Universal Orlando Tips

We spent 18 months mapping out the perfect Disney World vacation—only for it to land on the first week of April 2020, smack‑dab in the heart of lockdown. Fast‑forward a few years (and one major pivot later): somewhere between re‑watching every Harry Potter film on repeat, my three girls officially graduated from princesses to Potter spells, raptors, and mischievous Minions. So when it was finally safe to dust off our vacation dreams, Universal Orlando topped the wish‑list.

We visited in March 2025, just two months before the brand‑new Epic Universe park is set to open, so you won’t find a review of that here. What you will find? The silver lining of our timing—remarkably low crowds—plus all the Universal Orlando tips, wins, and honest “wish‑we‑had‑known” moments from a family that loves the idea of theme parks but not necessarily the roller‑coaster stomach flips. 

Let’s dive into what Universal Studios Florida is really like for families with Harry‑Potter‑obsessed, dinosaur‑loving, Minion‑giggling kids … who also happen to think simulators are a recipe for motion‑sickness mayhem.

What to Expect at Universal Studios Florida (aka: What You Really Need to Know Before You Go)

Before you book that trip or hit “buy” on your park tickets, here’s the real deal:

Clean, Well-Run, and Thematically Impressive

Universal Studios Florida is a clean, efficient, well-run park with incredible food, immersive lands, and that classic movie magic. The staff was friendly and helpful every step of the way, and everything from rides to restaurants was organized and easy to navigate. It’s a vibe.

Not Exactly for the Stroller Crowd

If you’re bringing littles, just know:

• This park is built for big kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
  

• Height requirements cut out a lot of rides for kids under 8.

• Older tweens and teens who love movies? They’ll thrive.
  

• If your kid lives for thrills or loves franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minions, Transformers, and Marvel, you're golden.

Be Ready for Thrills (and Screens)

Universal is not subtle with the roller coasters or simulators. Most of the marquee rides are:

• 3D simulators with motion-heavy action (think: Spider-Man & Transformers).
  

• Plenty of thrill-heavy coasters with spins, drops, and a bit of whiplash (think: VelociCoaster & Incredible Hulk Coaster)

• For anyone with motion sickness (🙋 me and two of my kids):
  

• Space out screen rides.

• Skip what feels like too much—there's still plenty to do!
  

Universal = Thrill-Seekers' Paradise

If your ideal theme park day involves flying through the air, escaping a dino chase, or battling aliens, this is your place.

• • For us? We figured out we’re not really roller coaster people on this trip 🤣—but we still had a great time.

  • But knowing that most of the big rides lean thrill-heavy helped us manage expectations and plan our days better.
    

If you’ve got older kids, teens, or adults who love movies and excitement, Universal Orlando is a blast. But if your group leans younger, more mellow, or gets queasy easily, it’s still fun—with a bit of extra planning and pacing.

Even though we’re not the biggest thrill ride family, we still had an amazing time—and that’s thanks to the incredible theming and immersive experiences throughout the park. Universal knows how to bring movies to life, and nowhere is that more true than in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Which brings me to our favorite part of the entire trip…

A Potterhead’s Paradise (Hufflepuff Mom Reporting!)

We’re the family that sorts the dog into a Hogwarts house, so naturally, we planned our entire itinerary around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We honestly weren’t sure it could live up to the hype—but it absolutely does. You truly feel like you’ve stepped inside the world of Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and Diagon Alley. 

Here’s how to wring every last drop of magic from both lands:

Be at the gate 30 minutes early and head straight to the Wizarding World that’s opening.

• If it’s Diagon Alley, sprint through the brick wall and savor those empty streets while the dragon’s roar echoes overhead.
  

• If it’s Hogsmeade, take that first snowy stroll toward Hogwarts Castle with zero crowds in your photos.

Diagon Alley Highlights

Step through the bricks and you’re in the wizarding world. Snap the fam in front of Gringotts—the dragon breathes fire every so often.

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: I love this ride because you plunge deep beneath the goblin bank and feel the real danger down there. Spoiler-free PSA: if coasters or motion sickness aren't your jam, maybe wave your wand elsewhere—she spins, tilts, and twists.  

