As parents, we get it. Sometimes the only time available to plan a family vacation is during the long-awaited summer break. While not the most ideal time, we've learned there are plenty of ways to make the best out of any situation — that especially goes for the large crowds and hot temperatures that are all too common in theme parks during the summer months. We've already written a blog about the best ways to stay cool during any time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort (because, well, Florida's sun can be unforgiving year-round), so I recommend checking out that post as well! Here, I'm going to cover our best tips and tricks for making the most out of your trip to Universal Orlando, particularly during summer 2024, which has a lot of exciting hoppenings in store. Sound like a plan? Perfect. Let's dive right in!
Hop To
Overview of Universal Orlando in the Summer
If you're headed to Universal Orlando Resort in the summer with other frog families on vacation, you'll want to do some preparation and planning so you can maximize your time. Use our downloadable Jump Start guide that covers all aspects of visiting Universal Orlando Resort, including tickets, dining, Universal Express, hotels and more. Make sure you purchase tickets in advance, and take advantage of any summer deals. Undercover Tourist offers discount tickets, so you can save some green! You can still have a frogtastic time, even with more frogs in the pond, so to speak. But you need a plan, and we're here to help!
Summer Crowds at Universal Orlando
Summer is when students of all ages (and teachers) are out on break, so many families will plan vacations during this extended time off. It is one of the busiest times to visit besides the holidays (particularly during the Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks). Starting with Memorial Day weekend, summer crowds will gradually build and peak during the week of the Fourth of July. Crowds start to slow down in the middle of August once kids start going back to school, and Labor Day weekend is generally considered the summer season's "last hurrah." With so many frogs visiting during this time of year, a trip to Universal Orlando requires a little more planning and expectations, but don't worry — you can have an epic time!
The good news is that park hours are usually longer in the summer to help with the crowds, so we highly recommend getting there early (if staying on-site, take advantage of Early Park Admission — we get into more details below!), taking a break in the afternoon and then coming back to the parks in the evenings. Use our summer park plan as a guide!
Be sure to check out our Crowd Calendar for daily crowd levels and recommended parks, especially if you are visiting Universal Orlando during the summer.
Summer Weather at Universal Orlando
We can't hop around it — Orlando gets HOT in the summer, especially if you're not used to a warmer climate. Temperatures can regularly reach the high 90s (Fahrenheit) with high humidity. It's super important to pack accordingly (sunglasses, sunscreen and lightweight clothing), stay hydrated and take lots of A/C breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.
Florida may be nicknamed the Sunshine State, but summer is also the rainy season. Be prepared for daily afternoon or evening showers or storms, but fortunately, it generally rains for an hour or two, moving through the area quickly. And it does help with cooling down the temps! Pack a poncho or umbrella, and stay flexible in case you need to switch up your plans. We recommend hitting any priority outdoor rides (especially in Islands of Adventure) first thing in the morning to avoid potential weather closures later in the day. For more tips, check out our rainy day at Universal Orlando post.
Summer Events at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando has a sizzlin' schedule of special events and hoppenings going on this summer!
NEW — DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida
An all-new interactive, family-friendly land based on beloved films and TV shows from DreamWorks Animation officially debuts June 14, 2024. Three main franchises are represented with special play areas, rides and snack spots, including "Shrek," "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda." But you may also see characters from other works, such as "Gabby's Dollhouse," "Madagascar" and more. We have an in-depth guide about this permanent addition to Universal Studios Florida!
NEW — Hogwarts Always at Universal Islands of Adventure
As of June 14, 2024, a new nighttime castle projection show will take you on a journey through iconic moments of a year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. On select nights, witness the Sorting Ceremony, dine at the Great Hall and cheer for your house during the House Cup winner reveal. The show has four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house with a colorful, pyrotechnic finale.
NEW — CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida
Experience this brand-new lagoon show that celebrates Universal's iconic films and franchises from the past, present and future, including "Harry Potter," "Jurassic World," "Jaws," "Shrek," "Ghostbusters," "Trolls," "Back to the Future," "Despicable Me," and so many more (I repeat, SO MANY). It will feature new special effects and the latest technology, such as 4K projection mapping, 228 choreographed fountains, an original composition and — perhaps best of all — more than 600 drones. The show also debuts June 14, 2024.
