The South American Obsession With Universal Studios Orlando
It’s Tuesday morning in June. You’re in a giant green warp pipe at Super Nintendo World; your kids are losing their minds over an actual Donkey Kong rollercoaster; the woman next to you is speaking rapid-fire Portuguese faster than even Google Translate could handle it; behind her is a family from Bogotá comparing Express Pass times on their smartphones; behind them is a group of teenage Buenos Aires residents making a TikTok video in front of Hogwarts Castle!
Welcome to Universal Orlando Resort in 2026! In all seriousness, it feels like half of South America is there, because it probably is!
It's not just that South Americans really enjoy Universal Studios. No, they’re borderline obsessed with it. They make plans one year ahead of time; they bring their whole family including the in-laws; they stay for more days than most foreign visitors can even dream of staying for; and they end up spending a fortune on each and every visit.
But if you’re Brazilian, Argentinean, Colombian, Chilean, or Peruvian (or if you’re working in the travel agency sector targeting those travelers) then I think this guide was made just for you! I’m here to tell you everything there is to know about what makes South Americans keep returning to Universal Orlando Resort again and again, why they like it so much, how to plan an amazing Universal experience in 2026, and what’s brand-new this year to make it particularly worthwhile!
South America Is Obsessed With Orlando
Before diving into the fun stuff it’s crucial to highlight just how significant the travel to the United States from South America currently is! In 2025, Brazil became the largest source market in South America, accounting for 1.9 million arrivals in the United States. The Brazilian leisure travelers spend, on average, $3,442 per trip! Moreover, some of the high-spending tourists invest more than $5,000 in each trip, spending 10 days or more in the U.S. Additionally, over 86% of tourists arriving in the country from Brazil are returning tourists eager for additional experience!
One can say that Florida, in general, and Orlando, in particular, are the destinations of choice for Brazilian tourists. According to the data, in 2025, Brazil was the second-largest international market for Florida, which accounted for 1.3 million tourists arriving from the Latin American country. Furthermore, Columbia contributed to the number of tourists to the United States, sending 1.1 million people there. Colombia was identified as the U.S.'s largest outbound market in 2025!
The number of tourists traveling from Argentina reached 789,942 people, a year-over-year increase of almost 15%. Peru, meanwhile, contributed to 372,000 visitors, whereas Chile – 318,000 tourists. All told, South America becomes the third-largest region in terms of tourist influx to the United States, generating revenues from traveler expenses amounting to $20 billion and representing 16% of all tourists!
It means that not only do the Latin Americans visit the United States, but do so regularly, and Universal recognizes the value of that market. Since 2018, the theme park company has been actively attracting travel trade partners, tour operators, and media from the Latin American countries. In 2026, a special Latin American promotion was rolled out.
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Here's What South Americans Love About Universal
Not everyone takes the time to go over the specifics of what South Americans love about Universal Studios, so I’m going to give you the inside scoop so you can cater better towards them!
The Connection With Pop Culture Is Strong
South Americans grew up watching the same movies from Hollywood, the same films about Harry Potter, playing the same games by Nintendo, and enjoying the same action-packed Fast & Furious and Jurassic Park franchises! The key difference lies in the fact that visiting a themed amusement park dedicated to their passions doesn't work out as an easy option for them in their native countries. What makes Universal so magical is that they bring these pop culture worlds to life, and for a child in Brazil or Colombia who has dreamed of visiting Hogwarts castle since he was seven years old, visiting this place at Islands of Adventure Park will mean the whole new world opening up before him!
The experience of exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is undoubtedly one of the most emotional ones that any theme park had!
Family Travel Is Their Thing
In South American society, a family implies a multigenerational unit. In other words, a trip to Disney World for a family from Brazil won't typically include parents only. Quite the contrary, you might need to expect that the entire family including uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins will come together for vacation! Luckily, Disney theme parks offer activities for every age range, from rides in Despicable Me and Peppa Pig for kids to coaster parks for thrill-seekers. Spending a day or two in Epic Universe is no problem; there will always be something suitable for your grandma at Celestial Park!
They Take Their Time Exploring Everything
Most people think of South Americans staying only for couple of days. Yet, they actually spend ten days plus exploring Orlando, visiting Universal as well as Walt Disney World, enjoying a cruise from Port Canaveral and Miami, shopping at outlets in Orlando or nearby areas! They love to explore everything Orlando has to offer!
