best time to visit universal studios orlando calendar

2024 Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar: Avoid the Busy Days!

Did you know that there is a Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar that can help you choose the best time to go?

You know there’s nothing I love more than giving you all the best tips and tricks for planning out the best theme park day ever.

From what to ride, to what to eat, I love to cover it all so that you can have the most memorable theme park experience possible!

So today, I’m excited to share with you some tips and tricks to consider in phase one of planning your theme park visit: when to actually go!  

2024 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

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Best Time to Go to Universal Studios Florida at a Glance:

• The best months to visit Universal Orlando Resort to avoid the crowds are: late-January and early-February
• Your best days to visit Universal Orlando Resort are:  Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Be sure to avoid all major holidays such as:  Memorial Day,  4th of July , Labor Day Weekend,  Halloween ,  Thanksgiving Day , Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve

The Importance of Choosing the Best Day to Go to Universal Orlando Resort in 2024

As you already know, Universal Studios Orlando is no hidden secret. Plenty of families and individuals of all ages want to go and experience the fun for themselves.

But unfortunately…this can lead to long wait times, overcrowding, and an overall less enjoyable experience.

To avoid all that, today we’re going to discuss the Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar .

It’s a free, easy-to-use tool that will ensure you never have to wait longer than five minutes to get a Butterbeer ever again!

Get Your Universal Orlando Resort Tickets Today! CLICK HERE .

What is a Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar, anyway?

If you’re not familiar with what a Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar is, don’t sweat it!  I got you covered!

Basically, a this is a calendar that uses previous years’ data to predict theme park crowds ahead of time for different holidays, days of the week, times of year, etc.  

Why? Because, with this knowledge, you can better plan your visit to go on days with less people…because less crowds equals more enjoyment, and oftentimes, cheaper prices too!

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How does the Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar work?

Just like a normal calendar, every Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar is designed differently.

However, they are essentially a calendar guiding you to see which exact days of the upcoming year will have heavy, light, or moderate attendance – so you can better plan your trip to be crowd-free.

And, since Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendars are packed with lots of helpful information, there’s no one way to use them…

… but I’ll try and break down my best suggestion of how to do it below.

Pretty simply, you can either glance at each month of the year, or go directly to the month you’re thinking of planning your Universal Studios Orlando trip.

Then, from there, you can read which days will have what type of crowding so you can figure out when’s the best time to go.

The calendars break down theme park attendance into three levels. 

• Low is an ideal time to go with minimal crowds and 10 minute or less wait times (GREEN COLOR)
• Moderate means the crowds are pretty standard, with most rides having a 15 to 30 minute wait (YELLOW COLOR)
• Heavy means the park is quite full with wait times quite possibly reaching an hour or more (RED COLOR)

I understand that sometimes you have a busy schedule, which means you might only be able to go to Universal Orlando Resort during a high crowd time.

But, at the very least, this Orlando theme park crowd calendar can help you better prepare for what to expect so you know exactly what type of crowd level you’ll be walking into.

Everything You MUST Know About Wi-Fi at Universal Orlando for 2024!

Are Universal Orlando Crowd Calendars 100% Accurate?

Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that any Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar is 100% accurate, but I feel confident telling you that they’re pretty reliable!

The reason we are hesitant to say that they are 100% accurate is due to unforeseen circumstances. 

For example, the 2024’s calendar is based on the attendance the parks saw in 2022 and 2023.  

Of course, in those previous years, the parks did not experience unforeseen closures due to a global pandemic. They also then didn’t have to recover this loss by offering discounted tickets and deals to spike park attendance again.

What about visiting Universal Orlando in 2024 and 2025?

I’m positive that attendance rates will be accurately predicted for the very unpredictable year of 2024 and 2025? 

But I do think that compiling park attendance rates from the most recent years, which considers things like national holidays and school closures, are a great predictor for park crowds.

Additionally, crowd calendars take into effect things you might not necessarily think to research such as local Orlando special events. 

ORDER NOW to secure your Universal Studios theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

For example, at the neighboring Disney theme parks, it might be marathon weekend, or the Epcot Food and Wine festival , meaning the crowds will be big at Universal Studios Orlando too.

But of course, all of this is too much for one person to keep track of. And that’s why Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendars are the best way to go when planning.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

Where can I find the Best Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar? 

To be honest, it is super easy to find a crowd calendar for no charge at all. In fact, just hop onto Bing and type in “Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar.”

You can also simply just search “Orlando Theme Parks Crowd Calendar” on this site if you’re looking to visit more than just Universal Studios Orlando.

I love these Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendars because they’re simple to read and offers the whole year at a quick glance.

It also extends to all of Disney’s and SeaWorld’s parks , so you can find all your theme park planning tips in one place!

2024 Groupon Universal Studios Orlando Deal: How to Save THE MOST Money on Tickets

How to Use ThemeParkHipster’s Orlando Theme Park Crowd Calendar

To read ThemeParkHipster’s Orlando Crowd Calendar , simply find the month you’re looking to travel in along the top row. 

And right underneath, they even include the ticket prices to expect that month – another great factor to consider when planning your next ThemeParkHipster visit!

Next, once you’ve located the month you desire, simply scroll downwards to locate the day(s) of the month that you’re looking to visit, which are listed along the furthest column to the left.

Finally, use the easy-to-read key to understand that day’s crowd level. A red dot indicates large crowds, a yellow dot indicates moderate crowds, and a green dot indicates low crowds (aka: the best days to go!)

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Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

And also keep in mind that national holidays at Universal Studios typically lend themselves to large crowds.

My final favorite part about our Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar? Click on any image to get the details on all Orlando theme park hours and special events.

Basically, I promise that this calendar really is the only guide you need when planning your next Orlando theme park hopping vacation! 

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning before the rest of the crowds do!

2023 Universal Orlando Annual Pass Guide: Prices, Perks, Tips and more!

Ways to Choose the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Orlando

Okay, so I already told you all about the best Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar and how to use it.

But what about ‘what are the best times to visit Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure in general?’

Keep reading below for our favorite tips and tricks to find out!

AVOID the Universal Orlando Wait Times with Express Pass: Is it worth it in 2024?

What day of the week is the least crowded at Universal Studios Orlando?

Tuesdays or Wednesdays are typically the best days to hit up Universal Studios Orlando. This is because the weekends usually bring a lot of local visitors.

Additionally, Thursdays and Fridays typically see out of town visitors who might arrive in Orlando on a Saturday, and then take the next few days to go to Disney’s parks before visiting Orlando Studios at the end of the week.

Although, to be honest, the time of year you go is a much better indicator of crowds than just the day of the week in general.

What is the best month to go to Universal Studios?

The best time to visit Universal Studios Orlando, or any Orlando theme park for that matter, is mid to late January and early February.

With early January comes the New Year crowds, and with mid-February comes Valentine’s Day outings.

But typically, if you can arrange to go between January 7 and February 8, (after winter school breaks end), you’ll miss most seasonal crowds and resort price spikes.

RANKING the 10 Best Rides at Universal Orlando in 2024!

What is the cheapest time to go to Universal Studios Orlando?

When we talk about the cheapest time to go to Universal Studios Florida, I’m mostly referring to the resort room prices , since ticket prices do not fluctuate by season or time of year at the time of writing this post.

However, with that being said, note that prices will be higher during the Holiday season (i.e. December 20 – January 5) and special events (i.e. Halloween Horror Nights or any Harry Potter World related special events).

In general, you’ll find the lowest Universal Studios Orlando pricing in January after the holiday season has passed and most families are saving up their pennies, recovering from their gift and vacation expenses from the last few weeks.

Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the  latest podcast episode on Apple  or on your  non-Apple  device now!

My Final Thoughts on the Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

I truly hoped this helped you not only better understand the Universal Studios Orlando Crowd Calendar, but also help you overall in planning your next ThemeParkHipster amusement park hopping extravaganza!

As a general rule, before planning any theme park visit, check out the P ark Prodigy crowd calendar to make sure you’re going at the least busy, and therefore more inexpensive, time of year. 

I’m sure that this little bit of extra planning will make your visit more fun and memorable!

So, whether you’re a solo theme park flyer for the food, the rides, or the Instagrammable moments, we welcome you to our ThemeParkHipster community and hope to see you again soon for more exclusive theme park tips and tricks!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests! 

Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors at   www.ginaarfi.net .

UP NEXT: What to Pack for Your Universal Orlando Vacation

(Original Article Date: September 29, 2020/Updated by Editor on January 8, 2024)

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The Best Time of Year to Visit Universal Orlando

How to Save Money and See More on Your Florida Theme Park Vacation

Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

It used to be that a visit to Universal Orlando was typically tacked on to a Florida vacation spent primarily at Walt Disney World —if it was tacked on at all. Then, along came The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , and everything changed.

Now, Central Florida's other theme park resort is a destination in its own right with two bustling theme parks (each with its own Harry Potter land), a water park, a bunch of hotels, and the lively CityWalk dining/shopping/entertainment district. It is expanding at a furious pace and aims to compete against The Mouse down the street on a level playing field.

Why Visit During a Less Crowded Time?

By "bustling" theme parks, we mean that both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are filled with extraordinary attractions and other wonderful things to do—as well as lots of people. If you show up during an especially busy time, you could end up spending a lot of time waiting in long lines as well as spending a lot of money for on-property accommodations. Rather than making Universal Orlando an afterthought, plan ahead and schedule your visit during one of the slower times of the year.

It used to be that tickets to the parks cost the same regardless of the time of year. Now, however, the resort charges different rates depending on when you plan to visit. Ironically, a ticket would cost less during a less crowded time of the year, and you'd be able to get on more rides and derive more value from your ticket purchase.

If you plan on staying at one of Universal's on-property hotels, the rates can be considerably lower during the offseason. There are many great reasons to consider staying on property. For one, all of the hotels, which are managed by Loew's, are wonderful and offer great accommodations. For another, since you will be a short walk, pleasant boat ride, or a bus ride away, you'll be able to get an early start and stay late at the parks—two strategies that are critical for minimizing waits and maximizing the value of your ticket purchases.

Significantly, all guests at the Portofino Bay, the Royal Pacific, and the Hard Rock hotels get complimentary front-of-the-line access for most of the attractions and shows at both parks. The Sapphire Falls, Cabana Bay Beach , Aventura, and Endless Summer hotels do not offer the perk. Guests of those hotels, along with off-property visitors, can purchase  Universal Express Plus Passes  which offer skip-the-lines access, but the passes are available on a limited basis. And, get this—the prices for the passes vary according to the time of year visited. Universal charges a hefty premium for in-season Express passes. That's yet another reason to plan your visit during the slower times of the year.

