Complete 2023 Guide to Universal Orlando for Toddlers and Babies
In this guide, I’ll share how to do Universal Orlando Resort with a Baby + Toddler.
Before having Carson, I frequented Universal Studios Orlando 1-3x a month solo without batting an eye. Since having Carson, I’ve become much more aware of what the park offers for little ones, & how to have a great time.
While Universal isn’t as baby and child friendly as Disney, it still makes for a magical trip if you know what to do in advanced.
Helpful tips for traveling to Universal Orlando with toddlers & babies:
Keep an Open Mind
Doing theme parks with a baby will definitely change your overall experience. You're going to move a little slower than normal. Certain rides, shows, and experiences will take a little more planning to get done., but I think in the end it makes the trip more special. You'll find yourself doing new things you may not have thought of doing before. You'll notice things new details you always blew right past by. Most importantly, you'll be creating priceless memories with your family. Your duel Diaper + Theme park bag is going to be your best friend!
Invest in a durable, high quality bag with lots of organization and storage compartments. My favorite brand is Jujube and I love their BRB & Zealous bags the most
Take Advantage of Universal Orlando’s Child Swap
There are few rides for toddlers under 36 inches, However, for most attractions, you can use Universal Orlando’s Child Swap!
This allows one person to enter the line to ride, while you wait in a designated with your little. The child swap rooms have A.C, seating, some also include a changing table and TV.
Once your party has ridden, you’re able to ‘swap’. You’ll go straight to the front of the line, without needing to wait.
Eating in the Parks
That routine you have at home will have to be a little more flexible when it comes to a baby’s meals in the theme parks.
Bring Your Own Food
Pack plenty of snacks, baby food, and water into the parks.
Mobile Order When You Can
You’ll save time by not having to wait in long food lines.
Keep Baby Cool
Beat the heat by choosing one of the many sit-down restaurants with A/C to cool off in. If you’re going the quick-service route outside, there are still plenty of shaded areas to sit.
Park the Stroller Outside
There are high chairs available at each restaurant. It’ll free up space in the event there’s a spill, someone bumps into the table, or baby has a meltdown, etc.
The Team Members are very accommodating. Don’t be afraid to ask for a spot you think would be ideal for your family.
Pro Tip: I recommend bringing a placemats you can stick onto the table. It makes for an easy clean up.
Utilize Universal Orlando’s Baby Care Centers
Universal Studios Orlando has baby centers located at the Health Services center at each park.
At Universal Studios, the baby care center is located near the lockers to the right of Lost and Found. There’s a small room, changing table, private nursing room, bottle warmer, rocking chair and microwave.
At Island of Adventure, the family services center is located to the right of the entrance near the First Aid center. This room has a small kid sized table and chairs, private nursing areas, a microwave, sink, water dispenser (cold or hot) and a bottle warmer.
Both facilities are staffed by first aid employees.
Most Important Items to Bring
Swim Suit + Change of Clothes
As you walk around Universal, stop at the water play areas for kids. lots These are awesome for getting out energy and for HOT days!
Sunscreen
Universal has very few shaded areas when walking through the park.
If older than 6 months — bring lots of sunscreen and light, cool clothing. If baby is under 6 months— I’ve walked around with an umbrella with Carson in the carrier to keep him cooler & shaded from the sunExperiment at home with a baby hat/ sunglasses for additional sun protection. Bring a Stroller & Or Baby Carrier-
Yes— you can rent a stroller, but who wants to pay on top of your park ticket. Baby wearing will save your life! Especially on crowded days. Park the stroller in the park parking, and keep it moving.
Stroller cover
Florida has frequent showers. always bring a plastic stroller rain cover to keep everything dry.
Can you bring a wagon into Universal Studios?
I’ve personally seen several Keenz Wagons while visiting the parks, however, any pull behind wagons are prohibited.
Meeting Characters at Universal Orlando
There’s lots of opportunities to meet characters at Universal Orlando. You’ll need to double the Official Universal Orlando App for character meeting times and locations.
Universal Studios Florida Kid-Friendly Character List:
Minions
Rides Exit inside gift shop
Gru, Margo, Edith. Agnes and Vector
Knight Bus Conductor
London Waterfront Area
Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatro
Outside of TRANSFORMERS ride
SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Squidward
inside SpongeBob StorePants
Shaggy, Scooby-Doo, and the Gang
Near Bourne Stuntacular entrance.
Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey
Dreamworks
Hello Kitty
Hollywood Blvd. near Hello Kitty Store
Kid-Friendly Island of Adventures Character List:
Hogwarts Express Conductor
In front of the Train after entering Hogsmeade
Tri Wizard + Frog Choir Performers
Tri Wizard stage near Hogwarts, Hogsmeade
Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue
Marvel Super Hero Island
Raptor + Baby Raptor
Jurassic Park Raptor Encounter
Might be too scary for littles
Po from Kung Fu Panda
Puss in Boots
Alex the Lion
Popeye and Olive Oyl
The Grinch, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Sam I Am, and The Lorax
Suess Landing
She-Ra
Usually near Mythos Restaurant
Play Areas Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando has multiple play areas in each park designed for little ones. Water options as well!
Universal Studios Florida
Woody Woodpecker Kidzone
Fievals Playland
Curious George A Day at the Park
Water playground + splash pad area
There is a small, dry play area, so a change of clothes or bathing suit its a good idea.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Dr Suess’ If I Ran a Zoo
Discovery Dino Center
Indoors + A.C!
Great spot for rain days.
Camp Jurassic play area
Rides at Universal Orlando for Toddlers
There are only a few rides that toddlers can go on sadly. 36 inches is really the sweet spot for childen being able to do more rides at Universal.E.T. Adventure and Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
34″ height requirement
Hogwarts Express
Remember you’lll need a par-to-park pass to ride this, as it takes you between both parks.Suess Landing
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and Caro-Suess-el, allow toddlers who can walk on their own to ride with an adult.
Marvel Superhero Island
Toddlers can ride Storm Force Acceleration.
Woody Woodpecker’s Coaster 36″ (Universal Studios)Skull Island: Reign of Kong 36″ (Island of Adventures)Pteranodon Flyers 36″ (Island of Adventures)Flight of the Hippogriff 36″ (Island of Adventures)Cat in the Hat 36″ (Island of Adventures)The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! 36″ (Island of Adventures)Baby Wear
Make sure you test out your carrier prior to walking a million miles with it on in the park!! It’s going to be HOT with a baby on you.
I made the mistake of being a heavy duty carrier my first trip with Carson & the entire time not only were we extra hot, but the whole time I worried if he was overheating.
You also want to make sure you’re confident putting it on/off, able to adjust correctly, baby feens comfortable in it, etc. Practice walking around the neighborhood prior to using a carrier in the park.
Must Have items to bring into the park:
stroller clip on Fan
extra outfit for blow outs
travel diaper changing pad
pacifier/bottle/toy travel wipes
baby safe hand/fave wipes
wet bags for blow outs/soiled onesie
lightweight Muslim for if caught in rain
travel toys you keep them entertained
umbrella
baby sunscreen/shades/hat
stroller rain cover if bringing a stroller
Make sure you have enough food, snacks, drinks & diapers/wipes for baby as these are not available for purchase in the park if you run out!
Try to Keep Baby & Toddler on their nap and schedules
I think trying to keep baby/toddler on a schedule even while in the park is key to prevent meltdowns/fussiness.
I have alarms on my phone set so I don’t loose track of time while having a blast in the park. I set alarms on when to nurse & when to nap
My favorite Wizarding World spots to nurse/nap so far have been:
-Knockturn Alley
-Benches at the stage in Diagon Alley
-Benches near bathroom in Diagon Alley
-Benches beside the Knight Bus
-Back of three broomsticks
-Front corner inside Leaky Cauldron
-Under owlpost at the benches
-On the Hogwarts express train
-Underpass near exit of Hagrid’s Ride
Prepare for bed/bath time prior to leaving the hotel each morning-
I pull the hotel blinds ’ go ahead a lay out all Carson’s bedtime stuff on the bed / bathtime stuff in bathroom so when we return to hotel, I can get him down for bed ASAP
Expecting Theme Park Mama’s
if you can, take advantage of registering for baby travel items! it’ll it’ll save you so much headache researching and buying needed items after you deliver!
I ended up registering for a lot of my theme park baby travel items:
-Pocket Stroller
-Wet bags
-Ergo Carrier
-Stroller fan & rain cover
-Travel Diaper changing pad
-Travel milk storage cooler
-Baby Travel first aide kit
-Lightweight baby Muslim
You can shop some of my baby/toddler Amazon Favorites here!
Don’t Forget to Take Care of You!
Be sure to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and take strategic breaks throughout the day to stay cool.
Is it Worth Taking Your Baby + Toddlers To Universal Orlando'?
Ultimately, yes I would say that Universal Orlando is good for toddlers! Although little ones cannot ride a lot, there’s play areas, characters, and shows to keep them happy.
Child Swap is a game changers and is suck a great option for parents wanting to ride all of their favorite rides.
If you’re considering a trip to Universal Orlando with a baby, or young child, I would say DO IT!
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