Our Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe planning information gives park & journey technique. It options suggestions & tips that can assist you lower your expenses & time, keep away from crowds, and have the perfect trip or side-visit from Walt Disney World as potential. (Up to date Might 25, 2025.)
We’re Common Orlando Annual Passholders and large followers of these parks along with Walt Disney World. Common has improved a ton and upped its sport within the final decade. This started with the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, accelerated with Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and culminated with Epic Universe in Might 2025.
Epic Universe is the elephant within the room, and there’s a great likelihood you’re studying this information to be able to plan the right go to to expertise the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Tremendous Nintendo World, The best way to Practice Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Darkish Universe. Happily, we’ve already spent a number of days in Epic Universe (with many extra to return) and have technique, opinions, suggestions & tips, and many others. Signal as much as obtain our FREE E mail E-newsletter in case you’d prefer to obtain updates about Epic Universe (and clearly, Disney as nicely).
Suffice to say, we extremely advocate spending at the very least a few days at Common when vacationing at Walt Disney World. The query turns into, do you reallocate time from Common’s current gates or Disney’s? And do you keep on-site at Disney, Common, or do a split-stay at each?
That is information to Common Orlando Resort makes an attempt to help you in answering a few of these questions and every little thing you’ll have to learn about UOR. Whether or not you’re doing each parks in a single day or making a visit of it with an on-site lodge keep and a number of days within the parks, we have now you lined with data and recommendation about points of interest, eating, resorts, technique, crowds, and extra.
Let’s begin with Epic Universe, since that’s the large new factor–and motive why a lot of you’re possible studying…
Epic Universe – Now Open!
If you happen to’re planning a 2025 trip to Central Florida, the largest factor to know is that Epic Universe formally opened on Might 22! That is Common Orlando’s third theme park, and is a blockbuster growth containing revolutionary points of interest and main lands based mostly on Harry Potter, Nintendo, Common Monsters, The best way to Practice Your Dragon, and extra. Epic Universe is a game-changer, that includes lands on par with Disney’s finest.
Epic Universe needs to be the overriding consideration in case you’re visiting Central Florida for the rest of this yr. One factor to notice up entrance is that there are main downsides to visiting this highly-anticipated new park throughout its opening season(s), as specified by Why You Ought to Skip Epic Universe (or Wait to Go to Till 2026).
This new park goes to have rising pains, and its envelope-pushing points of interest are already stricken by downtime and unreliability. If you happen to go to Epic Universe throughout its debut season and even first yr, you’re possible going to come across technical difficulties and different frustrations. With that stated, there are additionally nice causes to go to ASAP, and dedicate extra of your Florida trip time to the brand new park–Right here’s Why You Want 2 Days at Epic Universe.
If you happen to do decide to go to Epic Universe, the excellent news is that we have now loads of technique to assist plan your go to. For starters, we’d advocate staying at Helios Grand Lodge if Epic Universe is a precedence.
Its location and ease of entry ought to give friends of that lodge a strategic benefit. Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t supply limitless Categorical Go, which is undoubtedly a disadvantage, however its benefit at Epic Universe (and aggressive worth) greater than makes up for that.
If you happen to’re on a tighter finances, we advocate Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resorts, that are worth lodges inside strolling distance of Epic Universe. This trio of lodges is on the Epic Universe ‘campus’ of Common Orlando, which is an honest distance from the opposite parks and resorts. If you happen to’re spending equal time in any respect 3 parks, you may need to keep on the principle campus–however we advocate specializing in Epic Universe.
At opening, Epic Universe options 11 rides and two main exhibits, plus all kinds of atmospheric leisure, play areas, and extra. This contains 3 curler coasters, two blockbuster darkish rides, and extra. If you happen to’re searching for an in depth take a look at points of interest, seek the advice of our Experience Rankings & Evaluations for Epic Universe.
At this level, we’d advocate utilizing these journey opinions to formulate your personal itinerary. It’s too early for us to have an in depth 1-day Epic Universe touring plan as a result of we’ve but to see the brand new park get stress-tested by crowds. As a result of that, it’s troublesome to supply full-day technique, as priorities and wait occasions will change within the months to return.
Nevertheless, we do have each an Early Park Admission Epic Universe Technique Information and Epic Universe Morning Technique for Rope Drop & Past. That may get you thru the primary few hours of the day, and will help you in beating the strains at roughly your first half-dozen points of interest.
After that, right here’s a tough tentative plan for a day at Epic Universe:
Observe that in case you are eligible for Early Park Admission, beginning in Tremendous Nintendo World is our suggestion. If you happen to don’t, save Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity till the tip of the night.
Even in case you’re eligible for EPA, you in all probability received’t have the ability to expertise all of Tremendous Nintendo World throughout that hour-long head-start. Wherein case, return at evening and benefit from the vibrant environment, mini-games, Yoshi’s Journey, and extra. (You additionally may need to re-ride Mario Kart to beat your excessive rating!)
Right here’s what you want to know for planning your bigger-picture Common Orlando trip…
On this information, we’ll cowl find out how to profit from a go to to Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe. We’re going to take a counterintuitive organizational method to this information, as we’ve discovered that many readers seek the advice of it whereas visiting Common slightly than throughout the planning phases of a visit. Accordingly, we’re going to entrance load with data you want to know in case you’ve already touched down in Central Florida.
If you happen to’re a Disney fan merely attempting to find out whether or not a visit to Common Orlando Resort is best for you within the first place, you may begin by studying our Common vs. Walt Disney World put up, which covers a number of the execs and cons of every, plus the variations between the 2 trip locations.
Though they’re all theme parks positioned in Central Florida, every have strengths and weaknesses that may make them higher or worse for sure kinds of households–ages, demographics, and many others. Proper off the bat, we acknowledge that a lot of you have to to “sacrifice” a Walt Disney World park to be able to accommodate Epic Universe. Ought to You Skip Animal Kingdom? may assist with that.
Equally, in case you’re debating between resorts on the two major theme park complexes, see our complete breakdown: Common Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Inns. That ought to provide help to decide which is the higher choice to your trip–or if a cut up keep is likely to be finest!
For what it’s price, neither of those versus posts nor the one about whether or not Common is “beating” Disney are pointless fan cheerleading or theme parks as polarizing workforce sports activities. The 2 versus posts are sensible planning that objectively weigh execs and cons, whereas the “beating” one is an editorial (not helpful for planning, however doubtlessly fascinating).
One commonality between the 2 is that each Walt Disney World and Common Orlando have gotten extra aggressive with reductions in an try and entice extra individuals to go to their parks and keep in on-site lodges. We’ve talked about repeatedly that Walt Disney World already has launched a number of completely different reductions for 2025.
Common has adopted go well with, shifting from reductions aimed nearly solely at Annual Passholders and Florida residents to common public gives. There are at the moment ticket offers, resort reductions providing 20-35% off, and package deal offers providing “Free” Eating (sound acquainted?).
These are price pricing out for your self, however we must always warn that many have size of keep necessities of 5 days. That’s longer than most individuals will spend at Common Orlando (which is a part of why it’s being supplied–to extend go to durations). In any case, we advocate utilizing a journey agent–equivalent to Be Our Visitor Holidays–to cost out completely different packages and offers, and assist you determine the easiest way to save lots of, plan your journey, and many others.
Now let’s flip to Common Orlando’s superior planning matters…
The place to Keep
There are a selection of questions it’s a must to ask your self when planning a visit, and lots of of them will dictate the place you keep. Would you like Limitless Categorical Go by staying at an eligible Common Orlando lodge? Do you need to keep at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey, or change lodges? Do you need to keep an an off-site lodge within the common neighborhood of each Common and Disney to economize?
We’ve lately stayed at each single on-site lodge at Common Orlando Resort–listed here are our opinions:
For perception into all of those lodges, their execs & cons, and the way they examine and distinction with each other, see our Common Orlando Lodge Rankings & Evaluations.
We’re huge followers of Common’s lodges, and are significantly keen on the 2 “bay” resorts: Loews Portofino Bay Lodge and Cabana Bay Seaside Resort. Each of these are in our prime 10 lodges in Orlando, rivaling a few of our favourite resorts at Walt Disney World.
Common’s lodges present nice bang for buck, and even people who don’t embody free Categorical Go do supply Early Park Admission one hour earlier than these parks open. That may be completely large!
As for staying off-site, you usually will get essentially the most bang to your buck when staying in an off-site lodge, as there are lots of non-Disney and non-Common lodges competing with each other. We now have an Off-Website vs. On-Website Walt Disney World Inns article that goes into higher depth in regards to the execs and cons of staying off-site, and it’s marginally relevant to Common, as nicely.
As for merely staying at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey no matter the place you go, we have now written complete opinions with our opinions and photographs of the rooms. Take a look at our Walt Disney World Lodge Evaluations web page, for hyperlinks to every of those opinions.
Experience Technique for Common Orlando
Subsequent, what to know whilst you’re at Common Orlando. For starters, we strongly advocate that you simply don’t “wing it” to your every day itinerary as a result of aforementioned crowd points. You don’t have to plan each motion in order that there’s no spontaneity in your journey, simply be sure to have at the very least a unfastened plan of what you’re going to do.
We now have the next plans for every park that cowl our excellent days:
These supply step-by-step touring plans for each theme parks at Common Orlando, prioritizing the most well-liked rides and skipping what isn’t price your time. These will provide help to do Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Journey, Superb Adventures of Spider-Man, Unbelievable Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Journey, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and different must-do rides.
If you happen to’d want to create your personal itineraries and need an outline and overview of each attraction at every of the parks, seek the advice of our Islands of Journey Experience Information and Common Studios Florida Experience Information. If you happen to’re a fan spinners, you may need to test these out, as we don’t waste your time with that nonsense within the itineraries.
When to Go to
If you happen to’re including on a Common Orlando go to to your Walt Disney World trip, the reply to that is simple…everytime you’re visiting Walt Disney World. Crowd patterns at Walt Disney World translate fairly equally to Common Orlando.
The explanations are two-fold: first, as a result of crowds are usually predicated upon faculty schedules, that are the identical for each; second, as a result of Walt Disney World is the ‘whale’ within the Orlando market, so crowds for all theme parks are dictated by when friends plan their Disney holidays.
In different phrases, you’ll be able to confer with our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars put up to find out when to go to, as that’s roughly relevant to Common Orlando as nicely.
There are just some exceptions to this, they usually’re largely predicated upon particular occasions which can be distinctive to every of the parks. For instance, Walt Disney World sees its crowds spike attributable to runDisney occasions, when its lodges are internet hosting conventions or youth sporting occasions, or throughout EPCOT festivals. In contrast, Common sees its personal spikes round Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights.
Typically, although, the large driver of attendance at each is faculty breaks. Specifically, these of Orange County and different counties all through Florida and the South. In fact, each are trip locations, so breaks for college districts within the Midwest and Northeast even have a big influence. The plain occasions like Spring Break, Easter, Summer time, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yr’s Eve are all busy.
Extra below the radar timeframes like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and extra additionally see pronounced spikes in crowds. Once more, reference the aforementioned crowd calendars in case you’re trying to decide on the perfect occasions to go to Common Orlando.
As a result of a surge of locals on weekends, we strongly advocate avoiding Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays via Thursdays are the perfect days to go to, with a lot decrease crowds then. Nevertheless, that goes out the window throughout vacation weeks or anytime faculty is out of session, when it’s disproportionately vacationers and each single day of the week is busy.
The one exception to that is if you wish to see or keep away from Halloween season at Common, specifically Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). This can be a onerous ticket occasion that has an enormous following amongst locals and followers of hang-out season, typically.
Throughout HHN, you step onto the set of a few of your favourite horror films, and strolling via these units as actors try and scare you. This occasion shouldn’t be for kids below the age of 13, and has completely nothing in frequent with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Get together at Walt Disney World. See our Information to Halloween Horror Nights for extra.