• Ollivander's Wand Experience: Even if you’re not “chosen,” spring for an interactive wand. It’ll result in hours of spell‑casting fun across both lands.

• Fortescue’s: The butterbeer ice cream is worth the wait!

Photo Ops You’ll Kick Yourself for Missing:

• Fire‑breathing dragon overhead from Gingotts
  

• Knight Bus + talking shrunken head
  

• Vanishing cabinet at Borgin and Burkes (Knockturn Alley)

Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express is a ride and transport between the Harry Potter worlds; the story changes each direction, so ride both ways. A Park‑to‑Park ticket is required to board the Hogwarts Express—and trust me, that train is non‑negotiable for kids (and grown‑ups) who want to live out the books

Hogsmeade Highlights

Wander through the snow-covered village straight out of the films, complete with cobblestone streets, magical shop windows, and the majestic view of Hogwarts towering in the background. 

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: An intense 3‑D action ride with a lot of sudden movements and tipping almost completely backwards. If spinning sets you off, walk the queue anyway— touring Hogwarts Castle (talking portraits, Dumbledore's office, etc) is a highlight. 

• Flight of the Hippogriff: A family‑friendly coaster that’s short, sweet, and (relatively) gentle. Still a no‑go for me, but my kids were ecstatic to fly with Buckbeak on repeat.

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: This ride is legendary—and intense. You're flying through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s motorbike (or in the sidecar) at wild speeds with unexpected twists and turns, sudden drops, and even a backward launch.

  • It’s incredible for thrill seekers… but let’s just say, not for the faint of heart. One of my daughters actually passed out from the intensity (don’t worry, she was totally fine—but it was definitely a wake-up call for how extreme this coaster is).

💡 Mom tip: Don’t ride this one on a full stomach. Trust me. Eat after this magical adventure.

• Three Broomsticks: Home‑style British fare and our favorite sit‑down meal of the trip

• Honeydukes: The sweet shop of your dreams. Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizbees, Every Flavor Beans—you name it.

Photo Ops You’ll Kick Yourself for Missing:

• The Hogwarts Express conductor is there for photos and full of in-character charm.
  

• Hogwarts itself? Insta-gold.

Final Magical Thoughts ✨

Take your time exploring—this isn’t a sprint. Some of our favorite memories came from wandering the quieter corners of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, just soaking it all in. Look down for brass medallions—they mark hidden spell spots your interactive wand can activate. (Watching the kids light up when a window actually moves is pure joy.)

And yes, you’ll want to try every version of Butterbeer. The plant-based one was our favorite, and the ice cream is a must. Just be prepared: your kids will beg for more. (Ours were casting spells on us to buy extra snacks. It didn’t work… but nice try, Gryffindor.)

Slow down. Linger. Let yourself be immersed.

Rides Our Family Actually Loved (Even Without Loving Roller Coasters!)

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We discovered we’re not roller‑coaster people on this trip—well, I’m not (VelociCoaster? Hard pass 😅)—but my one thrill‑seeking kid proved otherwise:

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: Story-driven coaster/simulator hybrid. My older two rode it multiple times while I happily people-watched in Diagon Alley with a Butterbeer in hand.

• Hogwarts Express: Themed, relaxing, and straight-up magical for Harry Potter lovers. You need the Park-to-Park ticket to ride, but it’s 100% worth it
  

• Flight of the Hippogriff: A family-friendly coaster that’s short, sweet, and (relatively) gentle. Still a no-go for me, but my kids were ecstatic to fly with Buckbeak on repeat.
  

• E.T. Adventure: Pure nostalgic magic. Everyone’s universal favorite—no pun intended.
  

• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack: Interactive laser-tag vibes = instant crowd-pleaser. We may have gotten way too competitive on this one.

• Villain-Con Minion Blast: Another interactive hit, even if you’re not a Minions mega fan.
  

• Minion Mayhem: The gentlest of the simulator rides. If you’re unsure how your crew will do with motion simulators, this one’s a great way to test the waters.
  

• Trolls Trollercoaster: A sweet starter coaster that felt just right for our crew.
  

• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride: Great for littles and a perfect break from the chaos (and height requirements).

• Pteranodon Flyers: A hidden gem in Jurassic Park! You soar above the trees for the coolest aerial view—it's smooth, breezy, and not too scary. Pro tip: there is a height maximum, so adults can’t ride unless with a child. We loved this one so much, we got back in line right after.

Don’t Miss: Non‑Ride Experiences

• Raptor Encounter: I legit jumped so high I almost peed in my pants when that raptor lunged. Totally worth it.
  

• Spell‑Casting Stations:  Use those new wands to make shop windows come alive. We did not buy wands as they are not cheap, but we watched other kids make things come to life! 

💡 Mom tip: Borrow a wand from a friend before you go! Several friends mentioned having one once we got home, and would have happily lent them to us! 

• Character Meet‑and‑Greets: Minions, Blue the Raptor, Shrek & Fiona, The Hogwarts Express conductor, and more.

Must-Do Photo Ops Around the Park

Universal Orlando has no shortage of iconic spots to snap a family pic (or 12). Here are the can’t-miss moments, broken down by park:

Universal Studios Florida

• The Universal Globe: Classic. You have to get the shot as you enter the park.
  

• Back to the Future’s DeLorean: Right outside the Simpsons area. Even if your kids don’t know the movie, it’s still fun.

• Night Bus + Kreacher in the Window: Also in Diagon Alley. Bonus points if you catch Kreacher peeking through the curtains.
  

Islands of Adventure

• Hogwarts Castle: The ultimate backdrop. Whether you’re about to ride Forbidden Journey or just soaking in the view, this one’s a must.

• Jurassic Park Entrance Gates: Channel your inner dino adventurer and snap one here.

• Jurassic Park Jeep & Raptor Encounter: You’ll find these near the Raptor Encounter. Time your visit right and you might even jump like I did. 🫣

• Hogwarts Express (Hogsmeade side: Different look from the one in Universal Studios Florida, so grab both!

• Hogwarts Express + Conductor: Right near the center of Hogsmeade. The conductor is always in character—so fun.

Best Food at Universal Orlando

Let’s be real: we were mostly snacking and sprinting from ride to ride, but we did manage to eat some really solid meals—and discovered a few foodie gems worth sharing. We were honestly surprised by how good the food at Universal Orlando was across the board!

Where We Actually Ate (and Loved)

• Three Broomsticks (Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade): Cozy, magical, and way better than we expected for a theme park. The rotisserie chicken was a hit, and we all loved the savory beef pasties—perfect comfort food. The whole vibe made us feel like we were dining in the Great Hall.
  

• Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (CityWalk): Yes, it’s sushi and burgers—surprisingly good and great for picky eaters. Service was on the slower side, so don’t come here hangry.
  

• VIVO Italian Kitchen (CityWalk): Fresh pastas, delicious salads, and a nice break from the typical theme park food. Again, slower service, but the food made up for it.
  

On Our List for Next Time

These restaurants get rave reviews, and we’re definitely making time for them on our next visit:

• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen: For over-the-top milkshakes and steampunk vibes
  

• Mythos Restaurant (Islands of Adventure): Consistently rated one of the best theme park restaurants in the world
  

• Minion Café (Universal Studios Florida): Adorable theming and fun menu for kids and adults alike
  

Snacking Like Pros

Most of our meals were on-the-go to maximize ride time. Pretzels, churros, popcorn—you know, the essentials. Pro tip: try the Butterbeer ice cream and the dairy-free version. Our crew liked the dairy-free one better!

We also grabbed quick meals we could eat while walking to the park in the mornings so we could get there right at rope drop—totally worth it.

Hydration = Key 🔑

We brought a backpack stocked with water bottles and refilled at stations throughout the parks. Yes, you can bring food into Universal Studios Orlando, but with a few rules:

• ✅ Small snacks and up to 2 liters of water (in non-glass bottles)
  

• ✅ Refillable water bottles (highly recommend)
  

• ❌ No picnic lunches, glass containers, or food that needs heating or refrigeration
  

• ❌ No hard-sided coolers
  

Bring water. Pack snacks. Save your money for the Butterbeer.

