View source for Universal Orlando

{{Short description|Resort in Orlando, Florida}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Universal Orlando Resort
| logo = Universal Orlando Resort logo 2023.png
| logo_size = 
| image = Universal Orlando Gateway (cropped).jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = The Universal Globe, the icon of the resort, with the gates to [[Universal Studios Florida]] in the background
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| industry = {{unbulleted list|[[Hospitality industry|Hospitality]]|[[Amusement park|Theme parks]]|[[Resort]]s}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1990|06|07}}
| location = [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]], U.S.
| key_people = Karen Irwin (President) <ref>{{Cite news |last=Tapp |first=Tom |date=December 1, 2021 |title=Universal Parks Leadership Shakeup: Karen Irwin to Lead Orlando Resort |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/universal-parks-new-leadership-orlando-hollywood-japan-beijing-pacific-rim-1234883311/ |access-date=April 11, 2024}}</ref>
| products = 3 Theme parks, 1 Water Park, 11 Resorts
| services = Entertainment and Dining
| num_employees = 28,000 (2024)
| owner = Universal City Development Partners, LTD <ref> {{Cite web |title= Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations |url=https://dos.sunbiz.org/scripts/ficidet.exe?action=DETREG&docnum=G02191900019&rdocnum=G02191900018 |access-date=January 8, 2025 |website=SunBiz.org}}</ref>
| parent = [[Universal Destinations & Experiences]]
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.universalorlando.com/}}
| footnotes = 
}}
{{Orlando Universal}}

'''Universal Orlando Resort''', often shortened to '''Universal Orlando''', is a {{Convert|1,291|acre|ha|adj=on}} [[theme park]] and entertainment resort complex located in [[Orlando, Florida]]. It is the flagship of the [[Universal Destinations & Experiences]] theme park chain. Following the success of [[Universal Studios Florida]], which opened in 1990, [[NBCUniversal]] shifted into transforming the area into a large resort with the intention of competing with [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort]]. The first major expansion occurred in 1999 with the opening of a second theme park, [[Universal Islands of Adventure]], along with a shopping promenade and nightlife district called [[Universal CityWalk]]. Both additions helped to form the new resort, which was briefly dubbed '''Universal Studios Escape'''. The resort expanded further in 2017 with the addition of [[Volcano Bay]], a {{Convert|30|acre|ha|adj=on}} water theme park, and again in 2025 with a fourth theme park, [[Universal Epic Universe]].

Notable additions over the years include [[Woody Woodpecker's KidZone]] at Universal Studios, multiple hotels and The Rising Star karaoke bar within CityWalk, as well as [[The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)|The Wizarding World of Harry Potter]] themed areas, which spans both theme parks and significantly boosted attendance at the entire resort. It also features well-known annual events, such as ''[[Universal's Halloween Horror Nights]]'', along with a variety of live entertainment and shows.

Universal Orlando ranks as one of the most visited resorts in the world with an annual attendance of 21 million as of 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/Resources/Theme-Index/|title=Theme Index|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=February 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201200851/http://www.teaconnect.org/Resources/Theme-Index/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Guests staying at certain hotels receive special perks such as early admission into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal's Volcano Bay, or in some cases, benefits such as free [[Universal Express Pass]], which gives access to shorter lines at major attractions. The resort also features an organized transportation system, including [[water taxi]]s, pathways, buses, and moving walkways that connect many of the area's hotels and theme parks. Universal Orlando exceeded three of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in estimated 2021 attendance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Universal Makes Big Gains in 2021 Theme Park Attendance Report |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202210/9181/ |access-date=July 10, 2023 |website=Theme Park Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Leading amusement and theme parks worldwide from 2019 to 2021, by attendance |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/194247/worldwide-attendance-at-theme-and-amusement-parks/ |access-date=July 10, 2023 |website=Statista}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Universal Orlando beat 3 of 4 Disney World parks in attendance in 2021 |url=https://www.themeparktribune.com/universal-orlando-beat-3-of-4-disney-world-parks-in-attendance-in-2021/ |access-date=July 10, 2023 |website=Theme Park Tribune|date=October 15, 2022 }}</ref>

