Universal Orlando Resort Travel Guide 2025
If you don't know, Universal Orlando is comprised of three different parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, their new park Epic Universe, and water park Volcano Bay. And after getting to spend several days exploring all four and another chance to come back and experience Halloween Horror Nights, I've basically experience every thing each park has to offer. And tbh, I'm already itching to get back and experience it alllll over again. Maybe it's the magic of the Isle of Berkle, or the thrill of meeting a looks-like-it-could-be-real dinosaur or knowing they have the latest theme park in the US!
So yeah, I guess you can say I'm a bit of an expert when it comes to Universal Orlando. Want to get up to speed and learn how to make the most of your next Orlando vacay? Read on, thrill seekers...
(P.S. The writer received free stays, meals, and experiences in order to write this story.)
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Newsweek
an hour ago
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Map Shows America's Best Theme Parks
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Travel guidance platform Tripadvisor has released its rankings for the best amusement and water parks in the U.S, and Dollywood in Tennessee has claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. Why It Matters Theme parks have long played a prominent role in American culture, offering visitors thrills, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Each year, America's top theme parks draw interest from millions planning vacations. Tripadvisor says its Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best rankings are determined by locations that receive a high volume of "above-and-beyond" reviews and opinions from Tripadvisor users over a 12-month period. What To Know Below are America's top 10 theme parks, according to the rankings, with insights drawn directly from this year's official list. Dollywood—Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Founded by country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood fosters a "downhome" atmosphere, featuring "high-velocity" roller coasters, traditional crafts demonstrations, and two resorts. Singalongs, an on-site museum chronicling Parton's life, and authentic glassblowing and pottery make for a distinctive Smoky Mountains experience. The entrance to Dollywood is viewed on October 18, 2016 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The entrance to Dollywood is viewed on October 18, 2016 in Pigeon Forge, Kingdom Park—Bay Lake, Florida: Dubbed "The Most Magical Place On Earth," Magic Kingdom offers attractions such as Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and nightly fireworks, along with musical parades and character meet-and-greets. Knoebels Amusement Resort—Elysburg, Pennsylvania: The nation's largest free-admission amusement park, Knoebels boasts rides, a mining museum, swimming, camping, and even a golf course, all under longstanding family ownership since 1926. The resort jumped to third in 2025 from eighth last year. Disney's Hollywood Studios—Bay Lake, Florida: Featuring the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, this park lets visitors pilot the Millennium Falcon or journey through The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Universal Islands of Adventure—Orlando, Florida: Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other rides like the Velocicoaster, a two-park pass also connects to Universal Studios Florida via the Hogwarts Express. Fun Spot America—Kissimmee, Florida: Affordable, family-owned Fun Spot provides classic amusement value, old-fashioned rides, and season passes at a fraction of the price of major theme parks. LEGOLAND California—Carlsbad, California: LEGOLAND features more than 60 rides and attractions centered around LEGO artistry. It also included a waterpark, aquarium, and an on-site castle hotel. Universal Studios Florida—Orlando, Florida: Known for movie-based attractions, this park features Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride, with easy transfer to Islands of Adventure. Silver Dollar City—Branson, Missouri: With an 1880s theme and Ozark Mountain scenery, Silver Dollar City features live shows, crafts, and rides for both thrill-seekers and families. Whale's Tale Waterpark—Lincoln, New Hampshire: Set in the White Mountains, Whale's Tale is known for its wave pool, surf ride, lazy river, and family-friendly ambiance. What People Are Saying In a statement shared with Newsweek, Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, said: "We don't provide the best guest experience in the country to try to win these awards, we do it because it is the right thing to do. Our guests have options on where they can spend their time, and when they choose to visit us, we want to give them a world-class experience. This award is humbling though, because it is derived from reviews left by our actual guests describing their time here at our parks and resorts. "We've earned a number of honors this year from national organizations, and it is all due to the hard work of our hosts who ensure our guests feel welcome and cared for while they are here. We feel—and these awards continue to show— the Dollywood Parks & Resorts experience truly is best in class." What Happens Next TripAdvisor releases its rankings annually.
