Universal Orlando for Adults: Top Seven Things to Experience on Your Trip

There are so many attractions, shows, and dining options at Universal Orlando for adults. Universal's two theme parks include Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Their water park, Volcano Bay, is home to many great water slides and attractions. City Walk is also located by the parks and offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment that does not require admission.

There is so much to see and do at Universal Orlando for adults, here are the top seven things you must experience on your next vacation!

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1. Enjoy Thrill Rides

Number one on our list of things at Universal Orlando for adults are all the thrill rides that the theme parks offer! There are so many fantastic thrill rides offered that adults will enjoy. Some of our favorites include Velocicoaster, Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Revenge of the Mummy. See our full guide to Universal Orlando for tips on planning and our reviews of the best Universal Studios Florida rides.

Pro Tip: Ride these rides early right after park opening to avoid long lines since all of the thrill rides are some of the most popular at Universal Orlando!

2. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Arguably one of the best parts of Universal Orlando is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are two Harry Potter themed lands: Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade is located in Universal's Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. The Hogwarts Express connects both of these Harry Potter themed lands- you will need a Park-to-Park ticket in order to ride though since it transports you between the two main theme parks at Universal Orlando. Don't forget to come back in the evening to watch The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle!

Pro Tip: If Harry Potter is top on your list, go to these rides first early in the day before the lines get really long. The newest ride, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, will have considerable lines any time of the day but do it early in case it has to close down due to weather changes since it's an outdoor ride.

3. Head to Volcano Bay

The Volcano Bay water park can often be overlooked at Universal Orlando which is a shame since there is so much to see! The water park has offer 19 attractions to choose from including a variety of thrilling water slides and raft rides. You can also just spend the day relaxing in the lazy river or enjoying some of their tropical drinks pool side. Nothing says vacation like sun and cocktails!

Pro Tip: Rent your own cabana for the day to ensure some more relaxation with your own personal spot along with poolside service.

4. Enjoy a Live Show

Between Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, there's a large list of live shows and entertainment at Universal Orlando for adults to enjoy. Some top favorites among adults include The Blues Brothers Show, Fear Factor Live, Animal Actors on Location, and Poseidon's Fury.

Pro Tip: Spend your morning enjoying the rides and save shows for the afternoon. Decide in advance which shows are the top of your list so you know where to go after lunch!

5. Meet Characters

Adults will find plenty of characters in both parks they want to meet like characters from Marvel, the Simpsons, Transformers, and more! Seasonal times of the year will offer a bigger variety of characters like Halloween horror characters or the Grinch during the Grinchmas celebration!

Pro Tip: If meeting Marvel characters is top of your list, consider enjoying the Marvel Character Dinner where you can meet Captain America, Spiderman, Wolverine, Storm, and Rogue!

6. Enjoy Dining and Shopping Options

There are so many great dining and shopping options at Universal Orlando for adults. The Potter Heads will love The Three Broomsticks and other great dining locations in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Don't forget to have a Butterbeer. Fans of the Simpsons will love the Simpsons themed area where you can dine at the Krusty Burger or enjoy a Duff Beer. Everywhere you turn will also have tons of great shopping options with some of the coolest souvenirs in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can purchase your own wand!

In fact, Universal Islands of Adventure has the Mythos Restaurant which was named the best theme park restaurant in the world.

Pro Tip: Save your shopping for the end of the day so you're not carrying it around on all the rides. The exception to this rule is if you want a wand at Ollivanders! I recommend going there early as the lines fill up fast for that experience.

7. Head to City Walk for the Evening

Finish off your day with an evening of fun at the Universal Orlando City Walk! This area is mainly geared for adults so you will find plenty of great bars, restaurants, and live music. Spend the night dancing in one of their high energy clubs with celebrity DJs or get a ticket to see the Blue Man Group live. There's tons of great options to explore for adults.

Pro Tip: Check the Universal Orlando City Walk website before your visit so you know what entertainment to expect, how to book dining reservations, get tickets to see the Blue Man Group, and more.

Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation Today!

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You can discover more about planning your trip from these links:

• Walt Disney World Cheap Food Guide
• Discount Walt Disney World Tickets
• Walt Disney World Character Guide
• Guide to Epcot Food and Wine Festival
• Guide to Walt Disney World Transportation