Universal Orlando Resort Day Trip by Rail from Miami

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a day at Universal Orlando, but don’t want the hassle of planning and logistics, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of theme park fun combined with the novelty of riding Florida’s high-speed Brightline train from Miami. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a Disney veteran looking to switch things up, or someone wanting a quick Orlando escape, this trip offers a lot on paper.

What’s great about it? First, the reserved train seats with plenty of legroom offer a comfortable journey, especially if you’re traveling with a group or just prefer a relaxed start. Second, the park tickets are included in the price, which can save you some planning time and potentially money if you’re just after one or both parks.

But, there are a few considerations too. The additional transportation cost from Orlando station to Universal (around $30 by taxi or ride-share) isn’t covered, which can add up. Plus, the timing means you only get about 4 hours inside the parks, so it’s a bit of a whirlwind if you want to see everything.

This tour will appeal most to those who value convenience and a hassle-free transportation option, but it might not be the best fit if you’re looking for a longer, more relaxed theme park experience or don’t want to pay extra for the last leg of the journey.

Key Points

• Comfortable Rail Travel: Reserved seats on Brightline make the journey from Miami to Orlando enjoyable, with WiFi available for most of the trip.
• Included Park Tickets: You get admission to either Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or both (if you select the Park-to-Park option), saving time and money.
• Additional Transport Costs: The trip doesn’t include the ride from Orlando station to the park, which can be roughly $30.
• Limited Time Inside the Parks: About 4 hours per park means you need to prioritize your rides and shows carefully.
• Group Size & Booking: The tour is for a small group of up to 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.
• No Flexibility for Changes: Once booked, no refunds or modifications are permitted, so plan your day cautiously.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey: Miami to Orlando by Brightline

The trip kicks off early in the morning at 600 NW 1st Ave, Miami. We really liked how the reserved train seats featured ample legroom and the promise of WiFi throughout the ride. It’s a more comfortable alternative to driving or taking a long bus. The train’s modern vibe and smooth ride make the nearly 4-hour trip across Florida quite pleasant—if you’re a fan of train travel, you’ll appreciate this part.

However, it’s worth noting that this is a non-stop train, so you’re not getting a scenic tour along the way but a direct, quick commute. The price of $349.99 per person includes this train ride, but remember, the transfer from Orlando station to Universal isn’t included, which often catches travelers off guard. You’ll need to budget around $30 for a taxi or ride-share.

Arrival at Orlando and Transfer to Universal

Once in Orlando, travelers need to take a taxi or ride-share to the theme park, about a $30 trip. The logistics here are simple but could be a little inconvenient for those arriving late or with heavy luggage. It’s not a dedicated shuttle, so you’re relying on local rideshare services, which are plentiful but add to your overall costs.

The Park Experience: What You Can Expect

The core of the day is spent at Universal Orlando Resort, with a choice between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. If you’ve opted for the Park-to-Park ticket, you can hop between the two, which is a big plus for thrill-seekers wanting to hit multiple attractions.

The tour gives you roughly 4 hours at the park, which is enough to enjoy some of the highlights but not a day-long adventure. We see many travelers wishing for more time, especially if they want to experience the rides, shows, and meet-and-greets fully.

Guests can enjoy the vibrant CityWalk, known for its shopping and dining options, which adds a nice change of pace from the rides. But, with only four hours inside, many find it a challenge to do everything they want.

The Pros and Cons Based on Traveler Feedback

One traveler, Tia_W, mentioned, “didn’t like getting my own fares to and from Orlando to the train,” highlighting that the additional transportation costs are an important consideration. She pointed out that she paid an extra $858 for two people at the park, which makes the overall trip more expensive than the initial price suggests.

On the flip side, the comfort of reserved train seats and WiFi was appreciated, making the trip from Miami to Orlando more relaxing than driving. The small group size (maximum of 15 people) also helps ensure a more personalized experience, avoiding the chaos often associated with larger tours.

The Value Equation

At nearly $350 per person, this experience isn’t the cheapest day trip but could be worthwhile for travelers who dislike driving or want a quick Orlando experience without the hassle of multiple bookings. Still, you need to consider the extra costs for transportation from the train station to the park itself, which can make the total price climb quite a bit.

For those who value convenience over flexibility, this tour can be a good pick. But if you’re looking to spend a full day in the parks or want to customize your experience, it might feel a bit rushed or expensive.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip suits travelers who prioritize comfort and simplicity, especially those who want to avoid driving and don’t mind a tight schedule. It also works well for first-timers to Universal Orlando who want a straightforward way to see the parks without the planning fuss.

However, if you’re hoping for a leisurely day or plan to explore extensively, you might find the limited time inside the parks a bit frustrating. Budget-conscious travelers should also factor in the extra transportation costs from Orlando station.

Final Thoughts

This Universal Orlando day trip offers a practical way to visit the parks with pre-arranged transport and tickets, saving some planning time. The reserved train seats and WiFi make the journey comfortable, and the inclusion of tickets means you won’t have to buy them separately.

That said, it’s a fast-paced experience, with only a few hours to enjoy the parks, and the additional costs for transfer from Orlando station could make it pricier than expected. It’s best suited for travelers who want convenience and a short, action-packed visit rather than a full, relaxed day in the parks.

If you value a quick trip and are okay with a bit of a schedule crunch, this could be a fun, hassle-free way to tick Universal Orlando off your list. Just be prepared for the extra expenses and limited time — and plan your must-dos in advance.

FAQ

Does the tour include transportation from Miami to Orlando?
No, the tour includes the train ride from Miami to Orlando, but the trip from Orlando station to Universal is not included and will cost around $30 by taxi or ride-share.

Are tickets to the parks included?
Yes, the tour includes a dated entry ticket to either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, or both if you select the Park-to-Park option.

How long do I get inside the parks?
You’ll have about 4 hours at the parks, which means you need to prioritize the rides and attractions you most want to see.

Can I visit both parks with this tour?
Yes, if you choose the Park-to-Park ticket, you can move between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure during your time there.

Is WiFi available during the trip?
Yes, WiFi is available on the train, at Brightline stations, and at Universal Orlando.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, some rides or attractions may not be suitable for very young children or those with certain medical conditions. Minors under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I change or cancel my booking?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so be sure about your plans before confirming.

This trip mixes convenience with a bit of a time squeeze. It’s perfect if you want to skip the driving and enjoy a comfortable train ride, but keep in mind you’ll need to be efficient with your time at the parks and budget for the additional transfer costs.