Spanish/Portuguese Speaking Visitors Need
If there's anything that makes Universal stand out from the crowd in terms of services for travelers, then language support should be named first. Spanish and Portuguese versions of mobile applications, multilingual signage, cast members who speak Spanish/Portuguese, all of these small details make a lot of difference for the travelers whose main language is Spanish/Portuguese!
What's New at Universal in 2026
Universal Orlando is one of the hottest parks of 2026, in fact, it may be Universal's greatest year yet! With the opening of Epic Universe and other park expansions, there’s so much to do now! It went from a 1-2 day park to a 4-5 day visit!
Universal Epic Universe Theme Park Opens!
On May 22, 2025, the Universal Orlando Resort opened Universal Epic Universe Theme Park. TIME Magazine included Epic Universe in its "World's Greatest Places of 2026" list!
Epic Universe covers 110 acres and consists of five fully immersive worlds accessible by portal. It's not "themed rides" in the sense of Universal's other parks. You'll forget how real life even looks, let alone sounds or smells. Here's what you'll find:
• Celestial Park: Epic Universe's beautiful center and hub, complete with the Constellation Carousel, splash pads, rolling gardens, and access portals to all five worlds
• Super Nintendo World: Enter the green warp zone, and welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom! Take the Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster through Donkey Kong Country or Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge for a race experience.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic: This is a brand-new world of the wizarding universe, based on the 1920s in Paris and featuring Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride
• How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk: Another visually stunning, family-friendly area with adventures of Vikings
• Dark Universe: Movies about monsters, horrors, and thrilling attractions
But wait, there's more! There is a coaster attraction called Stardust Racers, it's a dual-launch coaster capable of reaching up to 62 mph! If you decide to get off and try it again, your stomach will sue for harassment!
South Americans' favorite attractions? Super Nintendo World for the Nintendo-addicted, Harry Potter rides for Potterheads of all ages!
The Buy 3 Days, Get 2 Days Free Deal (Summer 2026)
This is big, especially for families. Universal launched a "buy three days, get two days free ticket" promotion valid until summer 2026! In other words, five whole days to hop between Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and even Volcano Bay!
For the traveling Brazilian, Colombian, and even Chilean family planning to spend thousands on flights and accommodation, adding two free park days is really significant! This promotion was explicitly marketed for the Latin American market via Spanish and Portuguese-language media and trade partners.
2026 FIFA World Cup
A cherry on top of Universal's incredible offerings is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico! Some games will take place in Miami, only a 3-hour drive away. As always, Universal CityWalk will offer FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour stops, game screenings, and even Spanish-language World Cup broadcasts by NBC's Telemundo in NBC Sports Grill & Brew.
For the South American family, especially the Brazilian, Colombian, and even Argentine fan who plans to follow their national team in Miami (matches take place between June 12 and July 13), it's the dream travel plan, cheer for Brazil in Miami, and spend two days at Epic Universe on your way home! You’ll definitely want to take advatage of the tourism coming through during the World Cup, it’ll be a great time to get new clients and book trips!
How to Plan the Perfect Universal Orlando Trip From South America
I’ll try and make this as practical as possible! When planning a Universal visit from South America, here are a few extras you might want to consider that others may not report on.
How to Get There
Major airports in South America will offer direct flights or one-stop connections to Orlando International Airport (MCO):
São Paulo GRU → Orlando – Direct flights by LATAM, American Airlines, and United Airlines
Bogotá BOG → Orlando – Direct flights by Avianca and American Airlines
Buenos Aires EZE → Orlando – Typically one stop, via Miami airport connections
Santiago SCL → Orlando – One stop connection via Lima, Bogotá, or Miami airport
Including an extra couple of days in Miami before your Universal visit can significantly increase your vacation's overall value, especially if you're Colombian or Argentine and likely have connections in Miami!
Visa Information
Currently, Brazilian citizens require a B-1/B-2 tourist visa to visit the USA. It's recommended to apply 3 to 6 months in advance, since processing time typically takes a number of weeks. Travelers from Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru should make sure to confirm what visas apply to their situation in advance of making plans to visit Universal Orlando.
When to Visit
Best times of year to visit Universal for South American visitors:
End of January until early February – Fewest crowds, excellent weather, shortest wait times throughout the parks.
Early December (before Christmas week) – The Holidays at Universal event is happening, although schools have yet to release for Christmas holidays.
September to early November – Crowds decline following Labor Day week, Halloween Horror Nights is available as a thrill bonus (additional separately purchased ticket).
Should avoid visiting during US school holidays: Fourth of July week, Presidents' Week in February, Spring Break (March/April), and Christmas/New Year week.
