1-Day Universal Studios Florida Itinerary for 2024
Headed to Universal Studios Florida and only have one day to visit?With a little extra planning, you can still have a great time and experience nearly everything when just doing Universal Studios Florida!
Before Your Trip:
1. The Chosen One
Pick an organized person to keep track of all the details such as Dining Reservations, confirmation numbers, your daily park plans.2. Stay On-site
Allows accèss to Early Park AdmissionClose and easy transportation to & from the parkSouvenirs can be sent to the hotel room
3. Get a Couple of Must-Dos from Each Person
Knowing ahead of time, you’ll know where to spend the most time, & you’ll save tired legs from backtrackingAlso Select a few things you def want to do ALL together (ex: Mummy)
4. Know the Child Height Requirements
Make sure kids know what your children can ride before arrivingPro tip: make a ride checkoff list.You can laminate it, & turn them into fun lanyard tags for your visitThey can check off their rides while waiting in line.
5. Express Pass is a Must if Visiting on a Busy Day
Visiting during Peak season: Unlimited Express pass will allow you wait in line less, and accomplish more.
Consider staying at Premier on-site Universal hotel to get Express Passes included for free.I’d 100% suggest splurging to buy them if you're visiting during peak season, and if staying at a Premier hotel isn’t doable.
6. Download the Universal Orlando App
You can add your credit card information in should you want to utilize mobile food ordering
7. Know the Lay Out
Prior to your trip, familiarize yourself with where attractions and dinning options are inside Universal Studios Florida. You'll avoid ping ponging all over the park.
8. Utilize The Single-Rider Lines
You’ll knock out more attractions, giving you a better change at re-riding attractions you love.
Flexible USF Itinerary
Arriving At Universal Studios Florida
Arrive at the turnstiles at least 30-45 minutes before the park officially opens. This will give you the best shot at beating the crowds. Once you get through the turnstiles, head to the back of the park.Early Park Admission
Depending on the time of year, Universal Orlando hotel guests and vacation-package guests can be able to enjoy Early Park Admission (EPA) at Universal Studios Florida. Always check Universal’s App upon your arrival to see if early admission is at USF. To take the best advantage of this perk, its very important to be at the turnstiles 30 to 45 minutes before EPA is scheduled to start..Once you’re inside USF, head to Diagon Alley to know out Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.If EPA is Offered at USF the Day You’re Visiting:
Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Restrictions and access: 42 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers before the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access; usually has a single-rider line. This is a 3D track-based motion ride.Once you’ve been on Escape from Gringotts, head to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, If you knock out Gringotts early, you will be able to get back to Despicable Me before (or just as) regular-admission guests are entering the park.If You Don’t Have Early Park Admission or if it’s Not at USF the Day You’re Visiting:
Your first stop will be directly inside the turnstiles. Starting with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. You’ll plan to knock out USF’s most popular attractions (minus the Wizarding World) while it’s still early in the morning, minimizing wait times.Ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Located in Production Central
Restrictions and access: 40 inches to ride the motion simulator. There's stationary seating available; must be 48 inches to ride alone; has Express Pass access. Geared towards children.Aim to ride Despicable Me as early as you possible or later in the evening after dinner time. This ride often has wait times over an hour, even on slower days – and the Express Pass wait can sometimes be around (or over) 30-45 minutes during peak season.Ride Transformers: The Ride – 3D
Located in Production Central
Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line. 3D simulator attraction. Family Friendly.Ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Located in Production Central
Restrictions and access: 51 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers just past the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access; usually has a single-rider line; also has a front-row line. Can temporarily close due to high winds or rain.The Simpsons Ride
Located in Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
Restrictions and access: 40 inches; has Express Pass access. Motion-simulator ride known to cause extreme motion sickness for some. Family friendly.Ride Revenge of the Mummy
Located in New York
Restrictions and access: 48 inches; must stow loose articles in free lockers adjacent to the attraction’s entrance; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line., Indoor roller coaster.Catch The Blues Brothers Show
Located in New York
This is a live show which means the showtimes will vary. Double check the show times the in the Universal Orlando App. If you’re visiting on a peak day, skip this!Stop for a Photo with Bruce the Shark
Located right behind Chez Alcatraz. It’s just past Richter’s Burgers and across from Fast & Furious. This huge shark is actually from the former, iconic Jaws ride!
Grab Lunch
Fast Food Boulevard, The Today Cafe, Cafe La Bamba, and Finnegan’s Bar & Grill are great options. If You Prefer Quick Service:
Check out Richter's, or Simpsons‘s Fast Food Boulevard. The Simpsons's area has a ton of options if you have a large group, or picky eaters. There’s also the Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck if your craving taco’s. On busy days, Universal’s popular restaurants will be very busy. Make reservation for Finnegan’s is that's the case. ,Another option is to skip a full meal for lunch. Instead,, you can try all snacks you pass by or the ones you packed if on a tight budget. Bourne Stuntacular Show
Located on Hollywood Blvd.
Doesn’t have Express Pass.Live stage show. Showtimes will vary. Double check the show times in the Universal Orlando app. To ensure a seat, plan to arrive 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.If you're visiting on a busy day, or not in the mood to catch 2 shows back to back, choose 1 to see after lunch. You can save the other for later on if you have time.Horror Make-Up Show
Located on Hollywood Blvd.