Guests at all of the hotels , including the those that do not offer complimentary Express passes, can get early admission to both of the Wizarding World lands at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. During the extra morning hour, before the crush of the general public crowds, the lines can be much more manageable.

What Are the Slower Times of Year to Visit?

The off-off-season with the least amount of visitors and the lowest hotel prices are January to mid-February and early December. Stay away from Presidents' Week and Martin Luther King Day (and, in general, try to stay away from holidays. Obviously, that is when more people plan to visit the parks).

The next best times of year to visit are the off-seasons in September and October (as a bonus, you can experience the incredible Halloween Horror Nights ), early November (stay away from Thanksgiving), mid-December, April (stay away from Easter) and early May.

You will find bigger crowds and higher hotel prices in late May, early June, and late August than the periods listed above, but these times of year are still considered the off-season. You would still likely enjoy your visit more and get better value than during the in-season times listed below.

The peak periods (which you should avoid unless money is no object, you don't mind huge crowds, and/or you have no choice) dovetail with when kids are out of school. The summer school vacation period of late June, July , and early August (as well as the Thanksgiving break) is the prime season at Universal Orlando. The absolute worst times of year to visit, when the crowds are the heaviest and, according to the laws of supply and demand, the ticket and hotel prices are at their highest are the Christmas and Easter holidays. The week between Christmas and New Year's can be especially crowded. Universal has actually closed the gates to off-property visitors because its parks sometimes reach capacity the last week of December. 

If you find yourself planning a visit during busier times, all is not lost!  Learn how to skip the lines at Universal Orlando , even when the crowds are huge.

December at Universal Orlando: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Visiting Universal Orlando in January

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August in Universal Orlando: Weather, What to Pack, and What to Do

Tips for Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

July in Universal Orlando: Weather, What to Pack, and What to Do

Universal Orlando Tickets: Prices, Discounts, and Where to Buy

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October in Universal Orlando: Weather, What to Pack, and What to Do

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2023 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

2023 universal orlando crowd calendar shortest shorter short average long longer longest, universal orlando wait time statistics.

What is the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Orlando?

Universal Studios Orlando is a globally popular vacation destination. You’re guaranteed to have fun wherever you go. One thing you must be prepared for, though, is the massive crowds.

Every year throughout the seasons, the park attracts many visitors from all over the world. This being the case, you might ask when the best time to visit Universal Studio Orlando is.

The best approach to this depends on what you want to achieve from your visit. Do you want to avoid the crowds, or are is your interest in getting the lowest prices ? This article will answer that question and help you pick the best time to go to Universal Studios.

The Quietest Times at Universal Studios

Maybe your aim is to avoid the large crowds that come during peak seasons like summer. Avoiding the crowds also means cutting down on the high price tags that are characteristic of such seasons. In this case, the best time to visit is when schools are in session.

It’s also best to avoid visiting during national holidays like Christmas or New Year. The quiet months at Universal Studios include the following.

Most schools open by the first week of January. Not many parents will be thinking of spending money on vacation activities during this time. The focus would be on meeting school-related costs.

January is also the coldest month in Orlando and there are fewer tourists at the parks. The price of accommodation is also lower, cutting down your budget significantly.

Early February

The quiet season in January runs through the first few days of February. Shortly after comes the UK midterm that brings with it the Mardi Gras festival in Universal Studios. This is a period marked with large crowds.

April to May

Another ideal period to visit Universal Studios Orlando is between April and May. You’re likely to get the best low-season perks as long as you avoid any seasonal school holidays. It’s referred to as the “shoulder season,” bordering the end of the low season and the beginning of the peak period.

September to November

This is another shoulder season in Universal Studios and a fantastic time to visit. However, unlike the April to May period, the weather can be hot and rainy. Schools are open, and there won’t be much stress getting from one point to another.

The good thing with Universal Studios during the rainy season is that most of the rides are indoors. There are also plenty of other indoor spots to go to if you want to avoid the rain. The holidays to avoid during this period are the UK’s half-term break, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, and Halloween.

Holidays at Universal Orlando

New year’s eve.

New Years Eve is one of the busier days during the year (if not the busiest) to visit Universal Orlando. Crowds are at the highest as guests pack the parks to celebrate the new year. Universal puts on a party like no other and because of this both parks tend to reach capacity.

Unless you really love big crowds and long lines, skip New Years Even and look for something right after the holidays.

Christmas Time

The last two weeks of December are extremely busy at Universal Studios. School is out and everyone is looking to vacation somewhere. The theme parks are no exception. One of the biggest draws is the Holiday celebration put on by the parks, particularly Harry Potter.

Both Harry Potter lands are very festive from costumes and decorations to sweet treats and entertainment. These are the two biggest draws to Universal. Be prepared for large crowds and long waits. We highly recommend getting Front of the Line Pass for these dates.

The Best Days to Visit Universal Studios

Are you interested in knowing the specific best days to visit Universal Studios? This section can help with that. As such, it can be easy to plan your time and enjoy the experience during the visit.

• January 7-10, 13-19, and 27-31 are the best days to be at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• February 1-13, 18-28
• April 26- May 1
• The whole of August
• October apart from dates 10-12 and 24
• All of November apart from dates 8, 14, and the last week of Thanksgiving
• December 1-4, 6-11 to avoid the period around Christmas and New Year’s Eve

Most of these dates are projected to have fewer crowds. They also attract lower prices.

The Cheapest Time to Go to Universal Studios

You’re probably looking for the best time to visit Universal Studios Orlando from a cost perspective. The cost usually goes down when the park is least crowded.

The best times to visit on a tight budget are:

• August through September
• January through February

You can also check with your travel agent to see if there are any exclusive deals outside these periods. If you’re traveling with children, the only downside is that they may have to miss school during these times.

The Best Time to Visit Depending on Weather Conditions

One of the factors that influences the decision to take a vacation is the weather. This is especially true where children are concerned. For Universal Studios Orlando, visitors can take advantage of the heated water throughout the year.

You won’t have to worry about the cold season as the place stays well-heated. Taking a vacation when the temperatures are soaring high can be uncomfortable given Volcano Bay is close nearby.

The best place to plan a visit to Universal Studios would hence be during the shoulder seasons. Specifically, the shoulder season is in the weeks between the end of April and early May.

Mid October to December would also be another ideal period to visit. The weather is comfortable and there’s also a smaller crowd to grapple with.

Best Times to Visit During Special Events

Universal Studios hosts some special holiday events each year. Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for example, is one occasion you should plan to visit. There are also several other fun events where you can experience maximum fun.

These have been chosen based on the lowest crowds.

• Halloween Horror nights that fall anywhere between September 10-13, 16-20, 23-27, or 30
• October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, and 27-31 and November 1
• Christmas and New Year is marked with special events like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Macy’s Holiday Parade
• Weekdays in November and December except the Thanksgiving week

Overall, the best time to visit Universal Studios Orlando is when the weather is cooler and the crowds are fewer. Additionally, be on the lookout for special events hosted at the part in October, November, March, and December.

Final Thoughts

The best time to visit Universal Studios Orlando depends on whether you want to avoid the crowds or save money. It may also be determined by the periods that the park offers special events with themes around holiday seasons. A combination of all these factors would make for the perfect trip to this theme park.

The best approach is to avoid the months when schools are on holiday. You also want to avoid summer when the temperatures are high, Spring Break, Easter, and the Christmas period. The essential thing is to ensure you make the most out of your visit regardless of the season.

The Best Time to Go to Universal Studios

The best time to visit Universal Studios depends on many different factors. It may come down to family or work schedules, a dislike of the heat and humidity, or a desire to go during Halloween Horror Nights. Schedules and personal preferences aside, some times of the year are better than others when considering crowd levels, ticket prices, and things to do at the parks. Below, we discuss the best times to go to Universal Studios and why.

Visit Universal Studios Orlando’s website for park hours.

Images are courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

When Is the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Orlando?

The best time to go to Universal Studios Orlando is September after Labor Day through the middle of October. This is based on various factors, including ticket pricing, crowds, events, and weather.

Ticket pricing

The first factor is ticket pricing, which we based on a one-day, one-park ticket with no discounts or add-ons. You will find some of the cheapest ticket pricing of the year between September and October. There are many weekdays where you can purchase park tickets at Universal Studios lowest ticket tier, which is $119 for 2023 during this period.

Prices increase slightly on the weekends and rise closer to Halloween.

Crowd Calendar

Ticket pricing and crowd levels are often linked together: you can expect fewer crowds when ticket pricing is low. Universal and Disney intentionally set their prices this way (referred to as “surge pricing”) to encourage guests to visit during slower times. As a result, lower ticket pricing usually indicates the least crowded days to visit Universal.

Crowds are typically lower after Labor Day through mid-October because most children have returned to school by the end of Labor Day weekend. In addition, families are less likely to take their children out of school for vacation right after summer breaks, making it a great time to visit Universal and other Orlando theme parks.

You can expect crowds to slightly increase on weekends due to visits from locals and annual pass holders. Still, you won’t generally notice it compared to other busy times of the year, such as during the summer or spring break. Don’t forget you can always purchase an express pass. The peak season for park guests in Universal Studios Orlando is May to August.

Halloween Horror Nights and other Special Events

One of the primary reasons September and October are the best times to go to Universal is to experience Halloween Horror Nights, by far Universal Studios’ most popular event of the year . This event regularly sells out.

This ticketed event is held on select nights throughout September and October from around 6 pm to 1 or 2 am. Halloween Horror Nights are usually held on the weekends through most of September. Then two or three-weekday events are added toward the end of September and throughout October and would be perfect for a fall break.

Visiting on a weekday event night between mid-September and mid-October will give you the best opportunity to enjoy Halloween Horror Nights while avoiding the more crowds that descend around Halloween.

The weather in Central Florida is another excellent reason to visit Universal between mid-September and mid-October. Florida usually transitions from a tropical, wet-season pattern with daily afternoon thunderstorms to a dry, low-humidity pattern with very few rainy days during this time. When visiting in October, expect days with highs in the low and mid-80s with low humidity and comfortable, breezy nights. These are the perfect temperatures for a night out at HHN.

Other Great Times to Visit Universal

While mid-September through mid-October is the best time to visit Universal, there are other periods throughout the year when you’d experience low crowds, great weather, and plenty of activities. Here are some of the other great times to visit Universal:

January — The End of February

The period just after New Year’s and before March first is historically the least crowded time of the year to visit Universal Studios Orlando. Crowds increase on certain long weekends, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday in January) and President’s Day (the third Monday in February). Still, most weekends and weekdays are great times to visit.

