Destinations · Universal
Universal thrills, planned smart
Epic Universe, the Wizarding World and on-site hotels — Orlando and Hollywood.
Why plan Universal with me
Every thrill, no wasted time
Universal Orlando now has four parks, including Epic Universe, plus a collection of on-site hotels with perks that make a real difference. Universal Studios Hollywood pairs beautifully with a Disneyland trip.
I plan your hotel, tickets, Express passes and a park-by-park strategy so you ride more and wait less. Booked through Travelmation, a Universal Orlando Preferred Travel Agency.
Read my guide: Universal Orlando and Epic Universe →
Read my guide: Universal Studios Hollywood →
The Universal VIP Experience
Orlando parks
Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay
Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood
Ideal length
4–5 nights in Orlando
Booked through
Travelmation, a Universal Orlando Preferred Travel Agency
Highlights
What not to miss
Newest
Epic Universe
Universal’s newest park, with five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, the Ministry of Magic, Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Perks
Early Park Admission
On-site hotel guests enter select areas before the crowds.
Magic
The Wizarding World
Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, the Hogwarts Express — and now the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe.
Water
Volcano Bay
Universal’s tropical water theme park.
Stay
Premier hotels
Select on-site hotels include Universal Express Unlimited at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (not Epic Universe or Volcano Bay).
Hollywood
Studio Tour & more
The famous Studio Tour, Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World and the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Step into the wizarding world
Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are the lands I love planning most. These are from my own visits, and I know just when to go and where to linger.
Diagon Alley
A dragon atop Gringotts
Gringotts
A goblin at the teller’s desk
Hogwarts Castle
Spires above Hogsmeade
Dumbledore’s office
Inside the castle walls
Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade
All aboard the Hogwarts Express
Riding the train between King’s Cross and Hogsmeade takes a park-to-park ticket, one of the details I make sure is in place before you arrive.
Hogsmeade
Snow-capped rooftops, year-round
Death Eaters
A rare sighting in Diagon Alley
Hogwarts Express
King’s Cross Station
Gringotts
The marble lobby
Holidays at Universal
Merry Grinchmas
Every holiday season, Seuss Landing turns into Who-ville. Grinchmas is one of my favorite times to visit, and I plan around the shows, the meet-and-greets and the festive treats.
The Grinch
A royal welcome
All smiles
Laughing with the Grinch
Grinchmas
Seuss Landing, all decked out
Signed, the Grinch
“Go away!” with love
Holiday dining
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
Seats at this holiday breakfast go quickly, so I book them the moment they open and your morning starts with a visit from the Grinch himself.
Breakfast treats
Cinnamon rolls and Grinch shakes
Who-ville friends
Holiday cheer at every table
Who-ville friends
Fashion straight from Who-ville
Cat in the Hat
A Seuss Landing favorite
Wicked: The Experience
Welcome to Oz
At Universal Studios Florida, the yellow brick road leads into a world of costumes and props straight from the films. For Wicked fans, it’s a stop I always work into the plan.
Oz
Every detail, emerald and gold
Elphaba
Her “Defying Gravity” look
The entrance
Follow the yellow brick road
Ozdust Ballroom
Dressed for the dance
Wicked: The Experience
Shiz & the Emerald City
From Shiz University to the Emerald City, every room is a costume lover’s dream. Leave time to browse; the gift shop is part of the fun.
Glinda
Her signature pink robe
Fiyero
Velvet and gold
Shiz University
Where the story begins
Elphaba & Glinda
Side by side
Experiences
What I plan for you
Park strategy
A day-by-day plan across every park.
Hotel choice
On-site hotels with the perks that matter most to you.
Express passes
When Express is worth it — and how to get it.
Families & groups
Planning for every age and thrill level.
When to go
When to go
Quieter times
Jan–Feb & fall
Shorter waits outside school holidays.
Special events
Halloween Horror Nights
Seasonal nighttime events in the fall, plus Universal Mardi Gras in spring and the holiday season.
Sample itinerary
Five days in Orlando
A starting point — every itinerary is designed around you.
I
Arrive
Day 1
Check in on-site and explore CityWalk.
II
Epic Universe
Day 2
A full day in Universal’s newest park.
III
Universal Studios Florida
Day 3
Diagon Alley and blockbuster attractions.
IV
Islands of Adventure
Day 4
Hogsmeade and headline coasters.
V
Volcano Bay
Day 5
A relaxing water-park finale.
Good to know
Questions I hear most
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On busy days, yes — and select Premier hotels include it for two parks.
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Yes, in Orlando or California. I plan combined trips often.
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Four to five days in Orlando to enjoy all four parks.
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