Gradventure at Universal Studios Orlando [2025]
Going from middle school to high school is often a milestone in life. When milestones get hit, celebrations are needed. There is no better way to celebrate than at Universal Studios Orlando Resort!
This post will go over all of the information that you will need to know about Gradventure! We will cover everything from tickets, dates, hours, and everything in between!
To kick thigs off check out this little trailer highlighting some of the things to look forward to by attending Gradventure!
What is Gradventure at Universal?
Gradventure is Universal Studio Orlando’s private event to celebrate those who graduated from 8th grade. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate this milestone.
At Gradventure, you get to celebrate graduation at two different Universal Studios Orlando parks! Limited attendance also means that you can enjoy shorter wait times at some of your favorite Universal attractions!
What to Expect at Universal Gradventure
Gradventure is an exclusive private event only for those who register ahead of time. It is a private event for 8th graders to celebrate their graduation. Attendees get special access to Universal Studios Florida, as well as Universal Studios Island of Adventure after the park closes to the general public.
With access to both parks, students get a special pathway to quickly get them from one park to another, making it easier to enjoy the rides at both parks. And with limited ticket sales, attractions usually have shorter lines making it easier to enjoy more rides throughout the night.
Additionally, attendees can enjoy live DJs and dance parties throughout each park and street performers in both parks.
What’s Included at Gradventure
Gradventure provides a safe place for your 8th graders to enjoy Universal! By purchasing a student ticket, attendees can enjoy hours of the private event, free entertainment (including DJs and performers), exclusive Gradventure merchandise, and more!
Who is Eligible to Attend Gradventure
Gradventure is only available for those that are 8th grade students, and approved chaperones that are associated with the school the student attends.
Gradventure is available for 8th grade students, regardless of if the students attendance is at a public school, private school, or home schooled.
Universal Gradventure Tickets
Universal offers only one type of ticket for Grandventure. Everyone that attends Gradventure will need to have a ticket.
However, there is a unique rule for chaperones, which we will touch on a little later.
The Gradventure tickets gets students the following:
– Admission into Gradventure
– Access to both Universal Studios Florida & Universal Islands of Adventure
– Early admission at 4pm (prior to Gradventure start)
– Voucher for: One Quick Service Meal and One non-alcoholic beverage
Chaperone Tickets:
Universal offers a complimentary chaperone ticket for every 10 students tickets that are purchased. If you need additional chaperone tickets, then they can be purchased alongside the students tickets.
This complimentary chaperone tickets makes it easier and more affordable for schools to have enough chaperones present for the event.
Gradventure Chaperone Benefits:
Now, if you were wondering if there was any benefits for Chaperones, the answer is yes!
In addition to admission into Gradventure, chaperones also get:
– Complimentary Universal Express Unlimited
– Chaperone Only Lounge (with snacks and drinks)
– Complimentary meal
– Games throughout the evening
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, Universal’s website does not list the cost of the tickets for Gradventure without actually registering for the event. In previous years, tickets have cost around $150. However, the cost is typically given by the school and also includes transportation, so the cost is subject to change.
If you’re interested in reserving your spot for Gradventure, you can do so at Universal’s website: Gradventure Registration.
Universal Gradventure Dates
It is exciting that Universal puts on this Gradventure event, however it doesn’t take place on too many night. So if you are interested in attending, be sure to register quickly, so you don’t miss out on this Gradventure.
Universal Gradventure only happens on 4 select nights!
2025 Gradventure Dates:
Friday, May 2
Friday, May 9
Friday, May 16
Saturday, May 17
Universal Orlando Gradventure Hours
The Gradventure event officially starts at 7 pm, and ends at 12 midnight. Giving students 5 hours of fun to explore both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Island of Adventure.
But remember, with admission tickets, students can enter either park as early as 4 pm, which can add an additional 3 hours of fun and exploration of the parks!
It is important to note that Universal Studios Orlando doesn’t close early for their Gradventure event. This means that the general public will be in the two parks until the event’s official start at 7 pm.
Dress Code for Gradventure
Universal Studios does have a dress code for all attendees at the event. In simple terms, Universal wants all attendees to dress comfortable, with clothing that isn’t too revealing or that is going to obstruct safety equipment of the rides.
For Gradventure, Universal does recommend that students wear matching colored shirts with their school name/logo on the shirts. This makes it easier to find each other throughout the event night.
Universal Studios Orlando has a list of what is allowed and not permitted to wear and bring for Gradventure. Universal sticks to its dress code really well, so if you have something in question, it is best not to risk it.
Here is a quick pdf of Gradventure’s dress code from Universal Studios Orlando’s website.
Universal Studios Gradventure FAQ:
If you have any further questions about Gradventure, feel free to email me at red[at]redthetraveler[dot]com. I will be happy to do my best to answer all of your questions.
Can Homeschoolers Go To GradVenture?
Yes! Universal Gradventure is open for all 8th graders whether they attend a public school, private school, or are home-schooled! Regardless of the educational path you are on, completing 8th grade is an accomplishment that should be celebrated.
What If A Student Requires Special Assistance?
Universal Studios Orlando does its best to be accommodating to all students, regardless of any assistance that they might need.
If there is a student within your group that requires assistance, or a disability that prevents them from waiting in the conventional attraction queue environment, then these are the following steps that Universal Orlando recommends you take.
Applications must be completed 30 days prior to the event date, otherwise additional steps may be needed to be completed.
But the guest (who needs accomodation) will need to have a IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC). This IAC can be obtained by registering at the accessibility card website. Once registration and documentation has been completed, then a Universal Orlando Team Member will contact the student to discuss their accomodation to ensure everything is in place.
Note: This information comes directly from Universal’s Gradventure website. Red the Traveler cannot guarantee any needed approval or special accommodations. It is solely up to Universal Studios Orlando and their team.
Does Gradventure Include Food?
Yes! The student (and chaperone*) ticket includes a food voucher.
Students will have to use the food voucher before 11 pm. Otherwise, the voucher will be voided.
*Chaperones will have access to unlimited snacks and food in their Chaperone-only lounge.
Closing The Gates On: Gradventure at Universal Studios Orlando
Gradventure is an excellent option for celebrating your 8th-grade graduation. Graduates get to enjoy early admission to the park (before the party officially starts), as well as shorter lines for popular attractions, an exclusive pathway to get from Universal Studios Orlando to Island of Adventure.
Additionally, graduates that attend Gradventure at Universal Studios, get to enjoy live entertainment, whether it’s DJ’s giving the opportunity to dance the night away, or the live street entertainers that can be found throughout both Universal parks. There is a lot to do during Gradventure.
Be sure to register quickly for the event, as admission is limited. Gradventure is only offered for 5 select nights in May. This is one celebrative event that you won’t want to miss.
