Universal Orlando’s 3-Day Itinerary for Thrill Seekers
As a self-proclaimed thrill-seeker, there is n o better way to satisfy that urge than to go on all of the adrenaline pumping rides across Universal Orlando Resort. I’m talking: Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and even your hotel can add to your thrills with water slides and adventurous eats!
Below you’ll find an itinerary for the ultimate 3-day Thrill Seeker’s Vacation at Universal Orlando Resort.
DAY 1: Volcano Bay All Day
(EDITOR’S NOTE: On November 2nd, Volcano Bay closed for the season and will reopen on or before March 1, 2021. Make sure to include it in your thrilling vacation plans!)
A vacation at Universal Orlando isn’t complete without spending time at Volcano Bay, quite literally an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. Kick off your day with Ko’okiri Body Plunge, which sits at the very top of the volcano…but feel free to ease your way into things.
The Biggest Thrills of Day 1: Volcano Bay
When the floor opens beneath your feet, you may or may not question why you live for an adrenaline rush, but by the time you hit the 125 foot drop, you’ll know this is the ride for you.
Let’s just say drums start playing before the floor is swept away… and the entire ride lives up to that dramatic start!
This is not a lazy river… (quite the opposite) and is perfect in between rides when you still want a fast paced experience.
This was an adrenaline rush that the whole group was able to enjoy and boy did we all scream.
This raft ride is like no other. You WILL be clinging to your raft as you fly through open tubes and across walls. Yes, I said fly!
Ride both. Our favorite was Ohno because the drop at the end was a little more intense!
For the thrill seeker in training:
Don’t miss:
- Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Taniwha Tubes
- Runamukka Reef
This was a dedicated area for kids! Within the Reef, there were various slides that your little one can work up the nerve to conquer, one at a time!
Pro Tip #1: Use your TapuTapu wearable to save your spot in line for Krakatau Aqua Coaster as soon as you enter the park. This one fills up fast!
Pro Tip #2: Stay at a Universal hotel to get Early Park Admission — this incredible perk allows you to enter the parks before other guests and scope out the best spot on Waturi Beach and ride a few rides before anyone else.
Photo Credit: Imani Miller
Foodie Finds: We also tried exciting flavors while we were there. Dishes like Jerk Shrimp Mac and Cheese and a Longboard Pizza from Whakawaiwai Eats definitely hit the spot.
Alas, after a full day in the sun you can take the shuttle back to your hotel room at one of the fabulous Universal Resort hotels. Hard Rock would be a fitting choice for any thrill seeker because it matches the energetic vibe of this type of trip, plus it put us in the heart of the action, as it is the closest hotel to the parks. Plus a stay at Hard Rock includes Universal Express Unlimited, which guaranteed we never had to wait too long for our thrills in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Photo Credit: Imani Miller
Foodie Finds: A must-try is The Kitchen, one of the restaurants at the hotel. And a must-have on the menu— The Kitchen Sink. This giant slice consists of seven layers of brownie, peanut butter crunch, chocolate chunk cookie, pecan pie, vanilla cheesecake, devil’s food chocolate cake, vanilla chiffon, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.
DAY 2: Universal Studios Florida to Islands of Adventure
Day 2 starts with doughnuts covered in cereal! The Loop and Oh Captain, My Captain from Voodoo Doughnut in Universal CityWalk set the tone for an exciting day.
After breakfast, start in Universal Studios, grab lunch in CityWalk, and then end the day in Islands of Adventure.
The Biggest Thrills of Day 2: Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure
- Universal Studios – Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
What a classic! Nothing beats that vertical climb to the top as the ride begins. You’ll definitely have time to think to yourself “Oh snap, what have I gotten myself into?”.
- Universal Studios- The Bourne Stuntacular
Trigger Warning: Loud explosions and noises can be heard may not be suitable for young kids, veterans, or sensory sensitive folks.
- Universal Studios – Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
This ride is a combo-pack of all the things that make a ride great — story, thrill, excitement, and a touch of magic! It is non-stop fun.
- Universal Studios – Transformers: The Ride – 3D
Going on a wild adventure with the Transformers Robots left our whole group grinning ear to ear.
- Islands of Adventure – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
For the thrill seeker in training:
- Universal Studios – Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
This outside wooden coaster will make any little feel like they’ve conquered the world.
Photo Credit: Imani Miller
Foodie Finds: Chasing thrills can work up an appetite. Replenish your energy while keeping the fun going with some of your favorite themed-snacks like a big pink Lard Lad Donut or a refreshing, non-alcoholic Flaming Moe. Excite the taste buds at Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield!
Foodie Finds: Spend the first half of our day in Universal Studios, so naturally a 2-foot long hotdog for lunch from Hot Dog Hall of Fame in CityWalk was a logical choice before heading into Islands of Adventure.
Foodie Finds: You must treat yourselves to The Great Feast at Three Broomsticks.
DAY 3: Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios
The Biggest Thrills of Day 3: Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios
- Islands of Adventure – The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Another classic! You’ll blast out of the tunnel and into too many twists and turns to count.
- Islands of Adventure – Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Yes, it is terrifying as soon as you strap yourself in. Yes, you can hear the screams of people in the adjacent tower…but it’s fine. Remind yourself that you love the thrill, do it and you’ll thank me later.
- Islands of Adventure – Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Be prepared to get really wet,but it’s worth it!
- Islands of Adventure – Jurassic Park River Adventure
The perfect blend of physical and mental thrill! You’ll feel the excitement of coming face-to-face with dinosaurs and the 85-foot-splash-filled drop.
- BONUS THRILL: Counting down the days until The Jurassic World VelociCoaster opens in summer of 2021.
- Islands of Adventure – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This ride is a non-stop adrenaline rush as we adventured with Harry Potter himself. You’ll twist, turn, and truly be transported to another world.
- Universal Studios – The Revenge of the Mummy
Yet another classic Universal Orlando favorite, this indoor dark coaster never disappoints and always serves up an extreme adrenaline rush…with a dash of humor!
For the thrill seeker in training:
- Islands of Adventure – Flight of the Hippogriff
This outdoor coaster featured steep twists and turns around trees and magical forests. Our little passenger felt so accomplished once she conquered it!
- Islands of Adventure – The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
Swing into action alongside Spider-Man, every kid’s dream come true!
- Islands of Adventure – Pteranodon Fliers
No room for a fear of heights here! If your little one can brave this ride, they’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the park.
Foodie Finds: Think green when choosing snacks. We started the day with Green Eggs and Ham Tots from Green Eggs and Ham Cafe in Seuss Landing and mid-day we gave the Fishy Green Ale in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter a try and let’s just say, both did not disappoint!
The night ended on a bold note when we ate dinner at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, in CityWalk! When you order the fresh made Tableside Guacamole, you can choose your level of heat. We went for the highest level for an extra kick to the tastebuds. From the Pollo Fajitas to the Quesadillas to the Ground Beef Taco Salad, each dish we ordered took us on an exciting flavorful journey.
And what’s a trip to Universal Orlando without a huge milkshake from The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to sweeten things up?
If you live for the thrills like we do, be sure to check off each of these rides and crazy culinary concoctions when you visit the parks!
Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote for a Universal Studios vacation! My planning services are included at no extra cost. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at whitney@letsadventuretravel.com or follow along on Facebook.Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at whitney@letsadventuretravel.com or follow along on Facebook.
Source: Universal Orlando Blog
