Touring Universal Orlando in Cold Weather

Baby, it’s cold outside, but still, go to the parks! Most rides will remain operational, crowds will be lower, and wait times shorter. Make sure your touring is successful with our tips and tricks for touring Universal Orlando in the cold weather.

Dress for Success

Temperatures in Orlando can swing from the 80s to the 30s during the winter. Watch the weather forecasts prior to your trip and plan for a full spectrum of weather. The key to success is to pack and dress in layers of clothing. For example, wearing a light jacket, sweatshirt, and t-shirt to the parks and removing the jacket and sweatshirt as the temperature gets warmer and the wind dies down. Roller coaster fans should pack masks to wear on the outdoor attractions to stay warm, too.

Lockers

All-day lockers are available at the front of each theme park (Blog: Universal Lockers). The largest lockers will fit a few light jackets for storage while the smallest will only hold small bags and medium-sized purses. These lockers are accessible for all-day use unlike one-time-use lockers located at select attractions.

Places to Warm Up

Cold is cold, even for Florida. These locations offer places to warm up around the parks and CityWalk.

Warm beverages such as coffee and tea are available at all quick-service and full-service locations, but these are our favorites:

• Starbucks (resorts, parks, and CityWalk)
• Today Cafe (USF)
• Leaky Cauldron (USF)
• The Hopping Pot (USF)
• Fountain of Fair Fortune (USF)
• Hogshead Pub (IOA)
• Three Broomsticks (IOA)

Indoor Shows:

• The Bourne Stuntacular (USF)
• Horror Make-Up Show (USF)
• Poseidon’s Fury (IOA)

Indoor Attractions (majority of queue wait and the ride is indoors):

• Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon (USF)
• Revenge of the Mummy (USF)
• Transformers: The Ride (USF)
• Fast & Furious: Supercharged (USF)
• Hogwarts Express (USF)
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (USF)
• Men in Black: Alien Attack (USF)
• E.T. Adventure (USF)
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (IOA)
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong (IOA)
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (IOA)
• The Cat in the Hat (IOA)

Indoor Diversions and Large Shops:

• Universal Studios Store (USF, CityWalk)
• The Tribute Store (USF)
• Revenge of the Mummy exit shop & arcade
• Knockturn Alley
• Men in Black: Alien Attack exit shop & arcade
• Island of Adventure Trading Company (IOA)
• Jurassic Park Discovery Center (IOA)
• Kingpin’s Arcade (IOA)

Ride Closures and Delays

Many outdoor attractions cannot operate in colder conditions. Water rides close when temperatures plunge below 50° F  but many other types of rides cannot run in the cold. Outdoor roller coasters have a minimum operating temperature in the 40s or 50s. For example, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will not open with temperatures below 60° F.

Here is a list of attractions that can have delayed openings or closures due to cold temperatures:

Universal Studios Florida

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Islands of Adventure

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Popeye Bilge-Rat Barges
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure

Volcano Bay will completely close or have delayed openings due to weather. Watch Universal’s website or social media leading up to your trip for closure announcements and confirm park hours 24 hours before your visit.°

Touring Tips

If cold weather is in the forecast then focus on Universal Studios Florida. The park has more indoor attractions, fewer attractions that close due to cold weather, and you spend more time inside than at Islands of Adventure. Dress in layers and store away coats and jackets when it becomes warmer. Warm up in indoor theater shows and attractions. And experience outdoor attractions in the afternoon once the weather warms up.