NEW — Universal Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida
Beginning July 3, 2024, some of Universal's iconic films will leap off the screen and take over the streets of Universal Studios Florida. This will be Universal's biggest daytime parade to date, featuring 13 new floats, nearly 100 performers and special effects. Highlights include a 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man atop the "Ghostbusters" float, a colorful Caterbus representing the "Trolls" float and a grand finale of a Gyrosphere, Raptors and Tyrannosaurus Rex aboard the "Jurassic World" float.
Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando in the Summer
1. Purchase Tickets in Advance
Whether you and your tadpoles want to get hopping to your first ride or grab some breakfast to fuel up for your epic day, one of the last things you want to do is wait in a long line to purchase tickets. During the summer, it's not uncommon to spend 45 minutes standing in that line outside the gates. Save time and money by purchasing your tickets online in advance through Undercover Tourist. Maximize your savings by selecting the exact dates you're going to be visiting the parks or maximize your flexibility by purchasing a ticket that allows you to go anytime. Psst! We've got special deals hoppenin' right now! Take advantage of the current Play 4 Days ticket deals, which are valid through Dec. 18, 2024.
Whichever ticket type you select, I highly recommend purchasing a park-to-park ticket. These tickets allow you to enjoy everything Universal has to offer in one day, so not only does that include a relaxing 15-minute ride on the air-conditioned Hogwarts Express but — if you opt for a 3-Park ticket — Universal Volcano Bay, as well! We love starting hot summer days in the theme parks and ending them by getting drenched on water rides or floating our cares away in the Kopiko Kai Winding River.
Still a little unsure? That's toadally OK! We can help you out in our separate blog post if you're having trouble deciding which ticket type is best for you and your frog squad.
2. Stay On-Site
There are so many reasons why we love staying on-site at Universal Orlando Resort. To recap, all Universal Orlando hotel guests receive Early Park Admission, an amazing perk that allows you to access Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Volcano Bay up to one hour early. That extra ride time is invaluable and will help you avoid longer wait times in outdoor queues when the sun starts beaming down mid-morning.
On top of that, Universal Orlando hotels are all only a short walk, shuttle ride or boat ride away from the parks. This allows you the perfect escape from the heat mid-day if you've had an early start and want to head back later once the sun starts setting. Nothing beats a mid-day nap in an air-conditioned hotel room or a splash in a resort pool!
3. Get to the Parks Early
If spending a little extra green to stay on property isn't worth it for you, it's still toadally possible to have an epic day at the parks without being able to take advantage of that extra time in the morning. That being said, we still recommend arriving before the gates officially open. Team members tend to let non-hotel guests into the parks about 15 minutes or so before the scheduled opening time. At Islands of Adventure, we've used that time to head into Hogsmeade and conquer both Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey via the Single Rider line in less than an hour. At Volcano Bay, we've used that time to stake out the perfect spot on Waturi Beach under one of the shaded structures.
Plan to arrive at the park gates about 45 minutes prior to opening. Also be sure to factor in the time it'll take you to park your car, go through security and walk through CityWalk. Getting up with the sun may not seem so desirable in the morning but you'll thank your past self when you're able to more easily avoid the major crowds and afternoon heat later in the day.
4. Utilize Express or Single Rider Lines
As I just mentioned above, the Single Rider line is one of my favorite tips to avoid waiting in long lines and a must-do for any party that's OK with not riding an attraction together. That being said, parents with tiny tadpoles don't particularly have that luxury, so the next best option is purchasing a Universal Express Pass. This add-on allows you to skip the standby queue at every ride except Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Pteranodon Flyers and get through the lines significantly faster. The standard Universal Express Pass allows you to skip the line at each ride once per day, but there's also an Express Unlimited Pass which allows you to skip the line at each ride as many times as you want! You know how I recommended staying on-site? Well, staying at any of the three Premier hotels actually grants you free Universal Express Unlimited. How cool is that?!
No one (especially easily irritated tadpoles) wants to stand in long lines with crowds of people in the heat of the day. With summer being one of the most popular times to visit the parks, this additional purchase can go a long way in helping you make the most out of your vacation.
5. Visit Parks at Night
I briefly mentioned it above when discussing reasons to stay on-site but it's worth mentioning again. Heading back for a nap mid-day and taking advantage of the parks after dark is highly recommended and much more preferable to cutting your day short. Crowds inevitably tend to fizzle out once the sun starts setting, plus the temperature starts dropping. Additionally, riding outdoor attractions, such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster, at night when they're all lit up is a magical experience in and of itself!
Starting June 14, 2024, don't miss out on two thrilling nighttime shows — the dazzling CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida, featuring iconic scenes from Universal's blockbuster films in a stunning lagoon show with cutting-edge technology including over 600 drones!!
