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Writer's pictureamouseandabeach
Aug 278 min read

The Best Parts About Universal Orlando?

Take It from the Professionals - Universal Must Do’s You Don’t Want to Miss!

Contributed By

Our AMAAB Crew 


When our advisors aren’t helping clients with their magical vacations, they can often be found having some fun of their own in the destinations we plan! Afterall, the best knowledge comes from experience, right? 

So let’s ask the professionals on our crew... what do we think are the MUST DO attractions and entertainment options at the thrilling Universal Orlando Resort?


The Hulk


My first visit to Universal and Islands of Adventure in Orlando was during Grad Bash. If you aren't familiar, it’s basically a night where the parks are closed to everyone except high school seniors from all over and they have a big party until 2AM. I have so many incredible memories from this night- Akon and DJ Khaled were even headlining! My Sperry’s were blistering my feet. My spray tan was sweating off by the minute, and I for some reason thought it was a good idea to bring my new (BIG) Coach purse that had no business being brought to a theme park. But my best memory?! Riding The HULK. 


I was never a rollercoaster kid growing up. I liked spinning rides, but was always scared to try rollercoasters... especially ones that “went upside down”. However, all my friends were riding it and I sure wasn’t about to be left out. I waited with everyone else in that 120 minute line, climbed into the seat with shaky legs and sweaty palms, and then screamed my heart out for the next 2 minutes and 15 seconds. I’m not sure that I even opened my eyes until it was over. But, man, what a rush that was! Now I’m not sure if it's nostalgia, or if I’m just a glutton for punishment, but riding The Hulk is almost like a right of passage for anyone who goes with me to Islands of Adventure. It’s a MUST DO every single time. It’s also safe to say that I am now a “rollercoaster kid.” 

Pictured: The Coach purse that had a chokehold on me for entirely too long. 



Unexpected Water Fun


For me, my favorite theme park for the best thrill rides has got to be Islands of Adventure. I have always found that park to be the best for roller coasters. I grew up going to Universal, and while it was always wonderful to have the classics, when Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, it brought a whole new level of fun to the Universal Orlando theme parks.

My favorite rides are a bit surprising but I absolutely love Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rats Barge. I typically visit Universal in the summer, and after a very long, hot day of rides and park fun, it is always nice to have a few good rides to really cool off! It is a guarantee you will get wet on both, but on Popeye, you can get DRENCHED from head to toe. I took my mom on this ride several years ago and she said she felt like she had jumped in a pool fully clothed after she got off the ride! I think for me, the other appeal for this ride in particular is that every time I ride this with my family, we laugh until we cry. Something about watching your friends and family get completely soaked when they are unprepared for it makes it that much more comical.

I know many people prefer not to get wet at a theme park because it is no fun walking around in wet shoes and pants. I always advise my clients to bring a pair of flip flops to change into for the ride. Some guests even wear ponchos! Water fun is definitely a must on those hot summer days, and both rides are original to the park which makes them that much more nostalgic! 



The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

"The wand chooses the wizard" - Garrick Olivander 


Can you guess what my favorite thing about Universal is?

If you guessed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter... you would be correct! 


I remember being in my 5th grade classroom, new to the school and state. I didn't know anyone, but when my teacher started reading to us the Harry Potter books, it felt like my whole class was bonded for life. Some classmates I still talk to to this day. My teacher transformed our classroom into houses and we had weekly chess matches. It absolutely sparked my love for reading. Entering Universal Studios and walking up to the Knight Bus before heading into Diagon Alley was just like stepping into my 5th grade class all over again...


When you walk through the broken brick wall and enter Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, the way that Harry's wizard journey started, you yourself are transformed into the wizard that you are! You see all the shops from Ollivanders to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Make sure you try the Butterbeer ice cream... it's my favorite! If the line is too long, you can sometimes find it in kiosks in Diagon Alley (with a shorter line!). If you decide to make yourself into a real wizard, then stop by Ollivanders and get an interactive wand! It is a must as these interactive wands allow you to do 'real magic' while at the parks and come with a map to discover where the best spots are to practice your spells.


Make sure you also stop in front of Gringotts and watch the dragon breathe fire (Pro Tip - this happens every ten minutes ;)) before heading into the ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Once you're done exploring Diagon Alley, the best next step is to take the incredible journey to Hogwarts! How do you do that? Climb aboard The Hogwarts Express and ride with Harry and friends as you hop parks to then enter Islands of Adventure. NOTE: you must have the park to park pass in order to experience The Hogwarts Express. Don't worry about those details, though. Our crew will make sure you know how to plan your magical day well!


