Universal Orlando Resort Statistics: Key Facts and Figures

While Universal Orlando Resort is known for having some of the best rides and attractions in the business, few people realize there is much more to the resort than meets the eye. This page presents historical and current Universal Orlando Resort statistics, facts, and dates to help you better understand this fascinating tourist destination.

Overview of Universal Orlando Resort

• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Owner: NBCUniversal (Comcast)
• Parent: Universal Parks & Resorts
• Theme Parks: Universal Studios Florida; Islands of Adventure; Universal Epic Universe
• Water Park: Volcano Bay
• Entertainment Complex: Universal CityWalk
• On-Site Hotels: 11 (Value Inns & Suites, Prime Value Hotels, Signature Collection tiers)

Universal Orlando Resort is a premier theme park and resort in Orlando, Florida, owned and operated by Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of NBCUniversal/Comcast.

The resort features three theme parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe (opened May 22, 2025)—a water park, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk, a vibrant dining and entertainment complex. Each theme park hosts a distinct Wizarding World of Harry Potter area: Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida), Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure), and Ministry of Magic (Epic Universe).

Eleven on-site hotels across Value Inns & Suites, Prime Value Hotels, and Signature Collection tiers enhance the resort’s weeklong appeal.

The resort’s north campus (541 acres) includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk, while Epic Universe’s south campus adds 750 acres, totaling nearly 1,300 acres.

Historical Opening Dates for Universal Orlando Resort

• Founders: MCA Universal and The Rank Organisation (Joint Venture)
• Cost to Build Universal Studios Florida: An Estimated $630 Million
• Universal Studios Florida Opening Date: June 7th, 1990
• CityWalk Opening Date: February 4th, 1999
• Islands of Adventure Opening Date: May 28th, 1999
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Opening Date: September 1999
• Hard Rock Hotel Opening Date: January 19, 2001
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort Opening Date: June 1, 2002
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Opening Date: March 31, 2014
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Opening Date: June 18, 2010
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Opening Date: July 8, 2014
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Opening Date: July 7, 2016
• Volcano Bay Opening Date: May 25, 2017
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel Opening Date: August 16, 2018
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites Opening Date: June 27, 2019
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites Opening Date: December 15, 2020
• Universal Stella Nova Resort Opening Date: January 21, 2025
• Universal Terra Luna Resort Opening Date: February 25, 2025
• Universal Epic Universe & Universal Helios Grand Hotel Opening Date: May 22, 2025

Resort Evolution

Originally known as Universal Studios Florida, the resort opened on June 7th, 1990, as a 50/50 joint venture between MCA Universal and The Rank Organisation, costing an estimated $630 million. The opening positioned Universal Orlando as a direct competitor to Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios), just 13 miles away.

Construction of Islands of Adventure began in 1994, with the Islands of Adventure Preview Center replacing Screen Test Home Video Adventure in May 1997. The park opened on May 28, 1999, alongside CityWalk, a multipurpose entertainment complex, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (Signature Collection), the resort’s first hotel. Additional hotels followed, including Hard Rock Hotel (2001, Signature Collection), Loews Royal Pacific Resort (2002, Signature Collection), Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (2014, Value Inns & Suites), Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (2016, Signature Collection), Universal’s Aventura Hotel (2018, Prime Value Hotels), Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites (2019, Value Inns & Suites), Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites (2020, Value Inns & Suites), Universal Stella Nova Resort (2025, Prime Value Hotels), Universal Terra Luna Resort (2025, Prime Value Hotels), and Universal Helios Grand Hotel (2025, Signature Collection), bringing the total to 11 hotels.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened at Islands of Adventure in 2010, followed by Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida in 2014. Volcano Bay, the resort’s water park, debuted in 2017. Universal Epic Universe, the resort’s third theme park, opened on May 22, 2025, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and other immersive lands, solidifying Universal Orlando as a weeklong destination.

