Where To Take A Break In Universal Orlando Resort
As of the time I’m writing this post it’s looking to be a week of 94+ temperatures in Orlando, FL. While summer in Florida can feel extremely hot, especially between July and August, that is also when a lot of families have time for these magical vacations. It really doesn’t have to cramp your style with a little bit of planning. Here are my top tips:
Start Early - Take advantage of an on-site stay and get that early park entry benefit! Enter the park an hour early and start riding before the hottest part of the day. Lines are manageable and if you’re at a Premium resort you can add Unlimited Express pass and get a good chunk of your must-ride list out of the way.
Take breaks to avoid the hottest parts of the day. The benefit to Universal, above Disney even, is that on-site hotels are really quite close to the parks. Head back to your room and take a nap in the AC, or a dip in the pool. You can grab lunch at the resort or at City Walk and head back in to the parks after that.
Add additional time to your trip. While 3 days is usually a good amount of time to spend in Universal, I recommend adding a day or two in the heat of summertime so that you can slow down. This allows you to take more breaks from the heat without feeling like you’re missing out or need to rush. Take the time to slow down and enjoy everything these parks and resorts have to offer.
For those who want to stay in the parks open to close, I also have some great spots to take a rest in the parks. Get out of the heat and the crowds for a moment to regroup and get back to those rides!
At Universal Studios my recommendations are:
The Bourne Stuntacular - This is an outstanding stunt show and you can take a nice break from the heat at the same time. Might not be a great choice for small kids, especially if they are not fans of loud noises. Showtimes are throughout the day and this show accepts Express Pass!
The Horror Make-Up Show - If the above option is not for you, try this show happening throughout the day. (Arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime!). While horror make-up is discussed and demonstrated, it is a comedy show. Some props, movie clips, and special effects may scare smaller kids, so parental discretion is advised. (if you have specific fears or questions about the show, ask me - there are also some videos on Youtube of the show) There is also a chance for audience participation! This also accepts Express Pass!
Knockturn Alley - This area inside the Wizarding World of HP is tucked out of the way and is usually not super crowded. It’s out of the sun and can give you a shady spot to hang out. There are some interactive wand areas and a gift shop back here as well. Grab a frozen butter beer or a Tongue Tying Lemon Squash at the nearby Hopping Pot and spend some leisurely time back here. - Another option in this area is to take a lunch break over at the Leaky Cauldron.
Curious George Goes to Town - Play Area - If you need a place for the littles to cool off and have a change of clothes and water proof shoes packed, check out this play area with splash pad. You will get wet, so be prepared for that!
E.T. Adventure - This ride is gentle and family friendly. The only remaining original ride from Universal Orlando’s opening day. Take a load off and enjoy the smells of the Green Planet! This attraction accepts Express Pass! Tell Babette I said hello (family joke) :)
DreamWorks Destination - Another kid friendly stop! Interact and dance with a few of your favorite characters such as Trolls, the gang from Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda (characters are subject to change). Showtimes throughout the day.
Take the Hogwarts Express over to Islands of Adventure - If you have a Park-To-Park ticket you can hop on the Hogwarts Express train and ride between parks - each direction is a different storyline, so make sure to take it both ways at some point! Express Pass is accepted!
That brings us to my recommendations at Islands of Adventure!
Grab some food at Thunder Falls Terrace, The Three Broomsticks, or Mythos - I love a sit down air conditioned lunch. These locations offer a variety of food and a great place to sit and rest. Mythos is a very unique theme park dining experience I recommend experiencing at least once. Three Broomsticks is a livelier experience with traditional English fare, and if you’re looking for a quick food experience, mobile order from Thunder Falls Terrace and your food will be ready for you and you can sit inside or choose to sit outside and watch the big drop from the Jurassic Park River Adventure!
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride - A laid back trolley ride with fun park views. There are two tracks and corresponding stories, either the Sneetches or Dr. Seuss’s ABCs. Kid friendly and Express Pass is accepted!
If you’re ready to get soaked to cool off, then you should head to these two rides: Popeye and Pluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges & Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls - You will get wet on these rides, so plan accordingly, but on a really hot day, that might be just what you’re looking for! There are height requirements and some drops so make sure to check first if traveling with kiddos. Express Pass is accepted at both attractions.
Camp Jurassic - While a lot of this play space is out in the sun, there are the Lava Cave areas you should check out! They are just enough out of the way and a nice shady cool break spot.
Universal Studios park also has a Quiet Room for those guests who need a quiet, low stimulation break from the parks. If you or someone in your travel party would like to use this space, you can find it at the front of the park next to the Studio Audience Center.
If anyone in your travel party has mobility, accessibility, or other needs while on property, please let me know when booking. Universal has a lot of accommodations available and I can walk you through how to access them so you are as comfortable as possible.
I will also direct you to my previous post about what I bring in my park bag, which includes links to some of the items I bring to help keep comfortable in the heat. Most importantly, hydrate!
Heading to Walt Disney World instead? Check out my previous post on where to take an in-park break at WDW!
Too hot and ready to hit the water parks instead? Check out this post to be prepared and comfortable.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, friends!
