The Very Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando in 2023 and 2024

Hi Cherry!

Those dates will fall during spring break season (and more specifically, that week is when local public schools will be out for break) so we'd expect Level 8 crowds, according to our Crowd Calendar.

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Hi Troy!

Universal Orlando does not typically close the parks ahead of time for average rainy or stormy weather (only for extreme inclement weather, which is rare). If it's lightly raining without the threat of lightning, then rides should continue to operate. However, if there is lightning & thunder within 10 miles of property (even when it's not raining at the park), all outdoor rides will temporarily close, but indoor rides stay open. The general pattern during the wet season is that storms usually pass through quickly in the afternoons/early evenings, so we'd recommend riding the outdoor attractions earlier in the day, if possible. Let us know if you have any more questions (you can also check out our post about rainy days at Universal)!

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Hi Krista!

Overall, summer will be busy with high wait times - though if you aim for the first week of June or mid-August, you may have luck with slightly lower crowds as it's right at the beginning and end of the summer season. Peak summer crowds will be from late June to early August, though note that it has become harder to predict crowds and wait times based on past trends because of the pandemic. As people feel more comfortable with traveling, we'd expect that the pent-up demand could certainly play a factor with crowd levels as well.

If you decide to stay at one of Universal's premier hotels, keep in mind that you would get the Universal Express Unlimited benefit included with your stay. Also, you would be able to pool hop to other resorts (not including Universal's Endless Summer Resorts - Dockside and Surfside — and vice versa if you stay at either of those resorts). If you stay for four days and stick with the two Universal parks, then we think you'll get enough time to explore (especially if you end up with the Universal Express benefit). And if you add in SeaWorld, then we think a one-day trip would be fine, and you could do one full day at each Universal park and use the third to park hop and do anything you missed.

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Hi Daniel!

In past years, Super Bowl Sunday hasn't greatly affected crowds at Universal over the weekend. Since you'll have Universal Express passes, we think you should be fine for the day (and we'd also recommend arriving before the park opens so you can enter when the park opens and get a hop ahead of the crowds). That said, keep in mind that past trends have been a bit more unreliable these days due to pent-up demand for traveling, so it's harder to say for sure what crowds will be like. Take your touring style into consideration — if you don't want to feel rushed and would prefer to have more time to get everything you want to get done, then it may be nice to splurge for a second day. But if you plan ahead, maximize your time and wouldn't mind the possibility of missing out on some attractions, then stick to one day so you can have a restful pool day :)

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Hi Colleen!

We'd expect about average crowds, with the possibility of slightly elevated crowds. Some people may arrive early for the three-day weekend, but the bigger crowds will be on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (19-21). Arriving early should give you a good head start!

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Hi Sharon!

Presidents Day weekend can bring in crowds like any other holiday weekend, so we'd expect high crowds on that Sunday and Monday. Tuesday might see some leftover crowds but should start to lessen from the weekend, and we'd expect average crowds Wednesday and Thursday.

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Hi Ashley!

Since you'll be visiting on weekdays during a typical non-peak time, you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose! For traveling between resorts, it may be easier to go to Universal either Monday or Thursday, but it likely depends on where you're staying. For instance, if you're staying somewhere right in between Universal and Disney, it may not make much of a difference if you stick to one resort at a time. Neither resort does a whole lot for Valentine's Day, but if you're looking for anything special on that day, we'd probably suggest Magic Kingdom (usually Cinderella's carriage is out for a special photo-op). Hope this helps!

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Hi Liane!

Generally, most weekdays in October have average crowd levels (for those dates specifically, they're expected to be around levels 4 and 5, according to our Crowd Calendar).

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Hi Dan!

Things tend to quiet down for the last week of November/first week of December (minus weekends). Hope this helps!

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Hi Aly!

Crowds should still be relatively low mid-week. We think Thursday will be fine (it gets a little more crowded on Friday but it's mainly the weekend that draws in the crowds).

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Hi Rebecca!

Both days will be busy, but we'd go with Thanksgiving Day if we had to choose!

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Hi Kerri!

Generally, the second half of August/beginning of September is a good time to go because the summer breaks for local schools are over by then. You may run into crowds during the Labor Day Weekend, but otherwise, that time period is when the summer crowds start to die down as more kids are going back to school.

