Universal Orlando Resort offers a playground of thrills and fun for tourists and Orlando locals alike. While there’s a lot that is geared toward children and families — there are still plenty of fun activities at Universal Studios for adults.
From pulse-pounding roller coasters to fun bars and lounges, and a wide variety of hotel accommodations for every budget, Universal Orlando is basically begging for adults to book an unforgettable vacation!
Take a look at some of the best things to do at Universal Studios for adults in this expansive guide with tips from an Orlando native!
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Table of Contents
Top Rides at Universal Studios for Adults
While Universal Studios is a family-friendly experience, some rides might be a tad too intense for younger children (and don’t forget the height requirements!). Here are some of the top thrill rides that will have you white-knuckling it the whole time.
1. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Built in 1999, the Incredible Hulk Coaster is one of the pinnacle rides for any theme park goer headed to Islands of Adventure. If you’re ready to take on some epic twists and turns and zoom up to 67 miles per hour, this is the ride for you!
Fun Fact: The opening music you hear while you climb to the top of the ride is an original score composed by Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy!
2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Located in Universal Studios, this is another heart-pounding ride that will have you spinning. One of the unique factors in this ride is the ability to choose your on-ride song from a collection of music on the dashboard in front of your seat.
3. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
Standing at a whopping 185 feet, you’ve probably seen this epic ride from the highway or maybe at your hotel. While this ride is short, you probably don’t need very long to feel your heart race faster and faster as you inch up this classic drop-ride. The best part is that you don’t know exactly when you’ll drop. Be prepared for the unexpected!
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This wouldn’t be a guide to Universal Studios Orlando without mentioning Harry Potter! While any Harry Potter ride might seem like a more kid-focused attraction, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is no joke.
This is a a motion-based dark ride located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area of Islands of Adventure, and the perfect ride for any Potter fan. From running away from a horde of Dementors to playing a quick Quidditch match and dodging scary spiders, this ride isn’t for the faint of heart!
Even if your crew isn’t game for a dark ride like this, at least take some time to walk in the queue so you get to feel like you’re wandering the Hogwarts castle and catch up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione along the way.
5. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
One of the newest additions to the Harry Potter realm in Universal Studios, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is another fast-paced thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat. You and your crew will enjoy feeling like you’re really chasing through the vaults of the Gringotts Bank.
With a combination of motion-based 3-D animation and live-action sequences, there is never a dull moment during this ride. You may even get a surprise visit from one of your favorite characters!
Fun Fact: At the top of the bank there’s a fire-breathing dragon that you can’t miss. The real fire reaches 3,560 degrees Fahrenheit!
6. Jurassic World VelociCoaster
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster is definitely a ride you cannot skip during your trip! But be warned, it’s one of the more intense rides you’ll come across at the parks! With its top speed reaching a heart-pounding 70 miles per hour in 2.4 seconds, you will feel the wind ripping through your hair during this one.
Book your Universal Orlando Ticket HERE! (with free cancellation)
Universal Studios Shows and Entertainment for Adults
Once you’ve found yourself done with thiethrills of the attractions and looking to take a breather, you definitely need to pencil in some time to enjoy some of these shows and entertainment activities during your trip!
1. Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
During select nights in the fall, you can witness some pretty spooky stuff at the Hogwarts Castle! This show is dedicated to the darker side of Harry Potter, showing a collection of images illuminated on the castle with John Williams’ iconic score playing in the background.
Top Tip: Be sure to check the Universal calendar to see if the show will be playing during your trip!
2. Halloween Horror Nights
Another chilling event that showcases some of the scariest haunted houses and scare experiences in Orlando! Typically running from September 1 through November 4, Universal’s premiere Halloween event takes the traditional haunted house and takes it to a whole new level!
At Halloween Horror Nights, be prepared to get chased by men with chainsaws, scary zombies, and you might even spot some classic movie characters along the way like Dracula and the Mummy. If haunted houses aren’t really your thing, check out some of the themed cocktails and food at the quick service stations sprinkled around the park. A crowd favorite each year are the Twisted Taters, which is a new spin on a theme park classic.
Book your Universal Orlando Ticket HERE! (with free cancellation)
Bars and Lounges for Adults at Universal Studios
Once the sun goes down it’s time to explore some adult libations and fun at both parks and CityWalk. Here are some standout places you cannot skip during your time at Universal!
