First-Timer’s Guide to Universal Studios Florida
- Jamie Rumph
- May 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Your Complete One-Day Touring Plan with Ride Rankings, Insider Tips & Express Pass Advice
Planning your first trip to Universal Studios Florida? Whether you're traveling with kids, teens, or adults-only, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — including what to ride first, what to prioritize if you're short on time, and tips to make the most of your day.
This is Part 2 of our 3-Part First-Timer’s Guide to Universal Orlando. Be sure to check out our Islands of Adventure Guide and Epic Universe Guide as well.
What is Universal Studios Florida?
This park brings your favorite movies, TV shows, and characters to life in a highly immersive way. Unlike Epic Universe, which is brand new and more expansive, Universal Studios Florida is the original park — rich in nostalgia and updated with thrilling rides, live shows, and family-friendly attractions. It’s a don’t miss for any theme park or movie lover!
Great for:
Movie lovers and pop culture fans
Families with mixed ages
Travelers who enjoy both thrill rides and stage shows
Short trips or park-to-park hoppers
Themed Lands & What’s Inside (With Ride Priorities)
Diagon Alley
Escape from Gringotts – Must-do
Ollivanders Wand Experience
The Knight Bus (photo op)
Celestina Warbeck & the Banshees (live show)
Shopping and food: Butterbeer, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream
Production Central
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Must-do - Closes September 2025 for good!
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Transformers: The Ride-3D
Minion Land now includes Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
New York
Revenge of the Mummy – Must-do
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – Skip unless you're a fan
Meet the Blues Brothers (street show)
San Francisco
Fast & Furious – Supercharged – Low priority unless you're a fan - Often skipped unless you want to cool off
World Expo
Men in Black Alien Attack – Mid-level priority
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
The Simpsons Ride – Midday priority - This is a no go for most guests!
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – Kid-friendly spinner
DreamWorks Land
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp
Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres
Trolls Trollercoaster
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration (show)
Hollywood
The Bourne Stuntacular – Must-see show
Universal Horror Make-Up Show – Afternoon cool-down
Animal Actors on Location – Good family show
Full-Day Touring Plan for Universal Studios Florida (One-Day Strategy)
To maximize your time, especially if you only have one day, we recommend this order of priorities based on ride popularity, wait times, and experience level.
Must-Do Rides – Start Early or Use Express Pass
These should be your top priority either at park opening or using Express Pass/Unlimited Express.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – Diagon Alley
Incredible theming and storytelling; must-do!
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Production Central
Adrenaline coaster with customizable music tracks.
Revenge of the Mummy – New York
High-speed indoor coaster with fire effects and surprises.
Transformers: The Ride-3D – Production Central
Immersive, high-energy 3D dark ride.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Minion Land
Family-friendly and very popular in the mornings.
Midday Priorities – Hit These After the Morning Rush
Men in Black Alien Attack – World Expo
Interactive shooting game ride, great for families.
The Simpsons Ride – Springfield
Motion simulator with wild twists and humor.
E.T. Adventure – DreamWorks Land
Classic dark ride with nostalgic charm and family appeal.
Shows to Catch (Especially in the Afternoon or for Breaks)
The Bourne Stuntacular – Hollywood
Top-tier action stunt show with live performers and screen effects.
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show – Hollywood
Funny, behind-the-scenes look at movie magic.
Animal Actors on Location – Hollywood
Great for younger kids; live animals and laughs.
Express Pass vs. Unlimited Express – What to Know
Universal Express Pass lets you skip the regular line once per attraction.
Universal Express Unlimited lets you skip lines as many times as you want.
If you're visiting during peak times (holidays, weekends, summer), Unlimited Express is a game-changer — especially for popular rides like Gringotts and Transformers.
Pro Tip: Staying at a Premier Universal Orlando Resort (like Loews Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay) includes FREE Unlimited Express with your stay — a huge value for families or groups!
Where to Stay for Easy Access & Early Entry
We recommend staying at Loews Royal Pacific Resort for the perfect balance of location, luxury, and included Express Unlimited.
Other great options include:
Hard Rock Hotel – Closest walk to Universal Studios entrance
Loews Sapphire Falls – Moderate luxury with boat access (Express Pass not included)
All of these offer early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Insider Tips for First-Timers
Arrive 30–45 minutes before park opening to beat crowds.
Start in Diagon Alley before the crowds and park-to-park hoppers arrive.
Grab lunch early (by 11:30 AM) to avoid long lines at popular spots like Leaky Cauldron or Fast Food Boulevard.
Use the Universal Orlando app for real-time wait times and Mobile Food Ordering.
Bring ponchos — Florida rain happens, and some queues are outdoors!
Bring small crossbody bags or be prepared to have to put your bags in lockers for most attractions.
Related Posts in This Series
Ready to Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation?
We’re here to help make your Universal trip as magical (and stress-free) as possible. From Express Pass planning to hotel bookings and park strategy — we’ve got your back.
Ask us about seasonal offerings at Universal Studios Orlando.
Let’s create your perfect Universal itinerary!
Request a quote or Email Hello@LOTMV.com.
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