I was blessed to spend 3 days at Universal Studios in November 2022 - by myself! Yes, this non-thrill ride, park going mom went to Universal Studios Florida - SOLO! And had the best time. First let's start with the obvious - I was not toting around extra items or extra coats or extra anything on my back... not even sure why I took my sling bag at all. I guess old habits die hard. It was just me and my own agenda. And oh, the fun I had.
Let's start with the parks - there are 2 main theme parks at Universal Studios Florida (I'm not counting the water park). There is Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Both parks have something for everyone however Universal Studios does have Dr. Seuss, Minions, the Simpsons and SpongeBob. So, in my opinion this park may be more geared towards the littles but let's keep one thing in mind that Universal will repeatedly say - THIS ISN'T DISNEY. There are thrill rides and shows that are not for the faint of heart and will scare those littles.
Even though I am not a thrill ride seeker - I enjoyed many rides including Kong, Fast & Furious, ET - just to name a few. But no, I was not going on the newest Velocicoaster or Hagrid's Motobike. I did ride the Flight of the Hippogriff but that was definitely it for me! Did you know that you can watch every ride on YouTube so that you can plan your trip to Universal Studios without having to wonder if your little or even yourself, can handle the rides.
If you want to meet Blue from the Jurassic series, head over to Islands of Adventure. He is there to greet guests at a special meet and greet. The line can get long for this meeting, but its fast moving and a picture opportunity awaits. Jurassic Park is host to a number of rides both of dry and wet! There are plenty of opportunities to get a bit soaked at the Universal parks!
Now if you are going to Universal Studios - I would brush up on your Harry Potter movies. Do you need to know Harry Potter to enjoy the parks? No but it does help in order to understand things better. Harry Potter is completely immersive environment! You can get interactive wands, dress like a wizard, eat a chocolate frog and of course indulge in butterbeer! You can also ride the Hogwarts's Express from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade. (If you don't understand these words - watch the movies now!) Riding the Hogwarts's Express does require a special park-to-park ticket so get these from your local travel agent! (Hint, Hint). No really - don't wait until the park and then wait in line to upgrade your ticket. Your travel agent knows the best way to get from one park to the other is by riding the Hogwarts's Express and if you have a Harry Potter fan - then you know they will be disappointed to go thru the secret passage to ride the train to Hogsmeade. A few things to try at the Wizarding World - eat a meal at the Three Broomsticks where the meat falls off the ribs. This is a sit down only restaurant, but the price is fair and worth the small wait. Also head over to the Hopping Pot and grab yourself a drink you wouldn't normally drink! Say a Fishy Green Ale (my fave) or Tongue-Tying Lemon Squash or maybe even an Otter's Fizzy Orange Juice. There is also regular, frozen and hot butterbeer at this location.
Lastly, check out the CityWalk: The Epicentre of Awesome! At the CityWalk you can check out a movie or participate in the newest escape room: Universal's Great Movie Escape! You can also hang out at the Hard Rock Cafe, NBC Sports, Margaritaville or grab a famous Toothsome Chocolate Emporium shake. So many options for any budget to grab a bit to eat. The CityWalk is located between the main entrances to the parks and typically you will enter through the CityWalk after you have parked.
This post clearly doesn't' mention all things Universal as I would have hand cramps trying to type every detail, but it does show you that Universal Studios can entertain everyone in your family from young to older and from a family to a single traveler. If you're looking to make Universal Studios Orlando one of you vacation destinations - will tell you that the resorts are wonderfully themed as well and many are a short walk to the parks. Hard Rock Hotel is right outside the main gate of Universal Studios. There are advantages to booking with a travel agent and staying at a Universal Hotel - ask me about those! Until next time - happy travels!
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