Cosmopolitan
21 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
Universal Orlando Resort Travel Guide 2025
One thing you need to know about me: I love rollercoasters. Like, really love them. And after two years spent virtually indoors, I started them? So, when I got the opportunity to travel to Universal Orlando in 2023, I jumped at the chance. My goal, once I touched down in Orlando? Ride every. single. attraction. Sure, it was ambitious, and yes, it required two separate trips and a slew of strangers to hype me up before the most terrifying rides Universal Orlando has to offer. But now? Now I'm the (self-proclaimed) ultimate Universal Orlando guide. If you don't know, Universal Orlando is comprised of three different parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, their new park Epic Universe, and water park Volcano Bay. And after getting to spend several days exploring all four and another chance to come back and experience Halloween Horror Nights, I've basically experience every thing each park has to offer. And tbh, I'm already itching to get back and experience it alllll over again. Maybe it's the magic of the Isle of Berkle, or the thrill of meeting a looks-like-it-could-be-real dinosaur or knowing they have the latest theme park in the US! So yeah, I guess you can say I'm a bit of an expert when it comes to Universal Orlando. Want to get up to speed and learn how to make the most of your next Orlando vacay? Read on, thrill seekers... (P.S. The writer received free stays, meals, and experiences in order to write this story.)
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Cosmopolitan
Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe Guide 2025
One thing you absolutely need to know is that I am a self-proclaimed Universal Orlando Resort pro. It does help that I've been to the parks several times over the last couple of the years and have found the best time to ride some of the biggest coasters. But now there's so much to explore with Universal's Epic Universe, the resort's first new park in over 25 years! Epic Universe takes fans across five different lands which features everything from the ultimate world for the Universal Monsters fan to an epic central zone with a must-ride coaster that will definitely bring out your competitive side. We got to be on-site during the park's big opening to experience all the fun and make sure that you know what you should definitely check out and any secrets that you don't want to miss! Yes, that means I rode every ride (some more than once!), tried a bunch of food, and even ran around the park in order to uncover some special surprises! Hey, someone has to do it, and, yes, I even got super emotional hearing "Test Drive" from How to Train Your Dragon in the most unexpected place. So whether you're going with a group or planning a solo trip to the brand new park, we got a list of all the things you need to check out at the park! Here is your ultimate guide to Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe! As soon as you walk through the Chronos, the special tower that also serves as the park's main gate, you are welcomed into Celestial Park. While not tied to a specific IP, Celestial Park serves as the main hub that connects all the rest of the lands throughout the park via special portals. But that doesn't mean it's any less special. In fact, you're definitely going to want to run here at night to check out both the Carousel and Stardust Racers, the new dual coaster that rivals fan favorite VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure. Constellation Carousel - A beautiful and stunning carousel that's right in the middle of the park, you're going to want to check this out after sundown if you can! Not only is it beautiful on the inside, but the soundtrack is so fun especially as you go both forwards and backwards! Yep, this is not your typical carousel! Stardust Racers - True Universal Orlando fans will remember the feeling when Dueling Dragons, a dueling coaster, closed down at Islands of Adventure. Now comes Stardust Racers where riders can choose between two different tracks, Green and Yellow, where you get to race against the other side in the hopes of getting there first. Green is known to get you more G-Forces while Yellow has more air time. While you're likely going to want to go to the front, you actually will want to go to the back for a more intense riding experience. If you're going with a group, I recommend splitting up and riding on the separate lines at the same time. A big core memory was seeing my friends go upside down before I did. There is no other feeling like it and made Stardust Racers our favorite ride in the park. Atlantic - If you are like me and you absolutely love seafood, this is a must-go! Not only is the interior absolutely gorgeous, making you feel like you're at an underwater speakeasy, it is also gives you such an amazing view of the park. