Universal strategy or itinerary

Question

Hi, going to universal June 17th it’s a Tuesday with hubby and kids 7 and 12. It’s our first time in Florida and we will be doing IOA and studios but we are doing both in one day. We have express pass and early entry as we are staying at their premier resort. I was wondering if anyone could help me plan out the day? Or if you know of people that help with that, like the hotel? I honestly feel overwhelmed looking at different videos for info. Ive tried looking on universal website but the park hrs for that day are unavailable. What park should we start at first and how should we move about the day? I don’t want to be rushed so if we can’t do all rides at both that’s fine! But still want to enjoy the day. Our main focuses are hagrids motorbike, gringotts, velocicoaster, Jurassic boat ride, hogwarts express, minion mayhem, revenge of the mummy, et adventure, the simpsons, Popeyes barges, cat in the hat, spiderman, the hulk, maybe a show. I know it’s a lot so we are understanding if we can only experience some but anyone have any recommendations of where to start and what times to eat lunch or snacks? Would bring a stroller to carry everything like extra clothes and shoes be hard? My youngest does have some medical issues where he can’t walk all day so he sits in the stroller at the end of the day.

Answer

Visiting Universal Orlando with kids ages 7 and 12, doing both Islands of Adventure (IOA) and Universal Studios in a single day, can feel overwhelming, but with your Premier resort benefits, Express Pass, and Early Park Admission, you’re in a strong position to enjoy most of your must-do attractions without feeling rushed.

General Strategy

Since you have early entry, plan to start in Islands of Adventure (IOA) because it opens earlier and Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure is extremely popular and tends to get very long waits later in the day. Your goal should be to hit your biggest rides in IOA first, then transition to Universal Studios Florida using the Hogwarts Express.

Arrive at the park at least 30–45 minutes before early entry starts so you can be among the first to enter.
Use a stroller for your youngest, especially considering medical needs. Strollers are common in the parks and can double as storage for snacks, extra shoes, and jackets.

Islands of Adventure – Suggested Order

Start at Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure – rope drop is key.
After Hagrid’s, hit Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Hogwarts Castle (if you want to do both Wizarding World rides in IOA first).
Jurassic World VelociCoaster – also very popular, go here next while Express Pass helps minimize wait.
Jurassic Park River Adventure – great for kids and a nice break from coasters.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – excellent 3D ride and mid-morning thrill.
The Hulk Coaster – if the 12-year-old is ready for another intense coaster.
Consider Seuss Landing attractions: Cat in the Hat for a gentler ride for the 7-year-old.

Lunch / Snack Tips

Eat around 11:30–12:00 to avoid peak lunch crowds. Options in IOA include Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade) or Thunder Falls Terrace (Jurassic Park area).
Pack light snacks in the stroller for mid-morning/afternoon energy boosts.

Transition to Universal Studios

Take the Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios Florida – fun experience for the whole family, but requires park-to-park ticket (included with your Express Pass setup).
Once in Universal Studios, prioritize Gringotts ride first since it’s a headliner.
Other must-do rides: Revenge of the Mummy, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, ET Adventure, Simpsons Ride, and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.
If you want a show break, consider the Animal Actors or Horror Make-Up Show (short duration and kid-friendly).

Snack & Rest Breaks

Use the stroller for short breaks and water/snack stops – shade spots in Diagon Alley and Springfield are great.
Consider a late afternoon snack to keep everyone going until the park closes.

Evening Tips

Express Pass is a lifesaver for the evening; revisit favorite rides or hit attractions you missed in the morning.
Plan an early dinner either in CityWalk or inside the parks depending on energy levels.

Other Notes

Don’t stress if you don’t hit absolutely everything – your kids’ favorite rides and the Wizarding World experiences are the priority.
Hydrate constantly and consider misting fans in hot Florida June weather.
Use the Universal app to check real-time wait times and adjust your plan dynamically.

By starting in IOA with Hagrid’s and the Wizarding World, moving logically through coasters and attractions, having lunch mid-morning, and then heading to Universal Studios via Hogwarts Express, your day will feel organized but not rushed, giving both kids and adults a balanced experience with rest breaks and snacks incorporated.

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