How early do u have to be at the park?

I suggest get there as early as possible cause they mostly hit capacity at 10 A.M sometimes

The parks have different opening and closing times throughout the year so I would check the universal Orlando website to plan accordingly.

The park opens at 830 but you can get to the parking garage as early as 7am as far as I know. Once you park in the garage a bus takes you over to the volcano bay entrance. Once your at the volcano bay entrance you will have to wait there until 830 when the park opens.

You can be as early as you want as long as they are open, but remember without tickets don't bother going, buy online tickets, at least it's guaranteed that you are going.