Top 5 Must doThings in Universal Studios Orlando
You’re about to head to Universal Studios and you know you’re going to explore the Wizarding World, but what else is a must you do? I have you covered! Here are the top do not miss things to do in Universal Studios Orlando.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. This is hands down my favorite ride in Orlando, it is amazing. You can either be Harry and ride in the side car or be Hagrid and ride the motorcycle side. I love the story that goes along with it & hearing Hagrid as you dodge Fluffy & other magical creatures in the Forbidden Forrest. This is a fast pace coaster that has some surprises, I don’t want to spoil them but definitely check out this ride yourself! This is a family friendly coaster, but you must be 48” to ride. Currently there are two ways to ride it, arrive at the park as a resort guest for Early Park Admission and do this first thing or snag a virtual queue for it. At the time I write this the only way to get a spot in the virtual queue is to be in the parks & scan the QR code. This will bring up safari and you’ll be prompted to sign into your Universal account. Make sure your location services are on too. After you have this all set up you will get a half hour window to return to the ride. If you’re in the parks more than one day you can even try to snag a virtual queue while in your hotel room! We did this ride multiple times and can’t wait to go back.
2. Velocicoaster for the adventurous traveler. This is the newest ride in the parks. Velocicoaster’s story is prior to Jurassic World opening. In the line you see Claire who explains guests want more teeth and more adventure and she calls Owen the raptor trainer. Owen is totally against putting people in the same area as the raptors & then the adventure begins! This smooth coaster tops out at 70 mph and has a drop of 140 feet. If you can keep your eyes open the entire ride you will be treated with some pretty spectacular views of the parks! I mean I wouldn’t know, I could not keep my eyes open the entire time. But that is what I heard from my daughter. This ride does not offer a virtual queue or express pass as of right now, but it is worth the wait! If you’re a coaster person do not miss this one!
3. Bourne Stuntacular is in Universal studios. This action packed stunt show has some of the most advanced technology of its kind! When watching this show my daughter turned to me and said two things that stuck out; ‘I don’t know what is real and what isn’t’ and ‘ Broadway needs to step up its game’. Universal outdid themselves with this show, it is incredible. It is like you’re watching a movie with special effects play out in front of you. The way the actors are jumping onto buildings that looked like they were apart of the screen that all of a sudden are moving along the stage. You see a couple actors in a car chase with real cars on stage that all of a sudden drive off into the sunset on the huge screen behind them. The special effects and technology during this stunt show are worth going to see!
4. Butterbeer ice cream- yes everyone will tell you to get a butterbeer and yes frozen butterbeer is the superior choice (facts), but did you know on the Universal Side at Forean Fortescue Ice cream Parlor you can get Butterbeer ice cream? This soft serve treat is so delicious & unlike any other ice cream flavor I have tried. It is thick creamy soft serve ice cream you can get in a waffle cone or a cup. Disney has Dole Whip, Universal has Butterbber ice cream, and honestly it is superior. I don’t know why it hasn’t been talked about more. You know how to tell quality ice cream? It doesn’t melt instantly, and this is high quality ice cream. I could go on more about how much I love it. This Harry Potter ice cream shop has a variety of flavors good for any witch, wizard or muggle. You can pick from some pretty unique flavors like; chocolate chili, earl grey, clotted cream & even salted caramel blondie. I will admit I have not tried all the flavors, because butterbeer is just so amazing, go try it next time you’re there trust me! And let me know if you try any other flavor while you’re there.
5. City Walk restaurants. There are a lot of great choices to eat and drink here. Eating dinner on your way out of the parks is must do! When your feet are tired and you can’t handle much more of the Florida heat, dinning at one of the great restaurants is a great way to cool off and regroup and talk about the wonderful memories you made that day! Make reservations before your visit is also a must do. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a great spot to visit with young kids. They offer a little bit of everything to eat & instagram worthy milkshakes to end your meal. Antojitos is a mexican restaurant with great live music, amazing margaritas and table side guacamole to make everyone happy. Cowfish is a burger sushi bar, the combo sounds weird but it works and it is amazing. If I could only pick one place to go back to it would be Cowfish. I loved their fresh sushi and delicious burgers. Don’t miss eating a great dinner as you head back to your hotel!
