A Day At Universal Studios

We allotted one day of our trip for Universal Studios. After spending two days at Universal on our last trip, we ultimately decided we really just wanted to visit Harry Potter World this time (plus ride Velocicoaster).

I came prepared. I watched all eight Harry Potter movies, TWICE, before our trip. So, I actually understood what I was seeing and riding this time, which helped A LOT! We started the day at Diagon Alley.

We of course had to get a Butterbeer, though next time I’ll probably just get an actual beer. Butterbeer is a little too sweet for me, but you have to try it at least once. I’ve now tried it twice. So, I think I’m good. We did a little window shopping before our first ride of the day: Escape from Gringotts. So much more fun this time because again, I actually knew what was going on. All of the Harry Potter rides are hard to beat in my opinion, and this one is no exception.

We placed a mobile order at Mel’s Diner and enjoyed cheeseburgers and fries for lunch before taking the Hogwarts Express to the other side of the park (make sure your ticket includes access to both sides of the park if you want to do this). The Hogwarts Express was a very neat experience! It was my first time riding it - 10/10 recommend.

Once we arrived in Hogsmeade, we popped next door to Jurassic World, where we rode Skull Island: Reign of Kong and Velocicoaster. You can definitely skip Skull Island, in my opinion. I’ve ridden it twice now, and I think I’m set for life. Velocicoaster on the other hand… This is my favorite ride in the entire world. I genuinely wish I could have the experience of riding it once a week. I seriously feel like it resets my body - physically and mentally. It is the wildest, fastest roller coaster I have ever been on, and I cannot say enough good things about it. (Sit in the back if you can!)

After Velocicoaster, we headed back to Hogsmeade, where we grabbed a couple of ciders (with a shot of firewhisky) before getting in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This ride is another of my favorites. I don’t even mind waiting in line for this one because you’re walking through Hogwarts and getting to see spaces like Dumbledore’s office along the way.

Finally we rode Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. I LOVE this ride y’all. It’s definitely my second favorite ride at Universal, after Velocicoaster, of course. Just as we were getting off the ride we got to see a beautiful lights and firework show at Hogwarts. It was the perfect ending to our day. Well, almost the ending…we did a little shopping before leaving the park. You know, had to get the basics: a wand, a mug, a Christmas ornament. We decided to buy our souvenirs at the end of the day in order to avoid the whole locker situation/carrying around a bunch of bags all day. The only exception being Velocicoaster…you literally can’t take anything with you on it. So, we did have to stash our small bags in a locker during that.

Overall, I think spending one day at Universal was perfect. We got to do everything we wanted to do.

-D