==History==
{{More citations needed|section|date=April 2023}}
After [[Universal Studios Florida]] opened on June 7, 1990, [[NBCUniversal|Universal Entertainment]] formed a joint venture with [[The Blackstone Group]] and began planning a future expansion that would transform the single park into a multi-day destination resort. In late 1995, construction began on a new park, [[Universal Islands of Adventure]]. During this time, several new attractions were being built and opened at Universal Studios Florida, including [[Woody Woodpecker's KidZone]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tapp |first=Tom |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Universal Orlando To Shut Down Five Attractions To Make Room For New Family Entertainment Based On "Beloved Animated Characters" |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/universal-orlando-shuts-down-five-attractions-new-family-entertainment-1235160940/ |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Men in Black: Alien Attack]], and [[Animal Planet Live|Animal Actors On Location!]] (formerly Animal Planet Live).

Universal's Islands of Adventure opened to the general public on May 28, 1999, featuring six themed islands, including the Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, The Lost Continent, Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon, and [[Marvel Super Hero Island]]. The park opened to mediocre attendance, and as a result, several attractions were closed soon after, including [[List of former Islands of Adventure attractions#Island Skipper Tours|Island Skipper Tours]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}

Along with the new theme park, the resort also opened a Florida version of [[Universal CityWalk]] from [[Universal Studios Hollywood]]. While it is the same concept, CityWalk Orlando was given different venues and design. Universal also opened the resort's first onsite hotel in September 1999. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (originally Portofino Bay Hotel, a Loews Hotel) was operated and partially owned by [[Loews Hotels]] but was also partially owned by Universal and [[The Blackstone Group]]. The two theme parks, CityWalk, and the hotel were branded as Universal Studios Escape, however the name was quickly changed to Universal Orlando Resort in July 2000 due to guest confusion over what the resort had to offer.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=July 9, 2000 |title=UNIVERSAL COMPLEX SEEKS TO 'ESCAPE' NAME CONFUSION |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2000/07/09/universal-complex-seeks-to-escape-name-confusion-2/ |access-date=January 19, 2025 |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref>

In December 2000, Hard Rock Hotel opened as Universal Orlando's second onsite hotel. In 2001, Loews Royal Pacific Resort opened. In the midst of all these openings, two parking garages were constructed and the popular water park [[Wet 'n Wild Orlando]] was acquired.

In 2003, rumors began swirling that a Harry Potter themed attraction would be coming to Universal or one of the Disney parks. On May 31, 2007, Universal, in partnership with [[Warner Bros.]], officially announced that the [[The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)|Wizarding World of Harry Potter]] would be built as the seventh of the Islands of Adventure park. The attraction opened on June 18, 2010.

Shortly after the success of the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, rumors began to swirl once again, this time of a second Potter-themed area in Universal Studios Florida. It was announced shortly thereafter that Universal would begin construction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, replacing [[Jaws (ride)|Jaws: The Ride]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-hill/a-huffington-post-exclusi_1_b_3233177.html|title=Exclusive: A Detailed Look at Diagon Alley, the Highly Anticipated Expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort|last=Hill|first=Jim|date=May 8, 2013|website=Huffington Post|language=en-US|access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref> On July 8, 2014, Diagon Alley officially opened to the public.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/09/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-diagon-alley-officially-opens|title=The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley Officially Opens|last=Goldman|first=Eric|date=July 8, 2014|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref>

[[The Blackstone Group]] sold its stake in Universal Orlando in early 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Comcast to buy remaining half of Universal Orlando for $1 billion |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-xpm-2011-06-06-universal-orlando-sold-to-comcast-20110606-story.html |website=OrlandoSentinel.com |access-date=August 21, 2019 |date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> As of 2015, Universal Orlando Resort occupies {{Convert|541|acres}}.<ref name="Size">{{cite web |last1=Bilbao |first1=Richard |title=450-acre land grab: The remedy for Universal Orlando's biggest weakness |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/12/450-acre-land-grab-the-remedy-for-universal.html |website=Orlando Business Journal |access-date=May 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230508013334/https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/12/450-acre-land-grab-the-remedy-for-universal.html |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |date=December 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 2024, Universal Orlando Resort currently occupies {{Convert|1291|acre|ha}} of land with the expansion of [[Universal Epic Universe]].