Restrictions and access: none; has Express Pass access. Indoor comedy show with a behind-the-scenes look at the horror effects since in classic Universal Monster movies.Showtimes will vary. Double check the show times in the Universal Orlando app. To ensure a seat, plan to arrive 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.Ride E.T. Adventure
Located in the KidZone Area
Restrictions and access: 34 inches. Express Pass accepted . Family friendly dark ride.
Watch The Animal Actors on Location Show
Located in the KidZone
Restrictions and access: none; has Express Pass access. Great option if you want to rest your feet or it’s raining. Watch the animal stars of Hollywood perform in Orlando.Live stage show. Showtimes will vary. Double check the show times in the Universal Orlando app. To ensure a seat, plan to arrive 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.Ride Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Located in Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
Restrictions and access: 48 inches to ride without an adult; Express Pass accepted. Outdoor, family friendly attraction.Ride Men in Black Alien Attack
Located at World Expo
Restrictions and access: 42 inches; must stow loose articles in the free lockers adjacent to the attraction’s entrance; Express Pass accepted, and has a single-rider line.Head Back to Diagon Alley
Aim to get back to Diagon Alley within 2-3 hours before Universal Studios closes for the night.Stop by The Knight Bus
Located in the London Waterfront. Stop for a chat with Stan and Dre Head. Don’t forget to take a look around and in the back of the Knight Bus,Dial The Ministry of Magic
Located in the London Waterfront. You can't miss the iconic, red telephone booth. Yes you can go inside and dial the ministry! When you pick the phone off the receiver, you’ll hear a cool message!For Those Who Don’t Have Early Park Admission or if EPA Isn’t at USF:
The only ride inside Diagon Alley is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The posted wait time can be as long as 1-2 hours on busy days.When you get into Diagon Alley, go check wait time for Gringotts . Depending on the wait time, you'll need to decide if you want to spend a big chunk of the rest your night in line for it, or if you want to experience everything else in Diagon Alley.Yes— Escape from Gringotts does have single-rider line, but it skips the entire bank tour and pre-show, which are a must-see at least once.Pro-Tip: The later you can get in line for Gringotts, the shorter the wait will be. You will loose time soaking in the Wizarding World at night. Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Height requirement is 42 inches. You have to stow loose articles in free lockers before entering the attraction. Express Pass accepted. The single-rider line is usually open.These remaining Diagon Alley experiences listed below—can be done in any order you want!For Those Who Do Have Early Park Admission:
You should've knocked out Escape from Gringotts first stop thing in morning, so you can skip riding at night (unless you want to ride it again and again!)Ollivanders Wand Experience and Shop
Here’s your opportunity to get chosen for a wand! You can also shop/browse around inside.Do The Spell Locations with Your Interactive Wand
Use your interactive wand as practicer your spells at the various window fronts . You’ll need to buy an interactive wand at Ollivander’s or Wands by Gregorovitch to do the spell locations.Watch Celestina or The Tales of Beedle The Bard
Both shows are located on the Carkitt Market stage in Diagon Alley.These are live stage show. Showtimes will vary. Double check the show times in the Universal Orlando app.Explore Inside Knockturn Alley
There’s a several spell locations, and you can shop inside Borgin and Burkes.Grab Dinner at The Leaky Cauldron
The Leaky Cauldron is a quick-service dinning location with the option to mobile food order. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Leaky Cauldron offers a variety of British menu options.Walk Around and Take in The Sights and sounds of Diagon Alley
There’s so many details in the windows, in every store, catch the dragon breathing fire, listen for Umbridge and Pygmy Puff's inside the Weasley's shop.Grab Ice-cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour
You can check the menu out ahead of time, here.Before leaving for the night
Make sure you’ve walked around the London waterfront, including 12 Grimmauld Place. Keep an eye out for Kreacher!The Hogwarts Express
Located at King’s Cross Station, just before Diagon Alley.Requires park-to-park ticket; Strollers, wheelchairs and ECVs are allowed. Each ride is one-way. If you wanted to head back to USF, you will have toget off the train, enter the queue again, and re-board.The Hogwarts Express is absolute a must-do experience..However, the issue with adding it to this itinerary is that it takes you Universal’s other park. With only one day to visit Universal Studios Florida, you may not have access to Islands of Adventure.Skipped Attractions
In my opinion, these 2 attractions aren’t worth the precious time you have. If you do end up having more time than expected, give them a go!Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Located in San Francisco. Heigh requirement is 40 inches. Express Pass accepted and there is a single-rider line,Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon New York
Located in the New York Area across from the Mummy. Height requirement is 40 inches. Express Pass accepted. Looking to save money on Universal Orlando Resort Tickets and Hotel?
Undercover Tourist sells authentic authorized discount Universal ticket’s with hotel packages! YOU can save even MORE when you bundle tickets with hotel.Related Posts:
2023 Islands of Adventure 1-Day itenerary
Click here for Theme Park Bag Essentials- What To Pack for a day at Universal Orlando: Fanny Pack Edition.
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