Ultimate 4-Park Universal Orlando Itinerary

Where to Start, What to Skip, and How to Maximize a Universal Orlando Vacation

Planning the perfect Universal Orlando trip just got a whole lot more exciting now that Universal Epic Universe is joining the lineup. With four theme parks offering everything from high-thrill coasters to wizarding worlds to tropical water adventures, having a smart itinerary is the secret to squeezing in as much fun as possible without burning out your feet — or your patience.

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If you’re starting your vacation at Epic Universe, begin your day in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Breakfast at Café L’air De La Sirene is a must; think rich Oeuf en Cocotte, a Butterbeer Crepe for dessert, and a specialty latte to kick-start the morning. Explore 1920s Paris with your wand, check out the Le Cirque Arcanus show, and conquer Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry before crowds peak.

From there, head to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD for Key Challenges, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a visit to Donkey Kong Country, and a treat at Toadstool Café. When the mid-afternoon slump hits, Celestial Park will snap you out of it — especially once you hop on Stardust Racers. Grab lunch at either Atlantic or The Blue Dragon, explore Isle of Berk for snacks and dragon meet-and-greets, then end your night in Dark Universe with a monster makeover and a ride through Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment before enjoying a quiet evening stroll through Celestial Park.

For Islands of Adventure, staying at a Universal hotel makes Early Park Admission the ultimate game-changer. Start with breakfast at Three Broomsticks, explore Hogsmeade, and warm up on Flight of the Hippogriff before heading into the castle for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Lunch is best enjoyed at Mythos or Confisco Grille, then take a relaxing loop through Seuss Landing and work your way toward Marvel Super Hero Island for classics like Hulk and Spider-Man — plus Storm Force Accelatron for a surprisingly fun spin. Cool off in Toon Lagoon if it’s hot, challenge Jurassic World VelociCoaster in the afternoon, and end the night with a magical ride on Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure after dark.

At Universal Studios Florida, start with a solid breakfast at TODAY Café or San Francisco Pastry Company. Say hello to DreamWorks Land characters, revisit childhood magic with E.T. Adventure, and sharpen your alien-blasting skills on MEN IN BLACK. Spend late morning in Diagon Alley catching a live show, browsing the shops, and riding Escape from Gringotts before refueling at Finnegan’s or Lombard’s. Afternoon is prime show time — Horror Make-Up Show or Beat Builders are perfect post-lunch picks — followed by big thrills like Revenge of the Mummy, TRANSFORMERS, and Race Through New York. Meet your favorite characters around the park, then end your day with the Universal Mega Movie Parade or whichever seasonal parade is running during your visit.

Related: Celestial Park Unwraps Its First Holiday Season at Epic Universe

Volcano Bay is your built-in relaxation day and deserves a dedicated spot in the itinerary. Book a cabana if you can, fuel up at Kohola Reef, and start with a swim at Waturi Beach or a float on Kopiko Wai Winding River. Work your way through the iconic Krakatau Aqua Coaster and River Village favorites like Honu ika Moana, then grab lunch at Bambu or back at your cabana. Spend the afternoon conquering more raft rides in Rainforest Village, finish strong with a Waturi Fusion soft serve, and soak in the sunset over the volcano.

Universal Orlando is officially a four-park destination, and between the rides, food, shows, and nighttime vibes, it’s easy to fill a five-day trip (or more). Start with a plan, take breaks when you need them, and leave a little room for spontaneous moments along the way.

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.