Universal Orlando With a Baby – The Ultimate Guide
I’ve visited Universal Orlando with both of my babies as young as six months, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.
The Universal Orlando Resort markets itself towards families with older children. As such, there’s limited information about visiting with little ones, so I hope my experience will help you:
- Decide if a Universal Orlando vacation is right for your young family
- Make decisions about where to stay and what to do during your Universal Orlando vacation
Babies can visit Universal Orlando, as there are no age restrictions. However, they won’t be tall enough for most of the rides. For this reason, children under three years old can visit the Universal Orlando theme parks for free.
Accommodation
An on-site hotel is the best place to stay when visiting Universal Orlando with a baby. These hotels are close to the parks and offer free transportation, making it easy to take breaks and return to your room when needed.
Staying on-site at Universal Orlando used to be expensive, but the introduction of Prime Value hotels has made it much more affordable. Now, rooms can be found for as little as $120 per night.
The Prime Value range of hotels is especially great for families with young kids, as many offer a kitchenette for added convenience.
Free transport to and from the parks is available via shuttle buses, and at select hotels, water taxis are also an option. Some hotels are within walking distance of the parks, providing even more flexibility.
Strollers must be folded before boarding buses, but water taxis allow open strollers when space is available.
Attractions & Activities
What your baby can do at Universal Orlando will depend on their age and development. If they are unable to sit up independently, then they can:
- Have photos with Universal characters
- Go on the Hogwarts Express
- Enjoy the splash pads at Volcano Bay
If your baby can sit up independently, they can go on the rides with no height requirement. This includes:
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish at Islands of Adventure
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl at Universal Studios Florida
- Caro-Seuss-el at Islands of Adventure
Pro Tip: If your child is too small or unwilling to go on a ride, then you can use child-swap.
Strollers
You can bring your stroller to Universal Orlando or rent one inside the parks. The size of personal strollers is not restricted. However, rental strollers aren’t great for babies. They are made from rigid plastic, sit low to the ground, and offer little support.
Considering the size of Universal Orlando, I recommend using a stroller for children up to at least five years old.
Feeding
You can bring baby food, bottles, and medicine into Universal Orlando – even in glass containers, though glass is usually not allowed.
If you forget to bring baby food (purée), I’ve found pouches sold inside Starbucks at the parks. However, I’ve never found baby formula sold at Universal Orlando in any format.
Each Universal Orlando theme park has a Baby Care Center, an indoor space for feeding and changing your baby. These areas are smaller and less comfortable than those at Walt Disney World but also less popular.
Baby Care Centers at Universal Orlando aren’t signposted. Instead, they are inside the First Aid Center, which is clearly marked throughout the park.