Our Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey planning information presents park & experience technique. It options suggestions & tips that can assist you get monetary savings & time, keep away from crowds, and have the most effective trip or side-visit from Walt Disney World as attainable. (Up to date January 1, 2025.)
Should you’re planning a 2025 trip to Common Orlando, the most important factor to know is that Epic Universe opens on Might 22, 2025. That is the third theme park, and is a blockbuster growth containing revolutionary sights and main lands based mostly on Harry Potter, Nintendo, Common Monsters, How you can Practice Your Dragon, and extra. Epic Universe appears each bit the game-changer that Common is promising, that includes lands on par with Disney’s finest. We can not wait.
We plan on spending vital time at Epic Universe throughout its Annual Passholder previews, and now have reservations booked for opening day at Helios Grand Resort. A part of that is for private enjoyment. The opposite half is to deliver complete planning assets to this web site, as we totally anticipate most vacationers to separate time between Disney and Common going ahead. In reality, that’s what we’re recommending.
Common Orlando has already introduced that Epic Universe may have delicate openings, doubtless within the type of paid previews, for choose audiences previous to its grand opening on Might 22, 2025. We’re anticipating this to start between late March and mid-April, and begin with worker previews, adopted by Annual Passholders and Florida residents. It’s attainable that Common will increase that to on-site resort friends or most of the people sooner or later, doubtless solely a pair weeks earlier than the park formally opens.
Regardless, while you’re visiting Common Orlando in 2025 actually impacts how you intend. Should you’re going earlier than mid-Might 2025, this information has you lined. Should you’re visiting after, it doesn’t. At the very least, not utterly. Methods and recommendation for the present parks gained’t change, nor will lodge evaluations or different content material lined right here. However Epic Universe is the overriding consideration if you happen to’re visiting beginning in mid-Might 2025, and nobody can provide you complete recommendation a couple of theme park they’ve but to expertise.
What we are able to say at this level is that, if funds permits, we’d advocate staying at Helios Grand Resort if Epic Universe is a precedence. Its location and ease of entry ought to give friends of that lodge a strategic benefit, and that is likely to be very mandatory given the lengthy strains we’re anticipating at Epic Universe. Helios Grand Resort doesn’t provide limitless Categorical Cross, which is undoubtedly a downside, however its benefit at Epic Universe (and aggressive value) greater than makes up for that.
We hope to have many extra updates about Epic Universe as soon as previews begin and we have now possibilities to expertise the whole lot and begin concocting technique, writing evaluations, and so on. Signal as much as obtain our FREE Walt Disney World Electronic mail E-newsletter if you happen to’d wish to obtain updates about Epic Universe (and clearly, Disney as nicely).
We’re Common Orlando Annual Passholders and big 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, which have been additional enhanced by Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Journey.
That has been taken to the subsequent stage with the debut of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and to a lesser extent, with the brand new Minions mini-land and DreamWorks Animation land at Common Studios Florida within the final couple of years. (Personally, I believe the DreamWorks and Minions areas are huge misses, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good to see extra all ages enchantment–and each are upgrades over what they changed.) These latest additions, to not point out the all-new Epic Universe theme park in 2025, are among the many the explanation why some Walt Disney World followers are brazenly asking: Is Common Beating Disney?
Suffice to say, we extremely advocate spending a few days at Common when vacationing at Walt Disney World. That can virtually definitely enhance as soon as Epic Universe opens. So the query turns into, do you reallocate time from Common’s present 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 the whole lot you’ll must find out 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 at Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey, we have now you lined with information and recommendation about sights, eating, resorts, technique, crowds, and extra.
On this information, we’ll cowl the best way to profit from a go to to Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey. 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 relatively than through the planning phases of a visit. Accordingly, we’re going to entrance load with information you want to know if you happen to’ve already touched down in Central Florida.
Should you’re a Disney fan merely making an attempt 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 publish, which covers a few of the professionals and cons of every, plus the variations between the 2 trip locations. Though they’re all theme parks situated in Central Florida, every have strengths and weaknesses that may make them higher or worse for sure kinds of households–ages, demographics, and so on.
