In 2024 Spring break, I went on a 3-day trip to Universal Studios Florida. Planning to go to a crowded theme park can be tricky, but with the right help (from me) you’ll be screaming on a Jurassic Park roller coaster! I’m only covering the Island of Adventure.
Rides
Some of the best rides of Islands of adventure include (by area): Mavel Superhero Island: The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dr Dooms Fearfall, and the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. These rides are thrilling rides that are at a high scary level and include heights, twists, 4D picture, and overall fun! Moving into Toon Lagoon, known for its old-timey comic decor, holds the best water rides around for a splash-nificant adventure: Dudley Do Rights Ripsaw Falls and Popeye Bluto’s Bilgerat will get you soaked head-toe. You won’t need a poncho, because that ruins the fun! Note that there are paid drying stations to refresh you! Water rides are best before noon because of the heat and less crowd.
Next, embark on a sight from millions of years ago; the Jurrasic Park! The most extreme ride, the Velocicoaster is sure to leave you stunned. Check out the river adventure to meet some amazing moving dinosoars! Finally, what you’ve been waiting for: The Wizarding world. There is so much to offer here! Ride my personal favorite ride, The Forbidden Journey, which takes you on a fly through the quidich field. I actually felt like harry potter!!! Flight of the Hippogriff is a bit slow, but good for younger children. Hagrids Moterbike Adventure would be one of my other favorites. You quickly speed through the forbidden forest while meeting some firends and foes along the way.
Shopping
If you’re not a ride person, that’s ok! Islands of Adventure have many shopping areas. Around the Wizarding World, shop the Weasley’s Joke Shop, Ollivander’s Wand Store, Quality Quidditch Supplies, gift shops, and more! After most rides, you walk into a gift shop. At the front of the park is also an entire Universal store!!!
Food
It matters what diner you chose. There aren’t really many vegan/vegetarian options around, but a restaurant that I love here are Mythos: This is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever gone to. The service is high quality, staff are nice, and isn’t fast food type. It’s kind of a world-wide cuisine, featuring Greek plates, mango lassi, and Italian Ravioli. There are also some smaller diners and cafes around, but you should reserve seats ahead of time because the wait time is pretty high!!! Also, you MUST try butterbeer. It is not alcoholic and tastes like a soda with buttery foam on top. I had 3 cups myself!
Shows
There are many amazing shows, such as the Toad Choir. Students from Hogwarts school sing a harmonic choir while the toads creek at it. Also, don’t miss the Triwizard Tournament Rally, where 3 schools show what magic, they’ve got!
There is so much to see and do in the Islands of Adventure. I will definitely do another post about the Studios so that you and your family can have the BEST TIME EVER at Universal Florida :).