Stunning Universal Studios Photos: 15 Places to Get the Best Shot!

Do you want to know where to find the best spots to take your Universal Studios photos on your next trip?

Well, look no further!

We all have our favorite rides at Universal Studios Florida, but what I want to do is to give you some epic locations to take photos for your social media pages!

Universal Studios Florida was the first theme park on the Universal Orlando Resort property. It’s here where you can “ride the movies” and take dope pictures at the same time!

In the past decade, Universal Studios has gone through fantastic changes and has evolved to be one of the top theme parks in the world.

Now let me share with you my top 15 spots to snap the best photos at Universal Studios Orlando!

Best places to take pics at universal studios with nikkyj with chief wigum eating big pink doughnut in springfield usa

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. In Front of the Universal Studios Florida Globe

You must get a photo in front of this iconic Universal Orlando globe. This is where you know you have officially made it to Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Resort Globe in front of Universal Studios Arches and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

Be sure to catch it at the right time. The globe spins, so snap your photo right when the Universal words on the globe are exactly behind you.

Universal Orlando Resort Globe in front of Universal Studios Arches and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit with NikkyJ. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

Get up to 25% off of your Universal Orlando Vacation with Groupon TODAY!

2. New York City Neighborhood Backdrop

Be sure to get a photo in front of the miniature New York City neighborhood back drops.

New York Area Christmas at Universal Studios in Universal Orlando Resort. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

You’ll have iconic New York buildings and skyscrapers behind you that are amazing to post on your social media networks.

Universal Orlando Resort Central Park at Universal Studios with Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

Plus, it’s a nod to the true reason Universal Studios Florida was built – to place you directly on the set of the movies.

Universal Orlando Resort with NikkyJ at Universal Studios Solo Trip.

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

3. The Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 ¾

Next is the King’s Cross train station. When you approach Hogwarts Express, you’ll be thrown immediately into the magic of Harry Potter.

Universal Orlando Resort Hogwarts Express leaving Diagon Alley at Harry Potter World. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.
Hogwarts Express!

The Hogwarts Express was a game changer when it was built, combining park-to-park transportation with attraction entertainment.

Universal Orlando Resort Hogwarts Express Train at Universal Studios Florida. Platform 9 3/4. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

This charming train is definitely a photo spot that you must get on your Universal Orlando trip.

NikkyJ boarding Hogwarts Express at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios King's Cross Station. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

Hipster Power Tip: Remember that you’ll need a park-to-park admission ticket (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) to experience the Hogwarts Express.

4. The Knight Bus

Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, you have to greet Stan in front of the purple triple-decker Knight Bus.

Diagon Alley: Purple Triple Decker Knightbus Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos. Photo copyright ThemeParkHipster.

This is not only an interactive experience must do, but it is a great addition to your photo album.

Knight Bus and London Facade with Kings Cross Station at Harry Potter World Diagon Alley.  Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

Be sure to get in a little conversation in with a talking shrunken head inside of the Knight Bus.

This is one of the top Universal Studios photos for you to take on your trip.

5. The Vanishing Cabinet in Knockturn Alley

This popular cabin is both a myth and legend to us Potter fans.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley: Vanishing Cabinet of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince with NikkyJ.  Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos. Photo copyright ThemeParkHipster.

While you’re in Diagon Alley, be sure to stop inside Knockturn Alley to find this mysterious vanishing cabinet to take your photo in front of for your epic solo trip memory!

Hipster Power Tip: While snapping your photo in front of the Vanishing Cabinet, be sure to listen out for a little bird chirping inside.

6. The Gringotts Bank with the Fire-Breathing Dragon

When you are in Diagon Alley be sure to head out of Knockturn Alley and go in front of that crooked bank that has the dragon standing on top.

Diagon Alley Firebreathing dragon in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos. Photo copyright ThemeParkHipster.
Diagon Alley with Fire-breathing Dragon on Gringotts

If you wait for a little bit, fire will explode out of the gigantic dragon’s mouth!

Diagon Alley with Dragon on Top of Gringotts in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

This is the ultimate Universal Studios photo that you must get on your trip.

7. Magical Motorbike and Sidecar in Diagon Alley

It’s Sirius Black motorbike!

If you’re on a solo trip, don’t worry about not having that extra person.

Just pretend that you have one of your favorite Harry Potter characters sitting right next to you inside this motorbike.

Diagon Alley: Sirius motor-bike harry potter world with NikkyJ and Outdoorsy Diva. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos. Photo copyright ThemeParkHipster.

This is one of my favorite Universal Studios photo spots inside of Diagon Alley.

8. The Actual Leaky Cauldron

Yes, there is an actual Leaking Cauldron!

You can find this photo opportunity at the Leaky Cauldron restaurant inside the Diagon Alley section of Universal Studios Orlando.

The Leaky Cauldron Pot Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos. Photo copyright ThemeParkHipster.

Here you can also take a lunch break and grab some British food inspired by the Harry Potter films.

For a no obligation, FREE Universal Vacation Quote, you can fill out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

9. The Jules Verne Train (Doc Brown’s DeLorean and Time Train)

You can find Doc Brown’s DeLorean and time train right after you leave Springfield.

Delorean with Doc Back to the Future Universal Studios Florida with Earthquake Disaster ride in the background. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

This DeLorean is a movie icon and definitely a Universal Studios photo spot must do!