1. Rising Star at Universal CityWalk
This is a great spot for those looking to let their inner superstar shine, or you and your friends can simply people watch! With a wide variety of drinks and light bites, this is the perfect watering hole after a long day at the parks.
2. NBC Sports Grill & Brew
This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for some bar food and have people in your crew who are big beer fans. Located right outside of Universal, it’s in the ideal spot for when you don’t feel like walking too far inside of CityWalk. Enjoy sliders, soft pretzels, and maybe even a local hazy IPA after a long day of screaming on coasters.
Margaritaville at CityWalk
You can’t go wrong with a classic like Margaritaville! You can choose between eating indoors, out on the deck, or maybe even sitting at the bar. Each area will promise an authentic Margaritaville experience that will have you and your friends saying “It’s 5:00 somewhere!”
Book your Universal Orlando Ticket HERE! (with free cancellation)
Best Universal Orlando Hotels for Adults
If you’re stuck wondering which Universal hotels are best for adults, check out some of our top picks that will not disappoint!
1. Summer Resorts
These are some of the most recent additions to the Universal Resort collection, Endless Summer Resort offers up two towers of resorts — Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites.
These are good moderate hotels that offers everything you need. From decent-sized pools, several eateries inside the hotel, and comfortable rooms.
Check room rates and availability here!
2. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is a great pick for those looking for something a little more upscale. With a fun waterslide in the pool, refreshing drinks at the pool bar, and modern rooms that offer plush amenities, it could be worth splurging on a place like this for your trip.
Check room rates and availability here!
Tips to Make the most of your Time at Universal Studios Orlando
- Map out what your group wants to do before going to the parks so you have a general idea of where you want to start.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat! The Florida heat is no joke and there aren’t a lot of covered areas in the parks.
- Bring a small bag/fanny pack that will fit in the small lockers. Due to the high-thrill rides within the park, you’re required to stash your bags in lockers before riding. There are larger lockers available but they come at a hefty price tag per hour.
- Bring a portable phone charger. Between taking pictures and using the Universal app to look at the map, you’re bound to lose charge on your phone.
- Wear comfortable shoes! You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, and since it’s a theme park you don’t have to worry about dressing to impress. After all, you’re there to have fun and be comfortable!
- Bring a poncho. If you plan on going on any of the water rides — you will get wet. It’s also good to have just in case the Florida weather decides to pull a fast one on you.
Things to do at Universal Studios for Adults FAQ’s
1. When is the best time for adults to visit Universal Studios in Orlando?
The best time to visit the parks is during the off-season. Be mindful that during March, June, July, October, and December the parks and Orlando in general will be packed due to spring break, summer vacation, Halloween Horror Nights, and Grinchmas. So try to plan your trips in January-February, April-May, August-September, and November.
2. Which Universal Park is best for adults?
If you’re looking to only spend time in one park during your trip, you definitely can’t skip Islands of Adventure. Mainly because you get a little bit of everything from the original Harry Potter World area as well as some of the new classics such as Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
Which is better? Universal or Disney for adults?
Universal Orlando Resort is the place to be if you’re into heart-pounding rides, stepping into the worlds of Harry Potter or Jurassic Park, and hitting up the vibrant nightlife at Universal CityWalk. While Disney offers more in terms of number of parks, it can be on the more expensive side and some may find the rides there are geared towards children.
How long should adults spend at Universal Studios Orlando?
One of the great things about Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is that you can honestly spend as much as three days in the combined parks or as little as one day if you and your group are up for waking up early and doing a lot of walking! The parks are connected so you don’t have to worry about parking at another destination or walking a long distance between the two.
Book your Universal Orlando Ticket HERE! (with free cancellation)
Is Universal Studios Good for Adults?
As you can see, there’s so much to do and see at Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk! From the thrills of Jurassic Park and The Incredible Hulk to the fun of the Harry Potter shows, and refreshing cocktails you’ll find sprinkled all over CityWalk — you and your crew definitely won’t be bored during your vacation, especially with this Universal Orlando for adults guide.
If you’re on the hunt for some more Orlando activities, check out our guide to Orlando nightlife, or maybe you’re looking for some fun activities beyond the theme parks, or perhaps you’re on the hunt for some true Orlando hidden gems — we’ve got you covered with all things Orlando! Happy planning!
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