Hey there, readers! I'm back with another exciting chapter of my life's adventures, and this time, it's all about my unforgettable day at Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, all by myself. Yup, you read that right – a solo escapade filled with thrills, magic, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Morning Of
I started the day by waking up at the Universal Endless Summer Resort, 5 minutes away from Universal Studios! The hotel was extremely nice, and I felt super safe there. Around 7:30 am, I headed to Universal Studios. I purchased the Premier Season Pass a year ago so that grants me early access to the parks and free parking. I had a photo idea that I wanted to do so I wanted to get there right at 8 am when the early access started! I parked in the Dr. Suess lot and headed to Universal Studios! When I arrived at the park, I went straight to Diagon Ally. Getting a photo op without hardly anyone around was picture perfect. The hardest part was asking someone to take my picture, but I was so glad I did! After the picture, I went straight over to Islands of Adventure (by exiting the park) and got in the singles line at the VelociCoaster. I waited in the single rider's line for about 30 minutes, rode the thrilling ride, and then the park was officially open!
Weather That Set the Stage
Let's talk about the Florida weather. When I got to the park around 8 am, it was not too hot at the time which was great! Around 11, the sun was shining and let me tell you it was quite toasty outside. It was around 100 degrees and there wasn't really any breeze going on but that is typical Florida heat! Armed with sunscreen, sunglasses and water, I was ready to take on whatever Universal had in store.
Thrills and Spills: The Rides
Oh boy, where do I even begin with the rides? The best part about going solo? Skipping those colossal lines with the single rider option – a true game-changer. As you read, I started my morning off with the VelociCoaster with about a 30 min. wait and then I walked around Islands of Adventure and rode any rides there! I absolutely LOVE Hagrid's ride, but it was closed for remodeling while I was there. I went and rode King Kong and all of the Dr. Suess rides which were actually fun! Marvel world the lines were quite long so I took the Harry Potter train to Universal Studios! When I arrived, I immediately got in line for Gringotts Bank ride. This ride is in the top 5 for sure. The wait was about a 40-minute wait for single riders. I then went to Fast and Furious which is a lot of fun and then made my way to Men in Black! I wanted to do the Rip Ride Rocket Coaster, but the wait was around 90 minutes, so I opted out!
Harry Potter Magic: A Love Affair
Alright, folks, here's the real deal – my heart belongs to Harry Potter World. Walking through those enchanting streets, passing by familiar shops, and catching glimpses of iconic landmarks, it was like stepping right into the pages of the books.
Butterbeer Bliss: A Must-Have
If you've never tried butterbeer, stop what you're doing and make plans to visit Universal right now. Seriously, it's a non-negotiable must-have. That frothy, creamy concoction is like a hug in a mug – sweet, indulgent, and utterly irresistible. I treated myself to one (or two, who's counting?) and let me tell you, it was like a sip of pure enchantment. I also stopped at the ice cream shop and grabbed butterbeer ice cream and it is a must try!
Outfit of the Day: Comfort Meets Style
Now, let's talk fashion – my trusty outfit for the day. I opted for a comfy pair of Lululemon shorts paired with a Lululemon High Rise Align Tank! For shoes, I wore a pair of Adidas sneakers that I had in my closet that were super comfy. I made sure to dress for the weather!!
The Solo Experience: A Total Win
To sum it all up, embarking on a solo journey through Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure was an absolute blast. The freedom to create my own itinerary, the thrill of conquering those rides, and the joy of sipping butterbeer amidst the magic – it all added up to an unforgettable experience. If you're contemplating a solo theme park adventure, take the plunge – you won't regret it.
So, my fellow adventurers, mark my words: Whether you're a die-hard Harry Potter fan or a thrill-seeker ready to conquer every coaster, Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure have something for everyone. Pack your bags, grab your wand (and maybe a butterbeer), and let the magic unfold.
All the best!
Payton Duncan
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