Ultimate 2024 guide to Universal Orlando for toddlers & babies

In this guide, I’ll share how to do Universal Orlando Resort with a Baby + Toddler.

Before having Carson, I frequented Universal Studios Orlando 3 times a month solo without batting an eye. Since having Carson and now Cameron, I’ve become much more aware of what the park offers for little ones, & how to have a great time.

While Universal isn’t as baby and child friendly as Disney, it still makes for a magical trip if you know what to do in advanced.

Helpful tips for traveling to Universal Orlando with toddlers & babies:

Keep an Open Mind

Doing theme parks with a baby will definitely change your overall experience. You're going to move a little slower than normal.  Certain rides, shows, and experiences will take a little more planning to get done, but I think in the end it makes the trip more special.

You'll find yourself doing new things you may not have thought of doing before. You'll notice things new details you always blew right past by.  Most importantly, you'll be creating priceless memories with your family.

Your duel Diaper + Theme park bag is going to be your best friend!

Invest in a durable, high quality bag with lots of organization and storage compartments. My favorite brand is Jujube and I love their BRB & Zealous bags the most

Take Advantage of Universal Orlando’s Child Swap

There are few rides for toddlers under 36 inches, However, for most attractions, you can use Universal Orlando’s Child Swap.

This allows one person to enter the line to ride, while you wait  in a designated with your little. The child swap rooms have A.C,  seating, some also include a changing table and TV.

Once your party has ridden, you’re able to ‘swap’. You’ll go straight to the front of the line, without needing to wait.

Eating in the Parks

That routine you have at home will have to be a little more flexible when it comes to a baby’s meals in the theme parks.

Bring Your Own Food

Pack plenty of snacks, baby food, and water into the parks.

Mobile Order When You Can

You’ll save time by not having to wait in long food lines.

Keep Baby Cool

Beat the heat by choosing one of the many sit-down restaurants with A/C to cool off in. If you’re going the quick-service route outside, there are still plenty of shaded areas to sit.

Park the Stroller Outside

There are high chairs available at each restaurant. It’ll free up space in the event there’s a spill, someone bumps into the table, or baby has a meltdown, etc.

The Team Members are very accommodating. Don’t be afraid to ask for a spot you think would be ideal for your family.

Pro Tip: I recommend bringing a placemats you can stick onto the table. It makes for an easy clean up.

Utilize Universal Orlando’s Baby Care Centers

Universal Studios Orlando has baby centers located at the Health Services center at each park.

At Universal Studios, the baby care center is located near the lockers to the right of Lost and Found. There’s a small room, changing table,  private nursing room, bottle warmer, rocking chair and microwave.

At Island of Adventure, the family services center is located to the right of the entrance near the First Aid center. This room has a small kid sized table and chairs, private nursing areas, a microwave, sink, water dispenser (cold or hot) and a bottle warmer.

Both facilities are staffed by first aid employees.

Most Important Items to Bring

Swim Suit + Change of Clothes

As you walk around Universal, stop at the water play areas for kids. lots  These are  awesome for getting out energy and for HOT  days.

Sunscreen

Universal has very few shaded areas when walking through the park.

If older than 6 months — bring lots of sunscreen and light, cool clothing.

If baby is under 6 months— I’ve walked around with an umbrella with Cameron in the carrier to keep him cooler & shaded from the sun

Experiment at home with a baby hat/ sunglasses for additional sun protection.

Bring a Stroller & Or Baby Carrier

Yes— you can rent a stroller, but who wants to pay on top of your park ticket. Baby wearing will save your life! Especially on crowded days. Park the stroller in the park parking, and keep it moving.

Stroller cover

Florida has frequent showers. always bring a plastic stroller rain cover to keep everything dry.

Can you bring a wagon into Universal Studios?

I’ve personally seen several Keenz Wagons while visiting the parks, however, any pull behind wagons are prohibited.

Meeting Characters at Universal Orlando

There’s lots of opportunities to meet characters at Universal Orlando. You’ll need to double the Official Universal Orlando App for character meeting times and locations.

Universal Studios Florida Kid-Friendly Character List:

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Minions 
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Rides Exit inside gift shop
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Gru, Margo, Edith. Agnes and Vector
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Knight Bus Conductor

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London Waterfront Area 
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Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatro

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 Outside of TRANSFORMERS ride
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SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Squidward

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 inside SpongeBob StorePants
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Shaggy, Scooby-Doo, and the Gang

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Near Bourne Stuntacular entrance.
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Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey 
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Dreamworks
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Hello Kitty

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 Hollywood Blvd. near Hello Kitty Store
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Kid-Friendly Island of Adventures Character List:

Hogwarts Express Conductor

In front of the Train after entering  Hogsmeade

Tri Wizard + Frog Choir Performers

Tri Wizard stage near Hogwarts, Hogsmeade

Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue

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Marvel Super Hero Island
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 Raptor + Baby Raptor

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Jurassic Park Raptor Encounter
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Might be too scary for littles
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Po from Kung Fu Panda 
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Puss in Boots 
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Popeye and Olive 
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The Grinch, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Sam I Am, and The Lorax

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 Suess Landing
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Play Areas Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has multiple play areas in each park designed for little ones. Water options as well.

