Universal Orlando
Big thrills, and a plan that skips the worst lines.
Why families love it
This is where the big kids live. The Wizarding World alone is worth the trip, the Islands of Adventure coasters rival anything in the country, and Volcano Bay gives you a water-park day without leaving the resort bubble. It pairs perfectly with Disney days.
Best for ages
About 7 and up. Most headliners have 48-inch height minimums, and tweens and teens are in heaven here.
When to go
Late January, early February, and September after Labor Day are the quietest. Avoid spring break and the Christmas to New Year week. Summer is hot and busy, but the water rides feel great.
Brandon's Tips
Stay at a Premier hotel (Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific). Unlimited Express Passes are included and they change everything.
You need park-to-park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express.
Ride Hagrid's at early admission or in the last hour of the day.
CityWalk has free entry, so eat dinner there instead of buying a third park day.
Tell me about your family and I'll build this trip around them.
Universal Orlando
Big thrills, and a plan that skips the worst lines.
Why families love it
This is where the big kids live. The Wizarding World alone is worth the trip, the Islands of Adventure coasters rival anything in the country, and Volcano Bay gives you a water-park day without leaving the resort bubble. It pairs perfectly with Disney days.
Best for ages
About 7 and up. Most headliners have 48-inch height minimums, and tweens and teens are in heaven here.
When to go
Late January, early February, and September after Labor Day are the quietest. Avoid spring break and the Christmas to New Year week. Summer is hot and busy, but the water rides feel great.
Brandon's Tips
Stay at a Premier hotel (Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific). Unlimited Express Passes are included and they change everything.
You need park-to-park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express.
Ride Hagrid's at early admission or in the last hour of the day.
CityWalk has free entry, so eat dinner there instead of buying a third park day.