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Hi Oliver!

Crowds have been harder to predict because of COVID, but this past October was busier (likely because of many people going to Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration as well). As things return even closer to "back to normal," we'd expect 2022 to be a busy year in general as more travel restrictions are lifted and comfort levels change. Historically though, most weekdays in October have seen low to average crowds, but the weekends can be busy, particularly Columbus Day Weekend (any holiday weekend can bring in crowds). Hope this helps!

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Hi Oliver!

Congratulations! That should be a great time to visit - enjoy your honeymoon!

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Hi Lori!

We usually don't expect Super Bowl Sunday to have a large impact on crowds. Weekends in general are busy, and next year in particular, it will fall on the second weekend of Mardi Gras. Also keep in mind that weekend Mardi Gras concerts are returning, so depending on the performing act, the concert could draw in more crowds as well.

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Hi Lexi!

Any holiday weekend can bring in crowds — specifically, we'd expect the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend to bring in level 7 crowds.

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Hi Amber!

We'd expect about average to medium high crowds this year — the parks have not been very busy this past week but could pick up over the weekend. Last year, Universal Studios was unusually crowded, but the Beetlejuice house was only open during the day for that one weekend, so it's hard to compare the crowds from last year. In other previous years, Halloween day has had moderate crowds.

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Hi Miha!

We'd suggest visiting before Presidents Day Weekend if you have the flexibility, as some families decide to linger for the remainder of the week after the long weekend. If she would be fine with motion simulator rides, then there are several options at Universal Studios Florida, including Despicable Me, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Simpsons Ride and Fast & Furious. We also suggest checking out some of the shows, especially Horror Make-Up Show and The Bourne Stuntacular! Plus, Mardi Gras festivities will be going on during that time. Hope this helps!

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Hi Lisa!

Since summer is busy overall, there really isn't too much of a difference between certain days of the week, other than generally weekdays are less busier than weekends. But we'd suggest mid-week as most families plan and travel around weekends.

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Hi Devin!

We recommend booking in advance the earlier, the better for the best availability! While all of Universal's hotels are family-friendly, we'd suggest Portofino Bay, which has a more relaxed and romantic atmosphere (and includes the Unlimited Universal Express benefit!). Aventura is another great option — it's modern and sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms and a rooftop bar, at a lower rate.

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Hi Savannah!

We have some brand-new Universal Orlando hotel and ticket bundles available, which you can see here: https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/universal-orlando-resort/#category_147 Let us know if we can help with any questions!

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Hi Jennifer!

You can take a peek at our Crowd Calendar to see expected crowd levels during your visit. It depends on your interests, but we usually recommend hitting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (at either park wherever you start) before it gets too crowded. If you like roller coasters and you arrive early, then hop in line to be one of the first to ride VelociCoaster or Hagrid's.

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Hi Conner,

If you're visiting at the end of June, then you will run into the summer crowds. Average wait times can be as low as one hour and as high as three hours, depending on the ride. It may be difficult to hit all of the major rides in one day, so we'd recommend looking into Universal Express passes or staying at a premier Universal hotel (which gives you the free Universal Express Unlimited benefit), if you can swing it! July is just as busy; however, the first week of May will be less busy, particularly during the week.

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Mommy Frog

Hi Matt,

In winter, the sun can set as early as 5:30 p.m., and in the summer, the sun can set as late as 8:30 p.m. As far as park hours go, it varies month-to-month, but generally Universal has extended hours during peak periods (such as summer and any holiday) and can close as late as 10 p.m., while it has shorter hours during the off-season and can close as early as 5 or 6 p.m. We'd also recommend weekends over weeknights, as hours may be longer on weekends in any given month.

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Hi Jenn,

If you can swing it, we'd recommend Express passes as crowds are generally high in July (take a look at our Crowd Calendar for our expected crowd levels). However, we do have some tips for going to Universal Orlando during a busy time if you choose not to get Express passes.

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Hi Natalia,

Weekends are generally bring in more crowds, so if you can spring for Express passes, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have them! One thing you can do before your trip is to download the Universal Orlando app and check out the wait times (particularly this upcoming weekend for a better comparison). If they seem too high to you, then go ahead and purchase the Express passes. If not, you can also wait until you're inside the parks and can scope out the crowds yourself (though you do run the risk of the passes not being available).

