Universal Orlando 3-Day Touring Plan for Hotel Guests: Day 1

The purpose of this plan is to give families staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel a framework for the best way to experience Universal Studios Florida (USF) and Islands of Adventure (IOA) – and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – over the course of three days. This plan incorporates Early Park Admission, Express Pass access, and park-to-park admission, and it provides a break time in the middle of each day.

IMPORTANT: if this is your first time viewing this page, we highly recommend that you learn our overall strategy and let us answer some of the most common questions regarding Express Passes and whether you actually need to stay at a Universal hotel to use this plan. To view this important information, skip to our FAQ at the bottom of this page.

Finally, Universal features free resort-wide wifi and an updated mobile app that provides wait times for the rides and performance times for the shows. To download the app, follow these links: Android or iOS.

You can review day one below or jump ahead to days two and three.

Skip to: Day 1 | FAQ

Day one of the three-day touring plan

1. Entrance to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure
For day one of our plan, we recommend that you get to the USF or IOA turnstiles between 30 and 45 minutes before the scheduled start of Early Park Admission.

Early Park Admission

Depending on the time of year, Universal Orlando hotel guests and vacation-package guests may be able to enjoy Early Park Admission (EPA) at Islands of Adventure and/or Universal Studios Florida. We recommend you check our crowd calendar or with your resort upon your arrival to see which park(s) has early admission. To take the best advantage of this benefit, be certain to get to the turnstiles 30 to 45 minutes before EPA is scheduled to begin.

If Early Park Admission is at Islands of Adventure:

Once you’re admitted into the park, simply follow the directions of the attending team members to get to Hogsmeade. What you do next depends on whether Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is open for EPA that day or not.

(If Hagrid is open) 1A. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – SR (single rider)
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; has a single-rider line. Summary: a thrilling, perfectly immersive outdoor roller coaster that takes you through the Forbidden Forest.

(If Hagrid isn’t open) 1B. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – EP (Express Pass) SR
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; loose articles must be stowed in the free lockers beside Hogwarts Castle; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: the first part is a tour of Hogwarts Castle’s most iconic rooms. The second part is a revolutionary flight simulator.

Once you have ridden either Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure or Forbidden Journey (or both!), begin heading towards the Universal Studios Florida turnstiles.

If Early Park Admission is at Universal Studios Florida:

While almost all guests will be heading for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, we’re taking a different approach. We’re going to first experience the other attractions at USF with the highest wait times and continue to enjoy the best of the park outside of Diagon Alley. Remember, this is part of a three-day plan, so it isn’t necessary for us to stampede directly to the Wizarding World at the crack of dawn on day one.

It’s also important to note that, of all the attractions that offer Express Pass access, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’s EP wait time is by far the highest – sometimes half of the posted standby time (so if the posted standby time is 90 minutes, the EP wait times could be 45 minutes!). Keep in mind Despicable Me is the only attraction where EP wait times get this high; for every other attraction that offers it, EP wait times are usually zero to 15 minutes, regardless of the posted standby time.

As soon as you enter the USF turnstiles, you’ll see Gru’s house…

1B. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – EP
Production Central

Restrictions and access: 40 inches to ride the motion simulator; otherwise, there are stationary platforms available; must be 48 inches to ride alone; has Express Pass access. Summary: join Gru and the girls in this family-friendly simulator ride featuring an all-new storyline and animation from the films – and plenty of Minion shenanigans.

As Early Park Admission ends, we’ll continue to explore USF’s Production Central and Illumination’s Minion Land.

Tip: if you happen to have Express Passes that are only good for one use per participating attraction, it may be smart not to use them if the early-morning wait times are low. That way, should you happen to have some extra free time later, you can return to these rides and possibly use your Express access then.

2. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – EP
Illumination’s Minion Land

Restrictions and access: Under 48” requires a supervising companion; hand-held infants are not permitted; has Express Pass access. Summary: Rise through the ranks of bad behavior while traveling through the convention on a motion-based pathway and using an “E-Liminator X” blaster to earn points. 

3. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – EP/SR
Production Central

Restrictions and access: 51 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers just past the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access; usually has a single-rider line; also has a front-row line. Summary: high-speed outdoor roller coaster where you pick your soundtrack.

Since you’re not in a big rush to try to fit in all of USF in one day, consider waiting the few extra minutes for Rockit’s front row. Relay your request to the team member who asks you how many people are in your party.

4. Transformers: The Ride – 3D – EP/SR
Production Central

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access and a single–rider line. Summary: as a NEST recruit, jump into this intense, 3D simulator experience and prepare for battle alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.

Listed next is the Transformers photo op. Check out the Universal Orlando app to see when the characters are scheduled to come out next; there’s a possibility that it’ll either be a little before or after this time, and you may have to slightly tweak the order of this touring plan. That’s okay! Whatever gets you all the best experiences on this first day.

5. Transformers photo op
Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee, and Megatron emerge for one of Universal’s best photo ops. (Note that one character appears at a time.)

We’ll now exit Production Central and continue our touring in the New York backlot.

6. Revenge of the Mummy – EP/SR
New York

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers adjacent to the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: a not-to-be-missed high-speed indoor roller coaster.

After exiting Revenge of the Mummy, circle back to New York’s entrance, where we’ll find…

7. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – EP/SR
New York

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access; often has a Virtual Line (return-time system), but in the last few hours of the day, it will have a standby queue. Summary: a standard (albeit funny) motion-simulator ride that has you, well, racing through New York City against Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. Beforehand, experience one of the best queues in all of (Universal) Orlando.

Let’s now backtrack to Revenge of the Mummy and then continue on toward the lagoon and to the San Francisco backlot. Once you pass the Richter’s Burgers quick-service restaurant and the attached candy shop on your right, you’ll see a small “pier” with another quick-service stop: Chez Alcatrez (look for the blue awning). On this pier, just behind Chez Alcatrez, you’ll find…

8. Bruce the Shark photo op
Tucked slightly behind Chez Alcatraz, on the pier next to Richter’s Burgers, the giant shark statue from the old Jaws attraction is a classic photo opportunity.

Once you’ve snapped your photos, continue right across the way to our next stop.

9. Men in Black Alien Attack – EP/SR
World Expo

Restrictions and access: 42 inches; must stow loose articles in the free lockers adjacent to the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: Alien Attack is a shooter ride where you are the newest MIB recruit.

10. The Simpsons Ride – EP
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons

Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access. Summary: motion-simulator ride chock full of characters straight from the show and generous portions of Simpsons humor both.

11. Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – EP
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons

Restrictions and access: 48 inches to ride without an adult; Express Pass access. Summary: silly humans are “captured” and forced to “attack” their fellow man using the flight path of their flying saucer to activate targets.

12. Moe’s Tavern or Duff Brewery
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons

Should you feel so inclined, now would be a fun time to check out the specialty drinks and crafted-just-for-Universal Duff Beer served at these two establishments.

If younger guests want to indulge in something of their own at Springfield, order the Brain Freezin’ D’oh-nut Sundae at Lard Lad Donuts (beneath the huge Lard Lad statue).

13. The Bourne Stuntacular
Hollywood

Restrictions and access: none; doesn’t have Express Pass access. Summary: a high-octane, thrilling, and totally immersive stunt show.

*This is a live stage show, and showtimes will vary. Verify the schedule in the Universal Orlando Resort app and try to arrive 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin.

14. Free time
It should now be around or after noon, and we’ve got free time! You may head back to your hotel to relax, take a swim, eat lunch, check out CityWalk, etc. If some people in your party wish to stay inside the park, we have these dining recommendations for lunch:

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is the fan-favorite, full-service restaurant located in New York, directly across from Revenge of the Mummy. It comes highly recommended!

