With Universal UK not opening until 2031, many families are asking: should we visit Universal Orlando now, or wait for the UK park?
Having been to Orlando 20+ times over the past 24 years, here’s my honest comparison to help you decide.
REASONS TO VISIT ORLANDO FIRST:
1. It’s Open Now
Orlando has 4 parks operational today:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Islands of Adventure
- Volcano Bay (water park)
- Epic Universe just opened in 2025.
You don’t have to wait 5 years.
2. More Rides & Attractions
Orlando currently has 50+ attractions across multiple parks. Universal UK will likely open with 20-30 attractions initially.
If you want the full Universal experience, Orlando delivers more.
3. The Weather
Orlando: Sunshine 300+ days/year, warm year-round
Bedford: British weather (let’s be realistic!)
For families wanting guaranteed sunshine, Orlando wins.
4. The Full Florida Experience
It’s not just the parks - Orlando offers:
- Beautiful beaches (1 hour drive)
- Kennedy Space Centre
- Amazing shopping
- Year-round outdoor activities
- That “American openness” feeling
I’ve taken my family there repeatedly because the whole experience is magical.
5. Test Run for UK Park
Visiting Orlando prepares you for Universal UK. You’ll know:
- Which rides your kids can handle
- How to navigate a Universal park
- What to expect from queues, shows, dining
- Whether your family even enjoys this style of park
REASONS TO WAIT FOR UNIVERSAL UK:
1. Much Cheaper
Orlando Trip (Family of 4, 7 days):
- Flights: £2,400
- Hotel: £840
- Tickets: £1,200
- Food: £700
- Car hire: £200
Total: £5,340
Bedford Trip (Family of 4, 3 days):
- Flights: £0 (drive from most of UK)
- Hotel: £450
- Tickets: £960 (estimated)
- Food: £300
- Petrol: £80
Total: £1,790
You save £3,550!
2. No Jet Lag
9-hour flights with kids = exhausting
2-hour drive from Manchester = easy
3. Easier for Short Breaks
Orlando needs minimum 5-7 days to justify the cost/travel.
Bedford: Weekend trips viable. Pop down Friday, back Sunday.
4. UK-Specific Theming
Universal UK will likely have unique attractions designed for the European market. Potentially UK-focused Harry Potter areas (Diagon Alley, Ministry of Magic).
5. Support UK Tourism
Keep your holiday spend in the UK economy.
MY HONEST RECOMMENDATION:
If you can afford it: Do both!
Visit Orlando in the next 2-3 years to experience Universal at its peak. Then visit UK when it opens for comparison and convenience.
If budget is tight: Wait for UK
The cost difference is massive. UK will be excellent and far more accessible for regular visits.
If you’ve never been to a major theme park: Go to Orlando
Experience the full Universal magic now. It’s genuinely life-changing if you’ve never been.
If you’re Orlando veterans like me: Wait for UK
We’ve done Orlando many times. UK will offer something new closer to home.
THE ORLANDO EXPERIENCE:
I first went to Orlando at 17 and I’m now 41. It’s been our family’s go-to holiday destination. The parks, the weather, the beaches, the shopping, the nature parks - everything about it is special.
But it’s expensive and requires proper planning. UK will be different - more accessible, more frequent visits possible, less exhausting to get to.
Both have their place.
YOUR DECISION FACTORS:
Ask yourself:
- Budget: Can we afford £5,000+ for Orlando?
- Time: Can we spare 7+ days for Florida?
- Kids’ ages: Will they remember it? (Orlando is wasted on under-5s)
- Patience: Can we wait 5 years for UK?
What are you planning? Orlando first, UK only, or both? Let’s discuss!
- Chazz
P.S. - I’ll be visiting Orlando again in 2027. If Universal UK matches even 70% of Orlando’s quality, it’ll be incredible.