The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando in April 2024: What to Expect and How to Plan Your Trip!
Are you planning a trip to the Universal Orlando Resort in April 2024? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the parks during this exciting time. From special events and park hours to ride closures and tips for avoiding the crowds, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover all that Universal Orlando has to offer in April 2024!
Mardi Gras Celebration
First things first, let’s talk about one of the biggest events happening at Universal Orlando in April – Mardi Gras! If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in the first week of the month, you can still catch all the action of this spectacular celebration. From the colorful parade to delicious Cajun cuisine and the amazing tribute store, there’s something for everyone at Mardi Gras.
But here’s a money-saving tip – before Mardi Gras ends on April 7th, make sure to grab some food and beverage cards. These cards never expire and can be used at all three parks and CityWalk. So, if you have another trip planned for next year, stock up on these cards now and save yourself some cash on future visits.
Crowd Levels
April is a beautiful time to visit Universal Orlando, but it’s also still Spring Break season. This means that the parks will be busy during the first week of April. So, make sure to pack your patient pants! However, if you’re visiting after Spring Break ends, the crowds should be manageable. The weather is perfect, so expect many families and tourists flocking to the parks.
But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, try to avoid visiting on certain nights in April when Universal hosts Grad Bash – an event for graduating seniors from schools in the central Florida area. On April 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, and 26th, both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will close early at 6 p.m. But to make up for it, both parks will open an hour earlier, at 8 a.m. On these nights, we recommend making dinner reservations at one of the hotels or in CityWalk and turning in early to recuperate for the next day.
Park Hours and Early Park Admission
Park hours in April are pretty standard, with both parks opening at 9 a.m. and closing between 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., depending on the day of the week and crowd levels. However, if you’re planning to visit Volcano Bay – Universal’s exciting water park – make sure to take advantage of Early Park Admission (EPA), which starts at 8 a.m., except for on Grad Bash dates, when it begins at 7 a.m.
Ride Closures
Thankfully, there aren’t too many ride closures in April. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish in Seuss Landing will be closed starting from the 27th of April, so you can enjoy it for most of the month. And while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s castle light show doesn’t have a set closing date, it’s not currently running. But don’t worry; we expect it to return soon!
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Now that we’ve covered all the essential information for your Universal Orlando trip in April, here are a few tips to make your vacation even more magical:
- Book On-Site Hotels: If you can swing it, staying at one of Universal’s on-site hotels has many perks, including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the parks.
- Consider Express Passes: The parks can get busy, especially during Spring Break season. Consider purchasing Express Passes to skip the regular lines and make the most of your vacation.
- Try the Dining Plan: Universal offers a dining plan that can save you money if you’re planning to eat at the parks every day. You can even use it at CityWalk restaurants.
- Visit Volcano Bay: If the weather is warm, don’t miss out on a day at Volcano Bay. You can relax on the sandy beaches, ride thrilling water slides, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Read about our 10 Tips for the Ultimate Day at Volcano Bay.
- Avoid Peak Times: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, avoid visiting during peak times like weekends and holidays to have a more enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
In April, Universal Orlando is bursting with excitement and fun for all ages. From Mardi Gras celebrations to Grad Bash events, and everything in between, there’s something special about visiting the parks during this time. So, use this guide to plan your trip and make unforgettable memories at Universal Orlando in April 2024! See you there!
What tips do you have for avoiding crowds and making the most of your visit to Universal Orlando during the Spring Break season?
