heartwarming.

Pro-Tip: This area of the park is especially adorable during the holidays. The Grinch interacts with guests and even stars in his own musical!

The Cat in the Hat
Caro-Seuss-el
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train*

Break for Dinner

Dinner Option #1: Grab a drink and appetizers from Backwater Bar. The atmosphere is really chill and the drinks are great!

Dinner Option #2: Take a break from the park and head to CityWalk for dinner. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is the best restaurant at Universal and can’t be missed. Other great options are Big Fire, Margaritaville, and Antijotos.

Finish The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Hogwarts and Hogsmeade are particularly magical at night. The castle is lit up and the shops in Hogsmeade are super cozy. After sunset is a great time to finish exploring the rest of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Ollivander’s*
Flight of the Hippogriff

Entertainment at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

There are a few Harry Potter-inspired shows performed throughout the day. The shows are located on a small stage located between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. There isn’t any seating and viewers tend to come and go as they please. Check the daily schedule for the times they are performing.

Frog Choir in Hogsmeade
Triwizard Spirit Rally in Hogsmeade

Finish the Night

There are two evening shows that play on select nights at the Wizarding World. Both display Harry Potter-themed lighting and projections on Hogwarts Castle. The main difference is that the Nighttime Lights celebrates Hogwarts and the four houses while the Dark Arts at Hogwarts is inspired by Voldemort and his storyline. Both shows play after the sun goes down until the park closes.

The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

Bonus Option

If you’re buzzing with excitement after a day of adventures, go dancing at Red Coconut Club! Or, take grab a nightcap from the Hard Rock Cafe.

Universal Studios Florida – One Day Itinerary

ARRIVE AND Hit THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Arrive at the turnstiles at least 60 minutes prior to park opening
Head straight to Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Get in the Virtual Line for Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. While you’re heading to Escape from Gringotts, book your spot in line for this ride through the Universal Studios Orlando app.
Revenge of the Mummy
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (Virtual Line)
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Break for Lunch

Lunch Option #1: Have a quick meal at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley or Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield.

Lunch Option #2: Have a sit-down meal at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill. You must get the Finnegan’s Potato & Onion Webb. There’s nothing like crispy onion strings and potato wedges to load up your carb intake!

See a Live Show

You have a few options here and you might be able to squeeze in more than one show depending on your timing.

Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show
Animal Actors on Location!
Fear Factor Live

The most popular live show is Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show. It’s a hilarious demonstration on how experts create horror scenes with make-up and props. If you only have time for one show, it should be this one. There’s also Animal Actors on Location! which features animals who starred in films and Fear Factor Live based on the television show.

Hit the Rest of Universal’s Major Attractions

Fast & Furious – Supercharged*
Transformers: The Ride-3D*
Shrek 4-D
E.T. Adventure
The Simpsons Ride*
Men in Black Alien Attack*

Catch Universal’s Daytime Parade

There are three main parades that perform at Universal depending on the season. The parades are changed out according to the season and the times vary greatly. Check the time guides for updated parade times!

Universal’s Superstar Parade – Performs any time it’s not Mardi Gras or the holiday season.
Universal’s Mardi Gras – Performs during the Mardi Gras celebration typically between early February to early April.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s – Performs during the holiday season typically between mid-November to early January.

More Entertainment at Universal Studios Florida

There are quite a few entertainment groups that perform in the New York section of the park. Most people love The Blues Brothers Show and I’m partial to Marilyn Monroe & the Diamond Bellas. All the impersonators do a great job replicating their performances.

Beat Builders – Think “Stomp,” but with entertaining construction workers.
The Blues Brothers Show – Blues Brothers impersonators who sing a few songs and entertain the crowd
Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas – Marilyn Monroe impersonator featuring some dynamic backup dancers

Finish the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

6 Things to Explore at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Before heading into Diagon Alley, stop by the Knight Bus. The Shrunken Head is interactive and hilarious!
Watch the story of The Tales of Beedle the Bard performed by master puppeteers or enjoy the live music of Celestina Warbeck and The Banshees. The schedule for each show varies throughout the day.
Take some time to wander through the themed shops like Magical Menagerie, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and Sugarplum’s for a sweet treat!
Grab an ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. There are a lot of unique flavors like Butterbeer, Earl Grey and Lavender, and Ron Weasley’s favorite: Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Don’t forget to check out Knockturn Alley! It’s one of the most uniquely themed areas in the park. It’s based on the creepy alleyway where seedy exchanges take place in the wizarding world.
Exchange your muggle money for wizard banknotes at Gringotts Money Exchange. You can use the banknotes for purchases inside of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself into the story of Harry Potter! The Goblin manning the bank is worth visiting too.

Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration*

This is a nighttime show that features water and light projections set to music. It’s a nostalgic experience that highlights classic movie moments from Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and E.T. The perfect way to finish your Universal vacation!

Visiting Universal Studios for More Than Two Days

If you have more than 2 days to spend at the parks then you don’t have to worry about a complex itinerary. Two days is enough time to experience all the popular attractions and anything more will give you some breathing room. Hopefully, this itinerary gave you an overview of the things you will want to see!

The Takeaway

A vacation to Universal Studios doesn’t have to be a stress-induced nightmare. As long as you plan ahead and manage your expectations, you will have a wonderful time. Two days is plenty of time to experience all the main attractions and still have enough time to down a few Butterbeers.

Want more help planning your Universal vacation efficiently so you can make the most of your money spent?

Check out these resources!

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