Have you ever wanted to go to Universal Orlando but couldn't find a friend to come? Don't worry! Going alone can be just as fun, in a different way.
I had some days off work anyway, so why not go to Universal Orlando? Since I am a passholder, I just needed to plan my travel arrangements. I booked a Delta flight leaving early morning on Wednesday April 24th and coming back late the night of Thursday April 25th. I used my passholder discount to get a room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on property, which saved me about $200! I was excited to stay here since it was a hotel I had never been to before (hotel review coming separately!).
As the dates approached, I was a little bit nervous. It would be my first time traveling completely on my own, but I was familiar with the Orlando International Airport and navigating it on my own and with the taxi services offered there to get me to and from the hotel. I've become a bit of a professional navigation Universal Orlando Resort, so I wasn't stressed about that piece.
My flight there was smooth flying! I only had one bag since I was only staying one night so I didn't need to stop at baggage claim. I grabbed a taxi and headed to the hotel. Once there, I headed to the front desk to check in. My room included express unlimited passes, so checking in was important before going to the parks. My room wasn't ready for me yet so I dropped my bags at the luggage stand. I explored the hotel for about an hour (it's huge) and stopped at the concierge desk at the hotel to renew my annual pass. Then I set out for the parks! The line for the water taxi was pretty long so I opted for the garden walkway. The walk was about 15 minutes and it was beautiful! I always recommend taking the walking path if you're able to. You get to see such beautiful trees and flowers along the way, and it is almost entirely shaded.
I started my first day in Universal Studios Florida. I forgot my Coke Freestyle Cup at home (whomp whomp) so I bought another because it would still save me money on the trip. I walked around the park and just took my time! I looked through shops I had never been in. I walked around taking pictures of small things and changes throughout the park. I took my time in Diagon Alley and rode Escape from Gringotts. I only waited one and a half minutes to ride using the single rider line! I made my way to Revenge of the Mummy and rode it twice using the single rider line (both times were walk ons).
I was starting to get hungry by this point, so I went to Islands of Adventure to eat at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. I had the Pizza Pasta and the Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake. I would give both an 8/10! The pasta was creamy without being heavy and the cheesecake was rich and smooth. The cheesecake's presentation was so cute too!
I made a slow lap around Islands of Adventure, just taking my time to look around. I had hoped to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, but it was delayed all day. This increased the wait times for the other rides in Hogsmeade, so I went on to Jurassic Park. I spent a lot of time walking around here since this is one of my favorite areas. I walked through Toon Lagoon and watched Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls for a while before going to Marvel Superhero Island to ride The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. Then I walked to City Walk to look in some shops.
I got the text that my room was ready, so I took the water taxi back so I could rest as I had been up since 4:30am. Once in my room, I texted the concierge and my bag was delivered to my room. I did some work for my social media accounts (go check out the new reels!) and took a nap before going back to City Walk for my reservation at Margaritaville. I sat outside on the Porch of Indecision. It was my first time eating outside at this restaurant and I really enjoyed it! The shade was nice and the live music was fantastic! Once I finished eating I walked through the shops one more time before walking back to the hotel for the night.
The next morning I slept in, got ready, and checked out of my hotel. Since I wouldn't be leaving until later that night I left my bags with luggage services and took the water taxi to enjoy my last day at the parks. I started at Islands of Adventure this time. I rode the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Ride Train Ride, then walked through The Lost Continent. I stopped in the Treasures of Poseidon store which I had never been in before! There is lots of pretty jewelry in this shop, and even if you don't wear much jewelry I think its a beautiful shop to walk through! I did the "pick your pearl" activity and had my pearl set in a gold ring. I think this is such a creative and personal souvenir. I went to Doc Sugrue's Desert Kebob House for lunch and got the Hummus snack and the Chicken Kebob. Both were delicious and I will definitely go again! I walked through the All Hallows Eve Boutique, one of my favorite shops, then I rode Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey. I made a slow lap through the rest of the park and walked over to Universal Studios Florida.
I rode Revenge of the Mummy (twice) and Men in Black Alien Attack. I got ice cream at Schwab's Pharmacy and pizza at Louie's. I saw the Bourne Stuntacular for the first time and I really think it's one of the best shows here! Afterwards I headed back to the hotel to grab some food, my luggage, and go to the airport for my flight.
This solo trip was so fun! It eased my anxiety about solo travel and helped me to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort in a different way. Previous trips had obviously been fun, but going by yourself is so relaxing! I did things at a slower pace and I rode fewer rides, but I was able to spend time doing things and trying food I otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity to.
Would you go to Universal Orlando Resort on your own? What would you do? Let me know below in the comments!
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