Universal Orlando Resort Annual Attendance  

In 2023, Universal Parks and Resorts worldwide welcomed an impressive total of 62 million visitors, solidifying its position as the fourth most-visited theme park operator globally. This total includes Universal theme parks located in Florida, California, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing. In contrast, Disney theme parks topped the global attendance charts in 2023, with a staggering combined total of 142 million visitors.

Focusing on Florida, Universal Orlando Resort stands out as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, attracting over 22 million visitors in 2023. The resort features two main theme parks—Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida—as well as one water park, Volcano Bay. Below is a breakdown of attendance figures by park for further insight.

Universal Studios Florida Annual Attendance

• 2009: 5.53 million
• 2012: 6.2 million
• 2015: 9.59 million
• 2017: 10.2 million
• 2018: 10.71 million
• 2019: 10.92 million
• 2020: 4.1 million
• 2021: 8.99 million
• 2022: 10.75 million
• 2023: 9.75 million
• 2024: N/A

Universal Studios Florida is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and its annual attendance figures reflect this popularity. Over the years, the park has generally experienced a steady increase in visitors, culminating in a record-breaking year in 2019. However, 2020 presented significant challenges; due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance dropped dramatically as the park closed for several months, and many potential guests chose to stay home.

Since then, visitor numbers have rebounded strongly, drawing large crowds from around the globe. Notably, Universal Orlando Resort reached an all-time high during Q2 of 2022. In 2023, however, attendance dipped to 9.75 million, and we are eagerly awaiting the 2024 numbers to understand the trends better.

Despite the recent dip, we remain optimistic about the future. With new attractions opening and the excitement surrounding the nearby Epic Universe, we believe that attendance at Universal Studios will surely increase in 2025.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Attendance

• 2009: 4.63 million
• 2012: 7.98 million
• 2015: 8.79 million
• 2017: 9.55 million
• 2018: 9.79 million
• 2019: 10.38 million
• 2020: 4.01 million
• 2021: 9.08 million
• 2022: 11.03 million
• 2023: 10 million
• 2024: N/A

Annual attendance at Universal’s Islands of Adventure had increased since 2010 when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened to rave reviews. Although there was a significant drop in visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the theme park rebounded strongly in 2021 and 2022. However, similar to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure experienced a decrease of 1 million visitors in 2023. While this drop is notable, it is expected that attendance will pick up again soon. Data for 2024 has not yet been released, but it will be interesting to see where attendance lands.

With its array of thrilling rides, immersive attractions themed around Harry Potter, and lush tropical setting, it’s no surprise that Islands of Adventure has been voted the best theme park multiple times by Tripadvisor. Additionally, with Universal Studios Florida located right next door (and Epic Universe on its way), guests can easily spend several days enjoying the offerings of these incredible parks.

Volcano Bay’s Annual Attendance

• 2018: 1.73 million
• 2019: 1.81 million
• 2020: 550,000
• 2021: 1.69 million
• 2022: 1.85 million
• 2023: 1.8 million
• 2024: N/A

In 2019, Universal’s Volcano Bay welcomed 1.81 million visitors, reflecting a 5% increase compared to 2018. However, this growth was overshadowed by Disney World’s water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, which registered 2.25 million and 1.98 million visitors, respectively.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted attendance, which dropped to just 550,000 in 2020. In 2021, attendance saw a modest rebound, rising to 1.69 million visitors as health restrictions eased and guests gradually began to return. By 2022, attendance further increased to 1.85 million, indicating a strong recovery trend. However, in 2023, there was a slight decrease in attendance, suggesting that the numbers may be stabilizing after a period of considerable fluctuation.

Overall, Volcano Bay has shown resilience and a positive trend in visitor numbers following the pandemic’s impact. It will be interesting to see how 2024 shapes up and what 2025 will bring, especially with the opening of Epic Universe.

