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Tips for Planning a Family Trip to Universal Orlando
Planning a family trip to Universal in Orlando? It's an easy drive from the Golden Isles, and we know several local families that make the trip several times a year to visit both the Universal Resort and Disney World Parks. We've rounded up some helpful tips to make planning your trip easier.
Universal Tickets & Annual Passes
Two-day two-park Universal tickets are the same price as the lowest-tier annual pass. Annual passes also come with discounts on hotels! This is the best and most affordable option.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Universal
- Dockside Endless Summer Resort - A two-bedroom family suite has three queen beds, a separate room with a privacy door, double sinks and vanity, two TVs, a table that seats four, a refrigerator, and a microwave. It also has a shuttle from the parks that runs every 10 minutes. Enjoy two pools and a kid's splash area to take advantage of Florida's warm weather.
- Cabana Bay Resort- The Cabana Bay Resort has a retro theme. A family suite has two queen beds, a seating area, and a kitchen with a patrician door to create a separate space, two TVs, a refrigerator, and a microwave. There are two pools, a water slide, a kid's splash area, and a lazy river.
In Park Resources for Children & Families
This page has great information regarding nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations, lockers, stroller rentals, etc.
Download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App
With the convenient mobile app, you can navigate the parks with maps, see current wait times, show times, and more.
Kid-Friendly Attractions Not to Miss
- Camp Jurassic - Located in the Jurassic Park area of Universal's Islands of Adventure, this area has a fantastic kids' play area. This mega recreation area is a multi-level prehistoric playground where kids can have mammoth-sized fun. Explore dark caves and amber mines, climb dinosaur-capture nets, and navigate swaying suspension bridges as the ground rumbles with the roar of dinosaurs.
- The Jurassic Park Discovery Center - Includes many non-ride-based attractions. Step into the world of a Jurassic Park Scientist with immersive theming and interactive gameplay. Grab a burger upstairs at The Burger Digs!
- Raptor Encounter - Meet Blue the Velociraptor! A photo attraction where you and your family can meet a raptor while they get a great video/picture for you on your own device.
- Suess Landing - See some of your most beloved Dr. Seuss characters in person, including The Cat in the Hat™, Sam I Am, Thing One™ and Thing Two™, and The Grinch™. Best for children up to five years old. Get a great view of the park from the train!
- The Bourne Stuntacular - Brace yourself for a stunt show like none other, with a cutting-edge fusion of stagecraft and film that has you following Jason Bourne through non-stop action around the globe.
- Character Meet & Greets - Check the app to see when and where character meet & greets are happening.
- Parades - Universal will hold parades during certain times of the year.
Best Universal Rides for Kids
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem - Join Gru, his daughters, and the mischievous Minions on an unpredictable ride: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. It's heartwarming family fun for everyone! Minimum height of 40”.
- Flight of the Hippogriff - Flight of the Hippogriff is a family-friendly rollercoaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch and swoops past Hagrid’s hut. Minimum height of 36".
- Hogwarts Express - With a Park-to-Park admission ticket, you can board the Hogwarts Express at King's Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida and travel to Hogsmeade Station in Universal's Islands of Adventure or the other way around. Good for all ages and heights.
- The Cat in the Hat - Go for a ride with The Cat in the Hat as you ride your couch through the pages of Dr. Seuss's best-loved children's book. Minimum height of 36”.
- Pteranodon Flyers - Pteranodon Flyers is a kid's ride. Little adventurers will get an amazing view as they slowly soar through the air in a comfy seat suspended from a track above. 36" height requirement.
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride - Take a gentle journey high above the colorful rides and attractions of Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure. 36" height requirement.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure - One minute, you're gliding along in your raft. The next, you're face to face with a giant T-Rex. 42" height requirement.
- The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - Strap on your 3D glasses and soar above the streets, scale skyscrapers, and battle sinister villains at every turn. 40" height requirement.
- Transformers: The Ride-3D - Board your N*E*S*T vehicle and join Optimus Prime, Evac, and your favorite Autobots in an explosive fight to save mankind in this ultra-immersive experience. 40" height requirement.
Universal's Child Swap Ride Program
One adult rides the ride while the other waits in the child swap room with the non-riding child. Then you switch! Sometimes the line queue is too immersive for little ones and maybe scary for them. You can ask the line attendants to allow one adult and the child to wait in child swap while the other riding adult waits in line. Bring some snacks, toys, and tablets to entertain them while you wait.
Drinks & Restaurants
The best food is in City Walk; try Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, VIVO Italian Kitchen, and The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar! Make your reservations in advance.
Butter Beer - Make sure you try the frozen Butter Beer! A non-alcoholic sweet drink reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch - it tastes like butterscotch Icee!
Universal's CityWalk
CityWalk is an experience in itself with plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping, a movie theater, mini golf, and more. It's located at the center of both Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, so you can easily leave the parks for a bite to eat and get right back to the rides in no time. If you have a babysitter with you (like the kid's grandparents), make sure you sneak out later for a nightcap at one of the many bars.
Do you feel prepared to book your family trip to Universal? Let us know if there are any additional tips we should add. Also, be sure to check out our Day Trips from the Golden Isles article.
