How to do Universal Orlando Resort in 1 Day

This Universal Orlando Resort itinerary cover the attractions I did, the shows I saw and the restaurants that I dined at during my trip to Orlando. As part of my Orlando series, it answers the question “how do I get through ____ in one day?” Check out my Walt Disney World plans for Animal Kingdom and Epcot.

Universal Orlando Resort is a truly world class resort for all ages. I am a huge Harry Potter fan (even have a deathly hallow tattoo) so my main goal was to get through the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter and anything else I could see along the way. Now this resort is a two day or more event but you can try to squeeze as much as possible in one day.

Park Tips for Universal Orlando Resort

This itinerary is based on early entry, where guests of certain hotels, visitors from certain travel agencies or folks like me who got to the park early can get an extra hour in the parks. Now if you opt for the Universal Express pass you can get through both parks much easier and faster than I did.

1-day Universal Orlando Resort Itinerary

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If you are like me and love Harry Potter, then head straight over to Diagon Alley after rope drop. Before you enter, be sure to take a picture with the Knight Bus and the shrunken head (he is absolutely hilarious).

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Once you have entered Diagon Alley make a beeline for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. This is one of the most popular rides in the park and wait times can be a couple of hours. Take lots of pictures as you will see goblins, gold and much more. Be aware that this is a simulation ride and may not be suitable for everyone.

After you have finished the ride, take your time and walk around Diagon Alley. You can feel the magic and excitement all around you. Check out Gringotts Money Exchange where you can turn your dollars into magical currency (which is excepted all over the Wizarding World). I used mine to buy butterbeer!

I can honestly say I spent a couple of hours admiring the detailed work of each of the shops including but not limited to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Sugarplum’s Sweetshop, Ollivanders, Magical Menagrie and Borgin and Burkes. Buy a few sweet treats (I recommend the ice cream) and grab a few souvenirs along the way.

All Aboard! Take the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station to Hogsmeade where you will find the iconic Hogwarts Castle, Flight of the Hippogriff, the Three Broomsticks and Honeydukes.

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Getting through the lines takes up the most time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Be sure to take the Hogwarts Express both way as the rides are completely different and check out Nighttime at Hogwarts Castle.

Other Main Attractions

Since I only had a day, I prioritized the rides that were most interesting to me which were the Fast and Furious: Supercharged, Skull Island: Reign of Kong and Jurassic Park. The Fast and Furious ride was not as exciting as I was hoping for, Skull Island was a little creepy but loads of fun and Jurassic Park is just a classic.

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Special Holiday Events at the Universal Orlando Resort

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Now most of the time you would be able to go on more rides however this itinerary changes a little during festival time. During different events of the year, Universal goes all out with costumes and parades from Halloween to Christmas. I happen to go during the biggest party ever: Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras at Universal was spectacular with grand parade and good eats. People were lining up an hour early just to get a good spot to watch the parade. It depends on your individual preference but the parade time was the best time to hit up all the rides with huge wait times.

Stay until the park closes and then head on over to the City Walk. It will still be booming and bustling into the late night.