Apart from this, the one noteworthy occasions are Mardi Gras and Christmas.
Throughout Mardi Gras, friends can expertise a meals pageant with delicacies and leisure impressed by worldwide Carnaval celebrations. Meals cubicles serve up the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and different areas together with, in fact, New Orleans. Plus take pleasure in spectacular floats on show, road leisure, music, beads and extra all through Common Studios Florida.
Though HHN will get all the eye from the fan group, an equally widespread seasonal occasion is Christmas at Common Orlando. Throughout this, Grinchmas and Common’s Vacation Parade that includes Macy’s are the principle leisure attracts. There’s additionally the Christmas Tribute Retailer, which is basically a walk-through exhibit, plus Common Studios Florida’s iconic Christmas Tree.
Maybe the largest draw is Winter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which options distinctive decor and projections on Hogwarts Citadel. There are additionally decorations round each parks in Seuss Touchdown, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco.
How Many Days?
This one goes to differ broadly based mostly on a number of variables. The largest one is how receptive your get together is to the kind of points of interest which can be outstanding at Common Orlando Resort, specifically, curler coasters and screen-based simulators.
That’s reductionist, and there are various extra issues at Common than these kinds of rides, but when your get together is averse to both, doing greater than 2 days at Common goes to be powerful. If you happen to love coasters or have teenagers, you’ll be able to simply spend 3 days or extra at Common Orlando.
In our view, the common visitor will need at the very least 2 days at Common Orlando in 2025. One for Epic Universe, and one other 1-2 days for the opposite two parks. It’s potential to do Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida in the identical day, nevertheless it’s not potential to do Epic Universe and one other park in the identical day.
On the higher finish of the spectrum, theme park lovers may have the ability to spend 2 full days at Epic Universe and one other 2 days on the different parks. Epic Universe has an distinctive restaurant roster, and its curler coasters have lots of re-rideability, as do Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
There’s additionally the query of whether or not you’re planning a Central Florida journey with a while at Common, or a trip to Common Orlando. If the previous, 2 days might be all you’ve–one for Epic Universe and one for the remaining. If the latter, you might do 5+ days, with 4 within the 3 theme parks, one other at Volcano Bay water park, and maybe a while at CityWalk.
Then, there’s additionally the query of how a lot “further” trip time you’ve. Assuming you’ve already allotted your time at Walt Disney World and are “different stuff” to spherical out your journey to Florida, I’d in all probability look to spending extra time at Common than different parks like SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. That’s private choice and all of those parks positively aren’t attempting to perform the identical factor, however I discover the Disney and Common parks to be in a unique league than the entire relaxation.
Common Orlando Park Tickets
If you happen to’re searching for a deal on park tickets, Get Away At present will prevent essentially the most cash on Common Orlando tickets. That is very true in case you’re doing an extended journey, as Get Away At present has a ‘Purchase 2 days, get 3 days free’ particular. With increasingly to do at Common Orlando, spending a number of days within the parks is very beneficial–particularly in case you’re staying in a close-by lodge and need to do some partial days (additionally beneficial).
I’m a fan of the Park-to-Park tickets in case you can swing spending further. It is because Common did one thing actually ingenious when it constructed Diagon Alley, and that was connecting the 2 Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter by way of the Hogwarts Categorical.
You may solely journey this practice from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley (or vice-a-versa) in case you have the Park-to-Park ticket. I’m no Harry Potter fan, however the expertise of coming into a practice station in London, strolling via a wall, after which taking a practice to Hogsmeade is fairly superior.
If you happen to’re going for simply someday and don’t need the park-to-park tickets, the easiest way to economize on Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida tickets is just going to be shopping for tickets on-line on Common Orlando’s web site. The Common tickets bought on-line may be printed at dwelling and used on the turnstiles–which means no ready in line to buy tickets or alternate vouchers.
It’s additionally price noting that Epic Universe actually complicates ticketing for the rest of 2025. Fortunately, it’ll be a standard a part of Common Orlando ticketing in 2026.
Categorical Go
Categorical Go is Common Orlando’s model of Lightning Lanes (a strategy to skip the strains) and is accessible as a ticket add-on or with choose lodge stays. You should purchase two sorts of Categorical Go, common or limitless. Virtually the entire hottest points of interest in every park supply Categorical Go.
The common model permits you to skip the road as soon as per eligible attraction in both park, and prices $90 to $350 per individual relying on the date. Common Categorical Limitless gives line-skipping privileges, because the identify suggests, a vast variety of occasions per attraction, and prices between $100 and $380 per individual. Even at its costliest, Lightning Lane Multi-Go at Walt Disney World prices below $40 per individual. So, what’s the distinction? Properly, quite a bit.
In contrast to Lightning Lanes, there isn’t any tech part to Categorical Go. Whereas it’s considerably costlier, it’s additionally frictionless. You merely go as much as the attraction and use your Categorical Go entitlement. There’s nothing to order or problem with in an app. Categorical Go entails zero display time and complications–however you’ll pay much more for it!
Whether or not Categorical Go is definitely worth the cash largely relies upon upon what day of the week and season you’re visiting, and the way you worth your time versus your cash. Personally, we’d not pay for Categorical Go most days. Nevertheless, we additionally keep away from weekends and holidays, arrive for park opening, and make the most of an environment friendly park itinerary.
If you happen to really need Categorical Go, staying at an on-site lodge that provides Categorical Go along with your keep is completely the best way to go. Limitless Categorical Go is accessible on the Common Premier class resorts–which means Royal Pacific, Exhausting Rock Lodge, and Portofino Bay–that are Common’s costliest lodges. Actually, that is the one manner we’ve ever “purchased” Categorical Go–we couldn’t justify the associated fee some other manner.
All three of those lodges are good, on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, and customarily price much less. They’re nonetheless expensive, however they’re cheaper than Disney’s higher-end lodges, and completely definitely worth the cash–particularly if you would like the Limitless Categorical Go perk or a great location inside strolling or boat distance of Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. If you happen to’d be staying at a pleasant lodge anyway, this trio is positively worthy of your consideration.
If you happen to’re debating paying further for Epic Universe line-skipping, see Ought to You Purchase Categorical Go at Epic Universe?
Transportation
By far the commonest questions we get regarding Common Orlando Resort is: “what’s the easiest way to get from Walt Disney World Common.” The reply is that there are lots of choices, however by far the perfect is Uber. We lined this in depth in our Uber vs. Rental Vehicles at Walt Disney World article. Right here’s the pertinent portion of that put up:
Prior to now, the most suitable choice we’ve discovered for individuals who don’t have rental automobiles the period of their journeys is both renting a automobile on-site for the day, or taking a dear shuttle. Neither is cost-effective or all that interesting, particularly if you add on that parking price.
For many who aren’t renting a automobile at some point of their journey, Uber or Lyft are the unquestionable finest choices for getting from Walt Disney World to Common. The one-way price of an Uber or Lyft from Walt Disney World will differ relying upon your precise location, sometimes costing below $25 every manner and taking 20-25 minutes.
Eating
There are some good eating places in Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey, however as a complete, the culinary expertise shouldn’t be on par with Walt Disney World’s. The unquestionable highlights, in my thoughts, are the counter service eating places in Diagon Alley (Leaky Cauldron) and Hogsmeade (Three Broomsticks) and the desk service restaurant, Mythos, which is a superb worth.
Different in-park eating places at Common Orlando that we like embody the At present Present Cafe (for lighter choices) and Krusty Burger (for the precise reverse). Really, there’s one thing for everybody within the Springfield space, which has a wide range of eating choices drawn from The Simpsons.
On the snacking entrance, you’re clearly going to need to attempt Butterbeer–maybe all three varieties (frozen, sizzling, and common). Many of the different snacks we take pleasure in are additionally within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Honeydukes.
One other factor you may need to take into account is buying a refillable Coke Freestyle mug. I’ve accomplished this, however I can actually put down the Cokes to make it definitely worth the cash. I’m certain some day I can be toothless, however hopefully that’s at the very least 5 years away. These Coke Freestyle machines positioned all through the parks are additionally a handy strategy to get free water that’s chilly and tastes nice.
Epic Universe is a very completely different story, at the very least till the ‘new park scent’ wears off. Epic Universe has incredible meals that’s simply on par with Walt Disney World. Epic Universe may even be the perfect meals park in Orlando!
Different Issues to Do
Volcano Bay is Common Orlando’s water park. It’s themed to the South Seas and contains a large volcano (therefore the identify) within the center with water slides in it. For Walt Disney World followers, it’s a bit like Storm Lagoon water park blended with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Adventureland.
All of the rides at Volcano Bay function a Digital Line as a substitute of conventional standby queues. You faucet in along with your TapuTapu wearable (assume MagicBand) to seize a journey time. Then go float, swim, splash, eat, store or calm down round Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will let you know when it’s your time to journey.
You’ll both love or hate the digital queue system at Volcano Bay. That just about comes down as to if you beat the crowds or not. That may be completed by arriving and/or staying late, shopping for Categorical Go, or visiting throughout the low season. If you happen to don’t do any of these issues, you’ll possible assume the digital queue system sucks, and also you received’t accomplish a lot. It’s positively a system that creates winners and losers–they secret’s (clearly) to be within the former group and never the latter.
Along with the 2 theme parks and Volcano Bay water park, there’s CityWalk. That is Common Orlando’s purchasing, eating, and leisure complicated, which is quite a bit like Disney Springs. The large distinction is that you simply stroll via CityWalk to entry Common Studios Florida or Islands of Journey, and it’s extremely simple to exit the parks and eat lunch or dinner at CityWalk. No bus needed!
There’s additionally lots of comparatively new eating at CityWalk, equivalent to Pink Coconut Membership, Bigfire, Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and VIVO Italian Kitchen–amongst different issues. Toothsome is a fan-favorite for its excessive milkshakes and dessert concoctions (in addition to the enjoyable steampunk theme), and Voodoo Doughnut is a enjoyable spot. With that stated, we expect each are barely overrated.
For our cash, the sleeper hits of the listing are Bigfire and Cowfish, each of which provide nice meals at cheap (by theme park requirements) costs. We’d additionally give honorable mentions to Vivo and Antojitos Genuine Mexican Meals. Whereas the latter shouldn’t be our private favourite, it’s higher than the “blockbuster” touristy eating places like Exhausting Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Nothing towards any of these–however they’re primarily Applebee’s with extra wow-factor. Ok for predictably-prepared consolation meals, however completely nothing particular.
One closing notice on points of interest is that there are quite a few points of interest that don’t enable baggage, however present free lockers close by for storing backpacks, cameras, babies, and no matter different random junk you might need on you. These are fairly handy and there are bigger lockers you’ll be able to pay for on the entrance of the park, however the level right here is for these of you who’re used to bringing a small U-Haul price of stuff into the Walt Disney World parks: you’ll be able to’t do this at Common. Pack for the parks a bit lighter.
I believe that is in all probability a great place to begin in case you’re planning on visiting Common Orlando Resort as an add-on to your Walt Disney World trip. If you want to see a few of these matters lined in higher depth, please let me know within the feedback. We’re planning to sort out extra on eating, particular occasions, and Common Orlando information within the coming months, so keep tuned for extra of that!
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Ensure to learn our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for every little thing about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE e-mail e-newsletter!
Your Ideas
Are you visiting Common Orlando Resort in 2025? Excited for Epic Universe or different rumored additions within the subsequent few years? What about Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s, or the brand new rides which have lately opened? Have a favourite on-site lodge at Common? Do you like staying on-site at Common, or commuting from Walt Disney World? If you happen to’re a first-timer, is there anything you’d prefer to know? Likelihood is in case you have questions nonetheless, so does another person! Please share your ideas within the feedback
Our Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe planning information gives park & journey technique. It options suggestions & tips that can assist you lower your expenses & time, keep away from crowds, and have the perfect trip or side-visit from Walt Disney World as potential. (Up to date Might 25, 2025.)
