Most of you know that I’m a Disney fanatic (and if you’re new, hi, I’m glad you’re here, I love Disney) I’ve been to the parks over 250 times and it just feels like home! I could walk through the parks with my eyes closed and sing every word to every song on cue, right on the spot.
Universal however, I am not so familiar with. I’ve been to Universal Hollywood twice and Orlando once but it was YEARS ago and I don’t remember a thing. I went the month after Harry Potter World opened and I hadn’t even read the books or seen any of the movies. I KNOW RIGHT?! I’m shaking my head too.
So this summer when I went to Orlando for work, I wanted to make time to visit Universal again so I teamed up with Best Of Orlando and they sent me to Islands of Adventure for the day to get the full scoop.
Since I only had one day to visit one park, I knew I’d have to be strategic with how I planed my day so I could maximize my time, ride the most rides and get the most out of the experience. Because I didn’t have unlimited time, I knew I would have to pick and choose and make some sacrifices on what I was able to do.
My friend Alayna and I got there right after park opening and accomplished almost everything we wanted to do by 5:30pm! I thought it might be helpful for me to share with you which rides to prioritize in order to get the most out of your day.
DISCLAIMER!! This list and this order is based off of what I like!! I love rollercoasters and the thrill rides. Not the super scary ones, but the ones that get your adrenaline going so read this with a grain of salt!
1. Spiderman
I would do Spiderman first because heres the thing: everyone runs straight to The Hulk when the park opens and the line is LONG. We tried to do that and it was over an hour wait. So we walked a little further to Spiderman and knocked that out while the wait was 20 min and came back to The Hulk later in the day and the line was only 20 min in the afternoon!
2. Kong
Out of all the rides we rode that day, this was my least favorite, but it’s on the way to Harry Potter World so as you’re walking towards it, if the line is short, I would do it to say you did it!
3. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
You guys. This ride. It’s really hard to impress me on rides and I was speechless after this one. Like, words were not coming out of my mouth because it was that good. Universal outdid themselves with this one and I’m going to be bold and say that it’s the best ride I’ve ever been on. There are so many surprises during the ride and it’s worth every minute of the wait. Hoping in the single rider lane will help with wait time!
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Up until I rode Hagrid’s, this ride was my favorite. The line can get gnarly, but again, if you don’t mind being split up, single rider line is the way to go! Regardless, it’s a must do!
5. Seuss Landing
As you exit Harry Potter World, you’ll pass through the Lost Continent and then into the charming Suess Landing. It’s impossible to walk through this land and not smile because it’s so adorable. The bright colors and quirky shaped buildings make me so happy and makes me wish I could live in a little town like this. Most of the rides are for younger kids, but there are tons of great photo ops and it will take you right back to the Hulk!
6. The Hulk
Bringing me to my last ride, the Hulk. I stand by my recommendation to wait to do this ride. Doing it in the afternoon is good for two reasons: 1) the line will most likely be shorter 2) its a very intense rollercoaster and I feel like your body will love you more for doing it later in the day instead of at 9 in the morning.
Bonus Tips!
Just a few little fun bonus tips of things I enjoyed at the park:
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy lunch, I would recommend the Delicious Kabobs. I got this yummy chicken kabob with veggies and a pita and it comes with chips!!
While you’re in Harry Potter World try the Butter Beer! They also have Pumkpin Juice in Honey Dukes.
If you want to end the night on a sweet note, stop by Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and indulge in one of their outrageous milkshakes or sundaes! I got the Cookie Jar milkshake and it was WOW. So yummy. They also have cases of exquisite pastries which I’m sure are delectable.
I hope you have so much fun at Islands of Adventure! It truly is such a magical park and whether you love the thrill rides, or the happy, easy going ones, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
Comment below and let me know which ride is your favorite!! Thanks for reading today and thank you again to Best of Orlando for sending me to Islands of Adventure!
xx Nicole #DoStuff
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