Every time I go on a trip with someone or have a friend visit me for a few days, I create a shared note in my phone and list all the places we should visit, restaurants we should try, activities we should do, and sights we should see. At the bottom of each of these notes is a section I always title “Loose Schedule.” But today, I have a confession to make: there has never been anything loose about the schedule. It’s an itinerary in sheep’s clothing and I won’t be apologizing for that. (Yes, I’m a Virgo and eldest daughter, why do you ask?)
Organizing is good. Having a game-plan is smart. And for a destination as vast and packed with must-do gems as Universal Orlando Resort, it just makes sense to have an itinerary. I have mastered the art of planning a theme park vacation to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay over the years, and I am stoked to be able to add Universal Epic Universe into the mix.
If you’re like me and dreaming of that perfect Universal vacation once Epic Universe opens, you’re in luck. Below is a quick vacation itinerary for Universal Orlando Resort’s four theme parks. This is really just scratching the surface of all there is to see and do at Universal and I highly recommend adding an extra day or two to your vacation to make sure you see it all (and get some relaxing-by-the-hotel-pool time, which is, IMO, crucial). Also, if you’re looking for less of my yapping and more a list of must-do’s in the theme parks, click here.
Universal Epic Universe Day
Don’t worry, I won’t tell the other theme parks that this is what you came here for. We’re all a tizzy to check out Epic Universe when it opens this year, and I have a feeling any way to experience this new theme park from Universal is going to be exceptional. But I’ve got a game plan for my day one and I don’t think you’d be here if you didn’t want to hear it.
- One glance at the breakfast menu for Cafe L’air De La Sirene and it’s official: I’ll be beelining for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic when the gates open. Now that that’s decided, we return to the age-old debate: sweet or savory for breakfast? I’m leaning both. Thinking Oeuf en Cocotte (poached eggs in a rich marnay sauce served with a toasted baguette) as my main and a Butterbeer Crepe as a breakfast dessert. And you can’t forget coffee: fuel up with an Orange Chocolate Cortado or a Toffee Brule Latte.
- After breakfast, I recommend exploring 1920s Paris, wand at the ready. Cast some spells with the new interactive wand experience and be sure to catch the first-of-its-kind live show, Le Cirque Arcanus.
- Next up, it’s time to take on Dolores Umbridge (something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time) on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This groundbreaking dark ride is sure to be a standout attraction in the new theme park and I am so excited to give it a go.
- After savoring everything else this third installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer, head over to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD! First up, it’s time for some Key Challenges. Be sure to purchase a Power-Up Band (more details on those here) and enjoy interactive play throughout this world to collect digital coins and more. This is also a great time to catch up with friends like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad.
- Keep the competitive energy you kicked off with the Key Challenges going and take a ride on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Afterward, get your adrenaline going by heading over to Donkey Kong Country and boarding the family coaster, Mine-Cart Madness. Before leaving Donkey Kong Country, don’t forget to say hello to Donkey Kong!
- The desserts at Toadstool Cafe are truly on another level, so if you could use a sweet treat, stop by and dig into the delicious ? Block Tiramisu.
- With the taste of thrill in my bones, it’s time for Stardust Racers in Celestial Park. This is a racing, dual-launch coaster and it hits over 60 mph and reaches a max height of 133 feet and oh my gosh I am just so excited to ride it! Nothing gives you a burst of energy mid-afternoon quite like a roller coaster.
- Lunch time! And Celestial Park has so many options to check out. I prefer a full service meal for lunch so I can sit a while and enjoy a break, so I recommend either Atlantic or The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant for lunch. If you’re a fan of seafood, I think you have to go with Atlantic’s Prince Edward Island Mussels and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. And for my Asian food lovers, the Double Fried Korean Wings and Tonkotsu Ramen are the standouts from The Blue Dragon.
- Next up, let’s head over to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. First up on my list in this world? Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel for a Mac & Cheese Cone snack. I love spicy food, so the Dragon Fire Chicken Spire with its Calabrian chimichurri and Nashville-styled pulled chicken is calling my name.
- There is so much I’m excited to experience in Isle of Berk, but at the top of the list is meeting Toothless and Hiccup! Next up, I want to get that dragon’s eye view of Berk on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
- As the sun is setting and the skies get dark, there’s only one place to be: Dark Universe. The village of Darkmoor is home to monsters and their makers and is especially creepy at night. First up on my list in this area is the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience! I want to fit in with my fellow monsters throughout my trek through their home.