Suppose you choose to visit right after New Year’s. In that case, you can experience all the Universal holiday festivities and decorations without the holiday crowds. Universal Studios Christmas decor typically stays up through the first weekend in January. You can also join in on the festive fun of Mardi Gras, which starts in early February every year.

The weather is typically very comfortable during this time as well. There’s low humidity, below-average precipitation, and only a few “cold snaps” (which in Florida means any day under 70 degrees). So overall, you’ll experience the type of weather you can boast about to your friends up north who are stuck in snowy cities.

Ticket prices are typically some of the lowest of the entire year during this time, too!

End of April — Mid-May

The spring break rush leading up to Memorial Day is another excellent time to visit Universal Studios Orlando. Again, low attendance will allow you to enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, the VelociCoaster at Jurassic World, and thrill rides like Rip, Ride, and Rockit with short wait times. Weather-wise, you can expect warm, summer-like temperatures with increasing humidity and some intense afternoon thundershowers that pass quickly.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Universal Studios?

October is the best month to visit Universal Studios Orlando. More specifically, weekdays in the first two weeks of October are the best time to visit.

Crowds are typically low at the beginning of October but increase closer to Halloween. Weekends in October can get pretty busy: many locals and annual pass holders come to experience Halloween Horror Nights on their time off. You may experience a slight spike in attendance the weekend before Columbus Day weekend / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (the second Monday in October). However, you’ll be set if you stick to weekdays in October.

The main event during this time is Halloween Horror Nights. If you’re a fan of seeing your nightmares come to life with haunted houses themed after popular shows like Stranger Things and movies like The Haunting of Hill House , you’ll definitely want to visit Universal during this time. However, if horror isn’t your cup of tea, Central Florida’s low humidity, low rain chances (goodbye afternoon thunderstorms!), and comfortable afternoon temperatures will convince you to visit Universal Orlando in October.

What Is the Best Season to Visit Universal Studios ?

The best season to visit Universal Orlando is winter.

There’s something simply wonderful about visiting theme parks around the holidays. There’s never a dull moment with plenty of festive experiences, whether you watch Hogwarts™ castle come to life with visions of the Yule Ball at Hogsmeade™ or take a trip to Who-ville for Grinchmas™ at Seuss Landing™.

Don’t forget to catch the holiday parade featuring balloons from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Although winter is one of the best times to visit Universal, it can also be one of the busiest, so expect crowds. If you avoid these busy times, you’ll see the lowest crowds and prices of the year.

We suggest visiting Universal Orlando during the following times in the winter:

• Beginning of November through the week before Thanksgiving.
• The week after Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas.
• January through the third week in February.

What Days of the Week are the Least Busy at Universal Studios?

The slowest days of the week at Universal are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, especially during the school year. The reason is pretty apparent: it is smack dab in the middle of the workweek. Those are a few days that adults are less likely to take off work (even if they want to take a long weekend) and aren’t typical days for kids to be off school unless it’s during a break. Note: this doesn’t mean you won’t see children on your trip if you visit during one of these days! Saturday is usually the busiest day to visit Universal Studios Orlando, so the closer you get to the weekend, the busier it will be.

What is the Best Day to Visit Universal Studios ?

The best day to go to Universal Studios is Wednesday. Since Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the slowest days of the week, they’re also the best few days to visit.

As we discussed above, ticket prices typically indicate crowd levels. Ticket pricing on Wednesday is consistently lower than on other days of the week throughout the year. Therefore, planning a trip to Universal Studios on a Wednesday gives you the best chance to purchase park tickets at Universal’s lowest ticket pricing tier. However, a few exceptions exist, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve week. Overall, Wednesday is the least crowded and cheapest day to visit Universal Orlando, regardless of the season.

What is the Cheapest Month to Visit Universal Studios in 2023?

September is the cheapest month to visit Universal Orlando. Current ticket pricing shows a total of 14 days throughout September, priced at Universal’s lowest pricing tier of $119 for a one-day, one-park ticket, more than any other month in 2023. This increases your chances of getting the best possible price for your Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure park tickets. We suggest choosing a weekday after Labor Day and before October first to get the best ticket deals.

What is the Most Expensive Month to Go to Universal?

The most expensive month to visit Universal Orlando is December. We don’t want to be a Grinch, but since the Christmas season is one of the busiest times to go to Universal, the ticket pricing is the highest of the year. In fact, the entire week between Christmas and New Year’s is priced at the most expensive tier, which is $152 per day in 2023. Even the lowest ticket price in December is the most expensive price point in slower months like September. The Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships are also in the first week of December.

See our How Much Does It Cost to Go to Universal article for more information.

When is the Busiest Time to Visit Universal Studios ?

We’ve discussed the best time to go to Universal, but what times of the year should you avoid? Universal Studios’ busiest times coincide with other busy times at theme parks like Walt Disney World. The busiest times to visit Universal Orlando are:

• The week of Thanksgiving.
• The week between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Spring break season (the beginning of March through Easter Sunday).

These are the times when most children are on school breaks, and many adults also have off work. So you can bet that any time there is a large group of people off of work or school at the same time, Orlando theme parks will be busy.

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and movie studio in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the most popular and oldest theme parks in the United States, featuring attractions and rides based on popular movies and television shows. Some of the park’s most popular rides include the Forbidden Journey ride, Harry Potter World, The Walking Dead attraction, and Jurassic Park: The Ride.

The park also features a variety of live shows, including the Special Effects Show, Super Silly Fun Land, Universal Citywalk, and the WaterWorld stunt show. In addition to the rides and shows, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood also has a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as several hotels located nearby for those who want to make a vacation out of their visit.

The Best Time to Visit Universal Studios: A Summary

The best times to visit Universal Studios are:

• September after Labor Day through mid-October.
• January through the end of February.
• April (after Easter Sunday) through the week before Memorial Day.

The cheapest and least crowded times to visit Universal Studios are :

• Weekdays in October.

Additionally, winter is the best season to visit Universal Studios due to the numerous special events that occur during the holiday season and the low crowds in January and February if you plan your trip in very early January (just after New Year’s), you can even experience all the holiday festivities—without the large crowds.

We base these conclusions on several factors, including historical crowd levels, ticket pricing, and the weather in Central Florida.

We hope this guide will help you and your family plan your trip to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure and demystify the mystery behind deciding when to visit.

Book your Universal Orlando Vacation

If you’re ready to get started with booking your Universal Studios vacation, talk to our friends at The Vacationeer . They offer free vacation planning services with expert Universal travel agents . Click HERE for a free quote !

Are you looking for more information on Universal or Magic Kingdom? We have many more articles!

See our other Universal pages, including: Universal Orlando Map , Universal Orlando Transportation , Best Universal Orlando Rides , Universal vs Disney World , How to Get from Disney World to Universal , How Much do Wands cost at Universal Studios , Is the Universal Express Pass Worth It , Universal Orlando Customer Service Contact Info , and How to get the Universal Express Pass for Free .

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I visit Universal Orlando several times a year. Here are my top 10 tips for first-timers.

I’ll never forget walking out of Universal Islands of Adventure in 2022, drenched from head to toe after riding Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge . 

It was my first trip back to Universal Orlando Resort in years, and I learned some things the hard way, which I gladly shared with fellow travelers, hoping that they’d avoid my mistakes .

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Florida resort several times a year. And while I stand by my earlier tips, I’ve learned a few others.

Here are my top tips for first-timers visiting Universal Orlando.

1.  Stay on property

From RV parks to vacation rentals, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Central Florida, but it can pay to stay on property when visiting Universal Orlando. Not only are prices comparable to off-property hotels with Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside starting at $99 a night, but all of Universal’s resort hotels offer 30 minutes of early entry to select parks, which vary depending on time of year. 

They also provide free resort transportation, so you can get back to your room fairly quickly after a long park day or for a midday break. That free transportation can be clutch in the mornings, particularly at pricier Loews Sapphire Falls , Loews Royal Pacific , Loews Portofino Bay , and Hard Rock Hotel , which offer water taxis that drop you off closer to the parks than you can get arriving by car or bus. Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel guests can walk over to Sapphire Falls for water taxis, but the extra time and steps added may make it not worth skipping the resort shuttle bus.

Walking paths are also available to the parks from every resort hotel except the Endless Summer ones. Cabana Bay guests also have a dedicated walking path to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.

Guests staying at Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay and Hard Rock also get free Universal Express Passes , which dramatically cut waits for most rides and normally start at $79.99 per person. Free package delivery is also available to all resort hotels, if guests don’t want to lug park purchases around all day.

Epic Universe details revealed: What's coming to Universal Orlando next year

2. Buy a popcorn bucket

Snacking at the parks can get expensive. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, but there’s one crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank. 

A plain popcorn bucket costs a little over $12, and you can keep getting refills throughout your trip. Refills cost around $2 each, making popcorn among the cheapest, most shareable snacks on property. On our last trip, my family and I got multiple refills for the price of one pretzel with cheese dip.

3.  Bring a light, refillable water bottle

Staying hydrated is always important, particularly on hot park days. 

You can fill water bottles with free ice-cold water at any of the many Coca-Cola Freestyle machines across the property. Cups of ice water are also available for free anywhere dispensed soft drinks are sold.

Leave big double-walled stainless steel tumblers at home. Not only will they feel heavy, carrying them around all the day, but if they aren’t leak-proof, they’ll make a mess when you tip them on their sides to fit in lockers for thrill rides.

4. Bring a medium-sized bag to carry your stuff

Numerous attractions, from Jurassic World VelociCoaster to Men in Black Alien Attack , require guests to store loose articles in lockers provided for the duration of the ride. 

I previously recommended keeping most of your things together to avoid having to empty every pocket each time. That’s still true, but I want to add a caveat on size. 

The free lockers aren’t very big. They can fit a Loungefly-style mini backpack or empty popcorn bucket, if you squish them down, but they’re not large enough for packed full-size backpacks. Keep that in mind unless you want to pay for larger lockers.

5. Bring ponchos

Ponchos don’t take a lot of space and can save you from getting soaked like me on Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge, Dudley Do-Right’s Rip Saw Falls , and Jurassic Park River Adventure .

Even if you skip water rides, ponchos are good to keep on hand for rainy park days.

6. Use single-rider lines 

Many attractions have a single-rider lane. If you’re traveling alone or don’t mind your party being split up, you can save time using the single-rider lane, if it’s open. They’re not always offered.

It doesn’t guarantee a short wait, but it’s usually shorter. On our latest trip, my middle schooler still waited at least 45 minutes for The Incredible Hulk Coaster and an hour for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit . That was about as long as the regular standby wait for Hulk but shorter than the standby wait for Rip Ride Rockit.

The following attractions have single-rider lanes, though availability varies.

