Honestly, walking into a theme park these days feels like a math problem. You're balancing wait times, mobile ordering, and that one kid who just wants a $30 plastic wand. If you're wondering what to do at Universal Studios in 2026, the game has changed. It's not just about showing up and hoping for the best anymore.
Universal Orlando Resort has officially exploded into a "week-long destination" thanks to the 2025 opening of Epic Universe. If you haven't been in a couple of years, your old strategy is basically a paper map in a GPS world. You’ve got portals to 1920s Paris, a Dark Universe filled with monsters, and a Super Nintendo World that makes you feel like you’ve actually been shrunk down into a game console.
But here’s the thing: most people still sprint to the same three rides and wonder why they spent four hours in line. Let’s fix that.
The Epic Universe Shift: Your New Priority List
For a long time, the advice for what to do at Universal Studios was simple: "Go to Diagon Alley first." That’s still great advice for the original Florida park, but the gravity of the entire resort has shifted toward the new "fourth gate."
Since January 1, 2026, Universal has loosened the reigns on Epic Universe tickets. You can now get multi-day Park-to-Park passes that actually let you hop between the classics and the new stuff. If you’re standing in Celestial Park, don’t just stare at the fountains. You need to hit Stardust Racers early. It’s a dual-launch coaster where the vehicles "cross" each other in the dark—look for the Flux Capacitor on the back of the cars.
Don't Ignore the "Old" Parks
While everyone is loses their minds over the Ministry of Magic in Paris (the new land in Epic), the original Universal Studios Florida is where you find the soul of the place.
- Revenge of the Mummy: Still the best indoor coaster ever made. Period.
- The Bourne Stuntacular: Seriously, don't skip this because it's a "show." The tech behind the screen and live-action blending is genuinely jarring in a good way.
- DreamWorks Land: If you have toddlers, this is your home base. The Trollercoaster is the perfect "starter" thrill.
What to Do at Universal Studios Hollywood if You’re Out West
California is a different beast. It’s smaller, sure, but it’s a "real" studio. In 2026, the big news is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. This is Hollywood's first major high-speed outdoor coaster, and it uses some of the same "drift" tech you might have seen on the VelociCoaster in Orlando. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it finally gives the West Coast park the "big" thrill it was missing.
The World-Famous Studio Tour is still the crown jewel here. You’re literally driving past active soundstages. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some production trailers for whatever the next blockbuster is. Also, the Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s NOPE is a permanent fixture now. It’s eerie and weirdly peaceful until the "attraction" parts kick in.
The Nintendo Strategy
Super Nintendo World is tiny in Hollywood compared to the new one in Orlando. If you want to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you basically have to be at the gates the second they open. Or, buy the Power-Up Band. Honestly, if you don't have the band, the land loses about 50% of its value because you can't do the "key challenges" to face Bowser Jr.
Eating Your Way Through the Parks
Theme park food used to be a sad burger and a lukewarm soda. Now? It’s a whole subculture.
In Orlando, Minion’s Cafe is surprisingly good. The "Otto’s Noodle Bowl" isn't just "good for a theme park," it's actually tasty. But the real pro tip is the Central Park Crêpes stand near the front of the park. They do a savory brisket crepe that is probably the best value-to-flavor ratio in the entire resort.
Over at the new Epic Universe, Das Stakehaus in the Dark Universe is the place to be if you want to eat steak in a vampire-themed banquet hall. It’s atmospheric and a little bit creepy. If you’re more into the Nintendo vibe, Toadstool Cafe is still the go-to for "Piranha Plant Caprese" and those Mario-themed burgers. Just remember: you must use the mobile app to get a reservation time the moment you enter the land.
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The Butterbeer Debate
There are now six ways to get Butterbeer: cold, frozen, hot, ice cream, potted cream, and fudge.
- Cold: The classic.
- Frozen: Best for the Florida humidity.
- Hot: Only available seasonally, but it tastes like a liquid Werther’s Original.
- Ice Cream: Head to Florean Fortescue’s in Diagon Alley. The line moves fast, don't be intimidated.
Hidden Gems Most People Walk Right Past
If you want to feel like an insider, you need to look for the things the crowds ignore.
In the London waterfront area (outside Diagon Alley), there’s a red telephone booth. If you go inside and dial 62442 (MAGIC), you’ll get a direct line to the Ministry of Magic. It’s a tiny detail that makes the world feel alive.
At Islands of Adventure, tucked behind the Mythos restaurant (which has been voted the best theme park restaurant for years, though the grilled cheese is the real star), there’s a path that leads to the water. It’s usually empty. It gives you the best view of the VelociCoaster’s "top hat" drop without the crowds.
The Secret Song List: On Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, there’s a hidden menu of music. When you sit down and pull the bar down, hold the ride logo on the screen for about 10 seconds. A number pad pops up. Type in a three-digit code (like 112 for "Freebird" or 301 for "The Temples of Syrinx") to get a secret soundtrack.
The Logistics: Express Pass and Early Entry
Is the Express Pass worth it in 2026?
Yes. But with a caveat.
If you’re staying at a Premier Hotel (like Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific), the Express Pass is included for free. That can save a family of four over $800 a day. It’s often cheaper to book the expensive hotel than it is to book a cheap hotel and buy the passes separately.
However, as of late 2025, most of the big rides at Epic Universe—like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry—have finally been added to the Express system. This makes the pass more valuable than it was during the opening months when everything was "standby only."
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Download the App Now: Don't wait until you're at the gate. Set up your credit card and link your tickets today. Mobile ordering is the only way to eat without losing an hour of your life.
- Rope Drop the "Second Best": Everyone runs to the newest ride. If you run to the second most popular ride (like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure), you can often ride it twice before the line for the "new" thing even moves.
- Single Rider Lines: Use them. You’ll be separated from your group, but you’ll turn a 90-minute wait into 15 minutes. This works best for Men in Black and Gringotts.
- Check the Weather: Florida storms usually happen around 3:00 PM. That’s when outdoor rides close. Use that time to see a show or eat. Don't leave the park! The crowds will thin out, and the rides will reopen as soon as the lightning clears.
Universal isn't just a "one-day" add-on to a Disney trip anymore. It's a massive, complex ecosystem of movies and tech. If you focus on the details—the hidden phone booths, the secret soundtracks, and the brisket crepes—you’ll have a much better time than the people just checking boxes on a list.
Your next move is to check the Universal Orlando crowd calendar for your specific dates. February and early May are usually the "sweet spots" where you get the best weather without the soul-crushing summer breaks. Plan for at least three days if you want to see all three main parks, or four if you’re adding the Volcano Bay water park into the mix.