Annual Universal Theme Park Revenue Statistics

(Revenue for all Universal Theme Parks Worldwide)

• 2018: 5.68 billion
• 2019: 5.93 billion
• 2020: 2.09 billion
• 2021: 5.05 billion
• 2022: 7.54 billion
• 2023: 8.95 billion
• 2024: $8.617 billion

Revenue Trends

Universal’s theme parks worldwide, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Beijing, and Universal Studios Singapore, saw revenue peak at $8.95 billion in 2023, driven by post-pandemic demand and Super Nintendo World’s success in Hollywood and Japan.

The 2024 revenue of $8.617 billion, down 3.69% from 2023, reflects lower attendance at U.S. parks, despite gains internationally. Higher costs, including $35 million for Epic Universe’s pre-opening, impacted earnings, with adjusted EBITDA falling 11.9% to $2.949 billion. The pandemic slashed revenue to $2.09 billion in 2020, but recovery was strong, with 2022 ($7.54 billion) and 2023 showing robust growth.

Universal Orlando’s revenue, while above 2019 levels, dipped in 2024 due to no major new attractions since VelociCoaster (2021). Epic Universe, opened May 22, 2025, with ~17 rides across five lands, is poised to drive significant revenue growth in 2025, potentially surpassing 2023’s record

Universal Employee Statistics

• Number of Employees: 28,000+

In 2019, the resort had roughly 27,000 employees. However, due to the pandemic, Universal Orlando Resort was forced to lay off 1123 employees in 2020. In early 2022, Universal Orlando Resort announced a plan to hire 2,500 additional employees. As a result, the employee count stands at just over 28,000 (2024).

Universal Orlando Resort is a significant economic engine for the region, providing good-paying jobs for Central Floridians. The resort is also an important tourist destination, bringing billions of dollars of economic activity to the area each year. Universal Orlando Resort is an essential part of the Central Florida community, and its employees are integral to the local economy.

Rides and Attractions Statistics

• Universal Studios Florida: 14 Rides and Attractions (2025)
• Islands of Adventure: 19 Rides and Attractions (2025)
• Universal Epic Universe: ~17 Rides and Attractions (2025)
• Oldest Ride: E.T. Adventure

Universal Studios Florida offers ~14 rides and attractions inspired by blockbuster films and TV shows, including Harry Potter (Diagon Alley), Minions, DreamWorks (Shrek, Trolls), and The Simpsons. Notable experiences include Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and the immersive DreamWorks Land (opened 2024).

Islands of Adventure features 19 rides across themed islands, blending comic book heroes (Marvel Super Hero Island), myths (Jurassic Park), and modern franchises like Harry Potter (Hogsmeade). Thrills include Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

Universal Epic Universe, opened May 22, 2025, adds ~17 rides across five lands: Celestial Park (Stardust Racers), Super Nintendo World (Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic (Battle at the Ministry), How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk (Hiccup’s Wing Gliders), and Dark Universe (Monsters Unchained).

When Universal Studios Florida opened on June 7, 1990, it debuted 13 rides. E.T. Adventure, the only original ride still operating, remains a nostalgic favorite, guiding guests through a charming bicycle journey to E.T.’s home planet. The other 12 rides, like Jaws and Kongfrontation, have closed or been replaced, reflecting Universal’s evolution toward cutting-edge attractions.

Shows at Universal Orlando Resort

• Universal Studios Florida: ~5 Shows (2025)
• Islands of Adventure: 4 Shows (2025)
• Universal Epic Universe: ~3–5 Shows (2025)
• Total: ~12–14 Shows

Show Offerings

Universal Orlando Resort hosts ~12–14 shows across its three theme parks, each lasting ~20–30 minutes, catering to diverse interests like action, music, and fantasy.

Universal Studios Florida offers approximately five shows, including “The Bourne Stuntacular,” “Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show,” “The Blues Brothers Show,” and the nighttime lagoon show “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular,” which opened in 2024. Additionally, the park hosts the Universal Mega Movie Parade, a daytime spectacle.

Islands of Adventure offers four shows: Frog Choir, Triwizard Spirit Rally, Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear!, and Hogwarts Always (castle projection, opened 2024).