We’re Common Orlando Annual Passholders and large followers of these parks along with Walt Disney World. Common has improved a ton and upped its sport within the final decade. This started with the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, accelerated with Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and culminated with Epic Universe in Might 2025.
Epic Universe is the elephant within the room, and there’s a great likelihood you’re studying this information to be able to plan the right go to to expertise the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Tremendous Nintendo World, The best way to Practice Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Darkish Universe. Happily, we’ve already spent a number of days in Epic Universe (with many extra to return) and have technique, opinions, suggestions & tips, and many others. Signal as much as obtain our FREE E mail E-newsletter in case you’d prefer to obtain updates about Epic Universe (and clearly, Disney as nicely).
Suffice to say, we extremely advocate spending at the very least a few days at Common when vacationing at Walt Disney World. The query turns into, do you reallocate time from Common’s current gates or Disney’s? And do you keep on-site at Disney, Common, or do a split-stay at each?
That is information to Common Orlando Resort makes an attempt to help you in answering a few of these questions and every little thing you’ll have to learn about UOR. Whether or not you’re doing each parks in a single day or making a visit of it with an on-site lodge keep and a number of days within the parks, we have now you lined with data and recommendation about points of interest, eating, resorts, technique, crowds, and extra.
Let’s begin with Epic Universe, since that’s the large new factor–and motive why a lot of you’re possible studying…
Epic Universe – Now Open!
If you happen to’re planning a 2025 trip to Central Florida, the largest factor to know is that Epic Universe formally opened on Might 22! That is Common Orlando’s third theme park, and is a blockbuster growth containing revolutionary points of interest and main lands based mostly on Harry Potter, Nintendo, Common Monsters, The best way to Practice Your Dragon, and extra. Epic Universe is a game-changer, that includes lands on par with Disney’s finest.
Epic Universe needs to be the overriding consideration in case you’re visiting Central Florida for the rest of this yr. One factor to notice up entrance is that there are main downsides to visiting this highly-anticipated new park throughout its opening season(s), as specified by Why You Ought to Skip Epic Universe (or Wait to Go to Till 2026).
This new park goes to have rising pains, and its envelope-pushing points of interest are already stricken by downtime and unreliability. If you happen to go to Epic Universe throughout its debut season and even first yr, you’re possible going to come across technical difficulties and different frustrations. With that stated, there are additionally nice causes to go to ASAP, and dedicate extra of your Florida trip time to the brand new park–Right here’s Why You Want 2 Days at Epic Universe.
If you happen to do decide to go to Epic Universe, the excellent news is that we have now loads of technique to assist plan your go to. For starters, we’d advocate staying at Helios Grand Lodge if Epic Universe is a precedence.
Its location and ease of entry ought to give friends of that lodge a strategic benefit. Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t supply limitless Categorical Go, which is undoubtedly a disadvantage, however its benefit at Epic Universe (and aggressive worth) greater than makes up for that.
If you happen to’re on a tighter finances, we advocate Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resorts, that are worth lodges inside strolling distance of Epic Universe. This trio of lodges is on the Epic Universe ‘campus’ of Common Orlando, which is an honest distance from the opposite parks and resorts. If you happen to’re spending equal time in any respect 3 parks, you may need to keep on the principle campus–however we advocate specializing in Epic Universe.
At opening, Epic Universe options 11 rides and two main exhibits, plus all kinds of atmospheric leisure, play areas, and extra. This contains 3 curler coasters, two blockbuster darkish rides, and extra. If you happen to’re searching for an in depth take a look at points of interest, seek the advice of our Experience Rankings & Evaluations for Epic Universe.
At this level, we’d advocate utilizing these journey opinions to formulate your personal itinerary. It’s too early for us to have an in depth 1-day Epic Universe touring plan as a result of we’ve but to see the brand new park get stress-tested by crowds. As a result of that, it’s troublesome to supply full-day technique, as priorities and wait occasions will change within the months to return.
Nevertheless, we do have each an Early Park Admission Epic Universe Technique Information and Epic Universe Morning Technique for Rope Drop & Past. That may get you thru the primary few hours of the day, and will help you in beating the strains at roughly your first half-dozen points of interest.
After that, right here’s a tough tentative plan for a day at Epic Universe:
Observe that in case you are eligible for Early Park Admission, beginning in Tremendous Nintendo World is our suggestion. If you happen to don’t, save Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity till the tip of the night.
Even in case you’re eligible for EPA, you in all probability received’t have the ability to expertise all of Tremendous Nintendo World throughout that hour-long head-start. Wherein case, return at evening and benefit from the vibrant environment, mini-games, Yoshi’s Journey, and extra. (You additionally may need to re-ride Mario Kart to beat your excessive rating!)
Right here’s what you want to know for planning your bigger-picture Common Orlando trip…
On this information, we’ll cowl find out how to profit from a go to to Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe. We’re going to take a counterintuitive organizational method to this information, as we’ve discovered that many readers seek the advice of it whereas visiting Common slightly than throughout the planning phases of a visit. Accordingly, we’re going to entrance load with data you want to know in case you’ve already touched down in Central Florida.
If you happen to’re a Disney fan merely attempting to find out whether or not a visit to Common Orlando Resort is best for you within the first place, you may begin by studying our Common vs. Walt Disney World put up, which covers a number of the execs and cons of every, plus the variations between the 2 trip locations.
Though they’re all theme parks positioned in Central Florida, every have strengths and weaknesses that may make them higher or worse for sure kinds of households–ages, demographics, and many others. Proper off the bat, we acknowledge that a lot of you have to to “sacrifice” a Walt Disney World park to be able to accommodate Epic Universe. Ought to You Skip Animal Kingdom? may assist with that.
Equally, in case you’re debating between resorts on the two major theme park complexes, see our complete breakdown: Common Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Inns. That ought to provide help to decide which is the higher choice to your trip–or if a cut up keep is likely to be finest!
For what it’s price, neither of those versus posts nor the one about whether or not Common is “beating” Disney are pointless fan cheerleading or theme parks as polarizing workforce sports activities. The 2 versus posts are sensible planning that objectively weigh execs and cons, whereas the “beating” one is an editorial (not helpful for planning, however doubtlessly fascinating).
One commonality between the 2 is that each Walt Disney World and Common Orlando have gotten extra aggressive with reductions in an try and entice extra individuals to go to their parks and keep in on-site lodges. We’ve talked about repeatedly that Walt Disney World already has launched a number of completely different reductions for 2025.
Common has adopted go well with, shifting from reductions aimed nearly solely at Annual Passholders and Florida residents to common public gives. There are at the moment ticket offers, resort reductions providing 20-35% off, and package deal offers providing “Free” Eating (sound acquainted?).
These are price pricing out for your self, however we must always warn that many have size of keep necessities of 5 days. That’s longer than most individuals will spend at Common Orlando (which is a part of why it’s being supplied–to extend go to durations). In any case, we advocate utilizing a journey agent–equivalent to Be Our Visitor Holidays–to cost out completely different packages and offers, and assist you determine the easiest way to save lots of, plan your journey, and many others.
Now let’s flip to Common Orlando’s superior planning matters…
The place to Keep
There are a selection of questions it’s a must to ask your self when planning a visit, and lots of of them will dictate the place you keep. Would you like Limitless Categorical Go by staying at an eligible Common Orlando lodge? Do you need to keep at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey, or change lodges? Do you need to keep an an off-site lodge within the common neighborhood of each Common and Disney to economize?
We’ve lately stayed at each single on-site lodge at Common Orlando Resort–listed here are our opinions:
For perception into all of those lodges, their execs & cons, and the way they examine and distinction with each other, see our Common Orlando Lodge Rankings & Evaluations.
We’re huge followers of Common’s lodges, and are significantly keen on the 2 “bay” resorts: Loews Portofino Bay Lodge and Cabana Bay Seaside Resort. Each of these are in our prime 10 lodges in Orlando, rivaling a few of our favourite resorts at Walt Disney World.
Common’s lodges present nice bang for buck, and even people who don’t embody free Categorical Go do supply Early Park Admission one hour earlier than these parks open. That may be completely large!
As for staying off-site, you usually will get essentially the most bang to your buck when staying in an off-site lodge, as there are lots of non-Disney and non-Common lodges competing with each other. We now have an Off-Website vs. On-Website Walt Disney World Inns article that goes into higher depth in regards to the execs and cons of staying off-site, and it’s marginally relevant to Common, as nicely.
As for merely staying at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey no matter the place you go, we have now written complete opinions with our opinions and photographs of the rooms. Take a look at our Walt Disney World Lodge Evaluations web page, for hyperlinks to every of those opinions.
Experience Technique for Common Orlando
Subsequent, what to know whilst you’re at Common Orlando. For starters, we strongly advocate that you simply don’t “wing it” to your every day itinerary as a result of aforementioned crowd points. You don’t have to plan each motion in order that there’s no spontaneity in your journey, simply be sure to have at the very least a unfastened plan of what you’re going to do.
We now have the next plans for every park that cowl our excellent days:
These supply step-by-step touring plans for each theme parks at Common Orlando, prioritizing the most well-liked rides and skipping what isn’t price your time. These will provide help to do Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Journey, Superb Adventures of Spider-Man, Unbelievable Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Journey, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and different must-do rides.
If you happen to’d want to create your personal itineraries and need an outline and overview of each attraction at every of the parks, seek the advice of our Islands of Journey Experience Information and Common Studios Florida Experience Information. If you happen to’re a fan spinners, you may need to test these out, as we don’t waste your time with that nonsense within the itineraries.
When to Go to
If you happen to’re including on a Common Orlando go to to your Walt Disney World trip, the reply to that is simple…everytime you’re visiting Walt Disney World. Crowd patterns at Walt Disney World translate fairly equally to Common Orlando.
The explanations are two-fold: first, as a result of crowds are usually predicated upon faculty schedules, that are the identical for each; second, as a result of Walt Disney World is the ‘whale’ within the Orlando market, so crowds for all theme parks are dictated by when friends plan their Disney holidays.
In different phrases, you’ll be able to confer with our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars put up to find out when to go to, as that’s roughly relevant to Common Orlando as nicely.
There are just some exceptions to this, they usually’re largely predicated upon particular occasions which can be distinctive to every of the parks. For instance, Walt Disney World sees its crowds spike attributable to runDisney occasions, when its lodges are internet hosting conventions or youth sporting occasions, or throughout EPCOT festivals. In contrast, Common sees its personal spikes round Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights.
Typically, although, the large driver of attendance at each is faculty breaks. Specifically, these of Orange County and different counties all through Florida and the South. In fact, each are trip locations, so breaks for college districts within the Midwest and Northeast even have a big influence. The plain occasions like Spring Break, Easter, Summer time, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yr’s Eve are all busy.
Extra below the radar timeframes like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and extra additionally see pronounced spikes in crowds. Once more, reference the aforementioned crowd calendars in case you’re trying to decide on the perfect occasions to go to Common Orlando.
As a result of a surge of locals on weekends, we strongly advocate avoiding Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays via Thursdays are the perfect days to go to, with a lot decrease crowds then. Nevertheless, that goes out the window throughout vacation weeks or anytime faculty is out of session, when it’s disproportionately vacationers and each single day of the week is busy.
The one exception to that is if you wish to see or keep away from Halloween season at Common, specifically Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). This can be a onerous ticket occasion that has an enormous following amongst locals and followers of hang-out season, typically.
Throughout HHN, you step onto the set of a few of your favourite horror films, and strolling via these units as actors try and scare you. This occasion shouldn’t be for kids below the age of 13, and has completely nothing in frequent with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Get together at Walt Disney World. See our Information to Halloween Horror Nights for extra.
