11 Best Things to Do in Universal Orlando
What Are Universal Orlando's Best Attractions?
The best things to do in Universal Orlando revolve around the 2 world-class flagship amusement parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Families and younger ones should go for the original park first, while older children and teens might prefer Islands of Adventure. Regardless of age, cinema buffs will love the whole Universal complex and its unique ability to bring movies to life before your eyes.
There are loads more attractions around Universal Orlando though, with water parks, live performances along CityWalk and a host of things to do on International Drive. Read on to discover Universal’s most famous attractions, and maybe a few hidden gems along the way.
What are the best things to do in Universal Orlando?
1. Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Eight zones of cinematic fun
Good for: Families, Adventure
While other theme parks around town tend to cater more towards certain age groups or tastes, Universal Islands of Adventure has got it all. There are live-action stunts to entertain the kids, while rollercoasters and themed rides tower overhead. Immersive simulators place you in the middle of your favourite movie, ideal for those who prefer their adrenaline fix to be a bit closer to the ground.
Opened in 1999, Islands of Adventure is made up of 8 different areas, including the amazing Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, Jurassic Park and more. Don’t miss a chance to grab a selfie with Captain America or watch one of the spectacular shows. Read more
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-224-4233
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
2. Universal Studios Florida
The theme park that makes you the star
Good for: Families, Photo, Group
Universal Studios Florida draws in bumper crowds with its long line-up of Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions. Part of the wider Universal Orlando complex, the theme park focuses on delivering an immersive movie experience, with state-of-the-art technology used throughout the range of simulators. Be amazed at the majestic dragon guarding Gringotts Bank, explore space with E.T. and ride the Caterbus family-friendly coaster with your favourite Trolls characters.
If you time your visit right, you’ll get to enjoy magical seasonal events at Universal Studios, like colourful Mardi Gras parades and a party in Whoville with the Grinch himself. A handy thing to have is the park app, which lets you check times for parades, shows and current ride times. Read more
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
Universal Studios Florida
3. Universal’s Volcano Bay
Tiki island themed water park
Good for: Families, Adventure, Group
Universal’s Volcano Bay water park is one of Orlando’s most recognizable attractions thanks to the 200-foot conical mountain which roars periodically and emits lava-esque fluid at night. This is Universal Studios’ first water park, and they have a nice mix of relaxing rides like a lazy river and wave pool together with more cutting-edge, high-speed rides like aqua coasters and 70-degree plunge slides.
Plenty of lockers are available and you can prepay credit onto a wristband, so you’re able to buy snacks and drinks throughout the day without needing to carry cash. Read more
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
Universal's Volcano Bay
4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A magical zone that transforms visitors into wizards
Good for: Families, Group
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans 2 parks at Universal Orlando Resort, each paying homage to the popular books and movies. Each offers a wonderfully immersive wizardly journey. The magic here is right at the end of your fingertips, or interactive wand if you purchase one, and all around you as you venture through the sights, sounds and thrills.
Begin your adventure in Diagon Alley just like Harry did. Get all your wizardry essentials and indulge in a generous helping of butterbeer-flavored soft-serve ice cream. Next, catch a ride on the Hogwarts Express and head to Hogsmeade for more shenanigans and butterbeer. Be on the lookout for hidden references and spells scattered sporadically in both parks.
Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
5. ICON Park
Bustling entertainment complex on International Drive
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Icon Park is a popular entertainment plaza on International Drive. This plaza is home to Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and the incredible 7-D Motion Theater. Ride the Orlando Wheel, a famous 400-foot observation wheel that offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the city, and the charming, hand-crafted Carousel on the Promenade.
Dining options range from casual fast food like Buffalo Wild Wings to cozy restaurants like Evoo Fresh Mediterranean Kitchen. Date nights will be even more memorable at Icon Park’s bars, especially with many happy hour deals. To save even more money, you can purchase package tickets for the biggest attractions. Read more
Location: ICON Orlando 360, 8401 International Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +1 407-601-7907
ICON Park
6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando
Famous quirky museum full of curiosities
Good for: Families, History, Unusual
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium in Orlando is the ultimate collection of all things weird and unusual for the whole family to enjoy. Prepare to be shocked and amazed at this one-of-a-kind museum in Orlando’s entertainment district.