Universal Studios Florida

• E.T. Adventure.
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
• Men in Black Alien Attack.
• Revenge of the Mummy.
• The Simpsons Ride.
• Transformers: The Ride-3D.

Universal Islands of Adventure

• Doctor Doom's Fearfall.
• Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls.
• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
• Jurassic Park River Adventure.
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

7. Use child swap 

If someone in your party doesn’t meet ride requirements for an attraction or simply wants to sit it out, you can ask for a child swap. It’s particularly helpful for families with young children because it allows parents and caregivers to take turns riding the ride and staying with whoever is sitting it out.

On our most recent trip, my youngest didn’t want to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure , so we all waited in line together, but then she and I peeled off to a designated waiting room while my middle schooler and mother-in-law went on the ride. When they were done, my mother-in-law stayed with my youngest while I went on the ride. My middle schooler lucked out, getting to ride it twice.

Not all attractions have waiting rooms, but they all offer swaps. Just let team members know you need one.

8. Take breaks

Theme parks can be exhausting. Not only are you on your feet all day, but they can be loud, crowded and overstimulating. 

When possible, I like to plan for at least one sit-down meal in the day. This way, I can take my time and recuperate in air conditioning away from crowds. I’ll typically splurge on one table-service meal, but there are several medium-priced, quick-service restaurants across both theme parks where you can grab a lighter snack and relax.

Really, any cool spot where you can sit down works. Knockturn Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida is always refreshing, though dark. Jurassic Park Discovery Center in Islands of Adventure is a great place for kids to explore while adults unwind. 

9.  Watch the shows

Rides get a lot of the love, but Universal Orlando’s live entertainment is top tier. You can find showtimes on the free resort app or simply stop to watch performances you stumble across while roaming the parks.

The only year-round shows with dedicated seating are at Universal Studios Florida: Animal Actors On Location! , The Bourne Stuntacular , and Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, which is more funny than scary.

10. Let little ones stretch their legs

There are several play areas across both theme parks for little ones to burn off energy.

This summer, a new DreamWorks Land will open at Universal Studios Florida with a “Kung Fu Panda”-themed play area.

At Islands of Adventure, kids can explore Camp Jurassic in Jurassic Park, If I Ran a Zoo in Seuss Landing, and Me Ship, The Olive in Toon Lagoon. There are also splash pads and water features across Toon Lagoon; just make sure to either bring swimsuits or backup clothes for those.

Bonus: Don’t sleep on Volcano Bay

You’ll definitely want to pack swimsuits if you’re heading to Volcano Bay, which regularly ranks among the best water parks in the country and adds a completely different experience to vacations.

It’s themed like a tropical paradise, with plenty of trees and an iconic volcano that houses multiple water slides. The water park can get crowded, but you never spend too much time standing in line because every guest gets a Tapu Tapu wearable bracelet that lets them join one virtual queue at a time. 

Single-day tickets start at $80, which is considerably less than the $119 starting price for guests age 10 and up at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, but still not cheap. However, if you’re already planning to buy multiday tickets for both theme parks, tacking on Volcano Bay is not much more.

An expert's guide to Orlando, Florida – beyond the theme parks

May 5, 2024 • 7 min read

From glistening beaches to space exploration past and present, Orlando has tons for you to see © Shutterstock

There's a reason 75 million people visit Orlando annually, and it isn't just the mouse. Don't get us wrong. Disney World is incredible and deserves a place on any theme park lover’s bucket list, but Orlando is so much more than its theme parks. It’s an ever-evolving city with vibrant parks, public art and award-winning restaurants. And that’s before you get to amazing day trips to the Kennedy Space Center or New Smyrna Beach . 

I have family near Orlando and I’ve visited dozens of times through the years, usually for a week at a time. I’ve come to love this special place. Whether it’s your first trip to Orlando or you’re looking for something to do outside the theme parks, our expert guide to Orlando will help you make the most of your trip. 

When should I go to Orlando? 

There’s no wrong time to visit Orlando , but here are a few facts to inform your decision. First, no matter the time of year, holidays are crowded and expensive (this includes the days framing the actual holiday). There’s also the rainy season from May to October. Luckily, in a place as lovely as Florida, the rainfall is intense but mercifully brief. 

Hurricane season is from June through November. In recent years, weather systems like Hurricane Ian have caused theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios to close for multiple days. If you’re visiting Orlando during hurricane season, it’s best to book flexible airfare, lodging, rental car reservations, etc.  

The high tourist season in Orlando is from March to April and June to August. Kids are typically out of school for spring and summer breaks, so the big attractions like theme parks are often crowded. Humidity is high, and temperatures are often in the 90s. 

The shoulder season in Orlando is in May and September through November. In May, temperatures reach the mid to high 80s, and after the sweltering summer, they drop to the upper 70s in November. During the shoulder season, you’ll usually find better deals on lodging. 

December is usually the low season (excluding Christmas through early January when the kids are on holiday break). The temperatures are cooler but exceedingly pleasant, with averages in the middle 70s. This is the time of year when you’ll usually get the best pricing as long you avoid school breaks and holidays.

How many days do you need to see Orlando? 

Although you can easily spend longer and not regret it, the average visitor to Orlando spends 5-7 nights. A stay of this length ensures you’ll have time to visit the theme parks (if that’s on your itinerary), plus explore downtown Orlando and some Florida beaches. 

Is it easy to get around in Orlando? 

Most long-distance travelers fly into Orlando International Airport. If you’re staying at a Disney area hotel and don’t plan on spending much time outside the resort, you might find it cheaper to take the Mears Connect shuttle over an Uber or rental car, although this largely depends on your group size. The shuttle operates 24/7. 

If you’re a Florida local, the recently debuted Brightline offers fast train service connecting Orlando to cities like Palm Beach , Fort Lauderdale and Miami . Alternatively, the Sun Rail offers train service with stops in Poinciana (about half an hour from Disney World), downtown Orlando, Kissimmee and DeBary. 

Downtown Orlando has an excellent public transportation system. LYMMO provides free Bus Rapid Transit service seven days a week to major downtown destinations like Lake Eola Park or the Bob Carr Theater . The Lymmo does not provide service to the airport or theme parks. Or, enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and utilize Orlando’s bike and scooter share program .

What are the top things to do in Orlando? 

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Orlando has theme parks. Walt Disney World , Universal Studios , Legoland , etc, are all in the area. If these attractions are the reason for your visit, that’s wonderful. However, there are a lot of things to do in Orlando outside the theme parks. 

Embrace downtown Orlando 

Don’t make the mistake of skipping downtown Orlando on your visit to the Sunshine State. Lake Eola Park is the heart of the city, with a paved, wheelchair-accessible walking trail circling the lake. Colorful gardens blossom against the backdrop of the Orlando skyline while swan boats (and real swans) swim in the water. A wheelchair lift was recently installed to make it easier for people with disabilities to enter the ADA-accessible swan boats. If you’re at Lake Eloa on a Sunday, check out the Orlando Farmer’s Market, where local vendors showcase seasonal produce, arts and crafts, plants and even homemade dog treats.

A whopping 48 Orlando restaurants were honored by the Michelin Guide in 2024, so be sure to arrive hungry. For a bucket list dining experience, the intimate Natsu Omakase has just two seatings per night and flies most of its seafood in from Japan. For a casual meal, it’s hard to beat Super Rico , with Columbian dishes like Churrasco or fried green plantains topped with steak, chicken and mushrooms. 

While you’re walking around downtown, keep your eye open for public art. Orlando boasts over 900 paintings, sculptures, tapestries and mixed media displayed in its city hall, neighborhood centers, public buildings and parks. 

Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens 

The Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre plant-life paradise. Since this is Florida, there is always something in bloom, and each trip to the gardens is different than the last. Throughout the year, roses, hibiscus, bananas, tree orchids and citrus trees fill the grounds with perfume and color. This is also home to the Historic Leu House Museum, which was originally built in 1888. Today, the mansion has been restored to offer visitors a glimpse back at the past.

Take in a Performance at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has been recognized as one of the world's most acoustically sound arts venues. The building takes up two city blocks, offering multiple performance spaces, a school of the arts, event rooms and an outdoor plaza with a welcoming lawn. An ever-changing calendar of performances includes family-friendly programming, Broadway touring productions and local theater groups. 

Geek out at Kennedy Space Center

Orlando is only 50 miles from the Kennedy Space Center , and it’s worth a side trip. You can easily spend the entire day there, so don’t short yourself on time. Attractions include encounters with real astronauts, hands-on activities like astronaut training simulators, and virtual reality experiences. Kids love it, and so do adults.

Explore New Smyrna Beach 

Drive an hour to New Smyrna Beach, where you’ll find 17 miles of sugar sand beaches, some of Florida’s best surfing waves, and a cute, walk-around-able downtown brimming with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Nearby Blue Springs State Park is a designated manatee refuge with hundreds of manatees from mid-November through mid-March that visitors can see via a wheelchair-accessible path and viewing platform.

My favorite thing to do in Orlando 

My favorite thing to do in Orlando might seem a little cheesy if you’ve never been inside, but I always recommend Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition . Yes, there are Titanic museums elsewhere, but that doesn’t make this one any less worthwhile since each exhibition holds different artifacts. This one has more than 300 artifacts recovered from the wreckage and 500 personal items from passengers. Costumed actors wander through full-scale room recreations of the Titanic’s interior, pulling you into an eerie, immersive experience. A regular roster of programs includes dinner galas, formal teas and guide tours with rotating themes. 

How much money do I need for Orlando? 

• Basic room for two: $100 a night (and up) 
• Basic Airbnb for two: $100 a night (and up) 
• Ticket for Mear Connect: $32.00 roundtrip for ages 10 and up, $26.00 roundtrip for ages 3-9 years old, children under 3 are free
• LYMMO Bus Rapid Transit service in downtown Orlando: Free
• Theme park ticket: varies, but you usually expect to spend at least $120 per person per day
• Cup of coffee: $3.00 
• Price for a sandwich: $8.00 
• Dinner for two: $60 (and up) 
• Cocktail in downtown Orlando: $14 (and up)

Keep planning your trip to Florida:

Keep your wallet happy with the best free experiences Figure out  the best time to visit Cruise your way around the Sunshine State with the best road trips in Florida   Get the inside intel with the top things you should know before you go

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Universal Orlando reveals trio of 'never-before-seen' experiences coming this summer

ORLANDO, Fla. - With summer just around the corner, Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up and announced several all-new experiences with daytime and nighttime fun for the whole family. 

In addition to the announcement of the opening date of the new DreamWorks Land on June 14 , Universal announced Monday an all-new nighttime show that celebrates music in movies, the biggest daytime parade to date, and a fresh projection show at Hogwarts castle. 

