Posted on July 01, 2025
Want an action and adventure-packed 2025? If you're down for ultimate enjoyment and thrill, head over to Universal Orlando Resort. Located in Orlando, Florida, the massive resort features four world-class theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the newly opened Epic Universe.
With the resort's enormous size, navigating across the parks can be very challenging. If you are a first-timer at Universal Orlando, this guide will help you. We want to make sure that you can make the most of your first visit at the resort. So, we will cover some important information for you to maximize your experience. Keep reading as we explore Universal Orlando Resort this 2025.
Planning a vacation to Universal Orlando Resort starts with a good travel arrangement. Here are the steps and options to consider for a smooth trip to Universal Orlando:
You have two flight options to get to Universal Orlando Resort. Most tourists opt for the popular option, which is Orlando International Airport (MCO). MCO is just a 20-minute drive from Universal.
If you're flying with Allegiant Air or Sun Country Airlines, you'll arrive at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). This is considered the further option for most visitors, as SFB is a 45-minute drive away from Universal Orlando.
Upon your arrival at MCO or SFB, you need to secure a ride to get to the resort. Just like traveling via plane, you may also opt for ride-hailing services or car rentals.
We highly recommend ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. These services can help you save money and skip the hassle of finding and paying for parking.
Another convenient and popular way to go to Universal Orlando is through shuttle services. When planning for your Universal vacation, advanced booking for shuttle services is recommended. For example, if you are staying at Universal hotels, you can take the Universal Studios Shuttle, a complimentary transportation for hotel guests.
Likewise, Universal Orlando visitors can also book Universal's SuperStar Shuttle. This will provide visitors with comfortable round-trip transportation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Universal's SuperStar Shuttle is a separately ticketed service and is NOT INCLUDED in your park admission tickets.
Operating hours at Universal Orlando Resort parks vary per season. Here are the operating hours of each park in June 2025:
As the hours may vary, it is recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Universal Orlando Resort quintessentially has everything you need in a theme park, plus more. The 1,291-acre resort is an architectural wonder, with state-of-the-art park rides and attractions inside. The most popular ones are the following:
See and experience the enchanting thrills of eight different lands in one theme park. Universal Studios Florida is home to these magical lands:
True to its name, Universal Islands of Adventure offers a diverse range of attractions perfect for all ages. Your Universal Orlando trip is not complete without visiting these exciting attractions:
Now is the best time to go to Universal Orlando Resort. The Universal EPIC Universe just opened last May 22, and we witnessed nothing but the best of five themed worlds! Universal Orlando's fourth official park unveiled awe-inspiring dimensions and experiences that all adventure seekers will love. Don't miss the chance to experience these five amazing dimensions:
This could be your favorite Universal Orlando spot, if you love to dance, shop, and dine. Universal CityWalk has over 30 amazing dining spots, an exciting nightclub, a 19-screen theater with show-stopping IMAX®, and more than 30 shops. It's one of the best Universal Orlando Resort attractions if you want to feel city life, Universal style.
Your day at Universal Orlando doesn't have to be exhausting. Sure, walking is still the best way to feel the Universal energy as you explore each attraction. But there are easier ways to get around Universal Orlando theme parks.
The resort provides free shuttle buses which connect Universal Resort Hotels to theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay) and CityWalk as well. Wait times for shuttle buses are short, as they run throughout the day. Take note of the following stops:
Starts 30 minutes before park opens.
Hooray for a more fun and unique way to explore the resort! Water Taxis are free for both hotel and off-site guests. These fancy boats operate between CityWalk and various Universal hotels. Water taxis run until 2:30 AM. Here are the specific hotel stops of water taxis:
If you don't mind another leg day, walking paths are perfect for you. Universal Orlando Resort has several walking paths that connect various destinations, including theme parks, resorts, and CityWalk. Some great walking path examples include Garden Walkway connecting Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Sapphire Falls, and Royal Pacific Resorts to CityWalk.
For a perfect Universal EPIC Universe experience, stay at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The lavish Greek God-themed hotel seamlessly integrates to the EPIC Universe, giving each guest an ultra-convenient experience.