Not interested in full-service? Then we suggested Fast Food Boulevard. This quick-service dining venue is located across the lagoon in Springfield: Home of the Simpsons, and it offers the widest variety of food in a single restaurant, not to mention some pretty wacky theming (a huge hit for Simpsons fans!). If you’re not quite up for fried food, Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck, right down the way, is just as good. To get there from the New York backlot, walk toward the London waterfront of Diagon Alley and cross the bridge.

15. Return to Universal Studios Florida
The time you return to USF will be based on park hours. If the park is closing earlier – say, at or before 7:00 pm – you will want to return by 2:00 pm. If the park is closing after 7:00, you can return at 3:00.

Upon entering USF, take a right and proceed through the Hollywood backlot.

16. USF character photo ops
Hollywood Boulevard is home to many of USF’s character photo ops, including Curious George, Scooby and Shaggy, the Simpsons, the Men in Black, various Hollywood icons, and more. Double-check the Universal Orlando Resort app to see if a schedule is available.

17. E.T. Adventure – EP
Woody Woodpeckers KidZone

Restrictions and access: 34 inches; has Express Pass access. Summary: gondola-style dark ride designed to appeal to younger guests but considered a beloved classic by many older Universal fans.

The time has finally come: prepare to enter Diagon Alley. Depending on your family’s interest in Harry Potter, you should arrive at this point in the touring plan with two or three hours left before the park closes.

Now, it’s time to discuss our mini-plan for this area. In case you haven’t gotten a chance to read our full explanation at the bottom of this page, one of our goals is to embrace the Wizarding World’s one-of-a-kind “centrally themed, multi-park” experience. To do so, you’ll see that we’ve essentially split our first two evenings between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It’s our belief that doing so is the only way to fully appreciate how Universal has brought Harry’s story to life.

So, as we enter the London waterfront, be aware that you’ll have the opportunity to visit Diagon Alley again at the end of day two and as much as you want on day three. In other words, don’t pressure your family to try and do everything here during this one visit.

18. Sights and sounds of Diagon Alley – part 1
See the sights of the London waterfront, including the Knight Bus with its conductor and interactive shrunken head, and 12 Grimmauld Place (keep an eye out for Kreacher!). Upon entering Diagon Alley, explore the shops and the streets.

One of your first stops should be…

19. Ollivanders Wand Shop
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Restrictions and access: none; does not have Express Pass access. Summary: meticulously themed boutique where the wand chooses the wizard.

At Ollivanders Wand Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase an interactive wand, which you’ll be able to use throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. If you’re familiar with the Ollivanders show and want to skip it, you can still go into the shop to buy a wand.

20. Interactive wands and spell-casting
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

Summary: display your wizarding talents with your new interactive wand as you magically affect the displays in various storefronts and, possibly, other secret areas. Note: you’ll need to purchase an interactive wand at Ollivanders or Wands by Gregorovitch to participate.

21. Sights and sounds of Diagon Alley – part 2
Catch the live entertainment in Carkitt Markett (Tales of Beedle the Bard and Celestina Warbeck), taste the treats of Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, and slink your way through the creepy corners of Knockturn Alley.

With approximately two hours left before the parks close, and with our Wizarding World school supplies in hand, we’re going to exit Diagon Alley and follow Harry’s footsteps as we ride the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade Village! To get to the Hogwarts Express, you’ll need to exit Diagon Alley, walk back through the London waterfront, and find your way to King’s Cross Station.

Are you asking yourself, “Wait, what about Gringotts Wizarding Bank?” Don’t worry – we haven’t forgotten. We’re simply saving that featured attraction for tomorrow’s visit; tonight, we’re going to Hogsmeade, where we’ll experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. 

22. The Hogwarts Express – EP
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade (Hogsmeade Station)

Restrictions and access: none; even wheelchairs and ECVs are allowed. Summary: the famous train takes guests on a magic journey from muggle London to the wizarding village of Hogsmeade and back (note that each ride is one-way; guests who wish to return to IOA will need to exit the train, queue again, and re-board).