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant - You're going to want to immediately look up to check out all the cool signs that make you feel like you're walking into a food market instead of a restaurant. Hit up the bar for a drink and stunning interior, and make sure you order the delicious smashed cucumbers that will be so refreshing or the tonkotsu ramen to heat up! The Oak & Star Tavern - If you're looking for some classic BBQ, then this is the place for you! We highly recommend eating the mac & cheese because it is absolutely scrumptious and also pick up some banana pudding, which we dare say rivals some of our NYC faves. Pizza Moon - All your pizza dreams absolutely come true in Pizza Moon where various flavors and ingredients collide to create some magic. We dare you to be more experimental in your choices here and pair it up with the Celestial Spritz, an exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle drink that you can check out at the park! Meteor Astropub - If you're looking for a quick meal, this is definitely you're go-to option! Grab the chicken and waffles or one of the many burgers that will definitely fill ya up for the day ahead! Starting from left to right, the first world you can head towards from Celestial Park is none other than Super Nintendo World. An extended version from the ones in Universal Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan, the world is split into two as you can experience Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Not only is it arguably the most immersive land in the entire park thanks to it high walls and impressive backgrounds, there is also a unique challenge throughout the land if you collect enough keys on your Power-Up band to unlock Bowser Jr.'s Shadow Showdown. Its portal is similar to a Warp Pipe as you take an escalator to head up to the second floor of the world. There is also a wheelchair accessible entrance that does not lose any of the magic which makes us wanna give a 1-Up to the design team who truly thought of everything. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge - Similar to Villain-Con Minion Blast or Men in Black: Alien Attack over at Universal Orlando, this is a game where you aim and the points you rack up matter! Riders put on special visors that uses AR to show friends and enemies as you race down a track. Attack Team Bowser members with Koopa Shells and rack up points. While the premise is exciting, the visor is not super ideal if you have to wear glasses and the ride's speed is super slow compared to how fast you usually have to go to win at Mario Kart. Still, at least it's fun seeing your favorite characters race down the track with you! Mine-Cart Madness - Located at Donkey Kong Country, you're not going to want to close your eyes on this coaster thanks to its optical illusion design that makes it seem like you're going off-track. It's not as intense as Stardust Racers, which means those who prefer smaller coasters will have no problem enjoying the fun! Yoshi's Adventure - A very short, sweet, and slow ride for those who are bringing in young ones to the park or are looking to see Yoshi's out in the wild. It's definitely the most kid-friendly ride throughout the park, although, I found it surprising the number of stairs that were in the middle of the line for a ride that is targeted as such. Still, it was a cute and fun time that definitely gives you the best view of the land and all it has to offer! Toadstool Cafe - Let me tell you that I am absolutely obsessed with this place! I've gotten to go to the Kirby Café over in Japan and this is the closest experience in the states. You can easily grab a bite to eat here with burgers topped with Luigi and Mario hats, but what you really wanna grab is the Instagram-worthy Princess Peach's Cake. The Bubbly Barrel - Located in Donkey Kong Country, this had the longest line I had ever seen throughout my entire trip. There's only one thing on the menu: the DK Crush Float, which can also come with a special DK mug for an extra cost. Enjoy a banana pineapple soft serve float with pineapple soda, a waffle bowl, sprinkles, toffee pieces and caramel popcorn. After just one sip, we understood why it got DK's stamp of approval! Admittedly, this was the land I was looking forward to the most as I waited for the park to open. I've gotten the chance to enjoy Halloween Horror Nights for several years now and it has become one of the best parts of visiting the parks, but this expands the Universal Monsters universe with a land that honestly should've existed several years ago. You are immediately greeted by the stunning Frankenstein Manor as you walk into Darkmoor. Don't forget to say hi to Ygor, who can be found walking around the park and has become an instant fan-favorite! Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment - Dr. Victoria Frankenstein is welcoming us into her castle as she shows us how much she's willing to go to take down Count Dracula. This special dark ride is similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Islands of Adventure and features impressive animatronics, one of the most impressive queues in the entire park, and will leave you absolutely screaming (for joy)! Curse of the Werewolf - Just like Mine-Cart Madness, this ride is perfect for smaller coaster lovers who aren't looking for anything too intense. The ride does use a spinning cart, which can be a no-go for some riders, but makes it an unexpected experience every single time. Unfortunately, it's a little too short compared to other coasters around the park, but that doesn't mean it's not a howling good time! Das Stakehaus - It's your ultimate Dracula fantasy as you step into this restaurant that looks like a dungeon mixed with some beautiful paintings featuring our favorite undead characters. Just like in the name, you definitely should get the Carved Staked Steak which is absolutely to die for. Make sure to also get a taste of the Screaming Berry exclusive flavor at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine. The Burning Blade Tavern - Pop in for a quick drink including the absolutely refreshing Monocane Mocktail that you can also get served in a souvenir beaker that will make Ygor proud! Sip it outside as you watch the windmill, well, we won't spoil it for you! It would be hard to not talk about this without mentioning the J.K. Rowling of it all, but it is a part of Epic Universe! The new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was originally inspired by the Fantastic Beasts franchise and 1920s Paris, but features a ride that takes place in 1990s yeah, is confusing to us too. While the Paris recreation is pretty immersive, there's very little to do here compared to the other parts of the park. It's surprisingly slim for what should be a big IP, but does manage to offer a fun experience if you're willing to buy a wand. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry - The ride changes things up from other dark movement rides by using an elevator-themed car instead of the usual seating that moves around in an arm. Riders sit down in an "elevator" and witness Dolores Umbridge as she tries to escape her arrest before her trial. The queue is the biggest in the entire park and you can tell how much went into it. Fans walk through the Floo system to reach the ministry in the 1990s (although it does not allow for time travel, but, whatever...). It's surprising that there's not more to do as you first walk in because the area is absolutely huge before you walk through the Minstry to ride, which also includes a replica of Umbridge's office from the films. After buckling in, the ride mostly uses screens and projections to show the events of Umbridge's escape. It is a beautiful ride especially towards one of the biggest moments that seems like you're traveling through time. The final animatronics do leave something to be desired, especially compared to the ones in Monsters Unchained. I will note, if there is a long wait, come back. While the wait time has improved, there are so many other incredible rides in the park that can help you fill the time as it goes down! Café L'air De La Sirène - If you're looking for the true Paris experience, stop by the café for some butterbeer crêpes and sit outside to look at the crowd passing by! Last, but certainly not least, is Isle of Berk. Ironically, it was the first land I checked out during my visit, but it is located on the right side of Celestial Park. It is the largest themed land and will honestly make you emotional as soon as you walk in if you're a huge fan of the How to Train You Dragon films. Channel your inner viking with Viking Training Camp or check out a special stage show that feature flying dragons. Oh, and don't forget to stop by for your meet and greet with Toothless! Dragon Racer's Rally - While it's just fun to just glide around like a dragon, the real question is: how many spins can you do? Like that iconic TikTok video, you're going to want to swing your seat side-to-side as the ride starts in the hopes to get yourself upside down as you ride through the sky. It's a fun challenge, but also a memorable experience! Hiccup's Wing Gliders - Another fun and not-too-intense coaster. It does start with a launch, much like Hagrid's and is a unforgettable time as you see and hear Hiccup chat with you along the ride. But the best part is the music which also features "Test Flight". Yes, I absolutely cried and you definitely will too! Can easily say that it's one of the biggest highlights of Epic Universe! Fyre Drill - For water ride lovers, here's your chance to get absolutely soaked as you ride a boat and try to aim at some targets. Tip: There are dryers nearby if you don't like to walk around with wet clothes or you can also wear a poncho! Mead Hall - Eat like a viking at this Mead Hall with tons of meats and eats that are definitely perfect to share. The salmon is absolutely delicious and don't forget to try out their different beer options including a Dragons' Milk or enjoy Gobber's Mead. The Coca-Cola Freestyle machine features the Dragon Splash! Hooligan's Grog & Gruel - We're saving the best for last as you absolutely need to run to Hooligan's for their mac & cheese cones. The classic option includes fish-shaped crackers on top and it is the perfect combo that you'll want to try at home!