Equally, if you happen to’re debating between resorts on the two fundamental theme park complexes, see our complete breakdown: Common Orlando vs. Walt Disney World Motels. That ought to make it easier to decide which is the higher choice to your trip–or if a break up keep is likely to be finest!
For what it’s value, 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 professionals and cons, whereas the “beating” one is an editorial (not helpful for planning, however probably fascinating).
One commonality between the 2 is that each Walt Disney World and Common Orlando have gotten extra aggressive with reductions in an try to entice extra folks to go to their parks and keep in on-site accommodations. 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 virtually solely at Annual Passholders and Florida residents to normal public presents. There are at present ticket offers, resort reductions providing 20-35% off, and package deal offers providing “Free” Eating (sound acquainted?).
These are value 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 provided–to extend go to durations). In any case, we advocate utilizing a journey agent–akin to Be Our Visitor Holidays–to cost out completely different packages and offers, and assist you determine one of the simplest ways to avoid wasting, plan your journey, and so on.
Now let’s flip to Common Orlando’s superior planning subjects…
The place to Keep
There are a selection of questions you need to ask your self when planning a visit, and lots of of them will dictate the place you keep. Would you like Limitless Categorical Cross by staying at an eligible Common Orlando lodge? Do you wish to keep at a Walt Disney World lodge at some stage in your journey, or change accommodations? Do you wish to keep an an off-site lodge within the normal neighborhood of each Common and Disney to save cash?
We’ve just lately stayed at each single on-site lodge at Common Orlando Resort–listed below are our evaluations:
For perception into all of those accommodations, their professionals & cons, and the way they evaluate and distinction with each other, see our Common Orlando Resort Rankings & Evaluations.
We’re large followers of Common’s accommodations, and are significantly keen on the 2 “bay” resorts: Loews Portofino Bay Resort and Cabana Bay Seashore Resort. Each of these are in our high 10 accommodations in Orlando, rivaling a few of our favourite resorts at Walt Disney World.
Common’s accommodations present nice bang for buck, and even those who don’t embrace free Categorical Cross do provide Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Common’s Volcano Bay one hour earlier than these parks open. That may be completely big!
As for staying off-site, you usually will get probably the most bang to your buck when staying in an off-site lodge, as there are a variety of non-Disney and non-Common accommodations competing with each other. We have now an Off-Website vs. On-Website Walt Disney World Motels article that goes into larger depth in regards to the professionals 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 stage in your journey no matter the place you go, we have now written complete evaluations with our opinions and photographs of the rooms. Try our Walt Disney World Resort Evaluations web page, for hyperlinks to every of those evaluations.
Experience Technique for Common Orlando
Subsequent, what to know whilst you’re at Common Orlando. For starters, we strongly advocate that you just don’t “wing it” to your each day itinerary because of the aforementioned crowd points. You don’t must plan each motion in order that there’s no spontaneity in your journey, simply be sure to have not less than a unfastened plan of what you’re going to do.
We have now the next plans for every park that cowl our excellent days:
These provide step-by-step touring plans for each theme parks at Common Orlando, prioritizing the preferred rides and skipping what isn’t value your time. These will make it easier 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.
Should you’d favor to create your personal itineraries and wish an outline and assessment of each attraction at every of the parks, seek the advice of our Islands of Journey Experience Information and Common Studios Florida Experience Information. Should you’re a fan spinners, you may wish to examine these out, as we don’t waste your time with that nonsense within the itineraries.
When to Go to
Should you’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 college 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 possibly can confer with our 2025 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars publish 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 are distinctive to every of the parks. For instance, Walt Disney World sees its crowds spike resulting from runDisney occasions, when its accommodations are internet hosting conventions or youth sporting occasions, or throughout EPCOT festivals. Against this, Common sees its personal spikes round Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and early December when it performs host to the Pop Warner youth soccer occasion.
Generally, although, the large driver of attendance at each is college breaks. Specifically, these of Orange County and different counties all through Florida and the South. In fact, each are trip locations, so breaks for varsity districts within the Midwest and Northeast even have a major influence. The plain occasions like Spring Break, Easter, Summer season, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New 12 months’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 if you happen to’re trying to decide on the most effective occasions to go to Common Orlando.