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

10. Milhouse, Bart, and More Springfield Friends

Springfield’s Simpson-inspired land has so many unique photo opportunities that you can come up with on your solo Universal Orlando trip.

Universal Orlando Resort Bumblebee Man's Tacos in Springfield Simpsons Land with Lard Lad Donuts in background at Universal Studios Florida. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

My favorite spot is the fence towards the back on the side of the Kwik-E-Mart where there are famous characters doing some infamous shenanigans.

As you can as you can see Bart is spray painting, while Milhouse is looking terrified as usual.

Simpsons Universal Studios Florida Springfield area with Bart Spray Painting on the wall. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

Read Next: How to Find the BEST Vacation Home Rentals Near Disney World

11. The Men in Black Alien Attack Attraction

The Men in Black Alien Attack attraction has the incredible World’s Fair icon in front of the ride.

The yellow color pops in every picture I’ve taken and it’s definitely a photo that you must have on your Universal Studios Florida day.

12. The Famous Lard Lad statue in Springfield

This famous donut spot is where you will see many of the Simpson characters getting their sweet fix from in the Simpsons animation.

Simpsons Lard Giant Donuts Universal Studios Orlando Springfield. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

The famous Lard Lad statue inside of Springfield is definitely an Instagram-worthy spot and one photo that you cannot miss on your trip.

Lard Lad in Springfield Universal Studios Orlando Florida in front of Giant Doughnut. Keep reading to get the best Universal Studios photos.

Plus, this Universal Studios photo looks good from all angles!

WATCH NEXT: Top 5 BEST Food at Universal Studios UNDER $10!!! 🍟🍦🍻🍕

13. Chief Wiggum and the Delicious Doughnut from the Simpsons

This is one of my favorite photos to get in Springfield.

Simpsons Springfield universal studios cop and doughnut with nikky j. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.

Chief Wiggum is definitely known to have a doughnut or two or three. So, why not join him!

14. The Classic Mel’s Drive-In

The classic Mel’s Diner it is a Hollywood staple and a Universal Studios Florida photo spot must-do.

Universal Orlando Resort Mel's Drive Diner at Universal Studios Florida. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.

You can see all the classic cars and even stop in for a bite while you are on your solo Universal Orlando trip.

Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!

15. Bruce the Shark

Let’s not forget the famous shark who was the original Sharknado.

Jaws Bruce the Shark 1999 Universal Studios Florida. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.
#tbt Bruce the Shark 1999 Universal Studios Florida

You can still find Bruce the Shark in the San Francisco section of Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Resort a margarita at Chez Alcatraz with Jaws Bruce the Shark in background at Universal Studios. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.

Recommended: 1 Day in Orlando Itinerary: What Should I Do That’s NOT Theme Parks?

Complete Your Own Universal Studios Photo Spot Checklist Below!

Universal studios photo checklist printable. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.
Save This Image on Pinterest for Later Using the Share Button Below!

WATCH NEXT: 10 Things I’ll NEVER Do at Universal Orlando Again!

What to Know Before You Go to Universal Studios Florida

Before you make your way out to Universal Studios, you may have a few questions that you need answered to make your trip go perfectly.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in Florida sun. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.

Your first question may be:

What’s the best itinerary for Universal Studios Orlando?

You’ll want to save time on your Universal Orlando trip, so you must have a game-plan to save time and see the most popular attractions.

Universal Studios guide and tips
Sign up and get your FREE Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Traveler’s Planner and Guide. Click the image to get started.

You can grab your FREE Universal Orlando Resort Guidebook here!

More questions you may have are:

What time does Universal Studios open?

Universal Studios Florida is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. in the regular season and 9 a.m to 9 p.m. during the peak season.

Universal Studios Orlando Florida Minion Land Villain Con Store and Merchandise. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.

Hours may change based on the busyness of the park.

Have a DIFFERENT kind of Orlando vacation with a Resort home next to Disney World. Find Your Disney Resort Vacation Rental here!

How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios in Florida?

The cost of admission starts at $119, but I like discounts so I use Groupon to find cheap Universal Studios tickets.

Universal Orlando Resort NikkyJ in front of Arches at HHN Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.

What should I do first at Universal Studios Orlando?

One of the best Universal Studios Orlando tips that I can give you is to start at Diagon Alley first.

Gringotts Queue in Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando. One of the best photo spots in Universal Orlando.
Gringotts Queue in Diagon Alley

This Harry Potter-inspired area will fill up quickly making the line for the two attractions (Escape from Gringotts and Ollivanders wand experience) extremely long.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

My Final Thoughts on Getting the Best Universal Studios Photos

As you can see, Universal Studios Florida offers not only world-class rides and attractions, but photo opportunities and memories that you can make on your very own solo trip.

Theme Park Travel Guide to the Best Universal Studios photos to take with red Hollywood Rip Ride Rock it roller coaster Photo behind Transformers.
Save This Image for Later on Pinterest Using the Share Button Below!

Let me know what are the best photo spots in Universal Orlando to you?

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original date February 18, 2018/Updated February 17, 2024)

Read NEXT: 7 AMAZING Things I Can’t Wait to Do at Universal Epic Universe in 2025!

Share this article!

Leave a Comment