Answering Your Questions about Universal Studios Florida

You can’t learn unless you ask questions. It’s something everyone learns as a child, although we can get a bit embarrassed as adults.

Nobody likes to admit that we don’t know something, which is a bit silly. We all have fragile egos about some stuff, though.

Today, I’m going to save you the trouble of asking about the things you may not know regarding a beloved Universal Studios theme park.

Here are the answers to some of the most popular questions about Universal Studios Florida.

Where Is Universal Studios Florida?

There are several variations of this question. So, I’ll skip the snide “It’s in Florida!” reply and answer all of them at once.

Universal Orlando Resort resides in Central Florida. Specifically, it’s in the city of Orlando and Orange County. In this way, it’s the same as Walt Disney World.

Universal Studios Florida comprises one of two (Universal claims three) theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort.

The entrance to the park possesses an address of 6000 Universal Boulevard. Its sibling, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, resides at 7000 Universal Boulevard.

Why Is Universal Studios Better Than Walt Disney World?

Everyone has an opinion in life, so an argument in favor of one theme park or another comes down to personal philosophy.

Those who favor Universal Studios generally do so for a few reasons.

Universal parks cater more to adults in that you won’t find a lot of kiddie rides at either park.

Don’t get me wrong. There are some, but the total is lower than Disney.

Conversely, thrill rides that appeal to adults are much more prevalent at Universal Studios Florida.

Roller coasters like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Revenge of the Mummy will satisfy any adrenaline junkie.

The park also offers some motion simulator attractions like Transformers: The Ride 3D and The Simpsons Ride that will entertain older fans more than kids.

Also, Universal Studios somehow feels less overwhelming than Walt Disney World, which consists of four massive theme parks. For example…

Can Universal Studios Be Done in One Day?

The answer depends on what you have on your checklist and how you approach your visit.

Presuming that the park isn’t packed, you can get a lot done during a single day.

However, you’ll skip some stuff, especially if you spend a lot of time at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

How Many Days Should I Spend at Universal Studios?

Yeah, here’s a better approach to the same thought process.

Let’s presume that you’re a completionist who wants to do everything possible at Universal Studios Florida.

I would say that three days spent at each park would give you enough time to cross everything off your list and experience your favorites more than once.

So, I recommend a six-night visit for most people. You can take a quicker approach if you’re not as picky or visit during the off-season.

Of course, there’s one other trick…

Does Universal Studios Have FastPasses?

Technically, FastPasses are a Disney thing, but the concept of a virtual line exists at Universal, too.

Some rides employ virtual queueing, a fancy way of saying that you use your phone to grab a spot in line for a ride.

You don’t have to stand in that line. The system automatically holds a place for you at a set time.

However, Universal Studios offers something that’s better than anything at Disney.

You can buy a Universal Express Pass for the day(s) you’re visiting the park. This pass will allow you to skip almost the entire line at most rides.

When you have the Universal Express Pass, you can experience a lot more at the park in a single day.

Universal charges for these passes, but they may allow you to shorten the length of your vacation and thereby save money.

Of course, I’ve got an even better option for you. Guests who stay at hotels in the Universal Premier category receive Universal Express Unlimited for free.

With this pass, you can ride all participating rides at the park as often as you’d like.

I’ve used this pass multiple times, and it allows me to pack six days’ worth of visits into two days. I’m not even joking.

The Universal Express Unlimited Pass is worth every penny.

Which Universal Studios Resorts Are Open?

Okay, this question may confuse some people. So, please allow me to clarify.

The Coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of some Universal resorts.

The tourist destination simply doesn’t have enough demand right now to justify keeping all resorts open. Walt Disney World’s in the same boat.

So, here’s a current list of operating resorts at Universal Studios:

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Please understand that this situation remains fluid. Resorts could open or close at any moment.

Your best bet is to contact one of the experts at Let’s Adventure Travel. These award-winning vacation bookers know everything about Universal.

They can recommend where to stay and advise you on resort openings/closings. Best of all, their services are totally free to you!

Which Universal Studios Hotel Is Best?

I should hem and haw here and say that they’re all great…but I’m not gonna do that.

Hard Rock Hotel is the place to stay for a Universal Studios vacation.

You’re walking distance away from the park entrance, and you get the Universal Express Unlimited Pass by staying there, too.

Can You Do Universal Studios and Disney in One Trip?

YES! I’ve done this, and it’s perfectly manageable.

You can rent a car to drive between the resorts. Alternatively, you can grab an Uber or Lyft. I paid $35 one-way including the tip last time.

I’d suggest at least a seven-night trip for this strategy. You’ll want three days at Universal Studios, preferably with Universal Express Unlimited Pass.

Then, you’ll need four days at Walt Disney World, one for each theme park.

Please understand that you’ll experience an extremely hectic vacation by taking this approach.

Those who want a relaxing trip should visit Universal this time and Disney the next vacation.

Can Universal Studios Hold My Luggage?

Surprisingly, this question comes up quite a bit. It’s among the top five on this list, which I hadn’t expected.

The answer depends on what you have in mind. Universal Studios resorts will happily store your luggage while you’re at the parks.

The two scenarios where you’re likely to need this offer occur on your first and last days.

When you arrive early, your hotel room may not be ready yet. So, you can drop off your bags and head straight to Harry Potter Land.

On your departure day, you may have a late flight. If so, you don’t want to waste it hanging out at the hotel.

You can leave your bags at the resort, have fun on Men in Black: Alien Attack, and then grab your stuff when you’re ready to go.

That’s the regular answer. If you’re asking whether Universal features storage lockers, the answer is yes.

However, you would have to own the world’s tiniest luggage for it to fit in those lockers.

The rule at the parks is that they won’t hold luggage for you.

Some users have claimed that employees make exceptions in extreme circumstances, but you shouldn’t expect that.

Which Universal Park Has Harry Potter?

They both do! At Universal Studios Florida, you can visit Diagon Alley and London.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure constructed the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It features a lifelike recreation of Hogsmeade.

You’ll find Hogwarts Castle as the landmark at Islands of Adventure, while a fire-breathing dragon lords over Gringotts Bank at Universal Studios Florida.

Since we’re talking about the latter park, here’s what you need to know.

Diagon Alley hosts several stores, shows, and attractions. The ride here is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

This masterpiece combines elements of dark rides and roller coasters, placing you in a movie scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II.

The shows here will also make any Muggle believe in magic. So, you should stop and watch whenever you notice a crowd forming.

Do Universal Studios Theme Parks Connect?

YES!

The entrance to both parks is in the same vicinity, just across the street from Universal CityWalk Orlando.

Of course, that’s the dull way to transfer between the parks.

Universal constructed Hogwarts Express as a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.

This railroad ride carries guests from inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter from one land to the other.

You’ll never notice your surroundings, though. The ride’s theming includes digital displays as windows.

You’re not looking outside. Instead, you’re watching a Harry Potter story play out in your cabin as you ride between parks.

Hogwarts Express is my pick for the most brilliant attraction at Universal Studios. It’s a masterpiece.

Which Universal Theme Park Is better?

Technically, this is another instance where I should say that both are terrific…and they are!

Islands of Adventure is newer and features better theming. It also claims the most popular ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

So, I’d be inclined to say that one…if not for the fact that I’m a Simpsons superfan.

Universal Studios Florida built a real-world version of Springfield, complete with Krusty Burger and Moe’s Tavern. So, it gets my vote.

Seriously, though. You’ll want to spend as much time as possible at both parks. They’re spectacular.

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