Resulting from a surge of locals on weekends, we strongly advocate avoiding Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays by way of Thursdays are the most effective days to go to, with a lot decrease crowds then. Nonetheless, that goes out the window throughout vacation weeks or anytime college 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). It is a exhausting ticket occasion that has an enormous following amongst locals and followers of hang-out season, generally.
Throughout HHN, you step onto the set of a few of your favourite horror motion pictures, and strolling by way of these units as actors try to scare you. This occasion is just not 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. See our Information to Mardi Gras: Worldwide Flavors of Carnaval at Common Studios Florida. At this enjoyable occasion, 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, after all, New Orleans. Plus get pleasure from 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 neighborhood, an equally standard seasonal occasion is Christmas at Common Orlando. Throughout this, Grinchmas and Common’s Vacation Parade that includes Macy’s are the primary leisure attracts. There’s additionally the Christmas Tribute Retailer, which is actually a walk-through exhibit, plus Common Studios Florida’s iconic Christmas Tree.
Maybe the most important draw is Winter in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which options distinctive decor and projections on Hogwarts Fortress. 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 most important one is how receptive your get together is to the kind of sights which are distinguished at Common Orlando Resort, specifically, curler coasters and screen-based simulators. That’s reductionist, and there are numerous 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.
Should you love coasters or have teenagers, you possibly can simply spend 3 days or extra at Common Orlando. Heck, I’m not big on curler coasters or simulators, and I can simply do 2 days (and even 3) at Common. Likewise, if you happen to love Harry Potter, a number of days at Common will likely be simple. The 2 Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter alone can fill a superb chunk of the day. I imply, Diagon Alley has a fire-breathing dragon…not liking dragons is distinctly unpatriotic.
Islands of Journey additionally has a Jurassic Park space, which is principally a tribute to our biggest nationwide treasure: dinosaurs. It’s not so good as a actual Jurassic Park (that may be just like the San Diego Zoo meets the Lincoln Memorial meets Tokyo DisneySea), nevertheless it’s an satisfying space to discover. In different phrases, there’s a lot to do if you happen to’re an “ambiance individual” on the Common parks.
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 most likely 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 making an attempt to perform the identical factor, however I discover the Disney and Common parks to be in a special league than the entire relaxation.
Common Orlando Park Tickets
Should you’re on the lookout for a deal on park tickets, Get Away As we speak will prevent probably the most cash on Common Orlando tickets. That is very true if you happen to’re doing an extended journey, as Get Away As we speak 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 extremely beneficial–particularly if you happen to’re staying in a close-by lodge and wish to do some partial days (additionally beneficial).
I’m a fan of the Park-to-Park tickets if you happen to 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 through the Hogwarts Categorical.
You may solely experience 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 by way of a wall, after which taking a practice to Hogsmeade is fairly superior.
Should you’re going for simply at some point and don’t need the park-to-park tickets, one of the simplest ways to save cash 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 will be printed at dwelling and used on the turnstiles–which means no ready in line to buy tickets or trade vouchers.
Categorical Cross
Categorical Cross is Common Orlando’s model of Lightning Lanes (a method to skip the strains) and is accessible as a ticket add-on or with choose lodge stays. You should buy two types of Categorical Cross, common or limitless. Virtually the entire hottest sights in every park provide Categorical Cross.
The common model means that you can 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 presents line-skipping privileges, because the title suggests, a limiteless variety of occasions per attraction, and prices between $100 and $380 per individual. Even at its most costly, Lightning Lane Multi-Cross at Walt Disney World prices below $40 per individual. So, what’s the distinction? Nicely, loads.
Not like Lightning Lanes, there isn’t a tech part to Categorical Cross. Whereas it’s considerably costlier, it’s additionally frictionless. You merely go as much as the attraction and use your Categorical Cross entitlement. There’s nothing to order or trouble with in an app. Categorical Cross includes zero display screen time and complications–however you’ll pay much more for it!
Whether or not Categorical Cross is well 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 Cross most days. Nonetheless, we additionally keep away from weekends and holidays, arrive for park opening, and make the most of an environment friendly park itinerary.