Once you get off The Hogwarts Express you are immediately transported to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts! Look at the castle and make sure you stay till dark to see the "Hogwarts Always" show.

In Hogsmeade you will find 3 rides: 

  • Forbidden Journey 

  • Flight of the Hippogriff 

  • Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure 


Hagrid's Motorbike is the epitome of what it feels like to be a wizard. That attraction made me smile the biggest smile while also bringing tears to my eyes. You actually feel like you're flying Harry to safety on Hagrid's bike. Truly a MUST DO! It's also my all time favorite ride.

I can't recommend The Wizarding World of Harry Potter enough. Whether you've been a fan for years like me or if you aren't even a big fan yet, this world will inspire and impress you. Even my middle son, who wasn't a fan yet when we went, is now obsessed after visiting. There's also a ton of nods to the books with various details that make going to this area of the parks especially fun for fans. Don't worry... I know where they are and don't mind teaching you!



Show Hopping


My hubby and I love show hopping at Universal Studios because they are super fun plus give us a chance to rest our feet! Our favorite is the action packed Bourne Stuntacular where you are immersed in the excitement of Jason Bourne’s story. Live action stunts combined with a high definition screen make it feel like you are actually in the movie! 


For a good laugh, we recommend stopping by The Horror Make-Up Show. Not only will you learn some of the tricks of the trade from movie effects masters, but the show is hysterical and leaves you laughing every time! I convinced my fellow advisors to attend with me during our last agency trip and they were pleasantly surprised at how funny it was.


The Tales of Beedle the Bard is also worth mentioning and watching! Located in Diagon Alley, this show brings the stories of Harry Potter to life with a dramatic telling of The Three Brothers using puppetry and magic! Insider tip: snag a Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice before heading to watch my favorite Wizarding World show to truly get that Harry Potter experience.



Hidden Gem: Raptor Encounters


One of my favorite hidden gems in Islands of Adventure is the Raptor Encounter!! Depending on the time you go, you can either meet a sweet but sassy baby raptor that is held by one of the Jurassic Park dinosaur trainers or if you are feeling adventurous you can meet a full grown velociraptor!! This is a great opportunity for photo ops and people watching - everyone’s reactions to the raptor’s antics are so much fun! Confession, no matter how many times I’ve gone to the Raptor Encounter, I’m always a little nervous and excited!!!



A First Timer’s Tale


Growing up in California, my family and I would visit Universal Studios Hollywood a lot. I had never been to Universal Orlando Resort until earlier this year when I had the opportunity to go with other AMAAB advisors on our agency trip. I was excited to compare Hollywood to Orlando and see how different Universal was on the east coast. My first impression was how convenient the layout of the resort hotels, CityWalk, and theme parks were. No details were spared with the theming of the parks either. My favorite land by far was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I admit I’m not the biggest Harry Potter fan, but I loved escaping in the worlds of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I even got to try my first Butterbeer! I can't wait to go back and now I feel prepared to guide my clients well at this magical destination! 


P.S. Frozen is better. :) IYKYK



Chill Vibes and Express Pass Rides 


It's too hard to pick my one favorite thing about Universal, because as an official Universal Orlando Pass Holder, I truly love it all! So I'm going to cheat and give you my 3 favorite things!


First, the vibe is SO chill. From being able to walk from (most) resorts to the park, to the ease of navigating the parks, you can literally just show up here and ride the rides and eat the food. It doesn't take a ton of planning ahead of time. I mean, you should definitely think things through and pick your top priorities (I can help you with that!), but after we discuss what you want to be sure to see, it's smooth sailing-- especially if you have Express Passes!


Speaking of Express Passes, my second favorite thing are the Premier Resorts at Universal. Good dining options, excellent pools, themed rooms, easy walking or water taxi to the parks, and the best part... Express Passes are INCLUDED with your stay! Express Passes mean you get in the Express Line whenever you want and go ride the ride. It's pretty wonderful. Pro Tip: If Express Passes aren't in your budget, do the Single Rider Line, it's usually super quick, too!


My third favorite thing about Universal? The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you have read this far, you can see this area is awesome and our AMMAB team agrees it is a MUST SEE. As a HUGE HP fan, this world brings me so much joy. I love the castle, The Hogwarts Express, casting spells with my interactive wand, and even hearing Moaning Myrtle haunt the bathrooms in Hogsmeade. It's everything that a Harry Potter fan would want and MORE.



Are you ready to experience Universal Orlando Resort in a whole new way?

Hop over to our request a quote to get started. Feel free to select one of our advisors above or choose "assign based on our trip" and we will make sure you have a magically thrilling adventure at Universal!



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