Universal Orlando Resort Mini Vacation Planning

The purpose of this plan is to offer a number of mini-touring options that guests can mix and match throughout their day at Universal Orlando Resort. They can be done in any order or substituted into one of our other touring plans, if you so choose.

We also want to mention that Universal features free resort-wide wifi and an updated mobile app that provides wait times and showtimes (to download, follow these links: Android or iOS).

Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance and Orlando Informer offers discounted admission to Universal Orlando Resort!

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Showtime at Universal Studios Florida

This plan will let you see several shows at Universal Studios Florida in quick succession. Bolded showtimes demonstrate an example of how you could see all five productions in less than three hours. However, be aware that performance schedules vary by season – be sure to check upon arrival and adjust your plan accordingly.

1. The Blues Brothers Show
New York

Sample schedule: 11:00 am, 12:15 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm

Summary: Dance along as Jake and Elwood Blues perform a medley of songs alongside Mabel, the waitress, and Jazz, a live saxophonist.

2. Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas
Hollywood

Sample schedule: 9:45 am, 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:15 pm, 2:25 pm, 3:25 pm

Summary: Travel back to classic Tinseltown at this live show featuring the classic starlet and her backup dancers.

3. ¡Vamos! – Báilalo
New York

Sample schedule: 10:40 am, 11:40 am, 12:40 pm, 2:10 pm, 3:10 pm, 4:10 pm

Summary: The streets of New York come alive with Latin dance and music in this high-energy show.

4. Beat Builders
New York

Sample schedule: 10:40 am, 11:40 am, 1:10 pm, 2:10 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm

Summary: Move to the beat as construction workers halt progress on Universal’s latest improvement project to put on a percussion show.

5. Horror Make-Up Show
Hollywood

Sample schedule: 11:30 am, 12:15 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:45 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:15 pm

Summary: Finish your show marathon off with this comedic behind-the-scenes look at horror effects (a not-to-be-missed attraction at Universal Studios Florida!).

Thrill-seeking at Islands of Adventure

This plan will let you take in all the high-octane thrills at Islands of Adventure in quick succession. We recommend following this plan early in the day, as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure often draws a large line.

1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Jurassic Park

Restrictions and access: 51 inches; no Express Pass access; a single-rider line is available. Loose articles must be stowed in lockers.

Summary: Race alongside a pack of velociraptors on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, which is Florida’s fastest and tallest launch roller coaster

2. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; no Express Pass access; a single-rider line is available. Loose articles must be stowed in lockers.

Summary: Journey into the Forbidden Forest on this state-of-the-art, family-friendly roller coaster. Along the way, you’ll encounter various rare and fantastic beasts—and Hagrid himself.

3. Jurassic Park River Adventure
Jurassic Park

Restrictions and access: 42 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line.

Summary: Take a flume ride through natural dinosaur habitats that ends with a dramatic 85-foot plunge. You will get soaked.

4. Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Skull Island

Restrictions and access: 36 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line.

Summary: Board a large expedition vehicle for an experience that merges both physical and digital effects, including a face-to-face encounter with King Kong himself.

5. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Marvel Super Hero Island

Restrictions and access: 54 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Loose articles must be stowed in lockers.

Summary: After being blasted with gamma radiation, follow in the Hulk’s unstoppable footsteps and launch into a whirlwind of twists, turns, and drops overlooking Islands of Adventure.

Thrills and chills at Volcano Bay

This plan will take you around Volcano Bay for a mix of back-to-back thrills and relaxation.

1. Waturi Beach
Wave Village

Restrictions and access: children under 48 inches must wear a life jacket.

Summary: Take a relaxing dip in Volcano Bay’s multi-directional – and only – wave pool.

2. Krakatau Aqua Coaster
River Village

Restrictions and access: 42 inches; must be 49 inches to ride alone.

Summary: Hop in a four-person canoe that launches up and down hills and rockets through the volcano in a series of dark twists and turns.

3. Kopiko Wai Winding River
River Village

Restrictions and access: children under 48 inches must wear a life jacket.

Summary: Float down Volcano Bay’s lazy river as it passes through the park’s tropical landscape and the volcano itself.

4. Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Rainforest Village

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; must be under 230 pounds.

Summary: Plunge down either of the intertwining Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides for an experience that will leave you breathless.

5. Koka Poroka
Wave Village

Summary: Cap off your day of thrills and chills with a visit to this quick-service food stand that specializes in ice cream.

Recommended item: Waturi Fusion, the island’s signature combination of banana, blue raspberry, orange, and strawberry ice cream.

Snack around the park – Universal Studios Florida edition

This plan will take you on a snack marathon around Universal Studios Florida.

1. TODAY Cafe
Hollywood

Summary: Themed to one of the longest-running television programs in history, TODAY Cafe makes you feel like you’re on the set in Studio 1A in New York City.

Recommended items: 30 Rock Midtowner Platter, croissants, eclairs, cookies

2. Mel’s Drive-In
Hollywood

Summary: Mel’s Drive-In is a retro burger joint pulled from the iconic 1973 film American Graffiti.

Recommended items: Strawberry Lemonade Pie, onion rings, French fries

3. Duff Brewery
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons

Summary: An outside sports bar-esque place serving Homer’s favorite beverage of choice, Duff beer.

Recommended items: Squishee, Flaming Moe

4. Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Summary: Roughly two dozen bizarre, exclusive flavors – such as clotted cream, sticky toffee, and chocolate chili – are offered at this quick-service spot.

Recommended items: Butterbeer Ice Cream, Chocolate Chili Hard Pack Ice-Cream

5. Louie’s Italian Restaurant
New York

Summary: Louie’s Italian Restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere – and plenty of carbs to offset all that walking you’ve been doing.

Recommended items: Breadsticks with Sauce, Jumbo Cheese Slice

Snack around the park – Islands of Adventure edition

This plan will take you on a snack marathon around Islands of Adventure.

1. Croissant Moon Bakery
Port of Entry

Summary: This quick-service restaurant is located near the park’s entrance and serves breakfast items, bakery goods, sweets, and sandwiches.

Recommended items: Croissants, Cheesecakes, Tarts

2. Captain America Diner
Marvel Super Hero Island

Summary: Step into the pages of a Captain America comic book at this colorful quick-service restaurant.

Recommended items: Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings, Milkshakes

3.  Blondie’s: Home of the Dagwood
Toon Lagoon

Summary: Blondie’s Offers a fresh alternative to the burgers and chicken fingers featured at most quick-service restaurants.

Recommended items: Nathan’s Famous Foot-Long Dog, brookies

4. The Three Broomsticks & Hog’s Head
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Summary: Second only to Hogwarts Castle when it comes to immersion, Three Broomsticks is the only restaurant inside Hogsmeade Village.

Recommended items: baked potato, Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice

5. Green Eggs and Ham Cafe
Seuss Landing

Summary: A quick-service restaurant with a small, specialized menu (of tots!) and outdoor seating.

Recommended items: Pizza Tots, Who Hash, Buffalo Chicken Tots