=={{anchor|Theme parks and attractions}}Theme parks==
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===Universal Studios Florida===
{{Main|Universal Studios Florida}}
The original theme park in the resort, [[Universal Studios Florida]], opened on June 7, 1990, as a theme park that let visitors "Ride the Movies." The park is composed of themed areas, rides, and attractions based on the film industry. Visitors also get to experience themed dining, shopping, and a variety of special events throughout the year.

The themes of Universal Studios Florida are targeted at making guests feel like they are on movie sets with rides, shows and attractions inspired by popular film, television, and music productions. The park currently consists of eight themed areas – Hollywood, Illumination's Minion Land, New York, San Francisco, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield, and DreamWorks Land.{{Wide image|universal pano1.JPG|650px|Panoramic view of Universal Studios Florida's lagoon, December 2005}}

===Universal Islands of Adventure===
{{Main|Universal Islands of Adventure}}
[[File:IoA Lighthouse 2024.jpg|thumb|The Pharos Lighthouse, the entrance to Islands of Adventure.]]
The second park to open at the resort was [[Universal Islands of Adventure]], opened on May 28, 1999. It is composed of eight distinct "islands" that are themed to various forms of literature, adventure genres, cartoons and comics, and mythical fantasies. Visitors start off in the Port of Entry and make their way through the various islands – [[Marvel Super Hero Island]], Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, [[The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort)|the Wizarding World of Harry Potter]] - Hogsmeade, the Lost Continent and Seuss Landing. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, based on the popular ''[[Harry Potter]]'' franchise, as well as [[Skull Island (King Kong)|Skull Island]], based on the 2005 ''[[King Kong (2005 film)|King Kong]]'' film, are the only islands that were added after the park opened. Hogsmeade opened to the public on June 18, 2010, and Skull Island opened to the public on July 13, 2016.

===Universal Volcano Bay===
{{Main|Universal Volcano Bay}}
[[File:Volcano Bay (36829605694).jpg|thumb|The Krakatau volcano is the icon of Volcano Bay|left]]
[[Universal Volcano Bay|Volcano Bay]] is the third (and first ever) 27-acre water theme park opened in 2017. It replaced [[Wet 'n Wild Orlando|Wet 'n Wild]], which was owned by Universal. Wet 'n Wild was founded in 1977 by [[SeaWorld]] founder [[George Millay]] as one of the first major water parks. In 1998, Wet 'n Wild was acquired by [[Universal Destinations & Experiences]], adding it to Universal Orlando.<ref name="Theme-park pioneer started SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild">{{cite news|last=Powers|first=Scott|title=Theme-park pioneer started SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2006/02/08/theme-park-pioneer-started-seaworld-and-wet-n-wild/|access-date=September 28, 2012|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=February 8, 2006}}</ref> There were eighteen water slides and attractions at the water park. Popular attractions included the Storm, Bomb Bay, Disco H2O, Mach 5, and the Surge.

Wet 'n Wild was located at the intersection of International Drive and Universal Boulevard, about half a mile south of the Universal Orlando parking garage. Wet 'n Wild officially closed on December 31, 2016, due to the opening of Volcano Bay. It was announced on March 21, 2017, that the land once occupied by Wet 'n Wild would be transformed into Universal's seventh hotel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.insidethemagic.net/2017/03/seventh-universal-orlando-hotel-replace-former-wet-n-wild-water-park/|title=Seventh Universal Orlando hotel slated to replace former Wet 'n' Wild water park {{!}} Inside the Magic|date=March 21, 2017|work=Inside the Magic|access-date=February 27, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> It was later announced that Universal would split the property into two hotels that were part of one resort.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2017/11/06/universal-reveals-details-for-2-800-room-hotel.html|title=Universal reveals details for 2,800-room hotel complex on former Wet 'n Wild land|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref>

