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Universal Orlando

Orlando, Florida

Universal Orlando

Three theme parks, a thrill-forward lineup, and an accessibility program that works differently from Disney's. Here is what you actually need to know.

Read the Accessibility Guide →
⚠️ Policies change. Always verify current requirements directly with the park before your visit. Official info at universalorlando.com.

Resort Overview

Universal Orlando Resort sits in the heart of Orlando, Florida, about 10 miles southwest of downtown. It has grown into a three-park destination: Universal Studios Florida (opened 1990), Islands of Adventure (1999), and Epic Universe, the resort's third gate, which opened on May 22, 2025. The two original parks sit side by side and share the CityWalk dining and entertainment district between them. Epic Universe is a short distance away with its own entrance and parking. The resort also includes Volcano Bay, a water theme park.

Location: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
Parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe (plus Volcano Bay water park)
Getting around: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are a short, flat walk apart through CityWalk. Epic Universe is reached by complimentary resort transportation or by driving to its own parking. All resort transportation is wheelchair and ECV accessible.
Best time to visit: Weekdays in late January through February or late August through September. Crowds are lower, AAP return times are shorter, and the Florida heat is more manageable.
Hours: Vary by season and park. Always confirm your dates at universalorlando.com before your visit.

Tickets & Pricing

Park-to-Park vs. Single Park

Universal sells single-park tickets and Park-to-Park tickets. Park-to-Park lets you move between parks in the same day, which you need if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, or to combine Epic Universe with the original parks. A single-day base ticket starts around $119 or more per park depending on the date. Epic Universe admission is priced separately and is in high demand, so book dated tickets in advance at universalorlando.com.

Universal Express (Not an Accessibility Pass)

Universal Express is the paid line-skip product, sold per day or included with some on-site hotel stays. It is not a disability accommodation and is unrelated to the Attraction Assistance Pass. Families using AAP do not need Express, though some buy it for the busiest one or two rides. Express is not yet available on every Epic Universe attraction, so check current coverage before paying for it.

Accessibility: Attraction Assistance Pass

Universal's accommodation for guests who cannot wait in a conventional queue is the Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP). The key difference from Disney is that AAP requires a free IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card, obtained at least 48 hours in advance with a photo and a professional statement. This is more advance work than Disney's process, so read our full guide before you book.

Full Accessibility Guide: AAP, the IBCCES Card & What to Expect →

The short version: register for the IBCCES card at AccessibilityCard.org at least 48 hours ahead, then present it at Guest Services on arrival to set up AAP. AAP is a return-time system, free, and covers the cardholder plus up to 5 guests. Guests who only use a mobility device do not need the card, since the queues are accessible.

Wheelchair & ECV Rental

Wheelchairs and ECVs are rented just inside the entrance of each park.

  • Manual wheelchair: about $20/day
  • ECV (electric scooter): about $70/day plus a refundable deposit
  • First-come, first-served. ECVs sell out on busy days, so arrive early.
  • Mobility-device users do not need the IBCCES card; the standby queues and entrances are accessible.

For a multi-day or multi-park trip, a third-party service such as ScooterBug or Scootaround can deliver a length-of-stay ECV to your hotel, which is more dependable than in-park rental.

Parking & Transportation

  • The original resort uses large parking garages near CityWalk. Standard parking runs roughly $30 per day, with accessible spaces and moving walkways toward CityWalk. A valid disabled parking placard is required for accessible spaces.
  • Epic Universe has its own separate parking and entrance. Budget extra time to reach it, whether you drive or take resort transportation.
  • On-site hotel guests reach the parks by walking path, water taxi, or shuttle depending on the hotel. All shuttles and water taxis are accessible.

What to Bring

Universal Orlando is a full outdoor day, often across more than one park, in the Florida climate. A few essentials make a real difference.

🎒 Essential Gear, Shop on Amazon

🔋Portable Charger 🎧Noise-Canceling Headphones 🧊Cooling Towel 💧Insulated Water Bottle
  • Portable charger: the digital AAP, park app, and mobile tickets all run on your phone. Keep it charged all day.
  • Noise-canceling headphones: Universal's ride and show audio is loud, and the indoor dark rides can overwhelm sensory-sensitive guests.
  • Cooling towel and water: Florida heat is real. Refill at any quick-service counter for free.
  • Rain poncho: afternoon storms are routine much of the year.
  • Familiar snacks: permitted, and they help children who do not eat well in new settings.

Hotels Nearby

Universal has on-site resort hotels at several price tiers, plus a wide range of off-site Orlando options. Some premier on-site hotels include Universal Express with your stay. See our full Universal Orlando hotel guide for accessibility-focused picks.

Search Hotels Near Universal Orlando on Expedia →
Last verified: June 2026 · Park hours, ticket prices, and accessibility programs change. Always confirm current information at universalorlando.com before your visit.