Universal Orlando Touring Plan Overview (Both Theme Parks)
Take advantage of this 1-Day Universal Orlando Touring Plan to maximize your time at the resort and experience the major attractions and entertainment offerings. This touring plan includes offerings inside both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, the resort’s two main theme parks.
What is a Touring Plan?
For those of you unfamiliar with touring plans, they provide a recommended outline for your day to help reduce the amount of time waiting in line. Overall, the plans list a good order to visit key attractions and shows in, and also recommend places to eat.
About this 1-Day Two Park Touring Plan
This touring plan assumes you visit the parks from open to close. Fortunately, we designed this touring plan to limit the amount of walking required between the two theme parks, which can quickly add up.
Guests utilizing this Universal Orlando Touring Plan should purchase a park-to-park admission ticket or an annual pass that includes access to both theme parks. This park-to-park access is required to visit both parks in one day.
Also, we recommend purchasing Universal Express passes for guests who plan to visit both theme parks on the same day. Combined, the parks easily offer two to three days of rides and entertainment.
How to Use Our 1-Day Universal Orlando Touring Plan
- 1.) Use this touring plan in conjunction with our free Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar to find the least crowded dates to visit the resort. The plan is designed to help you experience as much as possible, but less crowds always helps! Busy days may require you to skip an offering or two on the touring plan.
- 2.) Download the Universal Orlando mobile app to access a park map, check wait times, and view upcoming showtimes.
- 3.) Scroll through the full touring plan to make sure it includes the key attractions and shows you are interested in experiencing before beginning with the plan.
- 4.) Lastly, on the day of your visit, pay attention to the time. Feel free to skip offerings on the touring plan in order to prioritize offerings that are most important to you, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Author’s Note: Guests visiting the park with Universal Express passes can also utilize this touring plan to make the most of their skip-the-line access.
Page Contents: Early Park Admission | Morning | Lunch | Mid-day | Dinner | Evening | Offerings Not Included | Explore More Resources
Early Park Admission – Islands of Adventure
Traditionally, Islands of Adventure opens up to one hour early as a perk for some guests. This Early Park Admission perk is granted to on-site hotel guests, select annual passholders, and included with the purchase of specified vacation packages.
As of 2022, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Ollivanders Wand Shop, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster have reliably been open during the bonus hour of park time. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is sometimes open. Also, you can visit Universal Orlando’s website here to check any Early Park Admission details for the day of your visit.
1.) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Join Harry as you fly around Hogwarts Castle and other iconic locations from the films on this flying simulator dark ride.
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
2.) Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Located in Jurassic Park
Join the hunt and brave a high-speed chase reaching 70 mph through the park’s Raptor paddock on this multi-launch roller coaster.
Height Requirement: 51 inches
Save Time in Line: Offers a single rider line
After riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Jurassic World VelociCoaster, head back towards the front of the park before the main gate opens to regular guests.
Park Open – Islands of Adventure
For guests without Early Park Admission, we recommend you arrive at the park entrance 30 minutes before open, especially on busier days. This means you should arrive at the parking booths up to 60 minutes beforehand.
1.) The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Located in Marvel Super Hero Island
High-speed roller coaster that flips riders upside down seven times.
Height Requirement: 54 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
2.) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Located in Marvel Super Hero Island
Join Spider-Man in a web slinging adventure as he takes on the Sinister Syndicate on this 4-D motion simulator.
Height Requirement: 40 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
3.) Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Located in Toon Lagoon
Join Dudley Do-Right on this part log flume, part roller coaster, water ride that ends with a 75-foot final drop.
Height Requirement: 44 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and occasionally offers a single rider line
4.) Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Located in Toon Lagoon
Sail down the Hurricane River through plenty of rapids and waterfalls on this soaking wet rafting adventure.
Height Requirement: 42 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
5.) Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Located in Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Hop aboard this 3-D dark ride and journey into a mysterious island to come face to face with King Kong himself.
Height Requirement: 36 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and occasionally offers a single rider line
6.) Jurassic Park River Adventure
Located in Jurassic Park
Nearly escape the jaws of a T-Rex and plunge down an 85-foot drop on this water flume ride.
Height Requirement: 42 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
7.) Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Located in Jurassic Park
Join the hunt and brave a high-speed chase reaching 70 mph through the park’s Raptor paddock on this multi-launch roller coaster.
Height Requirement: 51 inches
Save Time in Line: Offers a single rider line
Author’s Note: Guests who experienced this attraction during Early Park Admission should skip to The Hogwarts Express below and continue on the touring plan.
8.) The Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Hop aboard this train ride that serves as transportation between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Lunch Break at Universal Studios Florida
After experiencing the attractions above, you should find yourself at a good time for lunch. We’ve listed two dining options towards the back of Universal Studios Florida below. Although, if you’re not hungry yet, feel free to continue with the touring plan and eat when you prefer.
Leaky Cauldron
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Enjoy an array of British cuisine as you dine under a cathedral ceiling inside this small grungy-looking pub. This quick-service restaurant serves up popular British dishes including Toad in the Hole, Cottage Pie, and Fish & Chips.