===Universal Epic Universe===
{{Main|Universal Epic Universe}}
On August 1, 2019, [[NBCUniversal]] announced that it would be building a fourth theme park called [[Universal Epic Universe]]. It will be located a few miles south of the existing resort, within a larger 750-acre site.<ref name="EU-Sentinel">{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/universal-orlando/os-bz-universal-epic-universe-orlando-20190801-h3544ln2rzcxdnhkax2rixawxu-story.html|title=Universal's Epic Universe theme park is coming to Orlando, ramping up war with Disney|author=Gabrielle Russon and Dewayne Bevil|work=orlandosentinel.com|publisher=Tribune Newspapers|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 1, 2019}}</ref> There will be five lands including a central hub, Celestial Park, and four other areas themed to ''[[How to Train Your Dragon]]'', Wizarding [[Paris]] from the ''[[Fantastic Beasts (film series)|Fantastic Beasts]]'' franchise, [[Universal Monsters]] and [[Super Nintendo World]]. It was stated that the project would create 14,000 jobs.<ref name="EU-Sentinel"/> Brian Roberts, the CEO of [[Comcast]], called Epic Universe "the largest investment we've ever made in a park".<ref name="EU-Sentinel"/> The complex will also include three new resort hotels, dining, and retail facilities.<ref name="EU-Sentinel"/>

In April 2020, NBCUniversal announced the park's opening would be delayed until 2024 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="delayed-sentinel">{{cite news |last1=Russon |first1=Gabrielle |last2=Hudak |first2=Stephen |title=Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park will be delayed because of coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/coronavirus/jobs-economy/os-bz-universal-coronavirus-earnings-20200430-wrnz6ysqdrhsrbnx7ccehbpmxm-story.html |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=April 30, 2020|url-access=limited }}</ref><ref name="delayed-WESH">{{cite news |title=Universal's new Epic Universe park delayed due to virus outbreak |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/universal-epic-universe-delayed-coronavirus/32332139# |work=[[WESH]] |date=April 30, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="delayed-WKMG">{{cite news |last1=Dobrzyn |first1=Erin |title=Universal pauses construction on new Epic Universe theme park amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/theme-parks/2020/04/30/universal-pauses-construction-on-new-epic-universe-theme-park-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/ |work=[[WKMG-TV|WKMG]] |date=April 30, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> In July 2020, NBCUniversal announced that they would be pausing development on the new theme park "until the future becomes more certain". In March 2021, work on Epic Universe resumed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Russon |first1=Gabrielle |title=Universal Orlando: Epic Universe starts construction again, promising 'thousands' of jobs |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-universal-epic-universe-construction-20210303-ti4f3dednnczfknphsenndwkjm-story.html |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=March 3, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Universal Orlando |url=https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universe?__source=sm..TWITTER..UniversalORL&campaign=Epic%20Universe&post_id=14998142118 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Universal Orlando Resort |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=January 27, 2022|title=Comcast Says Epic Universe to Open in 2025, Theme Park Business in Orlando Better than Before Pandemic|url=https://orlandoparkstop.com/news/theme-park-news/comcast-says-epic-universe-to-open-in-2025-theme-park-business-in-orlando-better-than-before-pandemic/|access-date=February 22, 2023|website=Orlando ParkStop|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Entertainment district==
[[File:Universal CityWalk Orlando Entrance Sign - Sep 2024.jpg|left|thumb|Entrance sign to CityWalk from the parking garage]]
[[Universal CityWalk#Universal CityWalk Orlando|Universal CityWalk Orlando]] is an entertainment and retail district which opened on May 28, 1999, over the former parking lot and entrance of Universal Studios as part of the expansion that created the Universal Orlando Resort. Guests arrive at the resort in one of two multi-story parking structures, then travel via covered moving walkways over Universal Boulevard into CityWalk. From there, guests can proceed into one of the two theme parks.