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"We are thrilled to debut an array of never-before-seen experiences for the entire family to enjoy from day to night," said Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin. "These new experiences - coupled with the amazing attractions currently in our theme parks - will allow our guests to create lasting memories that will make this summer truly unforgettable." 

Here's what's coming to Universal Orlando Resort this summer:

Starting on June 14 at Universal Studios, a new nighttime show will transform the lagoon into a dazzling display of film-inspired music. The show will use cutting-edge technology, like 228 fountains that'll reach heights of up to 131 feet, 4K projection mapping, an original composition, and over 600 drones. 

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Among the iconic scores and scenes from films that inspired this new show are:

• Harry Potter films
• Fantastic Beast films
• Jurassic World
• Ghostbusters
• Back to the Future
• Universal Monsters
• Transformers
• How to Train Your Dragon
• Fast and Furious
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Starting July 3, Universal Studios will host the Universal Mega Movie Parade, featuring beloved stories from Universal films. 

This will be the largest daytime parade in Universal Orlando's history, featuring 13 new floats, nearly 100 performers, and special effects. 

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Guests can expect to see iconic moments like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters , the Caterbus from Trolls , a Jaws -themed float with a live drum line, and an epic finale with Jurassic World elements, along with hidden details from various films.

Here's a look at the movies that inspired the all-new parade:

• Kung Fu Panda

" Jaws , Back to the Future , all these classic Universal films are going to have their own floats. They're going to even have a band playing the Jaws theme, a live marching band as the float goes by, I think that's going to get tons of fans over to Universal, this summer," Attractions Magazine's Matt Rosebloom told FOX 35. 

If you want to relive the fun forever, visit the Summer Tribute Store, which will include themed rooms, merch, and photo ops inspired by some of the films that inspired the parade. Universal said it will reveal more details about the Summer Tribute Store at a later date. 

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On select nights starting June 14 at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure, guests can experience Hogwarts Always, a new projection show that viewers through iconic moments of a Hogwarts school year, with scenes from Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Express, the Sorting Ceremony, and more. 

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With four different endings representing each Hogwarts house, the show ends with a colorful fireworks display, featuring dialogue from beloved characters like Dumbledore, Hagrid, and the Sorting Hat.

Save money, experience more.

Disneyland Crowd Calendar 2024-2025 (Updated Monthly!)

In the Disneyland crowd calendar below you'll see the crowd ratings for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, notable dates that may impact crowds, and the calendar dates for Disneyland special events. Click on the specific event or rating below for more information.

Our Disneyland crowd calendar is different than others available because we are completely transparent about the data we use to make specific decisions that impact the various crowd levels throughout the year . See this all detailed below the calendar.

Currently this calendar is updated to April 2025 . Information will be added as we get further into 2025.

We rated Disney California Adventure and Disneyland crowd levels as Massive Crowds, Above Normal Crowds, Normal Crowds, Below Normal Crowds, and Very Low Crowds. Here are the color schemes to identify those levels on the calendar.

Remember that even though this Disneyland crowd calendar (and the others you’ll see out there) looks very official, the actual experience of crowds at the parks could be very different if we were off in the assumptions that we made. There are many factors that can influence crowds on any given day, and it is not always possible to predict these.

How Did We Rate Crowd Levels For Disneyland Crowd Calendar?

Forecasting a Disneyland crowd calendar has gotten far more difficult as the crowd patterns at Disneyland have shifted quite a bit in the years coming out of the pandemic closure. The introduction of Disneyland park reservations and changes to park capacity has meant that over the past couple of years, it is a safe assumption that Disneyland is always crowded. Disneyland often tweaks the availability of park reservations to keep attendance spread out evenly. They would prefer to have “Above Normal” feeling crowds every single day.

Even with that stated, we have received constant questions about a Disneyland crowd calendar to forecast how busy the days at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure actually are. Though we already have our analysis of the best time to visit Disneyland and the Disneyland dates to avoid we understand the demand for a visual crowd calendar to track and present the information.

We combine this data plus our own constant personal experience visiting Disneyland every single week to provide the most informed theme park crowd calendar possible.

We determine the different ratings for the dates on our crowd calendar above by weighing the below factors.

• 1-Day Disneyland ticket prices
• Magic Key blockout dates
• Thrill-Data historical wait time data
• School calendars for key school districts in California, Arizona, and Utah
• Parties like Disneyland After Dark Nites and Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party

We analyze these shifting factors throughout the year to ensure that our crowd calendar remains up to date and shifts for any critical dates at the theme park.

For the 1-Day ticket prices that are visible for the year on the Disneyland calendar, we weigh these as a factor because they are tiered by date (from Tier 0 at the lowest price to Tier 6 at the highest) and often reflect expected crowd levels during certain times. Another important factor we weighed was wait time data from Thrill Data , which is a compilation of average historical data on wait times for each day of the year for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

Magic Key blockout dates also play a role in influencing crowd levels—for example, the highest-tier Magic Key, Inspire, is blocked out during the last week of December into the start of January as a reflection of when some of the biggest crowds of the year will occur. The presence of no blockout dates can also contribute to higher crowds in the theme park as well with the locals unrestricted from visiting, like when all Magic Key holders return to the parks after summer blockout dates are lifted. This is one area where we bring in some of our own lived experience with the impact of crowds based on specific times of the year and the flow of Magic Key Holders.

Another factor we consider is the timing of special events throughout the year. We know the starting dates of seasonal celebrations due to the special events calendar that Disneyland shared for the year , including major celebrations like Season of the Force , Pixar Fest , Halloween , and Christmas . Especially on the starting days of each of these special events, we can expect crowds to be higher than normal. We also take into account how crowd levels at the parks may be affected by parties like Disneyland After Dark Events or Grad Nites and mark these on the Disneyland crowd calendar.

Major school breaks that can affect crowds include Spring Break and Fall Break, which can make the parks more crowded. We have some of these dates specifically marked on the calendar. The Fall Break has begun to have even more of an impact on the parks as it has become a popular time for guests to travel in from states surrounding California. October has actually become the most popular month of the year for Disneyland travel according to our travel partner, Get Away Today . As a general rule of thumb, holidays and three-day weekends will draw larger crowds to the parks, so this was also a factor we considered.

Overview of Disneyland Crowds During the Year

As you will see on the Disneyland crowd calendar, there is a typical pattern of crowds you can expect throughout the year.

Some of the slower months at Disneyland include parts of January, February, August, September, and November. You'll see that there is a fair amount of green during each of these months indicating “below normal” crowds. There is also a fair amount of special events that you can enjoy during these months like the Lunar New Year celebration , the start of the Halloween celebration , and the start and tail end of Christmas at Disneyland .

Spring break season is notoriously hard to predict on Disneyland crowd calendars as many schools have differing school breaks during the months of March and April. The common trends we see take place at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World is that crowds increase from the beginning of March until mid-March with a lull after St. Patrick's Day. This most recent 2024 Disneyland spring break season, crowds picked up again at the end of March and carried into the first week of April. Breaks are spread out across the country during the spring break season making this data a bit more unpredictable for our crowd calendar.

While summer break is a popular time to visit Disneyland with kids out of school on summer break, summer months are still not quite as crowded as some other times of year like October and the holidays. In June and July, our Disneyland crowd calendar projects a mix of normal and above normal crowds with some “massive crowds” days mixed in. Summer is a popular time for many families to take a Disneyland vacation but it's been easily outpaced by the popularity of holidays like holiday weekends, holiday breaks, Halloween, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas season.

You'll see above normal crowds surrounding the Halloween celebration during the month of October and around the holidays, especially during the last week of December leading into the first few days of January (which you can see on the Disneyland crowd calendar is all marked as red “massive crowds”). As mentioned in our above discussion of the factors weighed for the crowd calendar, school breaks (especially Spring break and Fall break) will contribute to above normal crowds at the theme parks.

Crowd Calendar Differences at Disneyland vs. California Adventure

Our crowd calendar also includes different ratings for both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Our reasoning for giving each park its own unique crowd calendar rating is due to the special events that impact each theme park separately.

Crowd calendars at Disneyland can shift depending on what special events are taking place. If there is a ticketed event taking place at California Adventure, like Oogie Boogie Bash, you may see crowds begin to increase over at Disneyland as guests without tickets hop to the opposite park when the event starts.

This can also impact the availability of Disneyland park reservations as guests without tickets flock to the opposite park not hosting an event. Holidays and special events can create different crowd levels at both theme parks while on some days the ratings may be the same.

For instance, you might see larger crowds flock to Disneyland in the evenings as guests turn out to watch Disneyland fireworks especially during the holiday season. The nighttime entertainment is incredibly popular at Disneyland during the holiday seasons. But during the Food & Wine Festival at California Adventure that takes place in the spring, you might see higher crowds turning out in the evening as locals come out to enjoy the food offerings of the festival. There are many factors that can change the way busy days feels at both Disneyland and California Adventure.

Three-Day Holiday Weekends at Disneyland Impact Crowd Calendar

One of the biggest contributors to Disneyland crowds are three-day holiday weekends. Three-day holiday weekends draw large crowds for a Disneyland vacation along with locals taking advantage of the longer weekend. This is also one of the few times of the year we see Disneyland park reservations become hard to get.

Not all three-day weekends will create massive crowds although you may see an increase in long lines during these weekends. Easily one of the busiest three-day weekends is Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day which often coordinates with existing Fall school breaks in October. We would consider this one of the busiest times to visit Disneyland with higher than average theme park attendance. Halloween at Disneyland Resort has now become one of the most popular times of the year to visit the theme parks. This often catches guests by surprise when they visit in October which is why we try to highlight it on our Disneyland crowd calendar as a peak season at Disneyland. But if you wanted to do a three day weekend during Halloween, you will have lower crowds if you visit during Labor Day instead since September doesn't have the same problem with fall breaks.

But on the opposite side of the spectrum, Memorial Day weekend is often not that crowded at all in comparison. During our recent trip on Memorial Day at Disneyland we did not notice a difference from other days in May. This is why looking at the data we've collected on our Disneyland crowd calendar can be useful rather than just assuming all holiday weekends should be avoided. And if you're there during a holiday weekend with manageable crowds, you can enjoy longer park hours with light crowds.

Ticketed Events at Disneyland

There are ticketed events at Disneyland that take place in spring and fall which all can impact the crowd levels at the theme parks. These events often take place after the parks close for the day although for some events the parks will closer earlier which can cause attendance to fluctuate between Disneyland and California Adventure.