Universal Epic Universe has recently opened its doors, offering an exciting lineup of approximately 3 to 5 new shows. Highlights include “Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown” in Super Nintendo World and engaging interactive performances in the Ministry of Magic and Celestial Park. Guests can choose from a variety of shows tailored to their interests, featuring everything from thrilling stunts to the enchanting charm of the Wizarding World. This addition significantly enhances the entertainment options available at the resort.

Dining Statistics at Universal Orlando Resort

• Full-Service Restaurants at Theme Parks: ~6–8 (2025)
• Full-Service Restaurants at CityWalk: 11 (2025)
• Full-Service Restaurants at Universal Hotels: ~22–24 (2025)
• Quick-Service Locations: ~50+ (2025)

Dining Diversity

Universal Orlando Resort offers diverse dining across its theme parks, CityWalk, hotels, and Volcano Bay, suiting all tastes and budgets.

Universal Studios Florida has ~2 full-service restaurants (e.g., Finnegan’s Bar & Grill), ~17 quick-service spots (e.g., Minions Café), 4 bars, and 24+ food carts.

Islands of Adventure features ~2 full-service restaurants (Three Broomsticks, Mythos), ~20 quick-service, two lounges, and 24+ carts.

Universal Epic Universe, opened May 22, 2025, adds ~2–4 full-service (e.g., Atlantic in Celestial Park) and ~8–10 quick-service (e.g., The Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe).

Volcano Bay offers ~3 quick-service locations (e.g., Kohola Reef). CityWalk provides 11 full-service restaurants (e.g., Hard Rock Cafe), ~14 quick-service (including a new Butterbeer counter), 3 bars, and six carts.

The 11 hotels host ~22–24 full-service restaurants, with new additions like Flora Taverna (Helios Grand) and Galaxy Grill (Stella Nova), plus quick-service and lounges, enhancing the resort’s culinary appeal.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Statistics

• On-Site Hotels: 11
• Hotel Rooms: ~10,250

Universal Orlando Resort boasts 11 on-site hotels offering approximately 10,250 rooms, catering to diverse budgets and preferences.

The hotels are divided into three tiers: Value Inns & Suites, Prime Value Hotels, and Signature Collection.

• Value Inns & Suites (budget-friendly): Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (2,200 rooms), Universal’s Endless Summer Resort—Surfside Inn and Suites (750 rooms), and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort—Dockside Inn and Suites (2,050 rooms) offer vibrant theming and proximity to the parks.
• Prime Value Hotels (mid-range): Universal’s Aventura Hotel (600 rooms), Universal Stella Nova Resort (750 rooms, opened January 21, 2025), and Universal Terra Luna Resort (750 rooms, opened February 25, 2025) provide modern amenities and shuttle access to all parks, including Universal Epic Universe.
• Signature Collection (luxury): Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (750 rooms), Hard Rock Hotel (650 rooms), Loews Royal Pacific Resort (1,000 rooms), Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (1,000 rooms), and Universal Helios Grand Hotel (500 rooms, opened May 22, 2025) offer upscale experiences. Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, and Royal Pacific include complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Passes for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

These hotels, especially Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand near Epic Universe, enhance Universal Orlando’s status as a weeklong destination, complementing the resort’s three theme parks and water park.

Universal Orlando Resort Location Stats

• Distance to Walt Disney World Resort: 8.6 Miles
• Distance to Orlando International Airport (MCO): 16.4 Miles
• Distance to Kennedy Space Center: 58 miles
• Distance to the Nearest Beach: 65.3 Miles

The Universal Orlando Resort is located in the heart of Central Florida, just minutes away from all the best that Orlando has to offer. Walt Disney World is just 8.6 miles away, making it an easy day trip for guests staying at Universal Orlando Resort. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is just 16.4 miles away, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers coming from out of town. And for those looking to enjoy some time in the sun, the nearest beach is just a short drive away (65.3 miles to Cocoa Beach). With so much to see and do nearby, Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect place to stay for your next Orlando vacation.