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Hi Christina,

We'd recommend starting at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sections of both parks. Since both are located at the back of the parks, they're generally a little less crowded in the early mornings before those who start in the front of the park are able to make their way around to them. At Islands of Adventure, we'd get in Hagrid's line first (especially if you're planning to arrive before (or right at) park opening, and then hit Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. At Universal Studios Florida, it's Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. As far as the best time to arrive, if you're planning to visit during a busy period, then we'd suggest an hour before park opening, if possible, which will allow plenty of time to park, get through security and wait in line at the gates. (If you're staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, then we'd recommend taking advantage of Early Park Admission which gives you access to the parks an hour early!). The absolute latest we'd arrive would be 10 a.m., as lately the parks have been usually reaching capacity around 11 a.m. (though it does vary, so the earlier, the better!), and you need enough time to make it through the lines at parking, security and park entrances.

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Hi there!

The love bugs have not arrived quite yet, but we're expecting them soon, as they usually emerge in late April/May (and late August/September).

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Hi Chantel,

Since it's the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend, there may be elevated crowds (according to our Crowd Calendar, we're expecting a crowd level 6), but the bulk of the crowds will likely arrive closer to the weekend.

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Hi Laurel,

Yes, early May is generally a good time to go, especially during the weekdays, as most spring breaks have passed but it's still before summer vacations start.

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Hi Tara!

We think level 6 for weekdays and more like a 7 on the weekend for that timeframe is accurate - just after that, we think things will pick up for summer break. Hope this helps!

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Hi April!

If you can swing it, especially if you'll be visiting in the last two weeks of the month or on a weekend, we'd swing for Express. Have a great time!

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Hi there!

Crowds should be manageable for most of your trip, especially on weekdays, which are at 4s and 5s mostly. If possible, we'd plan your downtime days on the weekends, when things will be at their busiest. You can see a day by day projection on our Crowd Calendar here (including our recommended parks and park hours!). Hope this helps - enjoy your vacation! :)

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Hi Julia!

That's exactly right - there's a holiday! Valentine's Day can bring in more crowds for that day/weekend - in 2022, it falls on a Monday, so we'd expect the weekend prior and the Monday of to be a little busier. However, Presidents' Day weekend in the US is a holiday that schools honor, giving them an additional Monday off on Feb. 21, 2021. That weekend, including the official holiday on Monday, will bring in additional crowds that may stay throughout the week. Hope this helps!

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Hi Stephanie,

While we personally have felt safe while visiting Universal, it’s ultimately up to your family’s own needs and comfort level. Universal has implemented physical distancing in lines, a mandatory mask policy and ways to reduce contact points (such as mobile food ordering). If you want to read more about our experiences, we’ve written a separate post about what it’s like to visit the parks during this time, which may help you as you make your final decision. It’s important to note that March 15-19 will be spring break for the local public school systems. Universal is still limiting capacity, but there will likely be higher crowds during that time.

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Hi Joanne,

Overall, we think October is a great time to go to the water parks. It is typically less crowded than the summer months, as October has low to moderate crowd levels in general. As for the weather, it can be unpredictable since October is at the end of Florida's rainy season, but it should still be warm enough (plus the pools are heated) — something we always consider in addition to crowd levels.

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Hi Kathryn!

When Universal first reopened, Universal hotel guests were guaranteed entry - however, as things have gotten busier, this policy has changed, and Universal hotel guests are no longer guaranteed entry. That said, Universal hotel guests ARE priority guests, which means that if the parks do hit capacity, hotel guests should be among the first let in once the parks reopen. Hope this helps!

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Hi Larod!

Spring Break for Orange & Osceola County schools in 2022 will be March 14-18, so you won’t have to worry about your trip coinciding with local schools’ spring breaks. Florida college spring breaks are also usually at the beginning of March. However, since it's close to Easter, you may run into some crowds (some schools may also have Holy Thursday and/or Good Friday off prior to Easter Sunday). Even so, we think that having Express Unlimited, plus Early Park Admission, should help you manage!

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