Apart from this, the one noteworthy occasions are Mardi Gras and Christmas.
Throughout Mardi Gras, friends can expertise a meals pageant with delicacies and leisure impressed by worldwide Carnaval celebrations. Meals cubicles serve up the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and different areas together with, in fact, New Orleans. Plus take pleasure in spectacular floats on show, road leisure, music, beads and extra all through Common Studios Florida.
Though HHN will get all the eye from the fan group, an equally widespread seasonal occasion is Christmas at Common Orlando. Throughout this, Grinchmas and Common’s Vacation Parade that includes Macy’s are the principle leisure attracts. There’s additionally the Christmas Tribute Retailer, which is basically a walk-through exhibit, plus Common Studios Florida’s iconic Christmas Tree.
Maybe the largest draw is Winter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which options distinctive decor and projections on Hogwarts Citadel. There are additionally decorations round each parks in Seuss Touchdown, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco.
How Many Days?
This one goes to differ broadly based mostly on a number of variables. The largest one is how receptive your get together is to the kind of points of interest which can be outstanding at Common Orlando Resort, specifically, curler coasters and screen-based simulators.
That’s reductionist, and there are various extra issues at Common than these kinds of rides, but when your get together is averse to both, doing greater than 2 days at Common goes to be powerful. If you happen to love coasters or have teenagers, you’ll be able to simply spend 3 days or extra at Common Orlando.
In our view, the common visitor will need at the very least 2 days at Common Orlando in 2025. One for Epic Universe, and one other 1-2 days for the opposite two parks. It’s potential to do Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida in the identical day, nevertheless it’s not potential to do Epic Universe and one other park in the identical day.
On the higher finish of the spectrum, theme park lovers may have the ability to spend 2 full days at Epic Universe and one other 2 days on the different parks. Epic Universe has an distinctive restaurant roster, and its curler coasters have lots of re-rideability, as do Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
There’s additionally the query of whether or not you’re planning a Central Florida journey with a while at Common, or a trip to Common Orlando. If the previous, 2 days might be all you’ve–one for Epic Universe and one for the remaining. If the latter, you might do 5+ days, with 4 within the 3 theme parks, one other at Volcano Bay water park, and maybe a while at CityWalk.
Then, there’s additionally the query of how a lot “further” trip time you’ve. Assuming you’ve already allotted your time at Walt Disney World and are “different stuff” to spherical out your journey to Florida, I’d in all probability look to spending extra time at Common than different parks like SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. That’s private choice and all of those parks positively aren’t attempting to perform the identical factor, however I discover the Disney and Common parks to be in a unique league than the entire relaxation.
Common Orlando Park Tickets
If you happen to’re searching for a deal on park tickets, Get Away At present will prevent essentially the most cash on Common Orlando tickets. That is very true in case you’re doing an extended journey, as Get Away At present has a ‘Purchase 2 days, get 3 days free’ particular. With increasingly to do at Common Orlando, spending a number of days within the parks is very beneficial–particularly in case you’re staying in a close-by lodge and need to do some partial days (additionally beneficial).
I’m a fan of the Park-to-Park tickets in case you can swing spending further. It is because Common did one thing actually ingenious when it constructed Diagon Alley, and that was connecting the 2 Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter by way of the Hogwarts Categorical.
You may solely journey this practice from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley (or vice-a-versa) in case you have the Park-to-Park ticket. I’m no Harry Potter fan, however the expertise of coming into a practice station in London, strolling via a wall, after which taking a practice to Hogsmeade is fairly superior.
If you happen to’re going for simply someday and don’t need the park-to-park tickets, the easiest way to economize on Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida tickets is just going to be shopping for tickets on-line on Common Orlando’s web site. The Common tickets bought on-line may be printed at dwelling and used on the turnstiles–which means no ready in line to buy tickets or alternate vouchers.
It’s additionally price noting that Epic Universe actually complicates ticketing for the rest of 2025. Fortunately, it’ll be a standard a part of Common Orlando ticketing in 2026.
Categorical Go
Categorical Go is Common Orlando’s model of Lightning Lanes (a strategy to skip the strains) and is accessible as a ticket add-on or with choose lodge stays. You should purchase two sorts of Categorical Go, common or limitless. Virtually the entire hottest points of interest in every park supply Categorical Go.
The common model permits you to skip the road as soon as per eligible attraction in both park, and prices $90 to $350 per individual relying on the date. Common Categorical Limitless gives line-skipping privileges, because the identify suggests, a vast variety of occasions per attraction, and prices between $100 and $380 per individual. Even at its costliest, Lightning Lane Multi-Go at Walt Disney World prices below $40 per individual. So, what’s the distinction? Properly, quite a bit.
In contrast to Lightning Lanes, there isn’t any tech part to Categorical Go. Whereas it’s considerably costlier, it’s additionally frictionless. You merely go as much as the attraction and use your Categorical Go entitlement. There’s nothing to order or problem with in an app. Categorical Go entails zero display time and complications–however you’ll pay much more for it!
Whether or not Categorical Go is definitely worth the cash largely relies upon upon what day of the week and season you’re visiting, and the way you worth your time versus your cash. Personally, we’d not pay for Categorical Go most days. Nevertheless, we additionally keep away from weekends and holidays, arrive for park opening, and make the most of an environment friendly park itinerary.
If you happen to really need Categorical Go, staying at an on-site lodge that provides Categorical Go along with your keep is completely the best way to go. Limitless Categorical Go is accessible on the Common Premier class resorts–which means Royal Pacific, Exhausting Rock Lodge, and Portofino Bay–that are Common’s costliest lodges. Actually, that is the one manner we’ve ever “purchased” Categorical Go–we couldn’t justify the associated fee some other manner.
All three of those lodges are good, on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, and customarily price much less. They’re nonetheless expensive, however they’re cheaper than Disney’s higher-end lodges, and completely definitely worth the cash–particularly if you would like the Limitless Categorical Go perk or a great location inside strolling or boat distance of Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. If you happen to’d be staying at a pleasant lodge anyway, this trio is positively worthy of your consideration.
If you happen to’re debating paying further for Epic Universe line-skipping, see Ought to You Purchase Categorical Go at Epic Universe?
Transportation
By far the commonest questions we get regarding Common Orlando Resort is: “what’s the easiest way to get from Walt Disney World Common.” The reply is that there are lots of choices, however by far the perfect is Uber. We lined this in depth in our Uber vs. Rental Vehicles at Walt Disney World article. Right here’s the pertinent portion of that put up:
Prior to now, the most suitable choice we’ve discovered for individuals who don’t have rental automobiles the period of their journeys is both renting a automobile on-site for the day, or taking a dear shuttle. Neither is cost-effective or all that interesting, particularly if you add on that parking price.
For many who aren’t renting a automobile at some point of their journey, Uber or Lyft are the unquestionable finest choices for getting from Walt Disney World to Common. The one-way price of an Uber or Lyft from Walt Disney World will differ relying upon your precise location, sometimes costing below $25 every manner and taking 20-25 minutes.
Eating
There are some good eating places in Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey, however as a complete, the culinary expertise shouldn’t be on par with Walt Disney World’s. The unquestionable highlights, in my thoughts, are the counter service eating places in Diagon Alley (Leaky Cauldron) and Hogsmeade (Three Broomsticks) and the desk service restaurant, Mythos, which is a superb worth.
Different in-park eating places at Common Orlando that we like embody the At present Present Cafe (for lighter choices) and Krusty Burger (for the precise reverse). Really, there’s one thing for everybody within the Springfield space, which has a wide range of eating choices drawn from The Simpsons.
On the snacking entrance, you’re clearly going to need to attempt Butterbeer–maybe all three varieties (frozen, sizzling, and common). Many of the different snacks we take pleasure in are additionally within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Honeydukes.
One other factor you may need to take into account is buying a refillable Coke Freestyle mug. I’ve accomplished this, however I can actually put down the Cokes to make it definitely worth the cash. I’m certain some day I can be toothless, however hopefully that’s at the very least 5 years away. These Coke Freestyle machines positioned all through the parks are additionally a handy strategy to get free water that’s chilly and tastes nice.
Epic Universe is a very completely different story, at the very least till the ‘new park scent’ wears off. Epic Universe has incredible meals that’s simply on par with Walt Disney World. Epic Universe may even be the perfect meals park in Orlando!
Different Issues to Do
Volcano Bay is Common Orlando’s water park. It’s themed to the South Seas and contains a large volcano (therefore the identify) within the center with water slides in it. For Walt Disney World followers, it’s a bit like Storm Lagoon water park blended with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Adventureland.
All of the rides at Volcano Bay function a Digital Line as a substitute of conventional standby queues. You faucet in along with your TapuTapu wearable (assume MagicBand) to seize a journey time. Then go float, swim, splash, eat, store or calm down round Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will let you know when it’s your time to journey.
You’ll both love or hate the digital queue system at Volcano Bay. That just about comes down as to if you beat the crowds or not. That may be completed by arriving and/or staying late, shopping for Categorical Go, or visiting throughout the low season. If you happen to don’t do any of these issues, you’ll possible assume the digital queue system sucks, and also you received’t accomplish a lot. It’s positively a system that creates winners and losers–they secret’s (clearly) to be within the former group and never the latter.
Along with the 2 theme parks and Volcano Bay water park, there’s CityWalk. That is Common Orlando’s purchasing, eating, and leisure complicated, which is quite a bit like Disney Springs. The large distinction is that you simply stroll via CityWalk to entry Common Studios Florida or Islands of Journey, and it’s extremely simple to exit the parks and eat lunch or dinner at CityWalk. No bus needed!
There’s additionally lots of comparatively new eating at CityWalk, equivalent to Pink Coconut Membership, Bigfire, Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and VIVO Italian Kitchen–amongst different issues. Toothsome is a fan-favorite for its excessive milkshakes and dessert concoctions (in addition to the enjoyable steampunk theme), and Voodoo Doughnut is a enjoyable spot. With that stated, we expect each are barely overrated.
For our cash, the sleeper hits of the listing are Bigfire and Cowfish, each of which provide nice meals at cheap (by theme park requirements) costs. We’d additionally give honorable mentions to Vivo and Antojitos Genuine Mexican Meals. Whereas the latter shouldn’t be our private favourite, it’s higher than the “blockbuster” touristy eating places like Exhausting Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Nothing towards any of these–however they’re primarily Applebee’s with extra wow-factor. Ok for predictably-prepared consolation meals, however completely nothing particular.
One closing notice on points of interest is that there are quite a few points of interest that don’t enable baggage, however present free lockers close by for storing backpacks, cameras, babies, and no matter different random junk you might need on you. These are fairly handy and there are bigger lockers you’ll be able to pay for on the entrance of the park, however the level right here is for these of you who’re used to bringing a small U-Haul price of stuff into the Walt Disney World parks: you’ll be able to’t do this at Common. Pack for the parks a bit lighter.
I believe that is in all probability a great place to begin in case you’re planning on visiting Common Orlando Resort as an add-on to your Walt Disney World trip. If you want to see a few of these matters lined in higher depth, please let me know within the feedback. We’re planning to sort out extra on eating, particular occasions, and Common Orlando information within the coming months, so keep tuned for extra of that!
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Ensure to learn our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for every little thing about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE e-mail e-newsletter!
Your Ideas
Are you visiting Common Orlando Resort in 2025? Excited for Epic Universe or different rumored additions within the subsequent few years? What about Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s, or the brand new rides which have lately opened? Have a favourite on-site lodge at Common? Do you like staying on-site at Common, or commuting from Walt Disney World? If you happen to’re a first-timer, is there anything you’d prefer to know? Likelihood is in case you have questions nonetheless, so does another person! Please share your ideas within the feedback
Our Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe planning information gives park & journey technique. It options suggestions & tips that can assist you lower your expenses & time, keep away from crowds, and have the perfect trip or side-visit from Walt Disney World as potential. (Up to date Might 25, 2025.)