The Universal Store is its flagship store, offering merchandise from the three parks. CityWalk features shopping, nightclubs, dining venues, and a [[Cinemark Theatres]] and offers varying live music and entertainment options each night. Notably CityWalks's Rising Star (a karaoke club with a live band), Red Coconut Club, and [[Bob Marley]] - A Tribute to Freedom (both a night club and restaurant). Some notable restaurants include the Cowfish, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, [[Hard Rock Cafe]], [[Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville]], [[Bubba Gump Shrimp Company]], Antojito's Authentic Mexican Food, and Bigfire American Fare. Casual dining locations include: [[Moe's Southwest Grill]], [[BK Whopper Bar]], [[Panda Express]], Red Oven Pizza Bakery, and [[Voodoo Doughnut]]. In June 2024, the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center opened, providing a [[scale model]] of the new park, as well as selling merchandise of the four lands that are part of it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lafferty |first=Abigail |date=May 30, 2024 |title=How you can preview Universal Orlando's Epic Universe for free before it opens |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/universal-orlando-announces-epic-universe-preview-center-coming-citywalk-month |access-date=January 19, 2025 |work=[[FOX 13 Tampa Bay]]}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Resorts==
The resort features eight official on-site hotels, totaling up to 11,000 rooms. All 11 hotels are located in close proximity to the Universal Orlando theme parks. The hotels offer guests free water taxi or shuttle bus service to the Universal Orlando theme parks. The hotels are sorted into three categories: Signature Collection, Prime Value Hotels, and Value Inn and Suites.

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|- – style="text-align:center; background:#ececec; background:#f0f0f0;"
||'''Name'''
||'''Opening date'''
||'''Theme'''
||'''Number of rooms'''
|-
! colspan="4"| Signature Collection
|-
| Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando || September 10, 1999 || Italian seaside village || 750
|-
| Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando || January 19, 2001 || [[Mission Revival architecture|California mission design]] || 650
|-
| Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando || June 1, 2002 || The enchanted isles of the South Seas || 1,000
|-
|Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
|July 7, 2016
|Leisurely estate in the heart of the tropics
|1,000
|-
|  Universal Helios Grand Hotel || May 22, 2025 || Elegant Mediterranean-inspired feel || 500
|-
! colspan="4"| Prime Value Hotels
|-
| Universal's Aventura Hotel|| August 16, 2018 || Modern aesthetic || 600
|-
| Universal Stella Nova Resort || January 21, 2025||  Infinite universe|| 750
|-
| Universal Terra Luna Resort || March 25, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Terra Luna Resort |url=https://www.loewshotels.com/terra-luna-resort#:~:text=Universal%20Terra%20Luna%20Resort%20represents,opens%20on%20March%2025%2C%202025. |access-date=10 January 2025 |website=[[Loews Hotels]]}}</ref>|| Terrestrial exploration|| 750
|-
! colspan="4"| Value Inn and Suites
|-
|Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
|March 31, 2014
|Classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s
|2,200
|-
| [[Universal's Endless Summer Resort]] - Surfside Inn and Suites || June 27, 2019<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bevil |first1=Dewayne |title=Universal Orlando: Surfside Inn hotel, Bigfire restaurant now open for business |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/universal-orlando/os-et-universal-surfside-inn-hotel-bigfire-20190627-6jizbrbyfzdgraofw526aq6acq-story.html |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=orlandosentinel.com |date=June 27, 2019}}</ref> || Surfing lifestyle || 750
|-
| [[Universal's Endless Summer Resort]] - Dockside Inn and Suites || December 15, 2020 || Coastal retreat || 2,050
|}

==Events==
===Universal's Halloween Horror Nights===
{{main|Universal's Halloween Horror Nights}}
On select nights in September through early November, [[Universal Studios Florida]] is transformed for the annual Halloween event, [[Halloween Horror Nights]]. Halloween Horror Nights, or HHN as it is more commonly known, is one of the largest Halloween events in the U.S. From 1991 to 2001, the event was held at Universal Studios Florida. Halloween Horror Nights was moved to Islands of Adventure in 2002, and the 2004 event featured sections of both parks, but the event was moved back to Universal Studios Florida in 2006. The event celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010, its 25th anniversary in 2015, and the 30th anniversary in 2021. The event sometimes features an "icon" that presides over the terror each evening, along with seven to ten haunted houses and numerous unavoidable scare zones. It is a separately ticketed event.