Disneyland After Dark is the name of the after hours events that take place in the spring months at Disneyland. These events all take place at Disneyland Park after the park closes for the day. These events usually start in January with some running through June. Event goers are given early entry to Disneyland so this can cause an increase in evening hours at Disneyland Park on the days of any of these Disneyland After Dark events.

In May and June, Disneyland Grad Nites takes place which can cause crowds at both parks. Grad Nites are an event for local teens to celebrate their high school graduation and they are given the option to pick from tickets to either park, park hopper tickets along with access to a private event that takes place at 9PM in California Adventure. On Grad Nite days, California Adventure will close early at 9PM for this event which can cause an increase of crowds flocking over to Disneyland to watch the fireworks. Aside from the impact of the early closure at California Adventure, Grad Nites do not necessarily equal a massively crowded day and most of the impact of these events will only be noticeable in the evening hours.

Disneyland goes all out for Halloween and has become one of the most popular times of the year at Disneyland as this time of year also coordinates with many Fall school breaks in the region. Halloween at Disneyland also includes its own ticketed event called Oogie Boogie Bash . Oogie Boogie Bash takes place at California Adventure August-October as part of the Halloween season. On nights that Oogie Boogie Bash takes place, California Adventure will close early which will force all guests without a party ticket over to Disneyland Park. This event has the greatest impact on crowds at Disneyland since California Adventure closes at 6PM for the event. All of the other ticketed events throughout the year take place close to park closing or after park closing so the impact is not as great on visitors. This is another reason why Halloween can feel especially busy. Oogie Boogie Bash is an extremely popular event with tickets selling out each year. So when you note that it is an Oogie Boogie Bash date on our Disneyland crowd calendar, this also means an early closing for California Adventure on the same day which can cause an increase in Disneyland evening crowds.

What If I Want to Visit When Disneyland Is Crowded?

If your trip dates to visit Disneyland align with high crowd levels it's no need to panic as you can still have a magical vacation at the Disneyland Resort.

While most Disneyland crowd calendars will warn against visiting during high crowds, some of these crowded times on our 2024 Disneyland crowd calendar also take place during some of the best events of the year. This includes special attraction overlays on favorite rides like the Haunted Mansion, it's a small world, and Space Mountain.

Disneyland will also increase park hours during peak times of the year, increase staff, and offer a large variety of entertainment to disperse crowd levels. We love to take advantage of the longer park hours at Disneyland theme parks by visiting early in the morning or staying late after the Disneyland fireworks end. The early morning and late evening park hours are helpful to manage Disneyland crowds as most wait times will be short during this time of day.

Another great tip for handling a busy day at Disneyland is to make dining reservations so you have a guaranteed break for avoiding crowds.

We frequently visit Disneyland on days our crowd calendar warns as higher than normal theme park crowds. The special events at Disneyland and longer hours help balance out the cons of visiting in the peak season. There are upsides to visiting Disneyland during the busy time of year as there will be less ride refurbishments to worry about as you might see during off peak times, more entertainment offerings, and longer park hours. So regardless if all Disney crowd calendars are saying your trip may be busy, you can still have a magical vacation.

Avoiding Crowds Can Save Money

There is a perk to planning your next magical vacation at Disneyland to avoid crowds based on specific dates. If you can avoid the time periods of the year that we know draw considerable crowds at Disneyland then these times of the year may also line up with discounts, lower hotel rates, and cheaper air travel.

The Disneyland crowd calendar will highlight times of the year that have a lower chance of massive crowds. Disney also shares this knowledge and they proactively release Disneyland ticket and hotel discounts to encourage guests to visit the theme parks. If you plan your trip with these discounts in mind, you can effectively avoid crowds while enjoying cheaper travel expenses.

We often see the most aggressive Disneyland hotel discounts take place January through May with the most heavily discounted dates falling on days our 2024 Disneyland crowd calendar would consider some of the least busy days. If you are looking to travel to Disneyland on a budget, I recommend following the discounts rather than events. And often, these will also give you the chance of experiencing low wait times on your vacation too.

Regardless of when you plan to visit Disneyland, a busy day at Disneyland is better than a busy day at work!

Plan Your Disney Vacation Today!

For the best resource and helpful information for planning your Disney trip, make sure to subscribe to our  FREE Deals newsletter​ . We’ll provide you with helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere.

You can find more information on planning your vacation in our guides:

• Why You Should Visit Disneyland in Spring 2024
• Best Hotels Near Disneyland 2024: Disneyland Hotel Reviews to Help Plan Your Stay
• Ultimate Disneyland Packing List 2024 and What to Wear to Disneyland
• Disneyland Character Dining 2024: Meal Reviews, Tips, Rankings

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

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Universal Orlando Christmas 2024 Dates

Universal Orlando Christmas 2024 Dates . Planning when to visit universal orlando in 2024 and 2025. See one of the most beloved holiday stories come to life before your eyes!

Universal orlando resort has announced details for their upcoming holiday season, beginning friday, november 17, and running daily through. Access to the holiday festivities is included in regular admission to universal.

Pick The Best Dates To Visit Using Our Orlando Crowd Calendar.

While we await information on how universal orlando resort will celebrate the 2024 holiday season, unwrap the details from 2023’s universal’s holiday parade.

Planning When To Visit Universal Orlando In 2024 And 2025.

We’re only a few days into 2024, but it’s already time to look ahead to the park.

Christmas At Universal Studios 2024 Should Start November 17Th And Run Through December 31St, 2024!

Images references :.

Visiting the 2024 universal orlando christmas festivities at a glance:

This Page Was Last Updated On January 2, 2024.

2023’s festivities run from friday, november 17, 2023 to sunday, december 31, 2023.

Universal Orlando Resort Has Announced Details For Their Upcoming Holiday Season, Beginning Friday, November 17, And Running Daily Through.

Vacation savings from Orlando Informer! Save with Orlando Informer! X

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4 best times to go to Universal Orlando

Casie Shimansky | March 30, 2020 March 30, 2020

The number-one question Orlando locals likely receive (outside of, “Hey, do you know how to get discounted tickets to the parks?”) might be, “When is the best time to come to Universal Orlando?”

It’s a heavy question. It’s a deep question. It’s… well, complicated, at best. And it might be the number-one question we locals are a bit hesitant to answer – what happens when we give away all our secrets, huh? But I digress – we’re not going to hoard the secrets over here!

No doubt, any time you can experience Universal is the  best time. However, it makes sense that the resort being less crowded certainly helps to increase the enjoyment level, as lines are shorter and the theme parks themselves are easier to maneuver.

The good news is that Universal Orlando still has an ebb and flow to its days of the week and seasonal crowds – unlike an unnamed resort down the street that is just seemingly always and forever packed. Although, the two destinations and their crowd levels still tend to play off each other – for example, if Universal has a brand-new ride opening, you can expect overall park flow throughout Orlando to be heightened, and the same can be said if Walt Disney World has an event running, like Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

Before we get into the best times to visit, we have a few general theme-park rules to go over: getting to Universal Orlando right at opening is recommended. Take a break mid-afternoon, when parks are often at the busiest and hottest. Then head back in the early evening to explore some more, when it tends to be cooler (or – hey – at least when the sun is gone) and many are headed off to dinner or are done for the day.

Staying on-site at Universal’s hotels is also recommended to get the most out of your time, as they all invite you to enjoy Early Park Admission . (And don’t forget that the premier resorts – Portofino Bay Hotel , Hard Rock Hotel , and Royal Pacific Resort  – also offer complimentary Express Passes !)

Okay – with that out of the way, it’s time to answer the question:

What are the four best times to visit Universal Orlando?

Early to mid-January, up until spring break begins (which is usually mid-February). This time frame is great because the temperatures in Florida tend to be a bit cooler, with less humidity. The holiday crowds have packed it up and headed home, and it’s just before the spring break crowds arrive.

Most days in September (except those nights when Halloween Horror Nights occurs).  September has typically been known as the best time to visit Orlando – it’s still a bit warm, but we’re usually done with our rainy season, and there’s so much going on that’s it a great month to visit. Most September days should be optimal, but just remember that HHN dates will increase crowds (and Universal Studios Florida will close early for the event).

Most weekdays in October and November (minus the week of Thanksgiving ).  October and November are a magical treat in Orlando because you never quite know what the weather will bring. The beginning of October tends to still be warm and humid, but towards the end of the month, the state can start to cool down, making for a more enjoyable time frame to visit. Just keep in mind that Halloween Horror Nights is in full swing throughout October and runs through the first weekend of November. And another time to steer clear of would be the week of Thanksgiving, as that can be one of the busiest times at the parks.

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are just certain times the locals don’t go to the parks – the top three are easily going to be summer, Thanksgiving, and that mind-boggling week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. However, there is some wizarding magic to be found during the couple of weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when – again – Thanksgiving crowds have gone back home and Christmas crowds have yet to arrive (and kids are still in school). Temperatures can be milder around this time, as well, and there’s a bonus: Christmas decor is up!

One last note

Another general rule to adhere to: if the kids are out of school – whether that be most weekends, a one-day holiday (like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or Memorial Day), or week-long breaks like spring break or Christmas – the parks will be busy, so keep this in mind when planning. Additionally, the same rule applies for special events like Halloween Horror Nights and Mardi Gras , although the weeks leading up to or after one of these holiday periods tend to be a bit quieter.

And don’t forget: a great place to fine tune the timing of your vacation is Orlando Informer’s Free Crowd Calendar .

When’s  your favorite time to visit Universal? Compare notes with 90,000+ other vacation-planners over in our  OI Community  Facebook group.

And don’t forget to follow Orlando Informer on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram  for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando experiences.

Related posts:

• Christmas decorations have started to go up at Universal Orlando Resort
• HHN Curtain Call, Disney Genie Debut, and Holidays on Deck: Your Weekly Theme-Park Recap (October 18 – 14)
• Holidays 2020 at Universal Orlando REVEALED
• Halloween Horror Nights 2016 extension confirmed

Where to go for the best seafood in Orlando

6 best signature nonalcoholic beverages at universal orlando, about casie shimansky.

Casie {kay-cee; KC} Shimansky is an award-winning social media manager and recognized photographer. Originally from New Jersey, she grew up in the theme parks, moved to Orlando with her family in 1993, and met her now-husband at Universal Orlando while working at Men in Black: Alien Attack in 2005. Dog Mom to two German Shorthaired Pointers, she is also a lover of pizza and Halloween and is a fierce advocate for Children's Cancer Research, having gone BALD just two days after getting married. Casie raised over $26k in 2018 alone for the cause.

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Buy Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Orlando

Shop discount universal orlando tickets.

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These tickets require a Lead Guest who will be present when the tickets are first used. Please note that a valid ID may be required. 