Should you actually need Categorical Cross, staying at an on-site lodge that gives Categorical Cross along with your keep is totally the way in which to go. Limitless Categorical Cross is accessible on the Common Premier class resorts–which means Royal Pacific, Arduous Rock Resort, and Portofino Bay–that are Common’s most costly accommodations. Truthfully, that is the one method we’ve ever “purchased” Categorical Cross–we couldn’t justify the associated fee another method.
All three of those accommodations are good, on par with Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, and usually price much less. They’re nonetheless expensive, however they’re cheaper than Disney’s higher-end accommodations, and completely well worth the cash–particularly if you’d like the Limitless Categorical Cross perk or a superb location inside strolling or boat distance of Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Should you’d be staying at a pleasant lodge anyway, this trio is positively worthy of your consideration.
If you wish to be taught extra about this line-skipping choice and the way it compares to Walt Disney World’s counterpart, see our information: Common’s Categorical Cross vs. Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World.
Transportation
By far the most typical questions we get regarding Common Orlando Resort is: “what’s one of the simplest ways to get from Walt Disney World Common.” The reply is that there are a variety of choices, however by far the most effective 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 publish:
Previously, 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 while you add on that parking charge.
For individuals who aren’t renting a automobile at some stage in 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 actual location, sometimes costing below $25 every method and taking 20-25 minutes.
Eating
There are some good eating places in Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey, however as a complete, I don’t assume the culinary expertise is 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 good worth.
Different in-park eating places at Common Orlando that we like embrace the As we speak 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 quite a lot of eating choices drawn from The Simpsons.
On the snacking entrance, you’re clearly going to wish to attempt Butterbeer–maybe all three varieties (frozen, sizzling, and common). A lot of the different snacks we get pleasure from are additionally within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Honeydukes.
One other factor you may wish to think about is buying a refillable Coke Freestyle mug. I’ve executed this, however I can actually put down the Cokes to make it well worth the cash. I’m positive some day I will likely be toothless, however hopefully that’s not less than 5 years away. These Coke Freestyle machines situated all through the parks are additionally a handy method to get free water that’s chilly and tastes nice.
Different Issues to Do
Volcano Bay is Common Orlando’s water park. It’s themed to the South Seas and includes a big volcano (therefore the title) within the center with water slides in it. For Walt Disney World followers, it’s a bit like Hurricane 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 experience time. Then go float, swim, splash, eat, store or chill out round Volcano Bay. Your TapuTapu will let you know when it’s your time to experience.
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 achieved by arriving and/or staying late, shopping for Categorical Cross, or visiting through the low season. Should you don’t do any of these issues, you’ll doubtless assume the digital queue system sucks, and also you gained’t accomplish a lot. It’s positively a system that creates winners and losers–they key’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 procuring, eating, and leisure complicated, which is loads like Disney Springs. The massive distinction is that you just stroll by way of 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 mandatory!
There’s additionally a variety of comparatively new eating at CityWalk, akin to Crimson 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 predict each are barely overrated.
For our cash, the sleeper hits of the listing are Bigfire and Cowfish, each of which supply nice meals at affordable (by theme park requirements) costs. We’d additionally give honorable mentions to Vivo and Antojitos Genuine Mexican Meals. Whereas the latter is just not our private favourite, it’s higher than the “blockbuster” touristy eating places like Arduous Rock Cafe, Margaritaville, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Nothing in opposition to any of these–however they’re primarily Applebee’s with extra wow-factor. Ok for predictably-prepared consolation meals, however completely nothing particular.
One remaining observe on sights is that there are quite a few sights that don’t enable baggage, however present free lockers close by for storing backpacks, cameras, young children, and no matter different random junk you may need on you. These are fairly handy and there are bigger lockers you possibly can 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 value of stuff into the Walt Disney World parks: you possibly can’t try this at Common. Pack for the parks a bit of lighter.
I believe that is most likely a superb start line if you happen to’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 subjects lined in larger 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? Make certain to learn our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for the whole lot about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and far more, join our FREE electronic mail publication!
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 just lately opened? Have a favourite on-site lodge at Common? Do you favor staying on-site at Common, or commuting from Walt Disney World? Should you’re a first-timer, is there anything you’d wish to know? Likelihood is in case you have questions nonetheless, so does another person! Please share your ideas within the feedback
