Universal Studios
with Kids
Harry Potter, VelociCoaster & the Express Pass strategy that changes everything
Planning Universal
Universal may not be as overwhelming to plan as Disney, but it still rewards preparation. Get the strategy right — especially around Express Passes and where you stay — and you’ll spend your time riding, not waiting in 2-hour lines.
Also: Late Jan/Feb, May, Sept
+ both Harry Potter rides
Epic Universe opens 2025! Universal’s brand new third park is now open — adding more themed worlds to the Orlando experience. Factor this in when planning your days.
The Parks
The best park of the two — home to Hogsmeade, VelociCoaster, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. If you can only do one park, make it this one. First thing at rope drop: VelociCoaster if your crew loves big coasters, or Hagrid’s if you’re Potter fans and can handle the line.
Home to Diagon Alley, Escape from Gringotts, and the Bourne Stuntacular. The shows here are genuinely excellent — great for a mid-day break when lines elsewhere peak. Connected to Islands of Adventure via the Hogwarts Express (requires park-to-park ticket).
Universal’s brand new third park — now open. Features themed worlds including Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Ministry of Magic), How to Train Your Dragon, and more. Add at least 1–2 days if you’re visiting in 2025 or beyond.
Our Park Strategy
Wait times range from 40 minutes to 2+ hours during busy seasons. The Express Pass is an absolute game changer — we breezed past every line at Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year. The catch: for a family of 4 during peak season, it can run $1,000+ for one day.
The smarter move: Stay one night at a Premier resort (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific) and get unlimited Express Passes included. You get them for check-in day AND check-out day — effectively two days of passes for the price of one night’s hotel.
When gates open, everyone sprints to Hagrid’s. We went straight to VelociCoaster instead — and rode it twice in the first hour. If your crew loves big coasters, this is the smarter move. Raynuv couldn’t get enough. Mom and Dad’s hair stood on end.
If Hagrid’s is your must-do, be at the gates early and hustle there first — even with Early Entry the line builds fast.
Noon to 3 PM is when lines peak. Instead of grinding through 90-minute queues, use this time for the shows — they’re genuinely excellent and give you a much-needed rest.
We stayed 4 nights at Cabana Bay (value resort, great pools), then moved to Portofino Bay for 1 night. That one night got us Express Passes for 2 days — check-in day AND check-out day. Far cheaper than buying Express Passes outright for the family.
If you have a younger kid who can’t ride, don’t skip the ride — use Child Swap. Stand in line together, one parent rides with the older kid, the other waits with the younger one in the swap room. Then switch — the older kid gets to ride again with the second parent, no extra wait required. Raynuv rode every coaster twice this way.
We went at the crack of dawn on our last day with Early Entry and still waited 75 minutes. The ride is iconic if you’re a Potter fan — truly special. But honestly, we could have ridden VelociCoaster 3 times in that same window. Your call depending on your crew.
Where to Stay
⭐ Premier Resorts (Express Passes Included)
Rates run $350–$950/night but include unlimited Express Passes for the whole family — saving $100–$400/person/day. One night at check-in + check-out = two days of passes.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
We’ve stayed here twice. At $540/night via Amex Platinum FHR: room upgrade, $200 cashback, free breakfast, $100 food credit, AND unlimited Express Passes. The math makes it worth it.
★ Our Top Pick + Amex FHRHard Rock Hotel Universal
Music-themed, vibrant rooms, rockstar amenities. Unlimited Express Passes and early park admission included. Great energy for families.
✓ Express Passes IncludedLoews Royal Pacific Resort
Tropical Polynesian vibe with sandy beaches and lush gardens. Express passes and early park admission — the most affordable of the three Premier options.
✓ Express Passes Included💚 Value Resorts (Early Entry Included)
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
We booked this through Costco and loved it. Expansive grounds, fun pools, lazy river — the kids were obsessed. Great value for families who don’t need Express Passes every day.
✓ Our Value Pick (via Costco)Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Slightly pricier than the others but the boat shuttle to the parks is a standout perk. Caribbean resort feel with a beautiful pool area.
✓ Boat Shuttle to ParksEndless Summer – Dockside & Surfside
Most budget-friendly on-site option. Surf-themed, spacious rooms, laid-back vibe. Good for families who want to be on Universal property without the premium price tag.
✓ Most Affordable On-Site🏆 Nearby Hotels with Points
Hyatt Place / Hyatt House
Right next to Universal. Excellent value at 6.5K–12K points/night — the best points redemption near the parks. A new Hyatt House on International Drive is also opening.
★ 6.5K–12K Hyatt/nightIHG – Holiday Inn & Express
Close to Universal, free breakfast included, and 4th night free on points. Very solid value at 14K–25K points/night.
✓ 14K–25K IHG/nightHotel Landy (Marriott)
The best Marriott points option near Universal at just 23K points/night — more attractive than the other Marriott properties in the area (29K–39K).
✓ 23K Marriott/nightGetting There
Orlando International (MCO)
Main gateway. Best connections and easiest access to Universal via rideshare or rental car.
✓ Best OptionSanford Airport (SFB)
Quieter, smaller airport just a short drive away. Often cheaper fares worth comparing.
✓ Budget OptionTampa (TPA)
About 1 hour drive. Often has competitive fares — worth checking especially on Southwest.
✓ 1hr DriveOur points hack: We transferred 15,000 Amex points per person to Virgin Atlantic and got return Delta flights. See our Flight Booking Guide →
Book flights with points See the cards we use
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