Ripley’s contains a staggering number of items, photographs and interactive exhibits that you won’t believe are real, from shrunken human heads to bizarre animal oddities, like a 2-headed calf. Kids will love the mesmerizing Vortex Tunnel and the chance to dance with fun mascots. To increase the fun even more, consider purchasing a combo ticket for Ripley’s Mirror Maze.
Location: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 407-345-0501
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando
7. Blue Man Group
Immersive music and art show
Good for: Families, Photo
The Blue Man Group is a comedy, theatre, rock concert and dance party combined. Enjoy an outrageous and sensory show from this worldwide group of talented performers at the specially built venue in ICON Park.
Featuring an upbeat trio of multi-instrumentalists, the Blue Man Show in Orlando has several episodes of audience participation and appeals to pretty much all ages. These shows offer something exclusive to Orlando that you won’t see at other Blue Man Group shows, creating a truly immersive experience. Read more
Location: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Show times vary
Blue Man Group
8. Madame Tussauds Orlando
The famous wax museum’s Orlando branch
Good for: Families, Photo, Group
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Orlando has 6 sections dedicated to famous celebrities, sports stars and historical figures for you to pose with and photograph. The wax sculptures are stunningly lifelike, so you can get up-close and personal with Albert Einstein, The President of the United States, Michael Jackson, Angelina Jolie and so many more.
Once you’ve lifted a helicopter with Superman, slam dunked with Shaquille O’Neal and starred in Taylor Swift’s latest music video, why not visit the some of the other incredible attractions at Icon Park? Combo tickets are available so you can save money on entrance fees. Read more
Location: 8387 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Madame Tussauds Orlando
9. Universal CityWalk
Vibrant entertainment and retail district
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Nightlife
The Universal Orlando CityWalk is a dynamic and bustling dining, shopping and entertainment complex. It’s located just before the entrance of Universal Orlando Resort and access to the whole area is completely free.
Kids will love the number of exciting, themed restaurants to enjoy their evening meal at, including Bigfire, an innovative campfire cooking restaurant, and the world’s largest Hard Rock Café. When it comes to entertainment, karaoke at Rising Star will never disappoint, while thrill-seekers should head to the Great Movie Escape to immerse themselves in Jurassic Park. Hot tip: if you don’t like the idea of carrying souvenirs around the theme parks, purchase one from the Universal Studio Store at CityWalk instead. Read more
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Open: Monday and Tuesday from 8 am to midnight, Wednesday–Sunday from 8 am to 1 am
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
Universal CityWalk
10. Orlando International Premium Outlets
Orlando’s favourite outlet mall
Good for: Shoppers, Budget
Both locals and throngs of tourists visiting Orlando love an outlet, and this giant store on International Drive is one of the best. In fact, many will make entire road trips from nearby states just to grab a bargain at Orlando International Premium Outlets.
Discounts are offered on a huge range of brands, including Adidas, Victoria’s Secret, Hugo Boss, Diesel, Levi’s, Nike, Quicksilver, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and about 150 more. With items plucked straight from the factory, expect discounts of up to 50%. Join the VIP Shopper Club for exclusive offers and events. Read more
Location: 4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 407-352-9600
Orlando International Premium Outlets
11. Mardi Gras Orlando
Colourful spring festival at Universal Studios
Good for: Families
Every spring, Universal Studios Florida celebrates Mardi Gras, recreating the famous, family-friendly New Orleans street party with an exciting parade and many live music concerts. Known as “Florida’s Biggest Party,” Mardi Gras Orlando features around 14 concerts, 1.7 million beads and a breath-taking parade.
The annual tradition sees big-name music acts performing from early February to the end of March, with a nightly parade. The wacky and colourful Mardi Gras parade takes place at around 8 pm. It sees millions of beads thrown into the air for spectators, with artists performing from the top of glamorous floats. If you’re a merch collector, make sure you visit the gift shop for exclusive products. Read more
Location: Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
Mardi Gras Orlando
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