The Universal Orlando Resort is a sprawling, three-park complex located in central Florida. Although it can be a little overwhelming to visit, you can do Universal in one day. Let’s talk about how to visit multiple parks, what’s inside each and tips for maximizing your visit.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando has been hard at work expanding its footprint and now comprises three separate theme parks:

Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios Florida.

Universal's Volcano Bay.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990 and is the oldest of the parks in the resort. It focuses on film and has a working studio inside, along with roller coasters, thrill rides and Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999 and relies heavily on larger rides such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It also features a section of the park dedicated to Hogsmeade from the Harry Potter films.

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water park with theme park elements, including water slides and a water coaster. The newest park at Universal, it opened in 2017.

Can you do multiple Universal parks in one day?

Most people who visit the Universal Orlando Resort are generally looking to visit the two main parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This is especially true for those looking to do Universal Studios in one day since the two are located next to each other.

If you have just one day at the Universal Orlando Resort, we have good news: Doing both parks in one day is possible. You’ll need to get up early and stay up late, but it can be done. Let’s go over some tips on how to make this happen.

How to do Universal Studios in one day

Buy park-to-park tickets

Not everyone can visit Universal in one day, especially since you’ll need to opt for the more expensive park-to-park tickets. However, if you have just one day at Universal Orlando Resort, purchasing multi-park tickets is going to be essential.

Stay on-site

Universal Studios gives its guests several benefits for staying in one of its branded hotels, including the ability to enter the theme parks up to one hour before they open. This can be key for those looking to get in as much fun as possible since the crowds will be minimal.

Early park access is available for guests of any Universal Orlando Resort hotel, even its least expensive options, which start at $96 per night.

Use Universal Express Passes

Universal Express Passes allow you to skip the regular queue at participating attractions. Unlike Lightning Lane access over at Walt Disney World, there’s no set lineup time required; you simply show up and join the Express Pass line.