When planning a Universal Orlando Resort vacation, one of the biggest decisions is figuring out which parks you want to visit. Each park has its own theme, vibe, and “why it’s worth visiting” factor. Here’s a breakdown of the three main parks so you can decide what will fit your family’s style and interests.

Universal Studios Florida

If you love movies, TV, immersive lands, and a mix of fun rides and shows, this is the park that brings Hollywood to life.

Universal Studios Florida highlights:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley (including Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts)
• Minion Land and Illumination Universe fun
• Transformers: The Ride 3D
• The Simpsons Ride
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• Live shows and street entertainment

This park tends to feel like walking through your favorite movies, with a mix of immersive lands and experiences that aren’t all thrill-ride focused. It’s a great choice for families who want balanced days of rides, shows, and themed areas.

Islands of Adventure

This is the thrill and immersion capital of Universal Orlando, with big coasters, themed lands, and richly detailed environments.

Islands of Adventure highlights:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade (including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey)
• Jurassic Park / Jurassic World attractions
• Marvel Super Hero Island (including The Incredible Hulk Coaster)
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• Classic thrills like Jurassic World VelociCoaster

This park is ride-heavy and perfect for thrill seekers, adventure lovers, and anyone who likes walking into lands that feel like living movie sets.

Epic Universe

Universal Orlando’s newest theme park is open and taking the experience even further. Epic Universe is designed for immersive storytelling and expansive themed lands that feel fresh and exciting.

Epic Universe highlights include:

• Super Nintendo World — interactive experiences and Mario Kart rides
• How to Train Your Dragon land — rich theming and cool environments
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – new areas (expanding the Potter experience beyond the other parks)
• Dark Universe area — classic monsters and atmospheric thrills

Epic Universe brings next-level storytelling and big immersive spaces that appeal to families, gamers, and Universal fans of all ages.

Which Universal Park Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick way to think about it:

• Universal Studios Florida: A movie-themed experience with rides and shows that feel familiar and fun for all ages.
• Islands of Adventure: The go-to for thrill rides, immersive lands, and big coaster experiences.
• Epic Universe: The newest park with next-generation theming and interactive lands that make the whole day feel fresh and magical.

Many guests choose to visit all three because they each offer something different, and together they make for a complete Universal Orlando vacation.

Planning Your Universal Orlando Vacation?

Universal Orlando has a lot of moving pieces — park tickets, park-to-park access, hotel perks, Express Passes, and more. I help families decide which parks make sense for their trip based on age, pace, and interests. Then I handle all the details so the planning feels easy and stress-free.

If you’re thinking about a Universal vacation, I’d love to help you get started. Reach out here!

By Angelica Marquez