59 GUIDES
Universal Orlando Resort is the destination I cover in the most depth. My guides are based on first-hand visits to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay, with detailed advice on tickets, Express Pass, on-site hotels and ride strategy.
There are hundreds of souvenirs available to purchase at Universal Orlando. Even more now that Universal has opened its third theme park, Epic Universe. Not all souvenirs are created equal. Only some are worth your hard-earned cash. I’ve been visiting Universal Orlando for over a decade and bought most of the items on this list…
Are you considering visiting the Universal Orlando Resort on your trip to Florida? I’ve travelled to Florida and Universal Orlando several times over the past decade. So I know first hand whether a trip to Universal Orlando is worth your time and money. If you are interested in theme parks, the Universal Orlando Resort is…
Universal Orlando only uses fireworks in the new CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular show. CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular takes place on the lagoon at Universal Studios Florida. This show replaced Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration and features: However, CineSational is not available year-round. Instead, shows are halted for special events such as Halloween Horror Nights. Therefore, checking…
You are permitted to bring food and drink into Universal Orlando. However, there are some rules you should know first: Having visited Universal Orlando more than ten times over the past decade, both with and without children, I understand first-hand the practicalities of bringing food and drink with you to the park. Methodology: Policy verified…
📝 Update reference (delete this block when update is complete) Target word count: ~2700 · Primary keyword: universal hollywood vs orlando Distinguishing move: Three-park Wizarding World verdict from the May 2026 press trip including Cosme Acajor at Epic Universe against Ollivanders Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, with VIP tour observations. Use the recommended H2 structure below…
Fanny packs are great for Universal Studios. They keep your phone, wallet, and small belongings close and let you ride hands-free. You can wear a fanny pack on most rides at Universal Orlando in 2026. The exception is rides covered by Universal’s loose-articles policy, where every loose item must go in a free locker. The…
No visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is complete without a Butterbeer. The signature drink of the Harry Potter films has become one of the most iconic theme park beverages in the world, and is served at every Wizarding World location across all three Universal Orlando parks. Butterbeer is sold in various formats…
You can now buy Super Nintendo World merchandise in three Universal Studios destinations: The largest selection of Super Nintendo World merchandise is in the 1-Up Factory. This store is located inside each of the theme park’s Super Nintendo World areas. There are other stores at each of the parks that will stock Super Nintendo World…
Regardless of which park you’re visiting at the Universal Orlando Resort aim to arrive at the entrance gates 30 minutes prior to the parks opening time. This includes for Early Park Admission (where eligible). That means if the park shows it opens at 10:00am, you want to be at the gates ready for 9:30am. However,…
The Universal Orlando Resort covers 1,549 acres (627 hectares), nearly triple its 2015 size of 541 acres (219 hectares) after Epic Universe opened in May 2025. This includes: As well as all of the parking garages, roads, and facility management spaces that guests don’t typically see. Methodology: I’ve been visiting Universal Orlando regularly for over…
A wand is the souvenir most Harry Potter families bring home from the Wizarding World when visiting Universal Orlando. There are four wands to choose from and prices run from $55 for a non-interactive replica to $85 for the top interactive wand: Character Replica $55 before tax ✗ Casts spells in the parks ✗ Light…