We’re Common Orlando Annual Passholders and large followers of these parks along with Walt Disney World. Common has improved a ton and upped its sport within the final decade. This started with the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, accelerated with Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and culminated with Epic Universe in Might 2025.
Epic Universe is the elephant within the room, and there’s a great likelihood you’re studying this information to be able to plan the right go to to expertise the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Tremendous Nintendo World, The best way to Practice Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Darkish Universe. Happily, we’ve already spent a number of days in Epic Universe (with many extra to return) and have technique, opinions, suggestions & tips, and many others. Signal as much as obtain our FREE E mail E-newsletter in case you’d prefer to obtain updates about Epic Universe (and clearly, Disney as nicely).
Suffice to say, we extremely advocate spending at the very least a few days at Common when vacationing at Walt Disney World. The query turns into, do you reallocate time from Common’s current gates or Disney’s? And do you keep on-site at Disney, Common, or do a split-stay at each?
That is information to Common Orlando Resort makes an attempt to help you in answering a few of these questions and every little thing you’ll have to learn about UOR. Whether or not you’re doing each parks in a single day or making a visit of it with an on-site lodge keep and a number of days within the parks, we have now you lined with data and recommendation about points of interest, eating, resorts, technique, crowds, and extra.
Let’s begin with Epic Universe, since that’s the large new factor–and motive why a lot of you’re possible studying…
Epic Universe – Now Open!
If you happen to’re planning a 2025 trip to Central Florida, the largest factor to know is that Epic Universe formally opened on Might 22! That is Common Orlando’s third theme park, and is a blockbuster growth containing revolutionary points of interest and main lands based mostly on Harry Potter, Nintendo, Common Monsters, The best way to Practice Your Dragon, and extra. Epic Universe is a game-changer, that includes lands on par with Disney’s finest.
Epic Universe needs to be the overriding consideration in case you’re visiting Central Florida for the rest of this yr. One factor to notice up entrance is that there are main downsides to visiting this highly-anticipated new park throughout its opening season(s), as specified by Why You Ought to Skip Epic Universe (or Wait to Go to Till 2026).
This new park goes to have rising pains, and its envelope-pushing points of interest are already stricken by downtime and unreliability. If you happen to go to Epic Universe throughout its debut season and even first yr, you’re possible going to come across technical difficulties and different frustrations. With that stated, there are additionally nice causes to go to ASAP, and dedicate extra of your Florida trip time to the brand new park–Right here’s Why You Want 2 Days at Epic Universe.
If you happen to do decide to go to Epic Universe, the excellent news is that we have now loads of technique to assist plan your go to. For starters, we’d advocate staying at Helios Grand Lodge if Epic Universe is a precedence.
Its location and ease of entry ought to give friends of that lodge a strategic benefit. Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t supply limitless Categorical Go, which is undoubtedly a disadvantage, however its benefit at Epic Universe (and aggressive worth) greater than makes up for that.
If you happen to’re on a tighter finances, we advocate Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resorts, that are worth lodges inside strolling distance of Epic Universe. This trio of lodges is on the Epic Universe ‘campus’ of Common Orlando, which is an honest distance from the opposite parks and resorts. If you happen to’re spending equal time in any respect 3 parks, you may need to keep on the principle campus–however we advocate specializing in Epic Universe.
At opening, Epic Universe options 11 rides and two main exhibits, plus all kinds of atmospheric leisure, play areas, and extra. This contains 3 curler coasters, two blockbuster darkish rides, and extra. If you happen to’re searching for an in depth take a look at points of interest, seek the advice of our Experience Rankings & Evaluations for Epic Universe.
At this level, we’d advocate utilizing these journey opinions to formulate your personal itinerary. It’s too early for us to have an in depth 1-day Epic Universe touring plan as a result of we’ve but to see the brand new park get stress-tested by crowds. As a result of that, it’s troublesome to supply full-day technique, as priorities and wait occasions will change within the months to return.
Nevertheless, we do have each an Early Park Admission Epic Universe Technique Information and Epic Universe Morning Technique for Rope Drop & Past. That may get you thru the primary few hours of the day, and will help you in beating the strains at roughly your first half-dozen points of interest.
After that, right here’s a tough tentative plan for a day at Epic Universe:
Observe that in case you are eligible for Early Park Admission, beginning in Tremendous Nintendo World is our suggestion. If you happen to don’t, save Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity till the tip of the night.
Even in case you’re eligible for EPA, you in all probability received’t have the ability to expertise all of Tremendous Nintendo World throughout that hour-long head-start. Wherein case, return at evening and benefit from the vibrant environment, mini-games, Yoshi’s Journey, and extra. (You additionally may need to re-ride Mario Kart to beat your excessive rating!)
Right here’s what you want to know for planning your bigger-picture Common Orlando trip…
On this information, we’ll cowl find out how to profit from a go to to Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe. We’re going to take a counterintuitive organizational method to this information, as we’ve discovered that many readers seek the advice of it whereas visiting Common slightly than throughout the planning phases of a visit. Accordingly, we’re going to entrance load with data you want to know in case you’ve already touched down in Central Florida.
If you happen to’re a Disney fan merely attempting to find out whether or not a visit to Common Orlando Resort is best for you within the first place, you may begin by studying our Common vs. Walt Disney World put up, which covers a number of the execs and cons of every, plus the variations between the 2 trip locations.
Though they’re all theme parks positioned in Central Florida, every have strengths and weaknesses that may make them higher or worse for sure kinds of households–ages, demographics, and many others. Proper off the bat, we acknowledge that a lot of you have to to “sacrifice” a Walt Disney World park to be able to accommodate Epic Universe. Ought to You Skip Animal Kingdom? may assist with that.
Equally, in case you’re debating between resorts on the two major theme park complexes, see our complete breakdown: Common Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Inns. That ought to provide help to decide which is the higher choice to your trip–or if a cut up keep is likely to be finest!
For what it’s price, neither of those versus posts nor the one about whether or not Common is “beating” Disney are pointless fan cheerleading or theme parks as polarizing workforce sports activities. The 2 versus posts are sensible planning that objectively weigh execs and cons, whereas the “beating” one is an editorial (not helpful for planning, however doubtlessly fascinating).
One commonality between the 2 is that each Walt Disney World and Common Orlando have gotten extra aggressive with reductions in an try and entice extra individuals to go to their parks and keep in on-site lodges. We’ve talked about repeatedly that Walt Disney World already has launched a number of completely different reductions for 2025.
Common has adopted go well with, shifting from reductions aimed nearly solely at Annual Passholders and Florida residents to common public gives. There are at the moment ticket offers, resort reductions providing 20-35% off, and package deal offers providing “Free” Eating (sound acquainted?).
These are price pricing out for your self, however we must always warn that many have size of keep necessities of 5 days. That’s longer than most individuals will spend at Common Orlando (which is a part of why it’s being supplied–to extend go to durations). In any case, we advocate utilizing a journey agent–equivalent to Be Our Visitor Holidays–to cost out completely different packages and offers, and assist you determine the easiest way to save lots of, plan your journey, and many others.
Now let’s flip to Common Orlando’s superior planning matters…
The place to Keep
There are a selection of questions it’s a must to ask your self when planning a visit, and lots of of them will dictate the place you keep. Would you like Limitless Categorical Go by staying at an eligible Common Orlando lodge? Do you need to keep at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey, or change lodges? Do you need to keep an an off-site lodge within the common neighborhood of each Common and Disney to economize?
We’ve lately stayed at each single on-site lodge at Common Orlando Resort–listed here are our opinions:
For perception into all of those lodges, their execs & cons, and the way they examine and distinction with each other, see our Common Orlando Lodge Rankings & Evaluations.
We’re huge followers of Common’s lodges, and are significantly keen on the 2 “bay” resorts: Loews Portofino Bay Lodge and Cabana Bay Seaside Resort. Each of these are in our prime 10 lodges in Orlando, rivaling a few of our favourite resorts at Walt Disney World.
Common’s lodges present nice bang for buck, and even people who don’t embody free Categorical Go do supply Early Park Admission one hour earlier than these parks open. That may be completely large!
As for staying off-site, you usually will get essentially the most bang to your buck when staying in an off-site lodge, as there are lots of non-Disney and non-Common lodges competing with each other. We now have an Off-Website vs. On-Website Walt Disney World Inns article that goes into higher depth in regards to the execs and cons of staying off-site, and it’s marginally relevant to Common, as nicely.
As for merely staying at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey no matter the place you go, we have now written complete opinions with our opinions and photographs of the rooms. Take a look at our Walt Disney World Lodge Evaluations web page, for hyperlinks to every of those opinions.
Experience Technique for Common Orlando
Subsequent, what to know whilst you’re at Common Orlando. For starters, we strongly advocate that you simply don’t “wing it” to your every day itinerary as a result of aforementioned crowd points. You don’t have to plan each motion in order that there’s no spontaneity in your journey, simply be sure to have at the very least a unfastened plan of what you’re going to do.
We now have the next plans for every park that cowl our excellent days:
These supply step-by-step touring plans for each theme parks at Common Orlando, prioritizing the most well-liked rides and skipping what isn’t price your time. These will provide help to do Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Journey, Superb Adventures of Spider-Man, Unbelievable Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Journey, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and different must-do rides.
If you happen to’d want to create your personal itineraries and need an outline and overview of each attraction at every of the parks, seek the advice of our Islands of Journey Experience Information and Common Studios Florida Experience Information. If you happen to’re a fan spinners, you may need to test these out, as we don’t waste your time with that nonsense within the itineraries.
When to Go to
If you happen to’re including on a Common Orlando go to to your Walt Disney World trip, the reply to that is simple…everytime you’re visiting Walt Disney World. Crowd patterns at Walt Disney World translate fairly equally to Common Orlando.
The explanations are two-fold: first, as a result of crowds are usually predicated upon faculty schedules, that are the identical for each; second, as a result of Walt Disney World is the ‘whale’ within the Orlando market, so crowds for all theme parks are dictated by when friends plan their Disney holidays.
In different phrases, you’ll be able to confer with our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars put up to find out when to go to, as that’s roughly relevant to Common Orlando as nicely.
There are just some exceptions to this, they usually’re largely predicated upon particular occasions which can be distinctive to every of the parks. For instance, Walt Disney World sees its crowds spike attributable to runDisney occasions, when its lodges are internet hosting conventions or youth sporting occasions, or throughout EPCOT festivals. In contrast, Common sees its personal spikes round Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights.
Typically, although, the large driver of attendance at each is faculty breaks. Specifically, these of Orange County and different counties all through Florida and the South. In fact, each are trip locations, so breaks for college districts within the Midwest and Northeast even have a big influence. The plain occasions like Spring Break, Easter, Summer time, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yr’s Eve are all busy.
Extra below the radar timeframes like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and extra additionally see pronounced spikes in crowds. Once more, reference the aforementioned crowd calendars in case you’re trying to decide on the perfect occasions to go to Common Orlando.
As a result of a surge of locals on weekends, we strongly advocate avoiding Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays via Thursdays are the perfect days to go to, with a lot decrease crowds then. Nevertheless, that goes out the window throughout vacation weeks or anytime faculty is out of session, when it’s disproportionately vacationers and each single day of the week is busy.
The one exception to that is if you wish to see or keep away from Halloween season at Common, specifically Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). This can be a onerous ticket occasion that has an enormous following amongst locals and followers of hang-out season, typically.
Throughout HHN, you step onto the set of a few of your favourite horror films, and strolling via these units as actors try and scare you. This occasion shouldn’t be for kids below the age of 13, and has completely nothing in frequent with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Get together at Walt Disney World. See our Information to Halloween Horror Nights for extra.