===Rock the Universe===
{{main|Rock the Universe}}
[[Rock the Universe]] is an annual Christian rock music festival that is located within Universal Studios Florida. It began in 1998 and has been running ever since. The event typically occurs in early September and lasts for two days. In 2019, Rock the Universe took place in early February for the first time ever. Many Christian rock artists play throughout the event both nights. The resort offers special tickets, packages and church partnerships for that weekend. Select attractions are also open throughout the evenings.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

===Grad Bash and Gradventure===
Grad Bash and Gradventure are two separate events held in April and May at the parks. Grad Bash is an event for graduating high school senior classes who can gather for an exclusive, all-night party at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It allows attendees to ride all attractions at both parks. This event also features live performances by some of the most popular artists, dance parties with DJs, and pre-parties at the Universal Music Plaza Stage in the Production Central section of Universal Studios Florida.<ref name="Universal Orlando Resort Gradbash at Universal Orlando Florida">{{cite web |url=http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Grad-Bash/Overview.aspx |title=Gradbash at Universal Orlando Florida |author=Universal Orlando Resort |publisher=Universal Orlando Resort |access-date=September 25, 2012}}</ref> Gradventure is very similar but is promoted for graduating middle school students.<ref name="Official Gradventure">{{cite web|title=Gradventure|url=http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/gradventure.aspx|publisher=Universal Orlando Resort|access-date=September 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610191125/http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Gradventure.aspx|archive-date=June 10, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Both events are sponsored by [[Coca-Cola]].

===Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's===
Macy's Holiday Parade brings some authentic balloons that are based on attractions in the parks in a 2 month long event in November and December that highlights the Christmas celebrations within Universal Studios Florida.<ref name="Official Macy">{{cite web|title=Holidays|url=http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/holidays.aspx|publisher=Universal Orlando Resort|access-date=August 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828055322/http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/holidays.aspx|archive-date=August 28, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Mardi Gras===
From February through April, a parade and concert series inspired by [[New Orleans]]' [[Mardi Gras]] party, is held within Universal Studios Florida. The event features merchandise especially for the celebration and is held usually on Friday and Saturday nights. Every event night guests will hear some of Louisiana's bands performing blues and [[zydeco]]. It is included in park admission.<ref name="Official Mardi Gras">{{cite web|title=Mardi Gras|url=http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/mardigras.aspx|publisher=Universal Orlando Resort|access-date=August 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728094351/http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/mardigras.aspx|archive-date=July 28, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Attendance ==
The longstanding rivalry between Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is set to intensify in 2025 with the opening of Universal's Epic Universe, a new theme park featuring attractions based on Nintendo, Harry Potter, and other properties. This development marks a significant step in Universal's ongoing efforts to challenge Disney's dominance in the Central Florida tourism market. Analysts from MoffettNathanson estimate that Epic Universe could draw approximately one million visitors away from Disney World between mid-2025 and 2026.<ref>{{cite web | last=Barnes | first=Brooks | title=Universal's Theme Parks, Long in Disney's Shadow, Expand at Dizzying Pace | website=The New York Times | date=2025-02-21 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/business/universal-theme-parks-expansion-disney.html | access-date=2025-02-27}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Universal Studios Florida
!Islands of Adventure
!Overall
!Ref
|-
|2006
|6,000,000
|5,300,000
|11,300,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |date=2007 |title=TEA/AECOM 2006 Theme Park Index: Theme Park Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2006_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|6,200,000
|5,430,000
|11,630,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |year=2008 |title=TEA/AECOM 2007 Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2007_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|6,231,000
|5,297,000
|11,528,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |year=2009 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2008_Theme_Index.pdf |url-status= |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|5,530,000
|4,627,000
|10,157,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |year=2010 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2009_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|5,949,000
|5,925,000
|11,874,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |year=2011 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2010_Theme_Index.pdf |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2011
|6,044,000
|7,674,000
|13,718,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |year=2012 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2011_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2012
|6,195,000
|7,981,000
|14,176,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |year=2013 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2012_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2013
|7,062,000
|8,141,000 
|15,203,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffers |first=Gene |year=2014 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2013_Theme_Index.pdf |url-status= |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2014
|8,263,000
|8,141,000
|16,444,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2015 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2014_Theme_Index.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|9,585,000
|8,792,000
|18,377,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2016 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2015_Theme_Index__Museum_Index.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association}}</ref>
|-
|2016
|9,998,000
|9,962,000
|19,960,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2017 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|10,198,000
|9,549,000
|19,747,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2018 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|10,708,000
|9,788,000
|20,496,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2018 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Theme-Index-2018-5-1.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|10,922,000
|10,375,000
|21,297,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2019 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2019.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|4,096,000
|4,005,000
|8,101,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2020 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2021
|8,987,000
|9,077,000
|18,064,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Judith |year=2021 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2021.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|10,750,000
|11,025,000
|21,775,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palicki |first=Martin |year=2022 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2022.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|-
|2023
|9,750,000
|10,000,000
|19,750,000
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palicki |first=Martin |year=2023 |title=TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report |url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)}}</ref>
|}