Universal Studios Florida

DreamWorks Land

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Shrek splash pad area
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Kungfu Panda

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Water playground + splash pad area
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There is a small, dry play area, so a change of clothes or bathing suit its a good idea.

Universal Islands of Adventure

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Dr Suess’ If I Ran a Zoo
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Discovery Dino Center

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Indoors + A.C
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Great spot for rain days
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Camp Jurassic play area 
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Rides at Universal Orlando for Toddlers

There are only a few rides that toddlers can go on sadly. 36 inches is really the sweet spot for children being able to do more rides at Universal.

Hogwarts Express

No height requirement. Remember you’ll need a par-to-park pass to ride this, as it takes you between both parks.

Suess Landing

 One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and  Caro-Suess-el, allow toddlers who can walk on their own to ride with an adult.

Toddlers can ride Storm Force Acceleration

TrollsCoaster 48″ (Universal Studios)

Skull Island: Reign of Kong 36″ (Island of Adventures)

Pteranodon Flyers 36″ (Island of Adventures)

Flight of the Hippogriff 36″ (Island of Adventures)

Cat in the Hat 36″ (Island of Adventures)

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! 36″ (Island of Adventures)

E.T. Adventure and Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl

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34″  height requirement
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Baby Wear

Make sure you test out your carrier prior to walking a million miles with it on in the park!! It’s going to be HOT with a baby on you.

I made the mistake of being a heavy duty carrier my first trip with Carson & the entire time not only were we extra hot, but the whole time I worried if he was overheating.

You also want to make sure you’re confident putting it on/off, able to adjust correctly, baby feens comfortable in it, etc. Practice walking around the neighborhood prior to using a carrier in the park.

Must Have items to bring into the park:

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Stroller clip on Fan
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Extra outfit for blow outs
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Travel diaper changing pad
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Pacifier/bottle/toy travel wipes
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Baby safe hand/fave wipes
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Wet bags for blow outs/soiled onesie
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Lightweight Muslim for if caught in rain

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Travel toys you keep them entertained
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Umbrella
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Baby sunscreen/shades/hat
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Stroller rain cover if bringing a stroller

Make sure you have enough food, snacks, drinks & diapers/wipes for baby as these are not available for purchase in the park if you run out

Try to Keep Baby & Toddler on their nap and schedules

I think trying to keep baby/toddler on a schedule even while in the park is key to prevent meltdowns/fussiness.

I have alarms on my phone set so I don’t loose track of time while having a blast in the park. I set alarms on when to nurse & when to nap.

My favorite Wizarding World spots to nurse/nap so far have been:

-Knockturn Alley

-Benches at the stage in Diagon Alley

-Benches near bathroom in Diagon Alley

-Benches beside the Knight Bus

-Back of three broomsticks

-Front corner inside Leaky Cauldron

-Under owlpost at the benches

-On the Hogwarts express train

-Underpass near exit of Hagrid’s Ride

Prepare for bed/bath time prior to leaving the hotel each morning

I pull the hotel blinds, and I’ll go ahead a lay out all Cameron’s bedtime stuff on the bed / bath time stuff in bathroom so when we return to hotel, I can get him down for bed ASAP.

Expecting Theme Park Mom’s

If you can, take advantage of registering for baby travel items! it’ll it’ll save you so much headache researching and buying needed items after you deliver.

I ended up registering for a lot of my theme park baby travel items:

-Pocket Stroller

-Wet bags

-Ergo Carrier

-Stroller fan & rain cover

-Travel Diaper changing pad

-Travel milk storage cooler

-Baby Travel first aide kit

-Lightweight baby Muslim

Don’t Forget to Take Care of You

Be sure to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and take strategic breaks throughout the day to stay cool.

Is it Worth Taking Your Baby + Toddlers To Universal Orlando'?

Ultimately, yes I would say that Universal Orlando is good for toddlers! Although little ones cannot ride a lot, there’s play areas, characters, and  shows to keep them happy.

Child Swap is a game changers and is suck a great option for parents wanting to ride all of their favorite rides.

If you’re considering a trip to Universal Orlando with a baby, or young child, I would say DO IT.

Complete 2024 Guide to Universal Orlando for Toddlers and Babies