Use Universal Express Passes This can save you a ton of time on a Universal Studios one-day itinerary. In fact, this is the single most helpful tool for visiting both parks in one day.

You can definitely see the "highlights" of both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day, but only if you have a Park-to-Park ticket and an Unlimited Express Pass. With the Express Pass, you can bypass the standard standby lines for almost every major attraction, including the "Harry Potter" headliners (except for Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, which has a very limited Express capacity). To make this work in 2026, you should start at park opening and utilize the Hogwarts Express to move between the two parks. A typical "Power Day" involves hitting the big coasters (VelociCoaster, Hulk) in the morning at Islands of Adventure, taking the train to Universal Studios for Diagon Alley and Revenge of the Mummy, and ending the day back at CityWalk. Without an Express Pass, seeing both parks would require waiting in 60-90 minute lines for 15+ attractions, which is physically impossible in a 10-hour window. By using the pass, you can realistically "do" about 12 to 14 major rides and see the main shows, though you will have very little time for relaxed dining or exploring the intricate details of the themed lands.