==Other services==
===Universal Express Pass===
[[File:Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios Florida) entrance.jpg|right|thumb|[[Revenge of the Mummy]] (previous entrance pictured) features a line for Universal Express Pass.]]
{{main|Universal Express Pass}}
Many attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure allow guests to utilize Express Pass, with availability depending at each attraction. This pass admits guests to a separate line for the attraction, which is given priority status when boarding.

Express Pass is not a [[virtual queuing]] service. Instead, passholders may enter the Universal Express line whenever they wish. This pass is not included with park admission but can be bought for an additional fee. Fees change depending on date. Guests can choose to purchase one of two options: Express Pass, which gives guests access to an Express line once per day on each participating attraction, or Express Unlimited Pass, which allows guests to skip the regular lines an unlimited number of times per day at participating attractions.

===Universal Meal Deal===
The Universal Meal Deal was a ticketed meal plan for park visitors. It allowed visitors of either theme park to eat all day long from lunch through dinner at select restaurants. These included [[Mel's Drive-In]] and Louie's Italian Restaurant at [[Universal Studios Florida]] and Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, Comic Strip Cafe, and the Burger Digs at [[Universal Islands of Adventure]].

The selection food was limited and drinks were not included. Beverages could be purchased through a Universal Souvenir Cup. For additional costs, visitors could add park-to-park Meal Deal Access allowing them to eat meals in both parks.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

Universal Meal Deal was replaced on November 3, 2013, with Universal Quick Service Dining Plan.

===Character dining===
Universal Orlando features a large group of characters varying from [[Woody Woodpecker]] to [[Spider-Man]]. Visitors have three ways of dining with characters. At Loews Royal Pacific Resort, guests can eat breakfast with Universal Characters on select days. Throughout the day, characters have meet and greets within the parks and make appearances during lunchtime at several theme park restaurants. During dinner, on select nights, guests can dine with Universal characters at Trattoria del Porto, The Kitchen and Islands Dining Room. The [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] Super Heroes also appear in the Meet the Marvel Super Heroes attraction where the characters ride on motorcycles down the street of Marvel Super Hero Island.