- PRO TIP: The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience requires a separate purchase to participate and is open to guests five and older. Seats are limited; save time by buying your experience ahead of time!
- To cap off my rides for the day, I’m heading to Frankenstein Manor to experience Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This thrilling dark ride has appearances by several fan-favorite monsters, so it is certain to terrify me (and you) in more than one way.
- Cap off your night with a leisurely stroll through Celestial Park and enjoy the gardens all lit up! If you’re staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, might I suggest a nightcap?
For more information on Universal Epic Universe, check out our everything you need to know guide here.
Universal Islands of Adventure Day
Islands of Adventure has lands inspired by literature, three adrenaline-raising roller coasters, and an award-winning restaurant (IYKYK), Mythos Restaurant. It is truly one of my favorite places on earth to spend a day meeting Super Heroes, fleeing Dementors, racing with Velociraptors, and catching up with the Cat in the Hat. Oh wait! It’s the only place on earth I can do all those things. Yeah, Islands of Adventure rules and here’s a few ideas on how to plan your day in it.
- Tip one for a day in Islands of Adventure actually needs to be in place long before you see the lighthouse at the entrance: book a stay at a Universal Orlando hotel. You’re going to want that Early Park Admission to get into the theme park up to an hour before park opening! (My favorite Universal hotel is Sapphire Falls Resort, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them.)
- Breakfast at Three Broomsticks is a must for any “Harry Potter” fan. I think you gotta go authentic with the traditional English Breakfast, but I won’t judge you if the smell of pancakes lures you into its syrup-y embrace.
- Let your stomach settle a little and explore all the sights of Hogsmeade village. Catch the Frog Choir or Triwizard Spirt Rally outside of Hogwarts castle, peruse the selections at Ollivanders Wand Shop, and go say hey to the conductor of the Hogwarts Express.
- Ride time. Start slow on the Flight of the Hippogriff before heading into Hogwarts castle for what I believe is a perfect celebration of all things magical, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
- When you’re ready for a breather and some lunch, Islands of Adventure has two of my favorite restaurants on property — Mythos Restaurant and Confisco Grille. Both have consistently delicious staple food items and seasonal offerings that always hit. Start with the hummus, thank me later.
- Post-lunch should be spent moseying through Seuss Landing. Check the Universal Orlando Resort app to see when the next showing of Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear is and be sure to hop on The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride for a leisurely ride and the best views of the theme park.
- Head over to Marvel Super Hero Island next! Everyone is going to tell you to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster (and they’re right, you should) and obviously there’s no missing The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (a top theme park ride, IMO), but I’m the itinerary-writer here and I’m telling you plainly: Storm Force Accelatron is a can’t-miss blast of an experience.
- On a hot day, nothing beats Toon Lagoon. Grab a soft-serve ice cream from Cathy’s Ice Cream, and enjoy a raucous good time on Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.
- Time to head over to the ride I imagine caught your eye upon entering the theme park this morning: Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
- As the day winds down, I recommend heading back over to Hogsmeade for a nighttime ride on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. I truly believe this ride at night is a flawless coaster-riding experience.
For more ideas to spend a day in Universal Islands of Adventure, check out our one-day guide here.
Universal Studios Florida Day
Universal Studios Florida and I are right about the same age (we’re both very young and look it, too, I agree), so I’ve always had a real connection to and love for this theme park. The atmosphere alone is something I look forward to experiencing when I’m planning a theme park visit. Some of my best memories are sitting on some bench in Central Park, snacking on a crepe from Central Park Crêpes or grabbing a Butterbeer from The Hopping Pot in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and wandering around the wizarding shops.
Universal Studios doesn’t just deliver on vibes, though — it has some of my favorite rides, shows, and bites in the entire resort. Here’s how I recommend spending a day in Universal Studios Florida.
- Breakfast at TODAY Cafe or San Francisco Pastry Company. (I recommend a nice protein-heavy breakfast sandwich to fuel up for the day!)
- Mid-morning visit to the characters in DreamWorks Land, then stop at the Green Planet on E.T. Adventure before saving the Universe on MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack.
- Head over to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley to catch a show (I love The Tales of Beedle the Bard!), grab an ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s and get your thrill hit in with Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
- Lunch at either Finnegan’s Bar and Grill or Lombard’s Seafood Grille. Theme park days are a lot of go-go-go, so I always prefer a sit-down lunch to take a breather. If you’re in a go-go-go-some-more kind of family, though, you can’t go wrong with the cart selling jacket potatoes outside of Diagon Alley or Central Park Crêpes for a quick-bite.