What We Actually Brought Into the Park (and Were SO Glad We Did)

Here’s the deal: a day at Universal Orlando means miles of walking, Florida heat (and surprise rain), and lots of waiting-in-line moments. What you bring can make or break the day—and this list kept us prepped, comfy, and (mostly) tantrum-free.

Our Must-Haves

• Portable phone charger: Obviously 🤣 Between ride updates, mobile food ordering, and a thousand photos, your phone will die faster than you think.
  

• Lightweight travel backpack: Ours held just enough without weighing us down. Inside our backpack was:
  

• Water bottles (we refilled throughout the day)
  

• Sunscreen (a spray version is easiest)
  

• Snacks: granola bars, jerky sticks, PB packets, Solely fruit snacks = mom-win fuel
  

• Ponchos: It rained the first morning, and I was SO glad we packed them. Bonus: they’re great if you ride anything splashy like Jurassic Park River Adventure.
  

• Comfy sneakers: We walked over 20,000 steps in a day—don’t mess around with footwear.
  

• Spare socks & extra sneakers: Yes, really. When it rained, dry socks midday felt like luxury. If you're planning to ride anything wet, it's 100% worth it.
  

• Crossbody bags for me and my tween: I loved having my phone, lip gloss, and hair ties handy without digging through the backpack constantly.

Bonus Items You’ll Thank Yourself For

• Travel-size hand sanitizer & wipes: Sticky fingers, popcorn spills, bathroom moments—you know the drill.
  

• Cooling towel or mini fan: Especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. Game. Changer.
  

• Ziplock bags: Toss your phone or wet clothes in them if it rains or you get soaked on a ride.
  

• Travel Ibuprofen: The heat is no joke—stay hydrated, but keep ibuprofen handy for heat-induced headaches.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Day

Here are my top Universal Orlando tips to consider when planning out your trip and how you’ll spend your time. 

1: Pick Your Dates Wisely: Avoid the Christmas season & Halloween Horror Nights if possible. January, February, April (non‑Spring‑Break), and early May = lightest crowds.

2: Check Park Hours Daily: They shift. Confirm the night before.

3: Rope‑Drop Strategy: Be at the gate when it opens and be ready to speed walk to your main attraction of interest.

4: Stay On‑Site for Perks: We loved Loews Portofino Bay:

• Free Universal Express Unlimited passes.

• Early Park Admission (enter up to 1 hour early).

• Water taxis & shuttles (we often walked).

5: Child Swap Is Your Friend: One adult rides while the other waits with younger kids (or kids who don’t want to ride certain rides), then swap without re‑queuing.

6: Take a Midday Break: Recharge at the hotel pool during peak heat/crowds.

7: Download the Universal Orlando App: Interactive maps, virtual queues, real‑time waits and you can place mobile food orders. We used this app more than I was expecting. 

Is Universal Worth It for Non‑Thrill Families?

We are (mostly) a non-thrill family and loved our time at Universal Studios Orlando. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip: 

• Best ages: 8 +. Height minimums (40–54") cap what younger kids can ride.
  

• Two key filters: height and motion‑sickness tolerance. Measure the kiddos, know those stomach limits, and set expectations.
  

• For tweens, teens, and movie buffs, Universal is a slam‑dunk. For stroller‑aged kiddos, consider waiting a couple of years—or plan short days with lots of child swap and play areas.

It’s easy to get caught up in racing from ride to ride, but some of our favorite memories came from slowing down and simply being in the moment. Walking through the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade or hearing dinosaurs roar in Jurassic Park felt like we’d stepped straight into another world.

Take time to wander the lesser-traveled alleys in Diagon Alley, linger by the Hogwarts Express, or find a quiet bench in Jurassic Park to soak it all in. Not only will you catch more of the magical details, but your photos will thank you (fewer crowds = better backdrops).

Universal Orlando is packed with big thrills and blockbuster fun—but don’t underestimate the joy in the in-between moments, too.

If you’ve been to the theme park or plan on going in the next year, I’d love to hear your Universal Orlando tips!