Have you ever wanted to go to Universal Studios solo?
What about a solo trip to Islands of Adventure and the NEW Epic Universe theme park?
Or perhaps the idea seems a bit weird…
The Universal Orlando Resort parks are made perfectly for solo adult travelers.
I know you’re probably thinking this has got to be the oddest idea but trust me, you can do it!
There’s a way to do Universal Orlando solo without thinking it’s weird….
…that’s if you know what to do.
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Is it OK to Go to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure Alone?
It is absolutely okay to go to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure by yourself. With so many things to do, you’ll never have to worry about having one lonely moment.
Universal Orlando Resort is a wonderful adult playground that’s just as fun to experience alone.
Pulling up to the park, you will notice the lush vegetation greeting you on every side.
You then head through the party vibe atmosphere of CityWalk where you can stop for a quick espresso or just continue to the left for Islands of Adventure or to the right for Universal Studios Florida.
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Is it Safe to Go to Universal Studios Alone?
The Universal Orlando Resort is one of the safest places to visit in ALL of Orlando. The security team there is extremely strict, which I don’t mind since it keeps us all safe.
Also as with any solo trip, you should always be on top of things when it comes to your own safety. Use your instincts and stay in well crowded places on your vacation.
You can read more solo safety travel tips here.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
What to Expect on Your Universal Orlando Solo Trip
Whether you choose to go to Universal Studios in Orlando alone or with family and friends, each tip will guide you to having the best theme park vacation ever!
One of your first question may be:
What’s the best itinerary for Solo Travelers going to Universal Studios Orlando?
You’ll want to save time on your Universal Orlando solo trip, so you must have a game-plan to save time and see the most popular attractions.
You can grab your Universal Orlando Resort Guidebook here!
You may also want to know a few more answers to your questions down below such as:
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What time does Universal Orlando open?
Universal Studios Florida is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. in the regular season and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the busy season.
However, you should know that the hours may change based on the busyness of the park.
How much does it cost to go to the Universal Orlando Parks?
The cost of admission starts at $119, but I like discounts so I use Groupon and The Park Prodigy to find cheap Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios tickets.
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What should I do first at Universal Studios Orlando on my Solo Trip?
One of the best Universal Studios Orlando tips that I can give you is to start at Diagon Alley first.
This Harry Potter-inspired area will fill up quickly making the line for the two attractions (Escape from Gringotts and Ollivanders wand experience) extremely long.
If you’re at Islands of Adventure, then you must experience Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first thing in the morning!
Why Visiting Universal Orlando Solo is a Must-Do Theme Park Experience…
I have found that there are so many tips online about doing Universal Orlando as a family or with a group of friends.
There’s hardly anything out there for those wanting to do Universal Orlando Resort alone.
Since I started traveling to theme parks solo, I’ve noticed that I’ve become more confident in introducing myself to new people. This gives me a chance to truly be myself, since I am in my “zone.”
It goes without saying that my trips to Universal Orlando Resort are refreshing when I am visiting alone.
Don’t get me wrong, there are moments when I want to chat with others in the park, but the introvert inside of me has to push through my own self-limiting thoughts just to strike up a conversation.
If this sounds like you, then I recommend scheduling a tour on one of the first few days of your trip.
This is a good way to break the ice on your solo theme park vacation and you never know what adventures may happen afterwards.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
11 First-Timer Tips for the BEST Universal Orlando Solo Trip!
If a tour is way out of your budget, then read my 11 favorite tips to help you jump start your solo Universal Orlando vacation TODAY!
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
1. Start Small
Because this way of travel can be intimidating to Universal fans, I recommend easing into solo travel. For example, try getting to one of the parks ahead of your group.
So, if you guys plan to meet up at Islands of Adventure around 11 a.m., then get to the park at 9 a.m. just to see if you feel comfortable conquering the park alone.
By the time you meet back up with your family, you will have knocked out a few rides. This may just convince you to try a whole day of Universal on your own.
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
2. Plan and Research Your Universal Orlando Vacation
The idea of going to Universal alone may already be too stressful for you, so I highly suggest planning out your days ahead of time.
This will decrease the anxiety of doing Universal Orlando solo. If you have an itinerary, then you won’t dwell on the fact that you’re traveling on your own.
An authorized Universal Orlando Vacation Planner can help you organize your trip.
Mapping out your day is a good way to make sure you’re able to enjoy each must do item. Route your path around the park in advance by downloading a map online or on your phone.
Universal Studios Florida Map
Islands of Adventure Map
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3. Take Advantage of the Single Rider Line at Universal Orlando
The Single Rider Line at Universal can cut your wait time in half and that’s always a benefit of going to a theme park alone.
It allows you to get around to most of the attractions quickly, because you don’t have to wait in the normal ride line.
Single Rider Lines at Universal Studios Florida:
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Fast and Furious Supercharged
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
- Revenge of the Mummy
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D
Single Rider Lines at Universal’s Islands of Adventure:
- The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- VelociCoaster
Be aware that on busy days if the regular line is long, then there’s a chance the single rider line may be long as well.
Also, the worst lines at Universal for Single Riders are:
- VelociCoaster
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Since all three rides only have two seats per row, it makes the boarding of the rides much more convenient for larger parties than for anyone waiting to fill in an empty space.
Read: How to save on your Universal Studios Orlando solo budget.
4. Theme Your Days at Universal Orlando Resort
What I mean by this is to make it a day of trying every unique snack at Universal or riding every thrill ride at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
Sometimes I plan a day full of water rides and some days are just a day of character meet and greets.
Every type of themed day can be created inside the Universal Orlando Resort!