The Park Prodigy is a registered Universal Orlando Travel Agency and will order these tickets for you at the price quoted through Universal Orlando Resort.  All Universal Orlando Tickets we sell are the exact tickets you would purchase at the theme parks, plus you will receive all of the added benefits of buying from our small business. Be sure to check out our customer reviews on Trustpilot.

All Park Prodigy customers will receive the below benefits and products at NO ADDITIONAL COST:

• Free Universal Touring Plans:  Don’t waste your vacation time in line! Get our premade Universal Orlando planning cheat sheets and park plans to make sure your family gets on all of the most popular rides.
• Unlimited Access to our Vacation Planning Tools:  Build the perfect Universal Orlando day using our A.I.-driven planning tools.
• Always Save vs. The Park Gate: Always s ave money on Universal Orlando tickets with The Park Prodigy! We guarantee you’ll always pay less than at the park gate.
• Constant Customer Support: Never wait on hold with Universal Orlando again! The Park Prodigy takes pride in fast customer service and is recognized as a top performer in the travel industry. You’ll receive support before, during, and after your trip.
• Universal Orlando Experts: We are Universal Orlando experts committed to helping you plan a family vacation your loved ones will never forget!

Enhance Your Trip

• Early Park Admission: Be sure to call us at 321-966-4300 or contact our vacation planners to learn more about how you can enhance your Universal Orlando vacation with early park admission!
• The Park Prodigy Concierge Service: Elevate your theme park vacation with our concierge service. Get personalized planning, expert Universal Orlando insights, and hassle-free dining and transportation so you can focus on creating magical memories.

Customer Service is our Top Priority

We pride ourselves on fast customer service. All orders received during regular hours Mon-Fri (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) will be processed within a few hours. On Saturdays and Sundays (9:00 AM-2:00 PM), your order will be processed within 24-48 hours. Guests can always call our office during regular operating hours if traveling within 24 hours to expedite their ticket order. 

Your Universal Orlando ticket confirmation number will be emailed to guests after purchase. You can use this electronic confirmation number to go to the ticket kiosk to redeem your tickets. The party leader must have their photo ID or credit card matching names the first time you use your tickets. Here is a quick video showing how easy it is to pick up your tickets: Redeeming Your Universal Orlando Tickets! 

Enhance Your Universal Vacation

Be sure to call us at 321-966-4300 or contact our vacation planners to learn more about how you can enhance your Universal Orlando vacation with Early Park Admission and our concierge service!

Free Universal Touring Plans: Don’t waste your vacation time in line! Get our premade Universal Orlando planning cheat sheets and park plans to ensure your family gets on all the most popular rides.

Always Save Money vs. Buying at the Park Gate: 

Always save money on Universal Orlando tickets with The Park Prodigy! We guarantee you’ll always pay less than at the park gate.

Constant Customer Support: 

Never wait on hold again! The Park Prodigy takes pride in fast customer service and is recognized as a top performer in the travel industry. You’ll receive support before, during, and after your trip.

It’s time to kick down the gates and let loose with all your favorite people. Your next Universal vacation is about to open up all kinds of awesome in all the best ways. Universal Orlando Resort’s three theme parks plus all the entertainment across our entire destination are yours to enjoy, explore, and experience some crazy special times that no one will ever forget.

Guests looking to buy discount Universal Orlando tickets can choose from two different options when shopping at theparkprodigy.com. These options include standard Universal Orlando base tickets and Universal Orlando park-to-park tickets. Kick-start your magical vacation with tickets to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Date Based Universal Orlando Tickets: With date-based tickets guests can now purchase discounted Universal Orlando tickets based on the dates you choose to visit the Universal theme parks. Prices will fluctuate based on off-peak seasons, and all tickets need to be used within a specific period.

For more information on how we can offer you the best ticket prices and make your vacation-planning a breeze, continue reading below.

How will I redeem my Universal Orlando tickets?

All guests who purchase their Universal Orlando tickets from theparkprodigy.com will receive a ticket confirmation number directly from Universal. This confirmation number will be used to pick your tickets up from any of the ticket kiosks or will call booths at Universal Orlando. Here is a video we created showing how easy it is to pick your Universal tickets up!

Are your Universal Orlando tickets refundable?

The Park Prodigy is a registered travel agency and must abide by the refund policies put forth by our vendors. All Universal Orlando tickets purchased through our online store are nontransferable and nonrefundable. However guests can always upgrade any wholly unused theme park tickets to visit during a different date.

Guests can find additional information on our FAQ page and also our terms and conditions page. 

Who can I contact to get help with an existing order?

If you require assistance with a new or existing order, please call our office during the office hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday – Friday and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday . For immediate assistance you can also email  [email protected] .

Universal Orlando Resort Travel Agents

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Special Universal Orlando Ticket Deals Only at The Park Prodigy

Limited Time: 4-day promotional tickets starting at $74.00 per person per day. Ticket prices and availability vary by day. Restrictions apply. Valid for travel on select dates. Two-Park and Three-Park versions are available:

• 2-Park Play 4 Days Base Promo Ticket Dated
• 2-Park Play 4 Days Park-to-Park Promo Ticket Dated
• 3-Park Play 4 Days Base Promo Ticket Dated
• 3-Park Play 4 Days Park-to-Park Promo Ticket Dated

🚨Special Offer🚨: Save an extra $20 on all Universal Orlando Resort 2-Day Ticket orders of $700 or more with 2 or more tickets! 

Just be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive your promo code!

Reasons why our clients love us:

• Less stress with our free Universal Orlando Resort park plans and vacation planning tools
• Save up to three hours in the parks by avoiding long lines with our added benefits
• Always save money vs. buying directly with Universal Orlando
• Constant customer service support before, during, and after your trip

Enhance your Universal Experience:

• Early Park Admission:  Be sure to call us at 321-966-4300 or  contact our vacation planners   to learn more about how you can enhance your Universal Orlando vacation with early park admission!
• The Park Prodigy Concierge Service:  Elevate your theme park vacation with our concierge service. Get personalized planning, expert Universal Orlando insights, and hassle-free dining and transportation so you can focus on creating magical memories.

Universal Orlando Ticket Refund Policy

The Park Prodigy is a registered travel agency and must abide by the refund policies put forth by our vendor, Universal Parks and Resorts. All Universal Orlando Resort tickets purchased through our online store are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

Make Changes to your visiting date:

Guests can always upgrade unused theme park tickets to visit on a different date. Just reply to the email we sent with your request to change your tickets to your new dates. Any changes in the price of your ticket must be paid before park entry.

Buy The Cheapest Universal Orlando Tickets

Be the hero of your trip and save big with our exclusive 2024 Universal Orlando ticket deals, plus take your vacation to the next level with non-stop thrills and excitement at Universal Orlando Resort! Home to three of the world’s most exciting theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. 

Date based pricing in 4 easy steps:

Shop for the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets with date-based pricing at Theparkprodigy.com. We will help you buy the best-fit Universal Orlando ticket for your family in 4 easy steps. Here’s how it works!  

Step #1: Choose Your Start Date to View Ticket Pricing 

The start date you select will determine your Universal Orlando discount ticket pricing.  One-day tickets must be used on the date selected; however, a multi-day ticket will have a validity window to give you more flexibility. 

MULTI-DAY TICKETS 2-Day – Use within 5 days of the chosen start date 3-Day – Use within 6 days of the chosen start date 4-Day – Use within 7 days of the chosen start date 5-Day – Use within 8 days of the chosen start date

Step #2: Pick Between 2-Park Tickets or 3-Park Tickets

A 2-Park Universal ticket gives you access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

A 3-Park Universal ticket gives you access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park.

Step #3 Pick Between Base Tickets or Park-to-Park

A Universal Orlando Base ticket gives you access to one park per day. These will also typically be the cheapest discount tickets for Universal Studios Orlando.

A Universal Orlando Park-to-Park ticket allows you to go between the parks each day of your visit.

Step #4: Redeem your tickets right outside the park gates

All guests who purchase their discount tickets to Universal Studios Orlando from theparkprodigy.com will receive a ticket confirmation number directly from Universal. This confirmation number will be used to pick your tickets up from any ticket kiosks or call booths at Universal Orlando.

Here is a video showing how easy it is to pick up your Universal tickets!

Step #1: Check Theme Park Reservation Availability

Please note, to enter a theme park guests (ages 3 and older) will need a valid Disneyland ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit. 

To make it as simple as possible we have included the current Disneyland theme park reservation availability below. 

Step #2: Shop For The Latest Disneyland Ticket Discounts

Shop for discount Disneyland tickets using our website and check out just like you would using any other online store! 

The Park Prodigy is a registered travel agency so you will receive the exact same tickets and benefits if you purchased from Disney directly. 

Plus you will receive all the added benefits of buying Disneyland tickets from our small business and you are guaranteed to save vs the gate price through our Magic Rewards Program.

Step #3 Link Disneyland Tickets To My Disneyland Experience Account 

Guests will receive their Disneyland ticket confirmation number and can create or log into their My Disneyland Experience account to link their tickets. 

Once your tickets are linked you can make your Disney World park reservations for your visit. (Or simply request that The Park Prodigy makes your reservations for you!) 

Here is a video showing how easy it is to link your Disneyland tickets  to your my Disneyland Experience account. 

The Park Prodigy will also provide step by step instructions in your welcome email and can assist anyone who needs additional help!  

Step #4: Go straight to the park gate with your Disneyland eTicket

Guests have a few ways to redeem their discount Disneyland tickets . 

Guests who request Disneyland eTickets can go straight to the park gates and can scan their tickets from their mobile phone. 

You can also use the new Disney Magic Mobile and go straight to the park gate, pick your tickets up at any Disneyland will call window, or have hard tickets mailed to your home. 

Guests with MagicBands can also go straight to the park gate. 

Universal Studios Florida

It’s just like being in your favorite movies and TV shows for real along with twists, turns and drops. Face villains you’ve only seen on screen. Save the earth daily, or even hourly. And you may even encounter a dragon that breathes real fire. This is way beyond the movies.

Universal Islands of Adventure

This is where your favorite stories, legends, and characters come to life. Super Heroes. Magical creatures. Even dinosaurs (not so extinct after all). This is the place where you can live the adventure on rides that will lift you up and take your breath away. And sometimes even drench you in the most perfect way. Here, every land is a new and amazing reality to explore.

Universal Volcano Bay

Escape into a beautiful oasis beneath a stunning volcano and immerse yourself in the perfect blend of tropical thrills and relaxation. Lie back on a sunny beach beside glistening waters. Take on the challenge of Krakatau Aqua Coaster, and so much more. Treat yourself to a day in a paradise like no other – Universal Volcano Bay.

