Let’s be honest, there’s no bad time to go to Universal Orlando Resort. From its New Orleans-style Mardi Gras in the spring and Halloween Horror Nights in the fall, to shaking hands with the mean green one (the Grinch) during the holidays, the parks and resorts at Universal Orlando really know how to throw an all-year party that keeps guests coming back for more.
But if you’re planning your 2026 vacation and can only visit the ever-expanding theme park resort once in the calendar year, you’re going to want to keep reading. I’m sharing the best times to visit Universal Orlando in 2026 based on crowds, celebrations, and deals that can save you money on your next vacation. So, wands at the ready, get ready to train a dragon, and never go alone, because Universal Orlando is going to be the spot to be in 2026.
When is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in 2026 based on crowds?
While there’s really no “slow season” at the Orlando theme parks anymore, there are some stretches of time where crowds are lower, making it easier to navigate from ride to ride. If you’re looking for lower crowds, consider booking your trip to Universal Orlando earlier in the year. Think dates between New Year’s and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, in January, and the dates between Presidents’ Day and the beginning of March, when spring break starts.
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If you want to take a trip later in the year, the best time to visit Universal Orlando in the fall is on weekdays from September to early December, though make a point to avoid Thanksgiving.
When is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in 2026 for in-park celebrations?
Universal Orlando has some of the best in-park celebrations for major holidays. There are three major ones that you may want to plan your vacations around: Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and Christmas.
Universal Mardi Gras
Universal Mardi Gras will take place from February 7 through April 4, 2026, at Universal Studios Florida. The in-park celebration is part of your ticket. During Mardi Gras, you can dine on international cuisine from pop-up kitchens around the park and enjoy a festive Mardi Gras parade (and even have the chance to ride on one of the floats to throw beads). Throughout the season, concerts take place at the park. In 2025, performers included Joe Jonas, T-Pain, All Time Low, TLC, and more. The 2026 concert lineup has not been announced as of publication.
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Halloween Horror Nights
As the days get shorter and the fog rolls in, Halloween Horror Nights takes over the streets of Universal Studios Florida. This annual event is one of the biggest Halloween theme park activations in the country. Halloween Horror Nights typically begins at the end of August and runs through the end of October or the very first part of November. Each year, the houses, scare zones, and entertainment offerings change, so you never know what’s going to be around every corner. Even better, the spooky fun spills out into Universal CityWalk and at some of the on-site hotels, so you can get your fill of scares throughout your trip, even if you’re not going into the park every night.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
If you love everything bright, cheery, and festive, then the Holidays at Universal is a great time to visit Universal Orlando in 2026. The annual event takes place from late November through early January, though exact dates for 2026 have not been announced yet. Most of the activities and holiday fun are included with your park ticket, including seeing The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, meeting The Grinch at Suess Landing, and taking in the beauty of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s with larger-than-life balloons and characters.
When is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in 2026 to get the best deals?
There are good deals to be found most times of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. The best place to start looking at deals is tickets. Universal employs a ticket model where days that are projected to be busier are more expensive. If your travel dates are flexible, book your vacation on days when tickets are less expensive.
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Tickets for Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure start at $139, while the newest Universal theme park, Epic Universe, starts at $159 for adults. If you plan to visit all three theme parks, consider a three-day ticket that allows you to explore each of the parks, with one dedicated day at each, which starts at $136 for adults.
When looking at hotels, check out the special offers tab on Universal Orlando’s website. This is where you’ll find deals for Florida residents, vacation package details, and more.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Universal Orlando in 2026
Should I avoid three-day weekends?
If at all possible, yes. Three-day weekends are typically very busy at all the Orlando theme parks since kids are out of school and some adults get the holidays off from work. If you can only travel over three-day weekends, consider making a plan of must-do attractions, shows, and dining experiences before heading to Orlando to ensure you get those things done at the parks first. Then anything extra your family gets to do is a fun bonus.
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What if I can only visit when it’s supposed to be busy?
Anytime at a theme park is better than a boring day at home, school, or work. It’s okay if you can only visit when it’s supposed to be busy. What will help make the day a little easier is arriving at the park early so you can make the most of the slower morning periods. Additionally, you may want to consider booking a Universal Orlando Resort hotel that offers included Express Passes (Universal’s skip-the-line service), which can significantly reduce wait times for popular attractions.
Can weather impact crowds?
The weather can have a huge impact on crowds. During Orlando’s rainy season in the summer and early fall, thunderstorms and sometimes all-day showers can deter people from staying in the park. While outdoor rides will close if there’s lightning in the area, all of the indoor attractions, shows, and dining will remain open. When it does rain at Universal Orlando Resort, I love to hop in line at The Mummy or Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure, or one of the two indoor shows (The Untrainable Dragon and Le Cirque Arcanus) at Epic Universe.
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The heat can also play a big factor in how enjoyable a theme park day is. From the end of May through the beginning of October, Orlando is very hot, with the warmest months being July, August, and September. If you plan on traveling during these times, consider going to the parks in the morning and evening, then back to the hotel for a nap or pool time in the afternoon. Also, be sure to bring plenty of ways to stay cool, including handheld fans and cooling towels, and drink a lot of water.
How many days should I spend at Universal Orlando in 2026?
If you really want to see everything at Universal Orlando Resort in 2026, four days is the right amount of time. This gives you one day at each of the theme parks, plus an extra day for hanging out at the hotel, enjoying Volcano Bay (Universal Orlando’s water park), or hitting up your favorite theme park again.