Apart from this, the one noteworthy occasions are Mardi Gras and Christmas.
Throughout Mardi Gras, friends can expertise a meals pageant with delicacies and leisure impressed by worldwide Carnaval celebrations. Meals cubicles serve up the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and different areas together with, in fact, New Orleans. Plus take pleasure in spectacular floats on show, road leisure, music, beads and extra all through Common Studios Florida.
Though HHN will get all the eye from the fan group, an equally widespread seasonal occasion is Christmas at Common Orlando. Throughout this, Grinchmas and Common’s Vacation Parade that includes Macy’s are the principle leisure attracts. There’s additionally the Christmas Tribute Retailer, which is basically a walk-through exhibit, plus Common Studios Florida’s iconic Christmas Tree.
Maybe the largest draw is Winter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which options distinctive decor and projections on Hogwarts Citadel. There are additionally decorations round each parks in Seuss Touchdown, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco.
How Many Days?
This one goes to differ broadly based mostly on a number of variables. The largest one is how receptive your get together is to the kind of points of interest which can be outstanding at Common Orlando Resort, specifically, curler coasters and screen-based simulators.
That’s reductionist, and there are various extra issues at Common than these kinds of rides, but when your get together is averse to both, doing greater than 2 days at Common goes to be powerful. If you happen to love coasters or have teenagers, you’ll be able to simply spend 3 days or extra at Common Orlando.
In our view, the common visitor will need at the very least 2 days at Common Orlando in 2025. One for Epic Universe, and one other 1-2 days for the opposite two parks. It’s potential to do Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida in the identical day, nevertheless it’s not potential to do Epic Universe and one other park in the identical day.
On the higher finish of the spectrum, theme park lovers may have the ability to spend 2 full days at Epic Universe and one other 2 days on the different parks. Epic Universe has an distinctive restaurant roster, and its curler coasters have lots of re-rideability, as do Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
There’s additionally the query of whether or not you’re planning a Central Florida journey with a while at Common, or a trip to Common Orlando. If the previous, 2 days might be all you’ve–one for Epic Universe and one for the remaining. If the latter, you might do 5+ days, with 4 within the 3 theme parks, one other at Volcano Bay water park, and maybe a while at CityWalk.
Then, there’s additionally the query of how a lot “further” trip time you’ve. Assuming you’ve already allotted your time at Walt Disney World and are “different stuff” to spherical out your journey to Florida, I’d in all probability look to spending extra time at Common than different parks like SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. That’s private choice and all of those parks positively aren’t attempting to perform the identical factor, however I discover the Disney and Common parks to be in a unique league than the entire relaxation.
Common Orlando Park Tickets
If you happen to’re searching for a deal on park tickets, Get Away At present will prevent essentially the most cash on Common Orlando tickets. That is very true in case you’re doing an extended journey, as Get Away At present has a ‘Purchase 2 days, get 3 days free’ particular. With increasingly to do at Common Orlando, spending a number of days within the parks is very beneficial–particularly in case you’re staying in a close-by lodge and need to do some partial days (additionally beneficial).
I’m a fan of the Park-to-Park tickets in case you can swing spending further. It is because Common did one thing actually ingenious when it constructed Diagon Alley, and that was connecting the 2 Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter by way of the Hogwarts Categorical.
You may solely journey this practice from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley (or vice-a-versa) in case you have the Park-to-Park ticket. I’m no Harry Potter fan, however the expertise of coming into a practice station in London, strolling via a wall, after which taking a practice to Hogsmeade is fairly superior.
If you happen to’re going for simply someday and don’t need the park-to-park tickets, the easiest way to economize on Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida tickets is just going to be shopping for tickets on-line on Common Orlando’s web site. The Common tickets bought on-line may be printed at dwelling and used on the turnstiles–which means no ready in line to buy tickets or alternate vouchers.
It’s additionally price noting that Epic Universe actually complicates ticketing for the rest of 2025. Fortunately, it’ll be a standard a part of Common Orlando ticketing in 2026.
Categorical Go
Categorical Go is Common Orlando’s model of Lightning Lanes (a strategy to skip the strains) and is accessible as a ticket add-on or with choose lodge stays. You should purchase two sorts of Categorical Go, common or limitless. Virtually the entire hottest points of interest in every park supply Categorical Go.
The common model permits you to skip the road as soon as per eligible attraction in both park, and prices $90 to $350 per individual relying on the date. Common Categorical Limitless gives line-skipping privileges, because the identify suggests, a vast variety of occasions per attraction, and prices between $100 and $380 per individual. Even at its costliest, Lightning Lane Multi-Go at Walt Disney World prices below $40 per individual. So, what’s the distinction? Properly, quite a bit.
In contrast to Lightning Lanes, there isn’t any tech part to Categorical Go. Whereas it’s considerably costlier, it’s additionally frictionless. You merely go as much as the attraction and use your Categorical Go entitlement. There’s nothing to order or problem with in an app. Categorical Go entails zero display time and complications–however you’ll pay much more for it!
Whether or not Categorical Go is definitely worth the cash largely relies upon upon what day of the week and season you’re visiting, and the way you worth your time versus your cash. Personally, we’d not pay for Categorical Go most days. Nevertheless, we additionally keep away from weekends and holidays, arrive for park opening, and make the most of an environment friendly park itinerary.
If you happen to really need Categorical Go, staying at an on-site lodge that provides Categorical Go along with your keep is completely the best way to go. Limitless Categorical Go is accessible on the Common Premier class resorts–which means Royal Pacific, Exhausting Rock Lodge, and Portofino Bay–that are Common’s costliest lodges. Actually, that is the one manner we’ve ever “purchased” Categorical Go–we couldn’t justify the associated fee some other manner.
All three of those lodges are good, on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, and customarily price much less. They’re nonetheless expensive, however they’re cheaper than Disney’s higher-end lodges, and completely definitely worth the cash–particularly if you would like the Limitless Categorical Go perk or a great location inside strolling or boat distance of Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. If you happen to’d be staying at a pleasant lodge anyway, this trio is positively worthy of your consideration.
If you happen to’re debating paying further for Epic Universe line-skipping, see Ought to You Purchase Categorical Go at Epic Universe?
Transportation
By far the commonest questions we get regarding Common Orlando Resort is: “what’s the easiest way to get from Walt Disney World Common.” The reply is that there are lots of choices, however by far the perfect is Uber. We lined this in depth in our Uber vs. Rental Vehicles at Walt Disney World article. Right here’s the pertinent portion of that put up:
Prior to now, the most suitable choice we’ve discovered for individuals who don’t have rental automobiles the period of their journeys is both renting a automobile on-site for the day, or taking a dear shuttle. Neither is cost-effective or all that interesting, particularly if you add on that parking price.
For many who aren’t renting a automobile at some point of their journey, Uber or Lyft are the unquestionable finest choices for getting from Walt Disney World to Common. The one-way price of an Uber or Lyft from Walt Disney World will differ relying upon your precise location, sometimes costing below $25 every manner and taking 20-25 minutes.
Eating
There are some good eating places in Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey, however as a complete, the culinary expertise shouldn’t be on par with Walt Disney World’s. The unquestionable highlights, in my thoughts, are the counter service eating places in Diagon Alley (Leaky Cauldron) and Hogsmeade (Three Broomsticks) and the desk service restaurant, Mythos, which is a superb worth.
Different in-park eating places at Common Orlando that we like embody the At present Present Cafe (for lighter choices) and Krusty Burger (for the precise reverse). Really, there’s one thing for everybody within the Springfield space, which has a wide range of eating choices drawn from The Simpsons.
On the snacking entrance, you’re clearly going to need to attempt Butterbeer–maybe all three varieties (frozen, sizzling, and common). Many of the different snacks we take pleasure in are additionally within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Honeydukes.
One other factor you may need to take into account is buying a refillable Coke Freestyle mug. I’ve accomplished this, however I can actually put down the Cokes to make it definitely worth the cash. I’m certain some day I can be toothless, however hopefully that’s at the very least 5 years away. These Coke Freestyle machines positioned all through the parks are additionally a handy strategy to get free water that’s chilly and tastes nice.
Epic Universe is a very completely different story, at the very least till the ‘new park scent’ wears off. Epic Universe has incredible meals that’s simply on par with Walt Disney World. Epic Universe may even be the perfect meals park in Orlando!
Different Issues to Do
Volcano Bay is Common Orlando’s water park. It’s themed to the South Seas and contains a large volcano (therefore the identify) within the center with water slides in it. For Walt Disney World followers, it’s a bit like Storm Lagoon water park blended with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Adventureland.
All of the rides at Volcano Bay function a Digital Line as a substitute of conventional standby queues. You faucet in along with your TapuTapu wearable (assume MagicBand) to seize a journey time. Then go float, swim, splash, eat, store or calm down round Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will let you know when it’s your time to journey.
You’ll both love or hate the digital queue system at Volcano Bay. That just about comes down as to if you beat the crowds or not. That may be completed by arriving and/or staying late, shopping for Categorical Go, or visiting throughout the low season. If you happen to don’t do any of these issues, you’ll possible assume the digital queue system sucks, and also you received’t accomplish a lot. It’s positively a system that creates winners and losers–they secret’s (clearly) to be within the former group and never the latter.
Along with the 2 theme parks and Volcano Bay water park, there’s CityWalk. That is Common Orlando’s purchasing, eating, and leisure complicated, which is quite a bit like Disney Springs. The large distinction is that you simply stroll via CityWalk to entry Common Studios Florida or Islands of Journey, and it’s extremely simple to exit the parks and eat lunch or dinner at CityWalk. No bus needed!
There’s additionally lots of comparatively new eating at CityWalk, equivalent to Pink Coconut Membership, Bigfire, Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and VIVO Italian Kitchen–amongst different issues. Toothsome is a fan-favorite for its excessive milkshakes and dessert concoctions (in addition to the enjoyable steampunk theme), and Voodoo Doughnut is a enjoyable spot. With that stated, we expect each are barely overrated.
For our cash, the sleeper hits of the listing are Bigfire and Cowfish, each of which provide nice meals at cheap (by theme park requirements) costs. We’d additionally give honorable mentions to Vivo and Antojitos Genuine Mexican Meals. Whereas the latter shouldn’t be our private favourite, it’s higher than the “blockbuster” touristy eating places like Exhausting Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Nothing towards any of these–however they’re primarily Applebee’s with extra wow-factor. Ok for predictably-prepared consolation meals, however completely nothing particular.
One closing notice on points of interest is that there are quite a few points of interest that don’t enable baggage, however present free lockers close by for storing backpacks, cameras, babies, and no matter different random junk you might need on you. These are fairly handy and there are bigger lockers you’ll be able to pay for on the entrance of the park, however the level right here is for these of you who’re used to bringing a small U-Haul price of stuff into the Walt Disney World parks: you’ll be able to’t do this at Common. Pack for the parks a bit lighter.
I believe that is in all probability a great place to begin in case you’re planning on visiting Common Orlando Resort as an add-on to your Walt Disney World trip. If you want to see a few of these matters lined in higher depth, please let me know within the feedback. We’re planning to sort out extra on eating, particular occasions, and Common Orlando information within the coming months, so keep tuned for extra of that!
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Ensure to learn our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for every little thing about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE e-mail e-newsletter!
Your Ideas
Are you visiting Common Orlando Resort in 2025? Excited for Epic Universe or different rumored additions within the subsequent few years? What about Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s, or the brand new rides which have lately opened? Have a favourite on-site lodge at Common? Do you like staying on-site at Common, or commuting from Walt Disney World? If you happen to’re a first-timer, is there anything you’d prefer to know? Likelihood is in case you have questions nonetheless, so does another person! Please share your ideas within the feedback
Our Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe planning information gives park & journey technique. It options suggestions & tips that can assist you lower your expenses & time, keep away from crowds, and have the perfect trip or side-visit from Walt Disney World as potential. (Up to date Might 25, 2025.)
