The parksThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Wander Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, ride the headline attractions, and travel between them aboard the Hogwarts Express.
Orlando – Universal Studios, United States
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & Epic Universe · The Wizarding World of Harry Potter · Nonstop flights from Canada
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7-night stays at on-site Universal Orlando resorts with nonstop return flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Universal Orlando
The Universal Orlando Resort sits on the west side of Orlando, minutes off International Drive, and now spans three theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Epic Universe, which opened in 2025. Between them you'll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade linked by the Hogwarts Express — the Volcano Bay water park, and the free-to-enter CityWalk dining and entertainment district. Stay in one of the on-site resorts and you get Early Park Admission an hour before the gates open; the Premier hotels even bundle a free Universal Express Pass. Beyond the parks, Orlando is a natural base for the Kennedy Space Center, the Space Coast beaches, and a short hop to Walt Disney World.
Orlando, FloridaClimate
Climate
16–33°C · warm, humid subtropical
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Central Florida is subtropical — mild, dry winters and hot, humid summers with short afternoon downpours that pass quickly.
Currency
US Dollar
1 CAD ≈ 0.73 USD · cards accepted everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport; no visa or ESTA for Canadians by air
Top Experiences at Universal Orlando
The parks
New for 2025Epic Universe
Explore Universal's third Orlando park with immersive worlds spanning Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and the Wizarding World's Ministry of Magic.
After darkCityWalk dining & nightlife
The free-to-enter district between the parks packs restaurants, live music, a cinema, and bars — an easy walk or water-taxi ride from the on-site hotels.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport & entry: Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is used everywhere. Cards are widely accepted; keep small bills for tips, rideshares, and park gratuities.
Power & plugs: The US uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada, so your devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Orlando runs on Eastern Time (ET) — the same clock as Toronto and Montreal, with no adjustment needed.
Getting around: On-site resorts connect to the parks by walking path or water taxi; rideshare and rental cars make Kennedy Space Center, the beaches, and Disney easy day trips.
Best time to visit Universal Orlando
Feb – AprPeak season
Warm, dry days and comfortable park weather — the sweet spot, though spring break brings bigger crowds.
May – JunShoulder season
Rising heat and humidity but manageable crowds before the summer peak and the launch of new attractions.
Jul – AugHot & humid
Peak heat, high humidity, and daily afternoon thunderstorms — plan mid-day breaks and stay hydrated.
Oct – DecPeak season
Cooler, drier weather with Halloween Horror Nights and festive holiday events across the resort.
Where to stay
Universal Orlando neighbourhoods & districts
Where you base yourself shapes your trip — from the walk-to-the-gates on-site resorts to the value strip of International Drive and the new Epic Universe campus to the south. Here's how to choose.
Universal Orlando Resort (on-site)
Around the park gates
The cluster of resorts wrapped around the parks and CityWalk — reachable on foot or by water taxi, all with Early Park Admission and a Premier tier that bundles a free Express Pass.
Best for
- First-timers
- Park access
- Families
International Drive (I-Drive)
Just east of Universal
Orlando's tourist strip with the biggest range of hotels, ICON Park's observation wheel, outlet shopping, and mini-golf — a short rideshare from the Universal gates.
Best for
- Value
- Dining variety
- Nightlife
Epic Universe Campus
South of I-Drive
The resort's southern expansion around the 2025 Epic Universe park, anchored by fresh-build hotels including Terra Luna, Stella Nova, and the Helios Grand.
Best for
- New openings
- Epic Universe
- Modern rooms
Dr. Phillips / Restaurant Row
Sand Lake Road
A leafier neighbourhood just southwest with Sand Lake Road's celebrated Restaurant Row — quieter nights and standout dining a short drive from the parks.
Best for
- Food & drink
- Quiet stays
- Couples
Beyond the parks
Day trips & excursions from Orlando
Orlando is a great base for the Space Coast, the Gulf beaches, and the other resorts. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
IconicKennedy Space Center
Full day · 9 hrs~85 km east · 1 hr by coach
Stand beneath a Saturn V rocket, tour the launch complex, and meet a veteran astronaut at NASA's home on the Space Coast.
Insider tips
- Add the bus tour to reach the launch pads
- Check the launch schedule before you go
CoastCocoa Beach & the Space Coast
Full day · 8 hrs~95 km east · 1 hr 10 min by car
Trade the queues for the Atlantic with a beach day at Cocoa Beach and a stroll along its famous pier.
Insider tips
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- Mornings are calmest for swimming
Theme ParkWalt Disney World Parks
Full day · 10 hrs~30 km southwest · 30 min by car
Spend a day across the road at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney's Hollywood Studios for a different flavour of Orlando magic.
Insider tips
- Reserve park tickets and dates ahead
- Use the app to plan ride times
ScenicClearwater Beach & the Gulf Coast
Full day · 10 hrs~150 km west · 1 hr 45 min by coach
Cross the peninsula to Clearwater Beach's white sand and calm Gulf waters, with time for the pier and a sunset before the drive back.
Insider tips
- Pack a change of clothes for the drive home
- Sunset over the Gulf is the highlight
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Good to know
Universal Orlando travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Orlando?
No. Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
Which airport should I fly into for Universal Orlando?
Orlando International (MCO) is the main gateway, about 25 minutes east of the Universal Orlando Resort and served nonstop from most major Canadian cities.
How long is the flight from Canada to Orlando?
Plan on about 3 hours nonstop from Toronto or Montreal. Western gateways like Calgary and Vancouver run longer or connect through a US hub.
What are the benefits of staying at an on-site Universal hotel?
Every on-site resort includes Early Park Admission an hour before the parks open, plus easy walking paths and water taxis. The Premier hotels, such as Royal Pacific, also include a free Universal Express Pass to skip the regular lines.
How many parks are at Universal Orlando?
There are three theme parks — Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the new Epic Universe (opened 2025) — plus the Volcano Bay water park and the free CityWalk district.
When is the best time to visit Universal Orlando?
February to April and October to December bring the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot, humid, and busy with daily afternoon thunderstorms, so plan mid-day breaks.
What currency should I bring?
Orlando uses US Dollars (USD). Cards are accepted everywhere, but keep small bills for tips, rideshares, and park gratuities.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add day trips like the Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, and Walt Disney World to your booking at checkout.