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Universal Studios for adults

Is there anything to do at Universal Studios for adults? YES! As a Universal Travel Agent, I’m actually asked this question a lot. Universal Orlando is like Disney World for teens and adults.

It’s not that Universal isn’t great for kids. There are plenty of fun areas for kids at Universal, but it’s always been geared towards older kids, teens, and adults. 

When I say “things to do at Universal Studios,” I really mean things to do at Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort is comprised of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.

So while there ate technically two theme parks and one water park, most people still refer to Universal Orlando simply as “Universal Studios.” 

Do I need a rental car in Orlando?

I like to get around as needed while on vacation so I like to rent a car. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best rates available whether you’re flying into Orlando or Sanford.

Now that you’ve got your car, let’s get to the 5 things to do at Universal Studios for adults. 

Universal Studios for adults

City Walk

Universal CityWalk is open long after the parks close. There are about a million things for adults to do at CityWalk, including:

• Dancing at the Red Coconut Club.
• Karaoke at Rising Star.
• Drinks, everywhere, more on that later.
• Have a late-night donut from VooDoo Donuts. You’re an adult; you can have donuts any time!

CityWalk also has many great restaurants that you can take advantage of before, during, or after your day at the park. 

Thrill Rides

There are plenty of “grown-up” friendly rides at Universal Orlando. If you love thrill rides, you will enjoy:

• Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure 
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• Escape From Gringotts 

Before riding Rip Ride Rockit, make sure to check out the Rip Ride Rockit secret song list. 

Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights is recommended for guests 13+. It is a separately ticketed event running from around August to Halloween.

Haunted houses in previous years have included Stranger Things, The Shining, House of 1000 corpses, and more. Scare actors are also located in scare zones to, well, scare you. 

Halloween Horror Nights also has all kinds of special food offerings, so make sure to check those out while you’re at it.

An Express Pass can be a great thing to have during the day at Universal, but it might be even better at Halloween Horror Nights to ensure you don’t miss anything. 

Please note that Halloween Horror Nights did not happen last year (although they did have some scare houses) but Halloween Horror Nights 2021 will be epic! 

The Drinks

Universal Orlando is not shy about offering adult beverages at every corner. From City Walk to the Wizarding World, you’ll find a drink to enjoy wherever you are in the parks. I recommend:

• The Stingray at Antojitos (City Walk)
• Ocean Attack at Chez Alcatraz (Universal Studios)
• Any margarita at Margaritaville (City Walk)
• Frozen Daquiri at Fat Tuesday (City Walk)
• A beer for the Hogwarts Express ride (you can buy it in line!)
• And so many more. Share your favorite Universal adult beverage in the comments. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando is full of nostalgia for adult guests, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is no exception.

If you’re a 30-something adult, you probably read the Harry Potter books (or at least watched the movies) as a child or teen. Maybe you read the books or watched the movies with your own kids or grandkids.

Not only does the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offer a plethora of adult beverages, but no one will bat an eye if you choose to dress up and get really immersed in the Wizarding World. 

Meeting characters at Universal is fun for adults too.

If you’re visiting without kids, you can also take the time to really enjoy the details of the Wizarding World. I recommend reading the books or re-watching the movies beforehand. Here are 30+ movies to watch before going to Universal.

Universal Studios for adults

There are plenty of other things to do at Universal Studios for adults, but these are some of my favorites. Have you taken an adults-only Universal vacation? Let me know about it in the comments. 

I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist. There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist) or an approved Travel Agent!

You can also check prices at all the resorts on Expedia:

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay
• Loews Royal Pacific
• Aventura Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

Don’t forget that Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific include Free Express Passes for your party! Staying at a premier resort can be very worth it if you’re visiting Orlando during a busy time such as summer, Christmas, etc. 

More Universal Studios Content

• 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• 20 things to know before going to Universal Studios
• 7 things to buy before visiting Harry Potter World.
• 25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Secret song list.
• 7 best rides at Universal Studios.
• 15 Universal Studios Hacks.
• How to eat gluten-free at Universal

P.S. Yes, I book Disney too! Check out another recent blog post, why you need a Disney Travel Agent.

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