Read: How to Plan the BEST Universal Studios One-Day Itinerary
5. Do Universal Your Own Way
Since it’s your solo Universal trip, it’s your time to do Universal your way! This is the MAIN PERK of going to Universal Orlando Resort alone.
In order to get all your Universal Orlando Resort must-do’s, I suggest doing a bit of researching on the web and writing everything down you want to experience.
Hipster Power Tip: Do a special theme park tour. The VIP Experience is also an option and gives you an in-depth guided tour throughout Universal Studios.
6. Choose the Perfect Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
It’s easy to book a hotel and stay cooped up in your room only leaving to go to one of the parks.
This is not the best way to get comfortable with socializing with people on your solo trip. Ask yourself:
How sociable do you want to be?
I highly recommend choosing a lively hotel. Staying at a hip hotel with an active bar area, such as the Hard Rock Hotel or Cabana Bay, makes it easy to meet new people.
You can even do this when you’re on a trip with family as a way to get used to doing things alone.
This can be done by stepping away for an hour to hang out at the bar or inside the hotel lobby.
Both the Hard Rock Hotel and Cabana Bay have hip lounges with staff incorporating the theme park charm inside the bar.
So, make good use of the lobby or lounge area of your resort. Try to engage with people while in the common areas and avoid looking down on your phone. It’s like saying, “don’t talk to me.”
Instead, have an open posture that’s inviting and just people watch. Eventually there will be an opportunity to start a conversation.
Read: How to Do Islands of Adventure in One-Day (Itinerary)
7. Don’t be Afraid to Socialize
Avoid being shy if you can. I know it can be a daunting task to try to introduce yourself to people. It’s always easier to stay to yourself.
I know firsthand what it’s like to be an introvert, but get out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to at least one person on your solo Universal trip.
Get familiar with your social media community. There are lots of Facebook groups dedicated to theme park enthusiasts of almost any theme park.
These groups usually have people in it who frequently travel to parks solo. They’re also places to get instant theme park news and the latest theme park hacks and tips.
Your Instagram community is another place to get to know others online. Once these relationships are formed online, it may lead to you all meeting in person.
Facebook groups are one of my favorite ways to find other Universal Orlando fans.
There are multiple groups within the site for adults who love going to theme parks alone.
Join the Conversation on the Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!
8. Take Your Time on Your Florida Solo Trip
This is the time for you to get into the nooks and crannies Universal has to offer.
At Universal Studios there are so many shops and alleys to discover that you’ll end up creating your own story of adventure.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a perfect place to get lost and find little hidden eggs and details left from the Universal Creative team.
9. Take Lots of Photos at Universal Orlando Resort
Get as many selfies as you can of your Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure memories. Don’t forget to take photos with characters in the park.
This may seem a little juvenile, but it’s actually a cool thing to do. I know people who go alone just to meet some of the unique characters through Universal Studios.
With your Universal Orlando Resort photo memories, you’ll always remember why your solo trip to was worth the effort.
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10. Know the Perks for Doing Universal Orlando Alone
Let’s now go over my favorite park, the REAL reasons solo travel to Universal Orlando is AMAZING!!!
Perk #1: Freedom.
There’s an incredible sense of independence when you’re exploring the parks by yourself.
You can Celestina Warbeck perform on stage in Diagon Alley without anyone mocking you about your choice in entertainment.
A big plus is that your day will move a lot faster, meaning that you’ll do more without the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Watch: Incredible Things to Do at Diagon Alley Universal
Perk #2: You Become a Better Problem Solver.
Because it’s just you on this vacation path, you will have to come up with plan A, plan B, and plan C for some of the theme park events.
When you’re with a group of friends you have many opinions or solutions to problems that arise; however, when it’s just you, you are the sole problem solver.
Perk #3: You Meet Incredible Solo ThemeParkHipsters
Since I started going to Universal by myself, I’ve noticed that I’ve become more confident in other social settings.
Traveling solo to Universal Orlando Resort makes me happy, which makes me more comfortable introducing myself to others.
You may notice when you’re with your friends you’re more involved in the conversation, but when you’re alone you’re softly nudged to spark up a conversation with someone waiting in an attraction line with you.
Watch the Full Universal Orlando Packing List Video here on YouTube!
11. Remember You’re Home and Never Truly Alone
Remember, when you arrive at Universal Orlando Resort you are home.
The team members and Universal Orlando guests are all your family, so enjoy every moment of this big family reunion!
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
My Final Thoughts on Doing a Solo Trip at Universal Orlando Resort
Have I convinced you to go to Universal solo? Why not be courageous, take the leap and go!
Don’t spend your life waiting for others schedule to line up with yours in order for you to make that solo trek.
If you want to go to Universal, then go!
Now go out there and start your solo theme park adventure!
Let me know below if you’ve ever went to Universal Orlando Resort by yourself or if you’re thinking about going at it alone in the comments section below?
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- The Best Photo Spots at Islands of Adventure
- 7 Best Universal Orlando Restaurants for Solo Travelers
- Top Places to Take Photos at Universal Studios
- 10 Best Day Trips from Orlando for Solo Travelers (Less than 3 Hours Away)
- 7 Ways to Enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade
- 5 Best Rides and Attractions at Islands of Adventure for Solo Travelers
- What You Need to Pack for Your Solo Trip to Universal Orlando
- 5 Best Hotels Near Universal Orlando for Solo Travelers
- Top 10 Fun Things to Do at Universal Orlando for Adults
- 5 Best Universal Studios Orlando Rides for Solo Travelers
- GO ALONE: Scaredy Cat’s Guide to Halloween Horror Nights (8 Solo Travel Tips)
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: June 20, 2019/Updated on December 5, 2024)
Hi, the best place for solo travelers to stay in Orlando is BHostels, very well located, you will make tons of friends and super affordable.