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A Grown Up's Guide to Universal Orlando

thumbnail image of two women on an amusement park ride
Allianz - two women on an amusement park ride

When you think of an amusement park, maybe you think that they’re geared toward kids alone, or at least families with kids. While Universal Orlando is kid-friendly in many ways, it’s also an apt choice for an adults-only getaway.

Universal Orlando is made up of three parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Each has its own attractions, with Volcano Bay being the water park in the trio, and you can pick and choose which park tickets you want based on your group’s prerogative.

We’ve outlined just a few of the reasons why Universal Orlando is a prime grown-up getaway — and how “adulting” can be refreshing fun:

Thrill Seekers Rejoice

Many of the rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are simulated experiences, meaning that you ride along a track and the visuals and special effects provide most of the thrill. But some of the rides at Universal Orlando are the real deal, and will impress even the most hardcore coaster fanatics.

The Incredible Hulk coaster reaches 67 mph, goes upside down seven times, and even ventures underground. Revenge Of The Mummy is inspired by the classic monster movie reboot and combines scary visuals, coaster speed, and darkness to provide a heart-pumping experience. At one point it even accelerates backward, catching riders off guard and adding to the ride’s intensity. And if you’ve still got adrenaline to chase, the “Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit” towers over Universal Studios and climbs a whopping 17 stories before sending riders screaming down the ride’s tallest drop.(1)

Waxing Nostalgic

If you’re a movie lover, you can look forward to experiencing rides inspired by classic movies like “E.T.” and “Men in Black.” Plus, there’s an entire area in Islands of Adventure dedicated to “Jurassic Park!” As soon as you cross the threshold into the park, the iconic music plays and you’ll be checking over your shoulder for dinosaur encounters.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter provides a magical experience for fans of every age. Once you find the entrance to Diagon Alley (it’s hidden from Muggles, remember?), you’ll want to pay a visit to Ollivander’s for the interactive wand experience. From there you can spend your day casting spells in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, sipping on butter beer, touring the Hogwarts Castle, and avoiding the glaring gaze of the goblins in Gringotts. If you grab park-to-park passes, you can ride the Hogwarts Express from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure and back. It’s the quickest way to get from one park to the other, and is a must for the true Harry Potter fan. If you’re still waiting for your letter from Hogwarts, be sure to set aside a chunk of your visit to soak in the experience.

Say Goodbye to Bedtimes

When you hit up amusement parks with younger kids, part of the day revolves around nap time and bed time. When it’s just adults, you don’t need to take breaks from the fun, and the day isn’t over when the sun sets! (Of course, let’s clarify: folks of any age can enjoy a good nap.) After the parks close, Universal Orlando visitors can head to Universal CityWalk. Aptly described as the “Epicenter of Awesome,” there’s no shortage of things to do at the CityWalk.

After a long day of walking, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. No need to settle for pizza and fries at every turn; CityWalk’s grub runs the gamut. From house-made pasta at VIVO Italian Kitchen, to extravagant chocolate concoctions at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, and a hybrid “burgushi” menu combining juicy burgers with fresh sushi at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, you could spend your whole getaway paying homage to your taste buds.1

And once you’ve had your fill of food you can hang at CityWalk until 2 a.m. enjoying live music, karaoke, movies and mini-golf until you’re ready to rest up for the next day at the parks.

Budget Friendly

Let’s face it. Amusement park vacations can be pricey. From a purely practical standpoint, having only adults in tow cuts down costs at every turn. Save on airfare, park passes, food at the parks, and more. Plus, you’ll be able to accomplish more in less time, so you can even reduce the number of nights you spend in a hotel.

If you can only swing a few kid-free days, a little bit of strategy can help you make the most of your time. First, try to visit during off-peak times. Avoid times such as spring break, when families will be visiting the parks in droves. This helps keep wait times down so that you can knock out ride after ride without spending hours in line. If you’re staying on-site, a few of the hotels include express passes and early admission to the parks, which can help you tackle more each day. Or, you can opt to hop into single-rider lines that allow you to fill in empty spots on rides if you’re not particular about sitting next to your companion.2

Final Advice

If Universal Orlando is on your to-visit list, consider making it a couple’s getaway or a weekend for catching up with friends. Whichever arrangement you choose, a trip to Universal Orlando like any theme park can be an investment. Make sure you cover your bases with a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance. If an unforeseeable event such as a covered medical condition or a dangerous weather arises, you can be reimbursed for some travel costs, lodging, and ticket costs.

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Apr 23, 2019