Exit the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station and enter Hogsmeade Village. After stopping to take a photo with the conductor at the entrance to the village – and, perhaps, after taking a peek into Honeydukes – proceed to Hogwarts Castle.

23. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – EP/SR
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Restrictions and access: 48 inches; loose articles must be stowed in the free lockers inside Hogwarts Castle; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. Summary: the first part is a tour of Hogwarts Castle’s most iconic rooms. The second part is a revolutionary flight simulator.

24. Dinner – The Three Broomsticks
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Summary: stop in for traditional British fare. If you have a big family, the restaurant’s signature offering, the Feast, can feed six people!

This brings us to the end of day one. Pretty incredible, wasn’t it? As you leave Islands of Adventure for the evening, you’ll get a tease of all the new attractions you’ll get to experience in the morning!

You may skip ahead to day two, skip ahead to day three, or review our important information below.

Understanding our three-day touring plan

Here, we provide an explanation of our goals and the overall strategy of our three-day plan.

First and foremost, it’s important to know that our three-day plan is just that – a plan for three days at Universal’s theme parks. As such, one of our primary goals is to spread out the best experiences at Universal Orlando Resort over this time period, so your second and third day can be nearly as exciting as your first.

Another goal of ours is to embrace the Wizarding World’s one-of-a-kind “centrally themed, multi-park” experience. To do so, you see that we’ve essentially split our first two evenings between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It’s our belief that doing so is the only way to fully appreciate exactly how well Universal has brought Harry’s story to life across its two parks.

Adding to our desire to have you experience the Wizarding World at its best, we’ve also planned our visits to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the evening. It’s almost universally agreed – and certainly our belief – that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is even more magical once the sun goes down.

Finally, because we’re able to spread our tour over three days, we’ve included free time in our plan, when you can return to your hotel or do as you please.

What if I don’t have Express Passes?

This plan is written for guests with Express Pass access. It’s likely you already know that unlimited Express Passes are a benefit guests receive when staying at the top three of Universal Orlando’s eight hotels.

So, can you still use this plan if you’re not staying at those three properties in the premier category? Yes, you can, but with this extra condition: understand that during busier parts of the year, you will encounter long waits at Universal’s most popular attractions. During these times, in an effort to make our plan work best – and to help you really enjoy your vacation – we recommend that you consider purchasing Express Passes. The most convenient option is Universal’s park-to-park ticket + Unlimited Express, which you can learn all about in our complete guide to Express Passes. In addition, you will also want to view these pages: our 12-month Universal crowd calendar and attraction wait times based on crowd levels.

Note: If you’re staying at the other five Universal hotels and visiting when crowds are forecasted to be moderate or slow, we do not consider Express access necessary to complete this three-day plan—you might just need a little hustle in your step, is all.

What if I’m not staying at a Universal Orlando hotel?

Yes, you can still use this touring plan if you’re staying off-site. Just keep in mind these important factors: first, depending on your travel agenda, you may or may not have access to Early Park Admission, so you’ll need to adjust the plan accordingly. (If you’re not sure about EPA, see our guide.)

In addition, the same advice we offered to guests staying at the non-premier Universal resorts also applies to your situation: understand that during busy periods, you will encounter long waits at Universal’s most popular attractions. During these times, in an effort to make our plan work best – and to help you really enjoy your vacation – we recommend that you consider purchasing Express Passes. The most convenient option is Universal’s park-to-park ticket + Unlimited Express, which you can learn all about in our complete guide to Express Passes. In addition, you will also want to view these pages: our 12-month Universal crowd calendar and attraction wait times based on crowd levels.

Finally, make sure you’ve coordinated transportation so you can arrive at Universal early enough to take advantage of the lighter morning crowds. If you’re parking and walking, allow yourself 20 minutes from the time you enter Universal property to walk to either park’s turnstiles.

Thanks again for using our touring plans. You may skip ahead to day two or bounce over to day three.