Tips and Tricks, Ride Reviews, What’s New, and Where to Stay
This 2024 Universal Studios Orlando planning guide includes park strategy tips, recommendations for the best food at Universal Orlando, what you shouldn’t miss between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, whether you should stay on-site at Universal, and more – as is our goal with all of our articles across destinations – save money and experience more.
Universal Studios Orlando has seen significant changes in the 12 years since the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle sections of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened.
That inaugural launch sparked a decade of investment in Universal Orlando, which has made the resort an excellent addition to your Orlando trip. Of course, many tourists will add a stop at
Universal Orlando to their current Walt Disney World trip, but I’ve been hearing from readers and meeting folks in the Universal theme parks who are only staying at the resort for a couple of days.
Here are just a few of the experiences that Universal Studios Orlando has added in the last decade: FIVE Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions, a next-level Bourne stunt show, a popular Despicable Me simulator attraction, a King Kong ride experience with one of the largest Audio-Animatronics I’ve ever seen, and an incredible Jurassic World.
Now that I’ve illustrated how much Universal Studios Orlando has developed, I’d want to offer you some suggestions. There’s simply too much to explore at Universal Orlando in one day. To really enjoy everything the resort has to offer, you’ll need at least two days to explore both theme parks.
Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Levels 2024
During the school year, Universal Studios Orlando’s weekly attendance trends resemble Disneyland rather than Walt Disney World. There is a large contingent of local pass holders at Universal Orlando that come to the resort on weekends, making weekdays the best time to schedule your trip to the parks.
This is something you should consider if you are adding add Universal Studios Orlando days to your Walt Disney World visit.
When school is not in session (holiday season or summer vacation), Universal Studios Orlando crowds do not follow the same reasoning, and there will be large visitor crowds regardless of the day of the week.
Given that Universal Orlando is still mostly utilized as an add-on to a Walt Disney World or other Orlando vacation, I will abstain from attempting to discuss the ideal months to visit the resort. Check out our Walt Disney World crowd calendar for tips on weather, crowd levels, and the best time to visit.
During my recent mid-week trip to the resort, I was glad to note that no lineups were overly lengthy, including at the most popular activities.
What’s new at Universal Studios Orlando for 2024?
As I said above, there has been a lot of change at Universal Studios Orlando during the last decade. New attractions, hotels, waterpark, and a third theme park are now under construction!
A BRAND NEW Minions Land will debut in summer 2023 at Universal Orlando, with a new Minions ride, Minions-themed cuisine, Illuminations characters, and more. Learn all about it in our Minions Land guide. In addition, Universal Orlando will open a new DreamWorks-themed park with additional thrills.
The Jurassic World: VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Bourne Stunt Spectacular continue to be the most anticipated attractions.
How many days to visit Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando is worth at least two days; the two parks are so large and packed with attractions that one day just isn’t enough to see everything.
The only reason to spend only one day at the resort is if you don’t have enough time or don’t love any of Universal Studios Orlando’s more exciting attractions. Even if the latter is the case,
I recommend that you explore all of the resort’s entertainment options. On my future trip, I intend to take in even more of the atmospheric street performances and shows. You may learn more about our adult tips at Universal Orlando here.