Types of 2024 Universal Orlando Resort Discount Tickets

The most important factors to consider when shopping for 2024 Universal Studios ticket discounts are the differences between the Universal 2-Park tickets and 3-Park tickets and base tickets vs park-to-park. 

Guests looking to take advantage of shorter wait times might consider the Universal Express Unlimited Combo tickets . These tickets can be a great way to save money, and include an unlimited express pass for each park admission day. 

The cost of U niversal Studios Orlando discount tickets is divided into two age groups. Adults ages 10+ and kids ages 3-9, while children under 3 get in for free. 

Universal Orlando: 2-Park Tickets

2-Park Tickets include Universal Studios Florida and/or Universal Islands of Adventure. 

Universal Orlando: 3-Park Tickets

3-Park Tickets include Universal Studios Florida and/or Universal Islands of Adventure and/or Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.  

Universal Orlando Resort Base Tickets

2-Park Universal Orlando Base Ticket

Visit Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure on separate days with the 2-Park Universal Orlando base ticket. 

3-Park Universal Orlando Base Ticket

Visit Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure or Universal’s Volcano Bay on separate days with the 3-Park Universal Orlando base ticket. 

Base Ticket Validity Window

2-Day Universal tickets must be used within five days of the chosen start date. 

3-Day Universal tickets must be used within six days of the chosen start date.

4-Day Universal tickets must be used within seven days of the chosen start date.  

5-Day Universal tickets must be used within eight days of the chosen start date.  

Starting Prices for Universal Base Tickets

Pricing for our 2-park base tickets starts at $325.00 for adults and $305.00 for kids ages (3-9).

Pricing for our discount 3-park base tickets tickets starts at $383.00 for adults and $369.00 for kids ages (3-9).

Ticket Benefits included: 

• Multi-day bundle and save
• Free Park Prodigy added benefits

Ticket Benefits not included: 

• Does not include Hogwarts™ Express
• Does not have flexibility to visit more than one park per day
• Does not include Universal Express

Universal Orlando Resort Park-to-Park Tickets

2-Park Universal Orlando Park-to-Park Ticket

Visit Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure on the same day with this discounted Universal ticket. Guests can also ride the Hogwarts™ Express! 

3-Park Universal Orlando Park-to-Park Ticket

Visit Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Universal’s Volcano Bay on the same day with the 3-Park Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket. 

Special Note: Park-to-Park tickets do give you access to the Hogwarts™ Express. 

Park-to-Park Ticket Validity Window

1-Day Universal tickets must be used on the date selected.

Starting Prices for Universal Park-to-Park Tickets

Pricing for our discount 2-park park-to-park tickets starts at $165.00 for adults and $163.00 for kids ages (3-9). 

Pricing for our discount 3-park park-to-park tickets starts at $394.00 for adults and $384.00 for kids ages (3-9).

• Includes the HogwartsTM Express
• Flexibility to visit more than one park per day

Picking The Right Discount Universal Ticket - Base Tickets Vs. Park-to-Park

Universal Base Ticket Pros

The Universal Orlando base ticket is the perfect ticket for families who would like to take their time exploring one theme park per day. We also find it a better fit for families with small children so that you don’t have to worry about traveling between parks with the little ones. 

As a general rule of thumb, the base tickets will always be the cheapest Universal Orlando ticket option compared to the park-to-park tickets. 

Universal Base Ticket Cons

It’s important to note that the Universal Orlando base ticket will not allow guests to ride on the Hogwarts™ Express. It’s also not the best fit for families who only visit Universal Orlando for one day precisely for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The main reason is that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between the Islands of Adventure theme park and Universal Studios Florida.  

Universal Park-to-Park Ticket Pros

The Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket is the perfect fit for families who want the ultimate flexibility within their day to visit more than one theme park. For this reason, we find it the perfect ticket for families with older kids and teens who would like to enjoy longer days in the parks. 

The Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket also includes the  Hogwarts™ Express  For this reason, the one-day, two-park park-to-park ticket is the perfect fit for families who are only visiting Universal Orlando to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Universal Park-to-Park Ticket Cons

As a general rule of thumb, the Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket will always be more expensive than the base ticket.  

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort​

Another one of the most common questions we receive is,  is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™a separate ticket?  And it’s important to note that Universal does not sell specific Wizarding World of Harry Potter tickets. However, access to one of the Harry Potter lands or both will be included with your Universal Orlando ticket, depending on your selected ticket.  

Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Step inside the story on the streets of Diagon Alley™ where hidden dangers lurk far beneath Gringotts™ bank. Travel to the village of Hogsmeade™ and into Hogwarts™ castle for a thrilling adventure that takes you above castle grounds.

Hogsmeade™ Village - Islands of Adventure ​

Diagon Alley ™ - Universal Studios

Understanding the Universal Orlando Extras

Now that you understand all of the options for discount tickets to Universal Studios Orlando , there are a few add-ons that you might want to take advantage of to save time and money while in the parks. The three most popular upgrades are the Universal Orlando Express Pass ticket, the Universal Orlando VIP Experience, and the Universal Orlando photo pass. 

Universal Express

VIP Experience

My Universal Photos

Maximize your time at Universal Orlando by upgrading your discount Universal Orlando theme park ticket with Universal Express pass. You’ll get to the fun faster by skipping to the front of the line at your favorite attractions. 

Universal Express – One Time Per Attraction

Available to add to your admission ticket to Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, or Volcano Bay. You’ll get to jump to the front of the line at an attraction one time per ride on the day your pass is valid.

Universal Express Unlimited

Thrill-seekers, this one’s for you! With the Unlimited Express , you’ll get to hop to the front of the lines of your favorite attractions repeatedly. Keep in mind, that this add-on is only available when you purchase the Park-to-Park Ticket!

Universal Studios Florida Express Rides:

• The Bourne Stuntacular
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• E.T. Adventure
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Hogwarts™ Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
• MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Revenge of the Mummy
• The Simpsons Ride™
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D

Universal Islands of Adventure Express Rides:

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
• Caro-Seuss-el™
• The Cat in the Hat™
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®
• Flight of the Hippogriff™
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges®
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• Storm Force Accelatron®

2024 Cheap Universal Ticket Deals

Here at Theparkprodigy.com, we are committed to being the best place to buy universal tickets online. And that’s one of the main reasons we try to go above and beyond with added benefits and the best deals for Universal Studios Orlando tickets.

Currently, theparkprodigy.com is giving an additional $10 off your order for all first-time customers. Use promo code: Magic10 at checkout. The best part is you can combine this promotion with any of our current Universal Orlando ticket deals. 

Shopping around for deals like this will ensure you purchase the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets. 

Be sure to reach out to us to learn more about how to get Universal Studios tickets cheap! 

The Park Prodigy Universal Orlando Resort Ticket FAQ

Do universal tickets ever go on sale .

Do Universal tickets ever go on sale? Universal tickets will go on sale by Universal Orlando from time to time throughout the year. These Universal Orlando ticket discounts will usually be during the off-peak months of August, September, January, and February. We love it when this happens, as it allows us to provide our clients even better Universal Orlando deals! 

Theparkprodigy.com is a registered travel agency selling the exact Universal Studios Orlando tickets you would buy from Universal directly. All guests can combine any Universal Orlando deal with any coupon or promotion we are already running on our website. 

Is It Cheaper To Buy Tickets Online For Universal Orlando?

Another common question is, is it cheaper to buy my Universal Orlando tickets online? And buying Universal Orlando tickets online will always be cheaper than at the park gates. Guests can save up to $20 per ticket by buying their Universal Orlando tickets in advance.

Are Your Universal Orlando Tickets Refundable?

The Park Prodigy is a registered travel agency and must abide by the refund policies put forth by our vendors. All Universal Orlando tickets purchased through our online store are nontransferable and nonrefundable. However, guests can always upgrade any unused theme park tickets to visit on a different date.

Guests can find additional information on our  FAQ page and  terms and conditions page. 

Will my Universal tickets be emailed or mailed to me?

All guests who purchase discount Universal Orlando tickets from theparkprodigy.com will receive a ticket confirmation number directly from Universal. This confirmation number will be used to pick your tickets up from any ticket kiosks or call booths at Universal Orlando. 

Can I combine my Disney World and Universal tickets into one order?

Yes, guests purchasing Walt Disney World and discount Universal Orlando tickets can combine them for even more significant savings!

Is Universal Orlando Citywalk Free?

Universal Orlando Citywalk is free, and guests do not need an additional  Universal Orlando ticket  to access CityWalk. It is included with any  Universal discount ticket  you purchase on this page. 

What is the best way to buy Universal Orlando tickets?

The  best way to buy Universal Orlando tickets and save money is to buy your theme park tickets and Universal Express passes before your trip. Guests who buy their one-day theme park tickets in advance will automatically save vs. buying at the park’s gates, and guests who purchase multi-day tickets can save up to 20% just by buying their tickets online. Another reason it is always best to buy your cheap Universal tickets online is because you will save time once you arrive at the parks as you will not need to wait in line to buy your tickets. 

Does Universal ever sell out?

Another important question that we receive is, does Universal ever sell out? As a general rule of thumb, Universal theme parks can hit capacity during the busier times of the year. The most often times of year when Universal parks can hit capacity tend to be Spring Break and major holiday breaks. It’s important to note that guests can still buy theme park tickets and all parks are first come first serve. 

What is the average ticket price for Universal Studios Orlando?

One-day one-park Universal Orlando tickets: Starting at $88.00 for adults and $82.00 for children.

One-day two-park park-to-park tickets: Starting at $164.00 for adults and $154.00 for children.

Two-day two-park base tickets: Starting at $213.99 for adults and – $203.99 for children.

Important Notice

All theme park ticket and vacation package prices, package inclusions, options and magic rewards points are subject to availability and can change without notice and additional restrictions may apply. Errors will be corrected where discovered and The Park Prodigy reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, weather such error is on a website or any print or other advertisement relating to these products and special offers.

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.

Jurassic World franchise TM & © 2024 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jurassic Park TM & © 2024 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2024 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends TM & © Ward Productions, Inc. The Simpsons TM & © 20th Television. © 2024 MARVEL Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. MEN IN BLACK and ALIEN ATTACK TM & © 2024 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TM & ©2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Popeye © 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc. TM Hearst Holdings, Inc. Dr. Seuss properties TM & © 2024 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved. Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening for Universal Volcano Bay. Valid at select attractions at each park. Attractions are subject to substitutions without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Based on the weighted average price of a 2-Park Universal Express Unlimited pass ranging between $119.99 and $359.99 per person. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Ticket Subtotal: $325.45

Ticket Price Including Tax:

* Your magic rewards program points are automatically calculated into all theme park ticket prices!