Summer – June through August – This is typically the time period when most South Americans visit as it coincides with school holiday periods in their home countries. It should be noted however that visiting in the summertime in Florida means hot and humid weather with a thunderstorm in the afternoon most days of the week. Bring loose clothes and ponchos (they're sold in the parks, but buying your own can save some money)!
Ticket Purchasing Information
Universal's ticket system has become quite a lot with four parks to visit! Here's some tips on how you should approach all this:
Universal 5-Day Park-to-Park Ticket – Includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe; allows park hopping; Volcano Bay is also included.
Buy 3 Get 2 Free Summer Promo – Available only for 2026 summer visits; fantastic deal for South Americans whose vacations typically coincide with this time of year.
Also consider purchasing:
Express Pass – Worth its weight in gold when visiting on a busy day, skips regular queues on most rides. If you check into a Premier Resort, such as Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific, then you receive unlimited access to Express Pass for the entire duration of your stay – that's a hack that could easily save a family of four a thousand bucks!
Universal Orlando App – You should download it prior to arrival; live wait times, mobile ordering, maps, virtual lines.
In my opinion: if you flew halfway around the world from South America, you do not want to stand in the park for two hours waiting to ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Buy yourself an Express Pass.
Where to Stay
Onsite hotels offer more than just convenience. For starters, there are special deals for hotel guests that are worth considering:
Unlimited Express Pass Included (Premier Resorts):
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Preferred Hotel (Early Park Admission included, but no Express Passes):
Universal Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – Caribbean-style resort, amazing pool, and Early Park Admission included
Value Category Hotels:
Universal Endless Summer Resort (Surfside & Dockside) – Budget-friendly hotel for large families with Early Park Admission included
Opened 2025:
Universal Helios Grand Hotel – The newest and fanciest onsite hotel in Universal Orlando; offers a private entrance directly into Epic Universe, which makes it a great choice if that park is your priority!
If you're traveling in a big family from South America, I would recommend doing the math to see whether upgrading to a Premier Hotel would actually pay off with the money saved on Express Pass purchases!
Park by Park: What to Prioritize
Even with all four parks now open, it'll take careful planning to enjoy five whole days of theme parks. Here's the quick rundown of what not to miss!
Universal Studios Florida
The grand daddy of them all! Plenty left to do here, including:
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – A family-friendly multi-sensory coaster located in Diagon Alley
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Kids love it but adults find plenty of appeal here too
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – This vertical coaster lets you select your own music playlist before boarding
The Simpsons Ride – Popular ride in Diagon Alley that's loved by South Americans familiar with Homer
Universal Islands of Adventure
Where Universal houses some of its best rides:
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Consistently rated #1 theme park ride in the world. Absolutely worth waiting for!
Incredible Hulk Coaster – The classic launched coaster. Great if you want excitement!
Jurassic World VelociCoaster – Fastest coaster in Florida, reaching speeds of 70mph. Bucket-list worthy!
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade – Hop aboard the Hogwarts Express from Park 1 to make it complete (needs Park to Park pass)!
Universal Epic Universe
Make sure you budget at least one entire day here (two would be better)! The highlights include Super Nintendo World, Ministry of Magic, and absolutely must-see ride for thrill seekers - Stardust Racers!
Universal Volcano Bay
Orlando's best water park and the only Polynesian-themed park in Orlando featuring a huge volcano in the middle. Good to visit on a warm afternoon after exhausting yourself in the parks. The TapuTapu wristband removes all the queues, instead allowing guests to join the virtual queue with a simple tap!
Food, Drinks & CityWalk
South Americans take food seriously. Universal actually keeps up!
Inside the Parks:
Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade) — Butterbeer, pumpkin juice, shepherd's pie, and a full themed feast. A non-negotiable stop
Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley) — English pub food, butterbeer on tap, and the most immersive dining ambiance in the parks
Toadstool Cafe (Super Nintendo World, Epic Universe) — Mario-themed food that's genuinely delicious, not just cute
Smoke & Ladle (Epic Universe) — A fan-favorite full-service dining experience
Endless Refillable Drink Cup — Around $19 USD for unlimited self-serve soda all day. Highly recommended for hot summer days
At CityWalk:
CityWalk is Universal's entertainment district — restaurants, bars, live music, and in 2026, FIFA World Cup watch parties with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo. For South American visitors during the World Cup window, this is where you'll be watching matches. The energy is electric!
My top spots: Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Pat O'Brien's (famous Hurricane cocktail), NBC Sports Grill & Brew (World Cup viewing), and Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom for live music!