Fast Food Boulevard
Located in Springfield U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons
Fast Food Boulevard features a variety of Simpsons-themed dining options which makes it an easy place to eat as it offers options for everyone. Inside the food court is a mix of eateries including Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Flaming Moe’s, Krusty Burger, Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror, Luigi’s Pizza, and The Frying Dutchman.
Mid-day
9.) Men in Black Alien Attack
Located in World Expo
Save New York from an alien invasion on this shooting dark ride.
Height Requirement: 42 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
10.) The Simpsons Ride
Located in Springfield U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons
Join the Simpsons family as test riders for Krustyland’s newest thrill ride on this motion simulator.
Height Requirement: 40 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
11.) E.T. Adventure
Located in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
Grab your flying bicycle and soar across the night sky to help E.T. find his way back home on this kid-friendly dark ride.
Height Requirement: 34 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
12.) Transformers: The Ride-3D
Located in Production Central
Join Optimus Prime as a freedom fighter on this 4-D motion simulator and help protect the AllSpark from Megatron.
Height Requirement: 40 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
13.) Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Located in Production Central
High-speed roller coaster where guests choose tunes to listen to on the ride.
Height Requirement: 51 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
14.) Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Located in Production Central
Enter Gru’s lab as he unveils his newest invention, the ability to turn ordinary park guests into minions, on this 3-D motion simulator.
Height Requirement: 40 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion (Also, guests under 40 inches may enjoy the attraction in stationary seating.)
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express
15.) Revenge of the Mummy
Located in New York
Indoor roller coaster and dark ride combo where park-goers try to escape the Mummy’s revenge.
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
16.) Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Escape from the safest place on Earth and Voldemort on this part roller coaster, part 3-D dark ride, attraction.
Height Requirement: 42 inches – Under 48 inches requires a companion
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
17.) Explore Diagon Alley & Cast Spells (If time allows)
Inside Diagon Alley, guests can get their wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop, catch a show of puppetry at The Tales of Beedle the Bard, or watch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees sing and dance the evening away. Also, new wizards, who purchased an interactive wand from Ollivanders, can use this time to cast spells at the marked locations inside Diagon Alley.
18.) The Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Hop aboard this train ride that serves as transportation between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Author’s Note: If the line for The Hogwarts Express is over 30 minutes, we recommend that you walk between the two parks to save time.
Dinner Break at Islands of Adventure
At this point in the day, dinner is probably on your mind. If it’s not, feel free to continue with the touring plan and eat when you prefer. Although, we’ve listed a couple dining options below towards the back of Islands of Adventure.
Three Broomsticks & Hog’s Head
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Three Broomsticks is a cozy tavern, and a favorite amongst Hogwarts students, that serves up popular British pub food including Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips. Plus, in the back of this quick-service restaurant, guests will find Hog’s Head pub where they can enjoy a selection of drinks.
Thunder Falls Terrace
Located in Jurassic Park
Thunder Falls Terrace offers a selection of freshly grilled rotisserie chicken, slow roasted pork, rice bowls, and more. Overall, this restaurant is one of the best quick-service options inside the park due to the quality of the food and fresh options.
Evening
19.) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Join Harry as you fly around Hogwarts Castle and other iconic locations from the films on this flying simulator dark ride.
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Save Time in Line: Accepts Universal Express and offers a single rider line
Author’s Note: Guests who experienced this attraction during Early Park Admission should skip to The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle below and continue on the touring plan.
20.) The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Catch this nighttime projection show that lights up Hogwarts Castle with the colors of all four houses. This show is offered on select nights and repeats every 15 minutes after the sun sets until the park closes.
21.) Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Join Hagrid on an adventure through the Forbidden Forest and encounter rare magical creatures on this moderately thrilling roller coaster.
Height Requirement: 48 inches
Save Time in Line: Offers a single rider line
Offerings Not in this Universal Orlando Touring Plan
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure easily offer two to three days worth of attractions and entertainment offerings combined. This means that guests only experiencing the parks for one day must prioritize what to experience in a day. Although, having Universal Express passes is extremely helpful in this scenario.
The below offerings weren’t included in our 1-Day Universal Orlando Touring Plan, but may be great to experience for guests staying more than one day. Also, feel free to substitute in any of the below options to your day!
At Universal Studios Florida
Attractions
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- Curious George Goes to Town
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
- Fievel’s Playland & Water Slide
Major Entertainment Offerings
- Animal Actors on Location!
- Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
- The Bourne Stuntacular
- Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration
Minor Entertainment Offerings
- Meet the Transformers
- The Blues Brothers Show
- Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas
- Sing It!
- Beat Builders
- Knight Bus
- DreamWorks Destination
At Islands of Adventure
Attractions
- Storm Force Accelatron
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Me Ship, The Olive
- Camp Jurassic
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Jurassic Park Discovery Center
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- Caro-Seuss-el
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- The Cat in the Hat
- If I Ran The Zoo
Entertainment Offerings