- I am famously pro letting your food settle before riding rides, so catch a post-lunch show! My personal favorites are Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, Beat Builders and ¡Vamos! – Báilalo, but c’mon. This is Universal! Every show is excellent.
- Time to get that adrenaline up again! Flee the curse on Revenge of the Mummy, defend the AllSpark on TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D, and speed through the Big Apple on Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
- There are a ton of meet-and-greet options throughout Universal Studios, so make sure to carve out some time in your afternoon to stop by and say hey to Shrek, Scooby and the gang, the TRANSFORMERS and SpongeBob SquarePants himself!
- The best way to end a day at Universal Studios is with Universal Mega Movie Parade, which runs on select dates during the year. Grab a to-go shake from Mel’s Diner and nab a spot along Hollywood Boulevard for one hell of a show celebrating Universal’s history of impeccable moviemaking.
- PRO TIP: If the Mega Movie Parade isn’t available during your visit, you may be able to enjoy the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Parade — running on select dates during Universal Mardi Gras — or Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s — running on select dates during the Holidays at Universal — instead!
For more ideas to spend a day in Universal Studios Florida, check out our one-day guide here.
Universal Volcano Bay Day
I’ll say it — a lot of people think they can skip the water park day during their theme park vacation, and I am an absolute adamant believer that you can’t. Universal’s water theme park, Volcano Bay, is an incredible slice of paradise, and no Universal itinerary is complete without it. The theming, the thrills, the chills, the food? You’re missing out on some of the best that Universal has to offer if you’re not adding a Volcano Bay day to your trip.
The best part about a Volcano Bay day is you really don’t need to over-plan it. But I suppose that’s what we’re doing here, so here goes all my tips for the best day at Volcano Bay…
- Step one: rent a cabana in advance (available for a separate fee). If you want to make all your coworkers back home jealous of your vacation, cabanas at Volcano Bay are the way to go. Trust me! It’s so nice to have a homebase as you explore the theme park and ride rides, it’s a game-changer to have an attendant to place your food and drink orders with and have them delivered right to you, and it just ups the relaxation factor to be slightly removed from other guests.
- With your cabana you’ll get some complimentary pastries for breakfast, but if you need a little something more, head over to Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club for one of their breakfast pizza options.
- You should never miss an opportunity to swim, and opportunity abounds at Volcano Bay. Head over to Waturi Beach for a dip in the pool, check out Kopiko Wai Winding River for a tranquil float, or level-up your thrill a bit on TeAwa The Fearless River.
- All right, it’s ride time. Krakatau Aqua Coaster is fun, it’s thrilling, it’s even fascinating. It’s sort of a raft ride, sort of a roller coaster, and fully a good time.
- After Krakatau, explore what else River Village has to offer. Honu ika Moana is a thrilling raft ride for a large group (with two route options so you can ride this twice with two different experiences!) and Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef are great play-area options for kids. This area also has my favorite dish at Volcano Bay: Jerk Shrimp Mac n’ Cheese from Whakawaiwai Eats.
- If you prefer your thrills in ride-form and not spicy-food form, either head back to your cabana to order lunch there or try one of the delicious sandwich options at Bambu. (I love the Mahi Sandwich and the Quinoa Edamame Burger.)
- Head over to the Rainforest Village area of Volcano Bay next for a slew of raft and tube rides: Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes is an equally-twisty set of routes for tubing with your crew, Punga Racers are perfect if you’re with a competitive group, and Maku and Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides are my favorite raft routes in the park.
- Something about spending all day in the water always makes me crave soft serve ice cream. I’m sure there’s a science behind the phenomenon and I won’t be looking into it, too busy grabbing a cone of Waturi Fusion at Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona.
- End the day either relaxing in your cabana or — if you’re there on a day when the park stays open later — taking 913 pictures of the sunset over the volcano.
For more ideas to spend a day at Universal Volcano Bay, check out our one-day guide here.
Welp, Universal is officially a four-theme-park destination! The crazy thing is I’ve written alllll this and I didn’t even get a chance to tell you about how to plan a perfect pool day at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or how Universal CityWalk has my favorite hidden gem on property for a cocktail and a chat, or how ridiculously cool the bar at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel is going to be. We’re gonna need a bigger itinerary…
What are you most excited to experience during your next visit to Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments below!