Money-Saving Hacks for South American Travelers
Flying from Bogotá or Buenos Aires isn't cheap! Here’s how you can make every dollar stretch:
Buy tickets online — Always cheaper than at the gate, often by $20-30 per person!
Stay on-site at a Premier Hotel — Free unlimited Express Passes often cost more than the room upgrade itself.
Use the Buy 3 Get 2 Free summer promo — Running through 2026 summer; grab it while it lasts.
Share a refillable drink cup — Two cups for a family of five on a hot Florida summer day is all you need.
Book dining reservations in advance — Table-service restaurants inside the parks fill up fast; book through the app before your trip!
Take Early Park Admission seriously — On-site guests get in one hour early. The difference in wait time between 8am and 10am for Hagrid's can be 90 minutes or more!
Questions South American Travelers Ask Most
Do I need a visa to come to the U.S. from South America?
Yes, you require B-1/B-2 visa to enter the U.S. as a tourist. Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru are not included in the Visa Waiver Program. Plan to apply 3-6 months before the trip. Consult a travel agent about the exact timing.
How many days will it take to explore Universal Orlando?
Given the fact that there are already four open parks, Universal Orlando recommends having at least 5 days for your visit. South Americans normally plan their trips with Walt Disney World in mind, allocating up to 10+ days in total.
Will I benefit from the Universal Express Pass?
The answer is pretty clear: absolutely. Especially in summer, the Express Pass will help you save at least 1-2 hours at each big attraction. The secret hack: stay in a Premier Hotel for free access to the Express Passes.
What is Epic Universe and how does it differ from Universal Studios?
Epic Universe is the brand new 4th park opened by Universal Orlando Resort in May 2025. It consists of five themed lands completely separate from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. You will need to purchase a single park or park-to-park ticket.
When is the best time to visit from South America?
Late January-Mid February would be the best option: low attendance rate, good weather, and reduced hotel rates. If you are tied to the school schedules, early December would be a reasonable choice. Summer is considered to be the peak period for South Americans, however.
Can I combine my trip to Universal with FIFA World Cup games?
Sure. Seven FIFA World Cup games will take place in Miami from June 12 to July 13, 2026. The distance to Miami is only three hours' drive away from Universal Resort. The watch parties with Telemundo coverage are held in Universal CityWalk.
Is Universal Resort in Orlando safe and suitable for group visits?
Absolutely. Universal Orlando Resort is known to be one of the most family-friendly tourist destinations in the whole world. There are thorough security checks in all entrance gates. Besides, the resorts provide support from the multilingual cast members speaking Spanish and Portuguese.
Are Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure the same things?
Universal Studios are based on movies and TV shows while Islands of Adventure is an all-ride park with Hagrid's, VelociCoaster, Hulk, Hogsmeade, etc. There is also an interpark train called the Hogwarts Express connecting two parks. Normally, most people do both.
How much money should I budget for my 5-day Universal trip from South America?
The approximate per person budget for Universal Orlando 5-day trip (without flights):
• $300-$600 USD for tickets (summer discounts will reduce this cost).
• Up to $120-$400 USD/night for accommodation depending on resort tier.
• Food costs are approx. $60-$100 USD per day for one person.
• $75-$300 USD per person per day for Express Passes (they are included in Premier Hotels packages).
The total budget for a family of four (staying for 5 days) would be around $4000-$8000 USD (flights not included).
Does Universal offer any vegetarians-friendly menus?
Certainly. Universal Resorts has introduced many dietary-friendly dining places. Almost all of the table-service restaurants in Universal Orlando offer vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific menu items!
One Final Thought Before You Pack Your Bags
And here is what comes to mind after going through every available guide, report, and research of Universal – South Americans do not simply visit Universal Orlando. They immerse in it! They are ready, they spend more time there, they do all rides twice, they enjoy the butterbeer (several times), and when leaving the park, they already start thinking about their next visit!
This happens because Universal created a world which actually appeals to the things which are dear to South American families – togetherness, commitment, and unique memories impossible to create elsewhere!
It would be hard to think of a better year than 2026 to go to this park. First of all, the Epic Universe will have just opened and therefore, its charm is in its infancy. Secondly, due to FIFA World Cup, the entire continent will get much closer to the United States! Thirdly, there are deals like the summer offer where guests can get five-day passes for the price of a three-day package. Moreover, this time the resort offers the maximum of its attractions!
So, no matter whether it is the first or the fifth visit, right now is the perfect time to go!