We’re Common Orlando Annual Passholders and large followers of these parks along with Walt Disney World. Common has improved a ton and upped its sport within the final decade. This started with the Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, accelerated with Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and culminated with Epic Universe in Might 2025.
Epic Universe is the elephant within the room, and there’s a great likelihood you’re studying this information to be able to plan the right go to to expertise the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Tremendous Nintendo World, The best way to Practice Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Darkish Universe. Happily, we’ve already spent a number of days in Epic Universe (with many extra to return) and have technique, opinions, suggestions & tips, and many others. Signal as much as obtain our FREE E mail E-newsletter in case you’d prefer to obtain updates about Epic Universe (and clearly, Disney as nicely).
Suffice to say, we extremely advocate spending at the very least a few days at Common when vacationing at Walt Disney World. The query turns into, do you reallocate time from Common’s current gates or Disney’s? And do you keep on-site at Disney, Common, or do a split-stay at each?
That is information to Common Orlando Resort makes an attempt to help you in answering a few of these questions and every little thing you’ll have to learn about UOR. Whether or not you’re doing each parks in a single day or making a visit of it with an on-site lodge keep and a number of days within the parks, we have now you lined with data and recommendation about points of interest, eating, resorts, technique, crowds, and extra.
Let’s begin with Epic Universe, since that’s the large new factor–and motive why a lot of you’re possible studying…
Epic Universe – Now Open!
If you happen to’re planning a 2025 trip to Central Florida, the largest factor to know is that Epic Universe formally opened on Might 22! That is Common Orlando’s third theme park, and is a blockbuster growth containing revolutionary points of interest and main lands based mostly on Harry Potter, Nintendo, Common Monsters, The best way to Practice Your Dragon, and extra. Epic Universe is a game-changer, that includes lands on par with Disney’s finest.
Epic Universe needs to be the overriding consideration in case you’re visiting Central Florida for the rest of this yr. One factor to notice up entrance is that there are main downsides to visiting this highly-anticipated new park throughout its opening season(s), as specified by Why You Ought to Skip Epic Universe (or Wait to Go to Till 2026).
This new park goes to have rising pains, and its envelope-pushing points of interest are already stricken by downtime and unreliability. If you happen to go to Epic Universe throughout its debut season and even first yr, you’re possible going to come across technical difficulties and different frustrations. With that stated, there are additionally nice causes to go to ASAP, and dedicate extra of your Florida trip time to the brand new park–Right here’s Why You Want 2 Days at Epic Universe.
If you happen to do decide to go to Epic Universe, the excellent news is that we have now loads of technique to assist plan your go to. For starters, we’d advocate staying at Helios Grand Lodge if Epic Universe is a precedence.
Its location and ease of entry ought to give friends of that lodge a strategic benefit. Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t supply limitless Categorical Go, which is undoubtedly a disadvantage, however its benefit at Epic Universe (and aggressive worth) greater than makes up for that.
If you happen to’re on a tighter finances, we advocate Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resorts, that are worth lodges inside strolling distance of Epic Universe. This trio of lodges is on the Epic Universe ‘campus’ of Common Orlando, which is an honest distance from the opposite parks and resorts. If you happen to’re spending equal time in any respect 3 parks, you may need to keep on the principle campus–however we advocate specializing in Epic Universe.
At opening, Epic Universe options 11 rides and two main exhibits, plus all kinds of atmospheric leisure, play areas, and extra. This contains 3 curler coasters, two blockbuster darkish rides, and extra. If you happen to’re searching for an in depth take a look at points of interest, seek the advice of our Experience Rankings & Evaluations for Epic Universe.
At this level, we’d advocate utilizing these journey opinions to formulate your personal itinerary. It’s too early for us to have an in depth 1-day Epic Universe touring plan as a result of we’ve but to see the brand new park get stress-tested by crowds. As a result of that, it’s troublesome to supply full-day technique, as priorities and wait occasions will change within the months to return.
Nevertheless, we do have each an Early Park Admission Epic Universe Technique Information and Epic Universe Morning Technique for Rope Drop & Past. That may get you thru the primary few hours of the day, and will help you in beating the strains at roughly your first half-dozen points of interest.
After that, right here’s a tough tentative plan for a day at Epic Universe:
Observe that in case you are eligible for Early Park Admission, beginning in Tremendous Nintendo World is our suggestion. If you happen to don’t, save Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity till the tip of the night.
Even in case you’re eligible for EPA, you in all probability received’t have the ability to expertise all of Tremendous Nintendo World throughout that hour-long head-start. Wherein case, return at evening and benefit from the vibrant environment, mini-games, Yoshi’s Journey, and extra. (You additionally may need to re-ride Mario Kart to beat your excessive rating!)
Right here’s what you want to know for planning your bigger-picture Common Orlando trip…
On this information, we’ll cowl find out how to profit from a go to to Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe. We’re going to take a counterintuitive organizational method to this information, as we’ve discovered that many readers seek the advice of it whereas visiting Common slightly than throughout the planning phases of a visit. Accordingly, we’re going to entrance load with data you want to know in case you’ve already touched down in Central Florida.
If you happen to’re a Disney fan merely attempting to find out whether or not a visit to Common Orlando Resort is best for you within the first place, you may begin by studying our Common vs. Walt Disney World put up, which covers a number of the execs and cons of every, plus the variations between the 2 trip locations.
Though they’re all theme parks positioned in Central Florida, every have strengths and weaknesses that may make them higher or worse for sure kinds of households–ages, demographics, and many others. Proper off the bat, we acknowledge that a lot of you have to to “sacrifice” a Walt Disney World park to be able to accommodate Epic Universe. Ought to You Skip Animal Kingdom? may assist with that.
Equally, in case you’re debating between resorts on the two major theme park complexes, see our complete breakdown: Common Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Inns. That ought to provide help to decide which is the higher choice to your trip–or if a cut up keep is likely to be finest!
For what it’s price, neither of those versus posts nor the one about whether or not Common is “beating” Disney are pointless fan cheerleading or theme parks as polarizing workforce sports activities. The 2 versus posts are sensible planning that objectively weigh execs and cons, whereas the “beating” one is an editorial (not helpful for planning, however doubtlessly fascinating).
One commonality between the 2 is that each Walt Disney World and Common Orlando have gotten extra aggressive with reductions in an try and entice extra individuals to go to their parks and keep in on-site lodges. We’ve talked about repeatedly that Walt Disney World already has launched a number of completely different reductions for 2025.
Common has adopted go well with, shifting from reductions aimed nearly solely at Annual Passholders and Florida residents to common public gives. There are at the moment ticket offers, resort reductions providing 20-35% off, and package deal offers providing “Free” Eating (sound acquainted?).
These are price pricing out for your self, however we must always warn that many have size of keep necessities of 5 days. That’s longer than most individuals will spend at Common Orlando (which is a part of why it’s being supplied–to extend go to durations). In any case, we advocate utilizing a journey agent–equivalent to Be Our Visitor Holidays–to cost out completely different packages and offers, and assist you determine the easiest way to save lots of, plan your journey, and many others.
Now let’s flip to Common Orlando’s superior planning matters…
The place to Keep
There are a selection of questions it’s a must to ask your self when planning a visit, and lots of of them will dictate the place you keep. Would you like Limitless Categorical Go by staying at an eligible Common Orlando lodge? Do you need to keep at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey, or change lodges? Do you need to keep an an off-site lodge within the common neighborhood of each Common and Disney to economize?
We’ve lately stayed at each single on-site lodge at Common Orlando Resort–listed here are our opinions:
For perception into all of those lodges, their execs & cons, and the way they examine and distinction with each other, see our Common Orlando Lodge Rankings & Evaluations.
We’re huge followers of Common’s lodges, and are significantly keen on the 2 “bay” resorts: Loews Portofino Bay Lodge and Cabana Bay Seaside Resort. Each of these are in our prime 10 lodges in Orlando, rivaling a few of our favourite resorts at Walt Disney World.
Common’s lodges present nice bang for buck, and even people who don’t embody free Categorical Go do supply Early Park Admission one hour earlier than these parks open. That may be completely large!
As for staying off-site, you usually will get essentially the most bang to your buck when staying in an off-site lodge, as there are lots of non-Disney and non-Common lodges competing with each other. We now have an Off-Website vs. On-Website Walt Disney World Inns article that goes into higher depth in regards to the execs and cons of staying off-site, and it’s marginally relevant to Common, as nicely.
As for merely staying at a Walt Disney World lodge at some point of your journey no matter the place you go, we have now written complete opinions with our opinions and photographs of the rooms. Take a look at our Walt Disney World Lodge Evaluations web page, for hyperlinks to every of those opinions.
Experience Technique for Common Orlando
Subsequent, what to know whilst you’re at Common Orlando. For starters, we strongly advocate that you simply don’t “wing it” to your every day itinerary as a result of aforementioned crowd points. You don’t have to plan each motion in order that there’s no spontaneity in your journey, simply be sure to have at the very least a unfastened plan of what you’re going to do.
We now have the next plans for every park that cowl our excellent days:
These supply step-by-step touring plans for each theme parks at Common Orlando, prioritizing the most well-liked rides and skipping what isn’t price your time. These will provide help to do Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Journey, Superb Adventures of Spider-Man, Unbelievable Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Journey, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and different must-do rides.
If you happen to’d want to create your personal itineraries and need an outline and overview of each attraction at every of the parks, seek the advice of our Islands of Journey Experience Information and Common Studios Florida Experience Information. If you happen to’re a fan spinners, you may need to test these out, as we don’t waste your time with that nonsense within the itineraries.
When to Go to
If you happen to’re including on a Common Orlando go to to your Walt Disney World trip, the reply to that is simple…everytime you’re visiting Walt Disney World. Crowd patterns at Walt Disney World translate fairly equally to Common Orlando.
The explanations are two-fold: first, as a result of crowds are usually predicated upon faculty schedules, that are the identical for each; second, as a result of Walt Disney World is the ‘whale’ within the Orlando market, so crowds for all theme parks are dictated by when friends plan their Disney holidays.
In different phrases, you’ll be able to confer with our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars put up to find out when to go to, as that’s roughly relevant to Common Orlando as nicely.
There are just some exceptions to this, they usually’re largely predicated upon particular occasions which can be distinctive to every of the parks. For instance, Walt Disney World sees its crowds spike attributable to runDisney occasions, when its lodges are internet hosting conventions or youth sporting occasions, or throughout EPCOT festivals. In contrast, Common sees its personal spikes round Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights.
Typically, although, the large driver of attendance at each is faculty breaks. Specifically, these of Orange County and different counties all through Florida and the South. In fact, each are trip locations, so breaks for college districts within the Midwest and Northeast even have a big influence. The plain occasions like Spring Break, Easter, Summer time, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yr’s Eve are all busy.
Extra below the radar timeframes like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Mardi Gras, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and extra additionally see pronounced spikes in crowds. Once more, reference the aforementioned crowd calendars in case you’re trying to decide on the perfect occasions to go to Common Orlando.
As a result of a surge of locals on weekends, we strongly advocate avoiding Common Studios Florida, Islands of Journey and Epic Universe on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays via Thursdays are the perfect days to go to, with a lot decrease crowds then. Nevertheless, that goes out the window throughout vacation weeks or anytime faculty is out of session, when it’s disproportionately vacationers and each single day of the week is busy.
The one exception to that is if you wish to see or keep away from Halloween season at Common, specifically Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). This can be a onerous ticket occasion that has an enormous following amongst locals and followers of hang-out season, typically.
Throughout HHN, you step onto the set of a few of your favourite horror films, and strolling via these units as actors try and scare you. This occasion shouldn’t be for kids below the age of 13, and has completely nothing in frequent with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Get together at Walt Disney World. See our Information to Halloween Horror Nights for extra.
