Universal Orlando Resort
Wizarding World, Jurassic Park & Epic Universe — all 10 miles from downtown.
Distance
10 mi
Drive time
~18 min
Route
I-4 W to Exit 75A (Universal Blvd)
Best window
Mid-January, late August through September, and early December offer the shortest waits
About Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort sits right off I-4 just north of International Drive, about 10 miles and 15–20 minutes from downtown Orlando. It now includes three theme parks — Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Epic Universe (opened 2025) — plus Volcano Bay water park and the free-entry CityWalk dining district. For groups, it's the easiest theme-park day trip in Orlando.
Why it's worth the drive
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans two parks — Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, connected by the Hogwarts Express.
- Epic Universe (opened May 2025) added five new worlds including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk.
- More thrill-coaster density per acre than any other Orlando resort — great for teens, adults, and bachelor/bachelorette groups.
- CityWalk is a free-entry nightlife district — restaurants, bars, and a movie theater open late.
Things to do
What groups actually do at Universal Orlando
Universal Studios Florida
Diagon Alley, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, and the nightly Cinematic Celebration.
Islands of Adventure
Hogsmeade, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and the Marvel Super Hero Island.
Epic Universe
Universe's newest park — Super Nintendo World (with Donkey Kong Country), Dark Universe, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD's Mine-Cart Madness.
Volcano Bay
Polynesian-themed water park with a virtual queue wristband — ideal half-day break from the dry parks.
CityWalk
Free-entry dining and nightlife strip between the two original parks — Hard Rock Live, NBC Sports Grill, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to Universal Orlando
- Universal parking is one centralized garage — pay once and walk to all of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.
- Standard self-parking is around $30/day; prime and valet tiers cost more.
- Epic Universe has its own separate parking garage on the south end of the resort.
- Drop-off at the front of CityWalk is free for short pickups — handy for groups splitting up.
All Sprinters and Ford Transits fit the main Universal parking garage and the Epic Universe garage in standard rows.
When to go
Best time to visit
Mid-January, late August through September, and early December offer the shortest waits. Halloween Horror Nights (late Sept – early Nov) is wildly popular and worth the upcharge for adult groups.
Need a van for the trip?
Our Orlando fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers free to MCO, Disney-area hotels, and downtown Orlando.
See Orlando vansPlan your visit
Official Universal Orlando resources
Universal Orlando — official site
www.universalorlando.com
Universal Orlando park hours
www.universalorlando.com
Universal Orlando parking & directions
www.universalorlando.com
More background
Universal Orlando FAQ
How far is Universal Orlando from downtown Orlando?
About 10 miles and 15–20 minutes via I-4. From MCO it's roughly 18 miles / 25 minutes.
Is Epic Universe in the same parking garage as the other Universal parks?
No — Epic Universe has its own dedicated parking garage on the south end of the resort, about a mile from the main Universal garage.
Do I need separate tickets for each Universal park?
A 1-park ticket gets you into one park per day. A Park-to-Park ticket lets you hop between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe in the same day — required for the Hogwarts Express.
Is CityWalk free to enter?
Yes. CityWalk has no admission fee — you just pay for parking (after 6 PM parking is often free) and for whatever you eat, drink, or shop.
More day trips