Universal Studios Memorial Day 2023: Is It Open and How Crowded?

If you are thinking of spending Memorial Day weekend at Universal Studios in Orlando, you will have lots of company! The unofficial start of summer in the U.S. is one of the busiest times of the year for all of Florida’s theme parks.

If you are planning on visiting the parks on Memorial Day or the holiday weekend, you really need this helpful Guide for Visiting Universal Studios on Memorial Day.

Is Universal Studios Open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Universal Orlando Resort is open on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023.

The Orlando theme parks do not close for any day of the year, except for severe weather such as hurricane threats.

What Hours Is Universal Open for Memorial Day?

Universal Orlando Resort has three theme parks that are open during the holiday. Expect extended opening times during the holiday to accommodate larger crowds.

Universal Orlando’s official opening hours for Memorial Day weekend 2023 have not been released yet.

Universal Studios Theme Park

• Saturday, May 27: 9 a.m – 9 p.m.
• Sunday, May 28: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Monday, May 29: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Islands of Adventure Theme Park

• Saturday, May 27: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday, May 28: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Monday, May 29: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Volcano Bay Water Park

• Saturday, May 27: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday, May 28: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Monday, May 29: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Check their Theme Park Hours calendar to see dates and confirm operating hours.

How Crowded is Universal on Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day weekend is one of the most crowded times of the year in Universal Studios. Expect crowds that are similar to Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Major holidays are the busiest times at Universal Studios. Even Labor Day at Universal Studios is crowded.

While rare, the theme parks could reach capacity, which means they cannot allow anyone else to enter the parks until someone leaves.

Once you are inside a theme park, you can stay all day until closing, even if the parks reach capacity levels. However, if maximum capacity levels have been reached, expect very long lines for attractions, food and shopping.

While wait times are often 1-2 hours for the most popular attractions at Universal theme parks normally, you might encounter wait times of 2-4 hours for one attraction on the holiday.

We suggest bringing your own snacks into Universal Studios on days like this so that you can eat while waiting in line and not waste time ordering foods. Here are some great snack ideas for theme parks.

Avoiding crowds on the holidays is just one of the 40 Best Universal Studios Tips and Tricks that we share. Be sure to see all of the tips!

Memorial Day Crowds at Universal Studios: What to Expect

Memorial Day weekend and the surrounding days will have unusually high crowds and longer wait times. As the holiday is always on a Monday, you can expect the entire three-day weekend to be especially crowded, too.

For many American schools, Memorial Day is the official start of summer, so kids are out of school.

Many adults get the federal holiday off from work and therefore take that time to visit the theme parks, too.

How to Guarantee Getting into Universal Studios on Memorial Day

The only way to guarantee to get into Universal Studios on any holiday or during a holiday weekend is to get to the theme parks very early. Do not arrive at opening time.

You must arrive at least 30-45 minutes before official opening opening to get parked, get in line, and potentially be allowed early entry.

This is when staying at an official Universal Orlando Resort hotel can pay off. You will be given early entry as a hotel guest (when available), which helps you beat the crowds and get inside the park.

Be advised that hotel shuttles and shuttle boats from Universal Studios hotels will be very busy as everyone is trying to get in early. Expect longer than normal lines.

You can also expect more traffic driving into parking at Universal Studios.

While there is no guarantee that a theme park will definitely reach maximum capacity, it is a possibility for Memorial Day weekend. It is best to plan your day accordingly.

If you leave the theme parks during the day, you may not be able to re-enter Universal Studios if the parks are at capacity.

Does Universal Cost More on Memorial Day?

Yes, tickets cost more for Memorial Day than other days of the week if you buy a one-day ticket.

During a recent search, Universal Studios one-day, one-park tickets cost $164 per day for all three days of the Memorial Day weekend. The day after Memorial Day, the tickets cost $149.

However, the cost of a three-park, three-day ticket was generally the same as other days in May and June. In fact, it cost a few dollars less than non-holiday weeks in June.

The cost for Express Pass at Universal does increase with the expected crowds. You do not need to purchase an Express Pass to enter the theme park. However, if you are worried about standing in long lines, an Express Pass will allow you to skip the line.

With the theme parks being so busy, you can understand how everyone will want to use this benefit. Therefore, the cost of Express Pass is more expensive during the holiday.

A one-park Universal Express Pass for Memorial Day weekend, purchased during the holiday weekend, is $229.99-$249.99 (prices accurate as of May 27).

Express Passes often increase in price as it gets closer to the date of your visit. It is smart to buy an Express Pass as soon as you know for sure when you are visiting Universal Studios.

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What is the Weather Like During Memorial Day?

It is usually really hot in Orlando during Memorial Day! But it won’t be in 2023!

While summer temperatures in Orlando are usually hot, humid and muggy, there is a cool front moving through Florida on Memorial Day weekend. Expect temperatures in the low to high 80s, which is much cooler than previous Memorial Day weekends.

Be sure to stay hydrated during the hot weather. You can get free water at Universal Studios throughout the parks.

You will also probably get afternoon rain showers every day so be prepared for rain at Universal Studios.

Hurricanes are always a possibility in May, though not common.

The hot weather is a perfect excuse to enjoy Universal Studio’s water rides.

Harry Potter World on Memorial Day Weekend: What Are the Crowds Like?

The crowds in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be larger than normal during the Memorial Day holiday. Just like the rest of the theme parks and the Universal Orlando Resort, expect longer lines for everything and more people.