Universal Studios Orlando for Adults– 2 Parks and a Magic Wand @UniversalORL #UniversalMoments
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In 2012, I had already been to Universal Studios Park in Singapore, but my father told me then time that it was his ultimate dream to go Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Ever since that day, Universal Studios Orlando has been firmly on my bucket list!
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Universal Studios Orlando
I think Universal Studios is much more appropriate for teenagers and young adults, as it’s an action-packed land of thrill and adrenaline rides, compared with the more fantasy and imagination themed Walt Disney World. Universal Studios has two different parks – the first is the original one and the other one is the Universal Studios Islands of Adventures, which I think is bigger. I love them both though!
Also, if you are a Harry Potter fan, then this is the place to be! Don’t forget to buy that Magic Wand the get the most out of the whole experience. I promise you, it will be memorable!
This trip was arranged by VISIT ORLANDO and I’m so happy that Universal Studios Orlando gave us Park-to-Park Admission tickets and Universal Express passes!
Our Trip highlights
What I love the most about the rides in Universal Studios is that they are more interactive than the standard roller coaster – combining 3D cinema, special effects, roller coaster thrills and edge-of-your-seat simulation!
Universal Studios Orlando (Image – Two Monkeys Travel)
While we were there, it was the Christmas season so there were special performances in both of the parks. We had the chance to watch the Grinchmas Who-Holiday Spectacular at the Universal’s Islands of Adventure. After that around 6PM, we went back to Universal Studios to watch the Mannheim Steamroller, #1 top-selling artist of all time in the USA. (They even had an American Sign Language Interpreter during the concert)
Tips to enjoy Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Aside from the usual tips that you can read online, here’s our tips based on our recent visit to maximize your time and experience!
1. You need to purchase the Interactive Wand at Ollivanders wand shop located in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
I think it costs around $50 but I promise you, it’ll be worth it. At Ollivanders you’ll also have an opportunity to witness a wand choose a wizard! When you go around the two parks you can create amazing magical experiences – it’s interactive and connected to some of the attractions so you really feel the magic!
2. Get the Universal Express Pass!
SKIP THE REGULAR LINES! The Universal Express pass lets you go through a priority lane to avoid all the queues. When we went it was the Saturday before Christmas and the place was jam-packed, so having that Express Pass allowed us to experience a lot of rides throughout the day. We literally saved hours’ worth of queuing time! Also, it’s limited but I highly suggest that you purchase it once you’re already inside the park so that you know if it’s really worth buying it or not. They also have a single rider lane that lets you skip the regular line, which is also very handy and occasionally faster than the Express Lane!
Universal Studios Orlando has two different parks and if you have a park-to-park admission ticket then you can board the 15 minute Hogwarts Express and travel between King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade Station in Universal Studio Islands of Adventure.
4. Don’t bring a big bag!
Most of the rides in Universal Studios won’t let you carry a bag, cellphone or anything that could fall even if you have zip pocket! So you have to leave your bag in lockers which they provide. The lockers are small, digital boxes and are complimentary for a fixed time in some rides where the lines are long, whilst for others you will have to pay it. Big bags won’t fit!
5. Enjoy the food at the Universal City Walk
Instead of eating inside the Universal parks, get out and go to the City Walk! There are different restaurant options from Asia food, fast food chains and even fine dining! It’s worth it!
Also the City Walk has the Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX, Hollywood Drive-in Gold, Live Music and Nightclubs!
4. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a MUST!
“Step inside Gringotts, the goblin-run bank, and venture deep underground to the vaults. Here you’ll encounter many familiar characters – not all of them friendly – on a multi-dimensional thrill ride that puts you right in the middle of the action.”
“Put yourself to the test at the most extreme audience participation show ever. For the chance to compete in Fear Factor Live, casting for the attraction will take place 70 minutes prior to each show at the kiosk located in front of the stadium. Contestants must be 18 years or older with a valid Photo ID.”
6. Terminator 2: 3D
“Join forces with the TERMINATOR in this futuristic mix of live action and 3D Film!”
7. Men in Black: Alien Attack
“Test your alien-zapping skills in this interactive ride through MIB agent training!”
Note: Loose articles are not permitted. Free lockers are available during a visit to this ride.
“Escape from Raptors and a hungry T-rex in this thrilling river raft ride!” (Optional Lockers Available, you have to pay! Please note that you can get wet during this ride)
Universal Studios Orlando (Image – Two Monkeys Travel)
3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – a MUST!
“Make your way through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts and soar high above the castle on an unforgettable breathtaking adventure.”
Note: Loose articles are not permitted. Free lockers are available during a visit to this ride.
“Explore the ruins of Poseidon’s ancient temple in this special effects guided tour.”
6. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
“Hop in a log and hang on for a wild and wet flume ride.”
Some of the information above is from the official Universal Orlando website, so is subject to change. Our entrance tickets were complimentary, courtesy of Universal Orlando, but all opinions are our own.
Note: This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of Visit Orlando for our itinerary in Orlando, Visit Florida, the official tourism office of Florida in Tallahassee and especially Ms. Summer Gilhousen, who arranged the whole trip and coordinated with all the local tourism boards, private companies for our sponsored hotel stays, tours and car rental. Thank you!
Thank you to everyone we met along the way who all helped to make this such a special experience. It was an incredible first visit to the USA and I will never forget it!
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