Universal Studios Florida has totally stepped up its game in recent years and is a true competitor to Disney. The Harry Potter areas are absolutely incredible and not to be missed. I would highly recommend checking it out. You could hit the highlights at both Islands of Adventure (IOA) and Universal Studios in 1 day if needed but I would recommend spending 2 days there for a more relaxed, all-encompassing tour. I have provided step-by-step details of our touring plan while at Universal Studios. I hope this helps you envision your day and assists in your planning.
Day 1 – Islands of Adventure with Park-to-Park Ticket
This plan starts with The Incredible Hulk Coaster/Seuss Landing and then works in a clock-wise tour around the park.
- Arrive (8:40 a.m.)
You park in a large parking garage but it is a hike to the main entrance so arrive early.
Note: We split up for the 1st couple steps of the day so my older daughter and husband could ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster while I took our younger daughter to Suess Landing (she was not tall enough for the Hulk Coaster). - The Incredible Hulk Coaster (9:05 a.m., 15 minute wait)
- The Cat in the Hat (9:05 a.m., no wait)
- Caro-Seuss-el (9:15 a.m., no wait)
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! (9:25 a.m., no wait)
Cool view of the park! - One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (9:35 a.m., no wait)
You will get a little wet! - The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (10:00 a.m., 10 minute wait)
Awesome 3D ride – one of our favorites! - Doctor Doom’s Fearfall (10:20 a.m, 10 minute wait)
Very quick ride – it only takes you up once.
Note: We skipped Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges as we had read/heard that you will get soaked…as in buckets of water poured over you. - Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls (10:45 a.m., 5 minute wait)
Fairly long and detailed for a flume ride so that was a plus but watch out, you will get wet! - Pteranodon Flyers (11:10 a.m., 15 minute wait)
Super fun ride but too short! Note that this is a ride for kids so adults can only ride with a child 36” to 56” tall. - Jurassic Park River Adventure (11:35 a.m., 5 minute wait)
You do not get that wet on this ride so no need to utilize the lockers.
View Entering Hogsmeade
Note: Good photo opp as you enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade!
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (12:00 p.m., 10 minute wait)
One of my favorite rides ever!! - Flight of the Hippogriff (12:25 p.m., 10 minute wait)
I would skip this ride – very jerky and hard on the body. - Lunch @ Three Broomsticks (12:45 p.m.)
Yummy! If it’s a nice day, try to eat out back on the patio.
Note: The grandparents took the girls to The Mystic Fountain in The Lost Continent while my husband and I rode Dragon Challenge. - Dragon Challenge (1:30 p.m., 5 minute wait)
Very smooth, fun roller coaster…and I’m not a huge roller coaster fan so that says a lot! - Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station (1:50 p.m., 10 minute wait)
Hogwarts Express
Cute train ride…not sure it’s worth the park-to-park price upgrade though.
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (2:15 p.m., 45 minute wait)
Long wait but the elaborate décor makes up for it. The bank lobby is amazing! - Depart (3:00 p.m.)
We decided to make this a shorter day since we had a whole second day planned for the Universal Studios side.
Day 2 – Universal Studios
This plan starts with the Despicable Me ride and then works in a counter clock-wise tour around the park.
- Arrive (8:40 a.m.)
You park in a large parking garage but it is a hike to the main entrance so arrive early. - Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (9:05 a.m., 40 minute wait)
Worth the wait…great 3D ride! - Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (10:10 a.m., 5 minute wait)
You go straight up…no joke, straight up…terrifying! - Transformers: The Ride-3D (10:30 a.m., 20 minute wait)
- E.T. Adventure (11:00 a.m., 15 minute wait)
Slower ride but the décor is awesome. - The Simpsons Ride (11:30 a.m., 10 minute wait)
Way better than we expected…don’t pass it up. - MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack (12:00 p.m., 5 minute wait)
Not our favorite ride. - Lunch @ Lombard’s Seafood Grille (12:20 p.m., no wait)
Very good, sit-down meal. - Ollivanders (1:00 p.m., 5 minute wait)
Unique experience watching a re-enactment of a wand choosing a wizard. We also shopped and bought the girls their own wands! - Knockturn Alley/Explore Diagon Alley (1:30 p.m.)
Diagon Alley
Be sure to check out the dark alleyway and all the unique shops. If you purchase an interactive wand, be sure to put it to good use!
- Disaster! (2:30 p.m., 10 minute wait)
Very interactive with audience participation. - Revenge of the Mummy (3:15 p.m., no wait)
One of our favorite rides! We went twice! - Twister…Ride It Out (3:45 p.m., 10 minute wait)
Cool experience but my girls are now deathly afraid of tornados. Not great when you live in Iowa. - Shrek 4-D (4:25 p.m., 10 minute wait)
Very cute show! - Depart (5:00 p.m.)
Be sure to check out the Universal shop on the way out for souvenirs!
Our touring plan was very ride-intensive with less shows so alter the above plan to suit your family best and enjoy your time!
