Is it better to start at Islands of Adventure or Universal?

Overall we would always lean towards Islands of Adventure for early park admission. The main reason is this park is home to the newest Universal ride the VelociCoaster. As you can imagine this ride can have one of the longest wait times in the parks throughout the day.



People Also Ask

Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Park is best for people who want to take in the atmosphere and those who have always wanted to explore the world of Harry Potter for themselves. Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure is for thrill-seekers looking for groundbreaking, jaw-dropping attractions.

MORE DETAILS

Two days. At least a full day at Universal Studios and another full day at Islands of Adventure will give you more chances to ride the rides you want and see the shows you like.

MORE DETAILS

Universal's Early Park Admission allows all Universal Orlando Resort hotel guests and select annual passholders one-hour early entry to Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure (during extra busy times, it can be both parks) AND half-hour early entry to Universal's Volcano Bay water theme park ...

MORE DETAILS

If you're not eligible for Express Pass and Early Park Admission, you have absolutely no chance at accomplishing everything in both parks. On most days, you'll be lucky to accomplish half of what Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have to offer. We strongly recommend you do at least 2 days.

MORE DETAILS

At Islands of Adventure, you can visit Hogwarts™ castle and explore Hogsmeade™ village. And at Universal Studios, you can enter Diagon Alley™ and enjoy a mind-blowing thrill ride, magical experiences, and more. Plus, stay at one of our spectacular resort hotels.

MORE DETAILS

For your Island of Adventure itinerary, we suggest getting into the park as soon as you possibly can and heading straight to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. By the time you get off of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, regular park hours will most likely have started.

MORE DETAILS

If you're not looking to spend a lot of money and you're wondering if you can still do Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in one day, the answer is: Yes, you can.

MORE DETAILS

For your Island of Adventure itinerary, we suggest getting into the park as soon as you possibly can and heading straight to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. By the time you get off of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, regular park hours will most likely have started.

MORE DETAILS

Plus, the park is considerably more than some other waterparks like SeaWorld's Aquatica. Having shelled out that money ourselves and spending the day at the park, we are happy to say that yes, Volcano Bay is worth the money.

MORE DETAILS

The main reason is this is the only way to make sure you see absolutely everything that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer. The other main reason we think the Hogwarts Express is worth it is that it's a convenient way to travel between the two parks and you can enjoy a different experience both ways.

MORE DETAILS

If you're a thrill seeker, consider Hosgmeade. If you'd prefer to walk, eat and shop, head to Diagon Alley. In the end, both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are worth a visit — and with a ticket that allows you to hop between parks, a quick ride on the Hogwarts Express can ensure you experience both Harry Potter lands.

MORE DETAILS

As a general rule of thumb, the least busy days at the three Universal Orlando parks will typically be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Mondays, in that order.

MORE DETAILS

To make you think you must visit both parks to get the full Universal experience, they have broken The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up into both parks (extra well done, Universal). So you must buy tickets to both parks if you want to see Diagon Alley AND Hogsmeade. Which of course you do, because they are amazing!

MORE DETAILS

Crowds at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
  • January 2nd until just prior to Presidents' Day week (third Monday in February)
  • End of April — Mid-May.
  • Labor Day through mid-October.
  • Beginning of November through the week before Thanksgiving.
  • The week following Thanksgiving weekend until the week prior to Christmas.


MORE DETAILS

Ride the Hogwarts™ Express from Hogsmeade™ Station in Universal's Islands of Adventure to King's Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios Florida. On the way, encounter familiar characters and creatures from the Harry Potter™ books and films.

MORE DETAILS

You'll need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts™ Express and visit both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. The train travels between Hogsmeade™ in Universal's Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida.

MORE DETAILS

All Aboard The Hogwarts™ Express Travel between both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade™ in Universal's Islands of Adventure. This attraction accepts Universal Express Pass.

MORE DETAILS