Then, witness the enchanting Hogwarts Always projection show at Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure, which will take you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts and end with sparkling pyrotechnics.
Other fun ways to light up the night outside of the parks include Hollywood Drive-In Golf, two interactive 18-hole mini golf courses that take on an other-worldly illumination at night, and Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, where captivating hula and fire dancers will make you feel as if you're at an authentic Polynesian party!
6. Use a Park Plan
Going to any theme park during the summertime can be intimidating, to say the least. With hot temperatures and large crowds, it can be difficult to figure out the perfect game plan that will make your entire frog squad hoppy. Well, we've come to the rescue with some frog-tested, frog-approved park plans to help make your day a little bit easier! Choose from a Universal Studios 1-Day plan, an Islands of Adventure 1-Day plan, a 2-Park 1-Day plan or a 2-Park 2-Day plan. These plans assume you're not staying on-site and aren't utilizing Universal Express so they truly help make every second count. We also have a General Plan that lets you know the best times of day for riding specific rides for froggies who don't want to arrive at park opening or want more flexibility in deciding what to do when.
7. Seek Out Water Elements
Of course, hitting up the various water rides at Universal Islands of Adventure during the summer is a must but did you know there are plenty of other spots around both theme parks to cool down? Stop by the Mystic Fountain in the Lost Continent and see if you can correctly answer one of its riddles. (Prepare to get splashed either way!) Head down to Camp Jurassic in Jurassic Park and soak your fellow frogs with Dilophosaurus head water cannons. And don't froget to take a stroll through Toon Lagoon where you'll find several different splash pads and water elements you can interact with to keep you nice and cool. Over in Universal Studios, indulge in the refreshing mist sprinklers by the Animal Actors On Location! stage or try your hand at the "Aguamenti" and "Meteolojinx" spells over in Diagon Alley.
Opening June 14, 2024, tadpoles can partake in even more wet and wild fun in DreamWorks Land! Prepare to climb, bounce and splash at Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres, an ogre-sized play area featuring four fun slides, wet play areas, a playground and even Shrek's outhouse. Additionally, young warriors will be able to explore Panda Village at Po's Kung Fu Training Camp, an all-new wet and dry play area where they'll have the opportunity to help pandas wash and dry their laundry with enormous water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans and more.
We can't state it enough — stay hydrated! Bring a refillable water bottle. The parks have plenty of water fountains to fill it up! (Plus, you can save money if you're eating on a budget by bringing your own.)
8. Seek Out Shade
While interacting with those fun water features can be a lifesaver on a hot day, they're not exactly going to keep you cool for very long. If you're looking for places to be able to sit down, relax and cool off, Universal Orlando has many shaded areas to hide out under when the sun starts to boil down on you. In Islands of Adventure, my favorite places to relax are the Owlery in Hogsmeade where you'll find benches and fans, the amber mines in Camp Jurassic which are a stunning sight to see if you've never been and the back of Mythos in the Lost Continent looking out toward the water. In Universal Studios, the best places to hide out from the sun are Knockturn Alley in Diagon Alley which is one of the coolest places in either park (temperature speaking) and Carkitt Market also in Diagon Alley which is perfectly shaded and a great place to indulge in a highly recommended cone or cup from Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour! If you're looking for more spots that might not necessarily be shaded but will definitely give you a break from the large hoards of frogs in the parks, be sure to check out our list of the best places to take a sensory break.
Opening June 14, 2024, the tiniest of trolls will get to enjoy Poppy's Playground, a shaded play area featuring colorful flowers and bugs and a bountiful array of fun bouncing and climbing structures nestled under a giant, 20-foot mushroom in the all-new DreamWorks Land.
9. Prepare Mentally
Aside from everything you need to do to prepare physically, such as packing sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and rain gear (because it inevitably will start raining at some point during the day), preparing for your summer trip mentally is just as important. (That being said, we've listed our packing suggestions for the summer season!) It may not be the most ideal time to head to the parks, but it's still a great time and having a fun and memorable vacation can still be super easy! A lot of it is about attitude and knowing that you're going to be facing large crowds and unfavorable weather. As long as your frog squad's expectations are managed (and you follow some of my pointers above), you're sure to have an awesome vacation — no matter the time of year!
Have you been to Universal Orlando during the summer? What are some of your favorite tips? Share them with your fellow frogs in the comments below!
Related: How to Visit Universal Orlando in One Day
Keep hopping!