{{Clear}}

==Transportation==
{{Transport in Universal Orlando Resort}}
The transit system at Universal Orlando Resort consists of [[water taxi]]s, buses, escalators, elevators, [[moving walkway]]s, and pathways; all services connect the parking structures, hotels, CityWalk, and theme parks. Additionally, strollers, wheelchairs, and [[motorized wheelchair|electronic convenience vehicles]] can be rented for a daily fee.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wheel Chair and Stroller Rental Information |url=https://www.universalorlando.co.uk/Theme_Park_Information/wheelchair-stroller-rental.aspx |website=Universal Orlando Resort |access-date=20 January 2024}}</ref>

An organized bus transportation system is provided, shuttling guests between onsite hotels, Universal Partner Hotels, theme parks, Orlando International Airport, and other area attractions. Mears Transportation runs this system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Orlando Charter Bus & Motor Coach Rentals |url=https://www.mearstransportation.com/orlando-charter-bus-motor-coach-rentals |website=Mears Transportation |access-date=20 January 2024}}</ref>

Orlando's [[Lynx (Orlando)|LYNX bus]] system also connects the resort to other places in the city.

Onsite hotel guests can get to the theme parks and CityWalk by either boarding a water taxi or bus directly to CityWalk, or using walkways. The dock at CityWalk is located at the center of the complex and can be accessed via the bridges.

===Universal's Super Star Shuttle===
Several hotels and a major airport are located within 20 minutes of Universal Orlando. Universal's Super Star Shuttle service is broken into two main routes. One provides transportation to all thirty Universal Partner hotels while the newest route began service to [[Orlando International Airport]] in 2016.<ref name="Mears/Universal">{{cite web|last1=Pedicini|first1=Sandra|title=New Universal Orlando airport shuttle service is starting|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-universal-magical-express-disney-airport-20150831-story.html|website=OrlandoSentinel.com|date=August 31, 2015 |access-date=January 26, 2016}}</ref> Universal's Super Star Shuttle provides free transportation between Universal Orlando, [[SeaWorld]] and [[Aquatica Orlando|Aquatica]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://escotbuslines.com/services/shuttle-buses/shuttle-bus-service-orlando/|title=Orlando Shuttle Bus Service {{!}} ESCOT Bus Lines|work=ESCOT Bus Lines|access-date=April 17, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> Airport service is available for a fee to onsite hotel guests booking through Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations. The airport shuttle is run by Mears Transportation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://touringplans.com/blog/airport-transportation-options-to-from-universal-orlando/#:~:text=At%20the%20risk%20of%20confusion,added%20to%20any%20hotel%20booking. | title=Airport Transportation Options To/From Universal Orlando | date=September 20, 2021 }}</ref> The Seaworld/Aquatica shuttle is run by ESCOT.

{{Clear}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Universal01.jpg|The original entrance to Universal Studios Florida 
File:UniversalFloridaEntrance.jpg|The entrance to Universal Studios Florida in 2007
File:HardRockCafeOrlando.jpg|Hard Rock Cafe at Universal CityWalk
File:Universal CityWalk Orlando 2008.jpg|[[Universal CityWalk]]
File:Entrance universal.jpg|Universal Studios Entrance
File:UniversalStudiosRevengeOfTheMummyEntrance.jpg|[[Revenge of the Mummy]]
File:RockitConstruction April2009 15.jpg|[[Universal Music Plaza Stage]]
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Florida tourism industry]]
* [[Incidents at Universal parks#Universal Orlando|Incidents at Universal Orlando]]
* [[Legoland Florida]]
* [[Walt Disney World]]
{{Portal bar|Trains|Florida}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
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{{Coord|28|28|25|N|81|28|00|W|scale:10000|display=title}}

{{Roller coasters at Universal Orlando Resort}}
{{Universal Orlando Simulators}}
{{Universal Orlando 4-D films}}
{{Universal Destinations & Experiences}}
{{NBC Universal}}
{{Theme Parks of Florida}}
{{Hard Rock Hotel and Casino locations}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Universal Orlando| ]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in Florida]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1990]]
[[Category:Companies based in Orlando, Florida]]
[[Category:Resorts in Florida]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Greater Orlando]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Orange County, Florida]]
[[Category:Hard Rock Cafe]]
[[Category:Roller coasters operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences]]
[[Category:Universal Destinations & Experiences attractions by name]]