You’ve Got One Day at Universal Studios. What’s Best?
You’ve got one day at Universal Orlando Resort. What’s a must?
Friends have asked me some variation of this question countless times over the years.
For whatever reason, some casual theme park fans perceive Universal Studios as a hit-and-run tourism destination.
Photo:Universal Orlando
I strongly recommend these friends spend two or preferably three days at the parks, but let’s say that this isn’t possible.
If you’ve only got one day at Universal Orlando Resort, what’s a must?
Both Wizarding Worlds
Let’s start with the assumptions I’m making. The first is that you should buy a multi-park ticket.
If you’ll only visit for a single day, you should arrive first thing in the morning and plan to stay until the park closes.
Remember that you receive early park access to specific attractions by staying at an official Universal resort.
Image Credit: Universal
In fact, the simplest solution to supercharging your day is to use the Universal Express Unlimited Pass.
You’ll get that as an amenity for staying at the Hard Rock Hotel or other hotels in the Premier Hotel tier.
At the park, you can purchase the Universal Express Pass, which will entitle you to ride many of your favorites once.
Photo:unofficialuniversal.com
However, the cost for this may price you into picking one of the better hotels anyway.
In the process, you’ll get to ride your favorites as often as you like during your single-day visit.
Some of the options include attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Photo: Universal
This list includes Hogwarts Express, which is essential since you’ll use the Potter train to switch between parks.
At this point, I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that most guests visit Universal Studios for the Potter attractions.
You’ll want to experience all of them, plus some dining and shopping here.
Photo: Patrick Connolly / Orlando Sentinel
The Express Pass can be the difference between these attractions taking a couple of hours and…most of the day.
No matter what, you should prioritize Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Photo: NBC
Any proper muggle will want to buy a wand as well. It’s integral to the experience!
The New Rides
Over the past few years, Universal has redistributed its structure to improve the parks.
You’ll find several new attractions that may not have been there during your last visit.
Universal recently modified existing space into a new themed land called Minions Land.
Photo: Universal
In this area, you’ll find one familiar attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and a new ride, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
I highly recommend Minion Blast because it’s tons of fun AND a stress reliever.
You should also visit Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Image Credit: Universal
I say this because Universal has added two new roller coasters, both of which could make a rightful claim to being the park alpha.
I already mentioned the Hagrid coaster. The other new thrill ride is the VelociCoaster, which will delight even hardcore coaster enthusiasts.
My pro tip for this one is to experience the attraction queue, which includes some mesmerizing moments, including a dino train chase.
Photo: Universal Orlando
If you’re short on time, you may prefer to skip the lines via your Express Pass, though. In that case, you will miss some fun stuff.
Another ride you don’t want to miss is Skull Island: Reign of Kong, which will thrill AND terrify you.
Universal has also introduced two other new-ish attractions that may be worth your time.
Photo: Orlando Informer
One is Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the other is Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
If you’re on the fence about what to ride, I want to level with you, though.
Photo: USA Today
These two…aren’t as good as the others I’ve mentioned.
I’ll slot them more into the “if you have time and like the franchise/late-night host” category.
The Classics
Photo: Universal Orlando
Then, we have the other rides that are worth your time at the parks.
Foremost among those are the best and most iconic attractions at the park.
I’ll start that list with The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which is still in the conversation for Best of Universal Studios.
Photo: Universal
Similarly, Revenge of the Mummy remains a classic and arguably the best indoor roller coaster in America. No joke.
Then, we have the ride that started it all, E.T. Adventure. What are you even doing at Universal Studios if you don’t ride this?
Something else to know about the park is that it uses lots of motion simulation rides.
Image Credit: Universal Orlando
If you like those, you’ll also want to try Transformers: The Ride 3D, although it’s another one I’d describe as “only if you want…”
I prefer The Simpsons Ride, which Simpsons fans will love, but it’s also fantastic as a standalone story with quality theme park satire.
By the way, if you are a Simpsons fan, Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is a lot of food…and shows Simpsons highlights in the line queue!
Photo: Universal
For families, Seuss Landing is a must, but it’s something adults can skip most of the year. During December, you’ll want to visit, though!
There’s also a roller coaster I haven’t mentioned yet, but it’s not the one you think.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has always been a bit overrated, and Universal has made some odd decisions to lessen the ride experience.
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
However, the Incredible Hulk Coaster is a short, explosive experience that will really get your blood pumping.
Oh, and the competitive fans should try MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack to establish dominance.
The Other Recommendations
Photo: Universal Orlando
Universal also hosts several water rides, presuming you don’t mind getting wet.
The best of them is Jurassic Park River Adventure, but Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a lot of fun.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges may feel like overkill. You can swap it out for Ripsaw Falls if the line is substantially shorter.
Photo: Universal
The other thing to mention is the food. I presume that you’ll eat quickly and prefer Harry Potter stuff.
If so, your choices are obvious…but if not, Krusty Burger works well for Simpsons fans.
Those of you seeking better dining are in for a treat.
Photo: Touringplans.com
Mythos has won several awards as THE best theme park restaurant in America.
Realistically, you’ll probably follow the lead of many others and exit the park’s front gate to dine at CityWalk Orlando.
During a single-day visit, I’d argue that’s not the best use of your time, but the dining options are quite good there.
Inside the park, Universal Studios still has some work to do to catch up to Disney in the food category.
In terms of merchandise, you should take some time to explore some of the stores.
You may even find some Nintendo stuff already!
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Feature Photo: Universal Studios