Make your visit to Universal Orlando hassle-free. Take note of these accessibility services every Universal Orlando guest should know about.
Universal Orlando houses over 50 dining spots across its theme parks. Most snack bars and table service restaurants are located at the Universal CityWalk. Universal offers a wide range of food and drink options at each park, but here are the most famous ones you shouldn't miss:
If you are a sucker for fun and unique dining experiences, you might also want to try Thunder Falls Terrace for delicious entrees and dishes inspired by Jurassic Park. Krusty Burger is also a go-to choice for Simpson fanatics.
Accessible throughout Universal Orlando attractions.
Universal Orlando Resort offers numerous restrooms located in most attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Family restrooms are also accessible at Volcano Bay. While all restaurants at CityWalk have their own dedicated restrooms exclusive for patrons.
Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida both have family and companion restrooms located at the Family Services and First Aid sections. Volcano Bay has family restrooms under Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides and in the River Village - near the entrance to Honu ika Moana.
A long day at Universal Orlando Resort could be especially exhausting for guests with mobility problems. For your first visit to Universal Orlando, make sure to take note of the resort's policy on wheelchairs and ECV. Universal Orlando allows guests to bring their own wheelchairs and ECVs to aid common mobility issues.
Universal Orlando Resort also offers wheelchair and ECV rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can choose between regular models and canopy ECVs to maximize their trip to Universal Studios and other theme parks inside the resort. Wheelchair and ECV rental fees are separately charged and are not included when purchasing Universal Orlando tickets.
Where to find wheelchair and ECV rentals:
Universal Orlando offers First Aid stations at all its parks. You can be 100% at ease with your visit to Universal Orlando Resort because each station is staffed with registered nurses and professional paramedics.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal's Islands of Adventure
Universal Volcano Bay
Universal CityWalk
The things we mentioned earlier are just a small chunk of the best experiences that Universal has to offer. Universal Orlando packs so many surprises for its visitors. So, it's extremely important to plan your getaway early to avoid any inconvenience of last-minute mishaps. Here are some Universal Orlando Resort tips to make the most of this awesome destination.
And by this, we mean planning ahead of time. One of the most effective and proven tips for Universal Orlando first-timers is to plan in advance. Early planning can give you access to cheaper flights, transportation, and hotel reservations. We highly recommend purchasing Universal Orlando tickets during off-peak season to get huge discounts on tickets and vacation packages.
The money you can save from ticket discounts can be used for shopping and attending events at Universal Orlando. Oh-so worth it, right?
There are plenty of things to see and do at Universal Orlando. Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer spectacular rides and attractions. If you love attending events, refer to our guide to Universal Orlando Resort events this 2025. But if you have the wildest, action-filled imagination, the EPIC Universe would be perfect for you. Explore the realms of different dimensions and be in awe with this new world's world-class technology.
In addition to convenient access to transportation within the resort, a stay at a Universal Orlando hotel offers lots of benefits. For example, the hotels offer early park admission. This perk allows guests to access one theme park an hour before its opening, avoiding crazy huge crowds for popular attractions.
One more thing. Did you know that guests staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort are given a complimentary Universal Express Pass? The Universal Express Unlimited Pass helps guests skip the regular line at participating attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Easily one of our favorite Universal Orlando tips and tricks, you'll never go wrong in choosing comfort. Wearing soft, cushioned shoes and breathable clothing (especially during summer) are sure ways to maintain cool and comfort while exploring Universal Orlando.
Get more familiar with parks, rides, and other important locations inside the Universal property. Download the official Universal Orlando Resort App for easy access to park maps, wait times, and show schedules.
Add Universal Orlando Resort to your bucket list and explore the worlds of adventure, fun, and imagination this 2025. Universal Orlando has lots of surprises prepared for fans. From the opening of an EPIC park to annual events, don't forget to include Universal Orlando in your itinerary this year.
Plan ahead and stay in the loop for amazing updates on your favorite Universal parks. Grab your tickets now to snag the hottest deals to make your Universal vacation better than ever. Have an EPIC Universal escapade, FunExplorers!