Apart from this, the one noteworthy occasions are Mardi Gras and Christmas.
Throughout Mardi Gras, friends can expertise a meals pageant with delicacies and leisure impressed by worldwide Carnaval celebrations. Meals cubicles serve up the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and different areas together with, in fact, New Orleans. Plus take pleasure in spectacular floats on show, road leisure, music, beads and extra all through Common Studios Florida.
Though HHN will get all the eye from the fan group, an equally widespread seasonal occasion is Christmas at Common Orlando. Throughout this, Grinchmas and Common’s Vacation Parade that includes Macy’s are the principle leisure attracts. There’s additionally the Christmas Tribute Retailer, which is basically a walk-through exhibit, plus Common Studios Florida’s iconic Christmas Tree.
Maybe the largest draw is Winter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which options distinctive decor and projections on Hogwarts Citadel. There are additionally decorations round each parks in Seuss Touchdown, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco.
How Many Days?
This one goes to differ broadly based mostly on a number of variables. The largest one is how receptive your get together is to the kind of points of interest which can be outstanding at Common Orlando Resort, specifically, curler coasters and screen-based simulators.
That’s reductionist, and there are various extra issues at Common than these kinds of rides, but when your get together is averse to both, doing greater than 2 days at Common goes to be powerful. If you happen to love coasters or have teenagers, you’ll be able to simply spend 3 days or extra at Common Orlando.
In our view, the common visitor will need at the very least 2 days at Common Orlando in 2025. One for Epic Universe, and one other 1-2 days for the opposite two parks. It’s potential to do Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida in the identical day, nevertheless it’s not potential to do Epic Universe and one other park in the identical day.
On the higher finish of the spectrum, theme park lovers may have the ability to spend 2 full days at Epic Universe and one other 2 days on the different parks. Epic Universe has an distinctive restaurant roster, and its curler coasters have lots of re-rideability, as do Harry Potter and the Battle on the Ministry, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
There’s additionally the query of whether or not you’re planning a Central Florida journey with a while at Common, or a trip to Common Orlando. If the previous, 2 days might be all you’ve–one for Epic Universe and one for the remaining. If the latter, you might do 5+ days, with 4 within the 3 theme parks, one other at Volcano Bay water park, and maybe a while at CityWalk.
Then, there’s additionally the query of how a lot “further” trip time you’ve. Assuming you’ve already allotted your time at Walt Disney World and are “different stuff” to spherical out your journey to Florida, I’d in all probability look to spending extra time at Common than different parks like SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. That’s private choice and all of those parks positively aren’t attempting to perform the identical factor, however I discover the Disney and Common parks to be in a unique league than the entire relaxation.
Common Orlando Park Tickets
If you happen to’re searching for a deal on park tickets, Get Away At present will prevent essentially the most cash on Common Orlando tickets. That is very true in case you’re doing an extended journey, as Get Away At present has a ‘Purchase 2 days, get 3 days free’ particular. With increasingly to do at Common Orlando, spending a number of days within the parks is very beneficial–particularly in case you’re staying in a close-by lodge and need to do some partial days (additionally beneficial).
I’m a fan of the Park-to-Park tickets in case you can swing spending further. It is because Common did one thing actually ingenious when it constructed Diagon Alley, and that was connecting the 2 Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter by way of the Hogwarts Categorical.
You may solely journey this practice from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley (or vice-a-versa) in case you have the Park-to-Park ticket. I’m no Harry Potter fan, however the expertise of coming into a practice station in London, strolling via a wall, after which taking a practice to Hogsmeade is fairly superior.
If you happen to’re going for simply someday and don’t need the park-to-park tickets, the easiest way to economize on Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida tickets is just going to be shopping for tickets on-line on Common Orlando’s web site. The Common tickets bought on-line may be printed at dwelling and used on the turnstiles–which means no ready in line to buy tickets or alternate vouchers.
It’s additionally price noting that Epic Universe actually complicates ticketing for the rest of 2025. Fortunately, it’ll be a standard a part of Common Orlando ticketing in 2026.
Categorical Go
Categorical Go is Common Orlando’s model of Lightning Lanes (a strategy to skip the strains) and is accessible as a ticket add-on or with choose lodge stays. You should purchase two sorts of Categorical Go, common or limitless. Virtually the entire hottest points of interest in every park supply Categorical Go.
The common model permits you to skip the road as soon as per eligible attraction in both park, and prices $90 to $350 per individual relying on the date. Common Categorical Limitless gives line-skipping privileges, because the identify suggests, a vast variety of occasions per attraction, and prices between $100 and $380 per individual. Even at its costliest, Lightning Lane Multi-Go at Walt Disney World prices below $40 per individual. So, what’s the distinction? Properly, quite a bit.
In contrast to Lightning Lanes, there isn’t any tech part to Categorical Go. Whereas it’s considerably costlier, it’s additionally frictionless. You merely go as much as the attraction and use your Categorical Go entitlement. There’s nothing to order or problem with in an app. Categorical Go entails zero display time and complications–however you’ll pay much more for it!
Whether or not Categorical Go is definitely worth the cash largely relies upon upon what day of the week and season you’re visiting, and the way you worth your time versus your cash. Personally, we’d not pay for Categorical Go most days. Nevertheless, we additionally keep away from weekends and holidays, arrive for park opening, and make the most of an environment friendly park itinerary.
If you happen to really need Categorical Go, staying at an on-site lodge that provides Categorical Go along with your keep is completely the best way to go. Limitless Categorical Go is accessible on the Common Premier class resorts–which means Royal Pacific, Exhausting Rock Lodge, and Portofino Bay–that are Common’s costliest lodges. Actually, that is the one manner we’ve ever “purchased” Categorical Go–we couldn’t justify the associated fee some other manner.
All three of those lodges are good, on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, and customarily price much less. They’re nonetheless expensive, however they’re cheaper than Disney’s higher-end lodges, and completely definitely worth the cash–particularly if you would like the Limitless Categorical Go perk or a great location inside strolling or boat distance of Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. If you happen to’d be staying at a pleasant lodge anyway, this trio is positively worthy of your consideration.
If you happen to’re debating paying further for Epic Universe line-skipping, see Ought to You Purchase Categorical Go at Epic Universe?
Transportation
By far the commonest questions we get regarding Common Orlando Resort is: “what’s the easiest way to get from Walt Disney World Common.” The reply is that there are lots of choices, however by far the perfect is Uber. We lined this in depth in our Uber vs. Rental Vehicles at Walt Disney World article. Right here’s the pertinent portion of that put up:
Prior to now, the most suitable choice we’ve discovered for individuals who don’t have rental automobiles the period of their journeys is both renting a automobile on-site for the day, or taking a dear shuttle. Neither is cost-effective or all that interesting, particularly if you add on that parking price.
For many who aren’t renting a automobile at some point of their journey, Uber or Lyft are the unquestionable finest choices for getting from Walt Disney World to Common. The one-way price of an Uber or Lyft from Walt Disney World will differ relying upon your precise location, sometimes costing below $25 every manner and taking 20-25 minutes.
Eating
There are some good eating places in Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey, however as a complete, the culinary expertise shouldn’t be on par with Walt Disney World’s. The unquestionable highlights, in my thoughts, are the counter service eating places in Diagon Alley (Leaky Cauldron) and Hogsmeade (Three Broomsticks) and the desk service restaurant, Mythos, which is a superb worth.
Different in-park eating places at Common Orlando that we like embody the At present Present Cafe (for lighter choices) and Krusty Burger (for the precise reverse). Really, there’s one thing for everybody within the Springfield space, which has a wide range of eating choices drawn from The Simpsons.
On the snacking entrance, you’re clearly going to need to attempt Butterbeer–maybe all three varieties (frozen, sizzling, and common). Many of the different snacks we take pleasure in are additionally within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Honeydukes.
One other factor you may need to take into account is buying a refillable Coke Freestyle mug. I’ve accomplished this, however I can actually put down the Cokes to make it definitely worth the cash. I’m certain some day I can be toothless, however hopefully that’s at the very least 5 years away. These Coke Freestyle machines positioned all through the parks are additionally a handy strategy to get free water that’s chilly and tastes nice.
Epic Universe is a very completely different story, at the very least till the ‘new park scent’ wears off. Epic Universe has incredible meals that’s simply on par with Walt Disney World. Epic Universe may even be the perfect meals park in Orlando!
Different Issues to Do
Volcano Bay is Common Orlando’s water park. It’s themed to the South Seas and contains a large volcano (therefore the identify) within the center with water slides in it. For Walt Disney World followers, it’s a bit like Storm Lagoon water park blended with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Adventureland.
All of the rides at Volcano Bay function a Digital Line as a substitute of conventional standby queues. You faucet in along with your TapuTapu wearable (assume MagicBand) to seize a journey time. Then go float, swim, splash, eat, store or calm down round Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will let you know when it’s your time to journey.
You’ll both love or hate the digital queue system at Volcano Bay. That just about comes down as to if you beat the crowds or not. That may be completed by arriving and/or staying late, shopping for Categorical Go, or visiting throughout the low season. If you happen to don’t do any of these issues, you’ll possible assume the digital queue system sucks, and also you received’t accomplish a lot. It’s positively a system that creates winners and losers–they secret’s (clearly) to be within the former group and never the latter.
Along with the 2 theme parks and Volcano Bay water park, there’s CityWalk. That is Common Orlando’s purchasing, eating, and leisure complicated, which is quite a bit like Disney Springs. The large distinction is that you simply stroll via CityWalk to entry Common Studios Florida or Islands of Journey, and it’s extremely simple to exit the parks and eat lunch or dinner at CityWalk. No bus needed!
There’s additionally lots of comparatively new eating at CityWalk, equivalent to Pink Coconut Membership, Bigfire, Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and VIVO Italian Kitchen–amongst different issues. Toothsome is a fan-favorite for its excessive milkshakes and dessert concoctions (in addition to the enjoyable steampunk theme), and Voodoo Doughnut is a enjoyable spot. With that stated, we expect each are barely overrated.
For our cash, the sleeper hits of the listing are Bigfire and Cowfish, each of which provide nice meals at cheap (by theme park requirements) costs. We’d additionally give honorable mentions to Vivo and Antojitos Genuine Mexican Meals. Whereas the latter shouldn’t be our private favourite, it’s higher than the “blockbuster” touristy eating places like Exhausting Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Nothing towards any of these–however they’re primarily Applebee’s with extra wow-factor. Ok for predictably-prepared consolation meals, however completely nothing particular.
One closing notice on points of interest is that there are quite a few points of interest that don’t enable baggage, however present free lockers close by for storing backpacks, cameras, babies, and no matter different random junk you might need on you. These are fairly handy and there are bigger lockers you’ll be able to pay for on the entrance of the park, however the level right here is for these of you who’re used to bringing a small U-Haul price of stuff into the Walt Disney World parks: you’ll be able to’t do this at Common. Pack for the parks a bit lighter.
I believe that is in all probability a great place to begin in case you’re planning on visiting Common Orlando Resort as an add-on to your Walt Disney World trip. If you want to see a few of these matters lined in higher depth, please let me know within the feedback. We’re planning to sort out extra on eating, particular occasions, and Common Orlando information within the coming months, so keep tuned for extra of that!
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Ensure to learn our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for every little thing about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE e-mail e-newsletter!
Your Ideas
Are you visiting Common Orlando Resort in 2025? Excited for Epic Universe or different rumored additions within the subsequent few years? What about Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s, or the brand new rides which have lately opened? Have a favourite on-site lodge at Common? Do you like staying on-site at Common, or commuting from Walt Disney World? If you happen to’re a first-timer, is there anything you’d prefer to know? Likelihood is in case you have questions nonetheless, so does another person! Please share your ideas within the feedback
