Complete Guide to Universal Studios for Adults

Complete Guide to Universal Studios for Adults

Complete Guide to Universal Studios for Adults

Welcome to your complete guide to Universal Studios for Adults! Universal Sure Disney World is a popular vacation choice, but Universal Studios is often hailed as the best Orlando park for adults. If you’re unsure where to begin, our ultimate cheat sheet will guide you through the top activities and attractions for adults at Universal Studios. As Annual Passholders and avid adult visitors, we believe Universal Studios is the best theme park in Orlando for adults. So let’s get ready to explore our tips and tricks for an unforgettable adult adventure at Universal!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation, check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

Which Universal Park is Best for Adults 2024?

In our opinion, the best Universal park for adults would have to be Islands of Adventure with the copious amount of thrill rides available. But with that being said, Universal Resorts is comprised of Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk. From rides to entertainment to good eats and other experiences, there are many fun things to do at Universal Studios that are not as simple as just choosing the best Universal Park for adults in 2024.

Both parks have so many amazing rides and entertainment. It all depends on your preference and the type of mood you are in. Whether it’s riding the fast and wild roller coasters of Marvel Superhero Island in Islands of Adventure or experiencing the crazy thrills of the Revenge of the Mummy ride in Universal Studios, there’s so much action to be explored.

Related Post: Guide to Spending One Day at Universal Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios for Adults?

Deciding on the best Universal Park for adults can be a tough call, but our top pick is Islands of Adventure. It stands out mainly for housing two of Universal Orlando’s newest and most exhilarating thrill rides: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the VelociCoaster. For those with only one day to experience Universal Orlando, we have a recommended order to maximize your adult adventure.

One-Day Universal Park Plan for Adults

1. Islands of Adventure: Don’t miss the opportunity to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the latest addition, the Velocicoaster.
2. Universal Studios: Explore a variety of attractions, shows, and experiences tailored to adult audiences.

But what if you must see both parks, is it possible to visit Universal and save a few bucks? Yes, absolutely! Like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando theme park tickets now fluctuate based on the time of year you visit.

So one of the easiest ways for adults visiting Universal Orlando to pick the best time to visit is to compare the lowest Universal Orlando ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets the more likely it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year and you’ll get a great deal.

Related Post: Universal Early Park Admission Tickets

Best Universal Orlando Water Park for Adults

Choosing the best water park for adults at Universal Orlando is straightforward, as Volcano Bay is the only option! Despite being the sole choice, Volcano Bay stands out as the premier water park in Orlando for adults. It strikes an unparalleled balance between thrilling rides and opportunities for relaxation. For those seeking an enhanced experience, Volcano Bay also offers luxurious cabanas and premium seating options. Overall, we firmly believe that Volcano Bay is an essential visit for adults visiting Universal Orlando, offering a perfect blend of excitement and leisure.

Related Post: Disney World Vs Universal Orlando for Adults 

Top Things to Do for Adults in Universal Studios Orlando 

If you’re an adult planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando in 2024, you’re in for a treat. The park offers a wide array of attractions, rides, and experiences tailored to adult visitors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do at Universal Studios Florida for adults:

Universal Studios for Adults

Universal Studios Orlando adults can enjoy bar hopping, as this park has many locations to try alcoholic beverages. It’s also home to some of the most popular Universal rides. Here are some of the best things to do at Universal Studios for Adults.

What are the Best Rides at Universal Studios for Adults?

• Revenge of the Mummy: A thrilling indoor roller coaster that combines special effects and intense twists.
• The Simpsons Ride: Join the Simpsons family on a wild and humorous virtual ride.
• Transformers: The Ride: An action-packed 3D ride that puts you in the middle of a battle between Autobots and Decepticons.
• Hollywood’s Rip Ride Rockit: Customize your soundtrack and rock out on this high-speed coaster.
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon: Experience a hilarious race through New York with Jimmy Fallon.
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged: Join the Fast & Furious crew on an exhilarating chase.

What are the Best Bars to Visit at Universal Studios for Adults?

Universal Studios for adults in 2024 offers a vibrant bar-hopping scene, with many locations to enjoy alcoholic beverages. Here are some top spots to visit:

• Duff Brewery Beer Garden: A Simpsons-themed beer garden with unique brews.
• Finnegan’s Bar and Grill: Enjoy Irish fare and drinks in a lively atmosphere.
• Backwater Bar/Confisco’s Grille: A tropical-themed bar with exotic cocktails.
• Lombard’s Seafood Grille: Savor fresh seafood and drinks by the waterfront.
• The Watering Hole: A prehistoric-themed bar with creative concoctions.
• Mythos Restaurant: Award-winning dining with a mythical ambiance.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley

Adults who grew up watching and reading the Harry Potter series will get to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter come to life by visiting its newest phase, Diagon Alley. 

Park guests won’t be able to spot the magical alleyway right away. On the outside, you’ll only see what looks like downtown London and the famous Kings Cross station. Once you see a peculiar purple bus (Harry Potter fans will recognize this as the Knight Bus), you’ll notice a gap in the walls that leads into the heart of Diagon Alley. There, you’ll see the dragon guarding Gringotts Bank, where you can ride the main attraction, Escape from Gringotts 3D ride. After riding, take a minute to browse the Weasley’s joke shop or enjoy a treat in the famous Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. If you have a two-park pass, you can go back to King’s Cross station right outside the alley to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express for fun, themed transportation.

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Universal Orlando Dining Plan

Universal’s Islands of Adventure for Adults

Universal Islands of Adventure stands out as one of the best theme parks in Orlando for adults. With a blend of thrilling rides, immersive themed lands, and unique experiences, it offers a rich and diverse array of things to do at Universal Studios Orlando for adults. Here’s a detailed guide to what awaits you:

Best Rides at Islands of Adventure for Adults:

Islands of Adventure is renowned for its thrill rides, catering to guests of all ages. Here are some of the top attractions that make it a prime destination for Universal Studios Orlando adults only:

• The VelociCoaster: Experience the adrenaline rush of this high-speed roller coaster, themed after the Jurassic World franchise.
• Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure: Join Hagrid on a magical motorbike adventure through the Forbidden Forest in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Incredible Hulk Coaster: Unleash your inner Hulk on this intense and thrilling coaster.
• The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man: Swing through New York City with Spider-Man in this immersive 3D ride.
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall: Face your fears on this heart-pounding free-fall tower.
• Jurassic Park River Adventure: Embark on a water ride through Jurassic Park, but watch out for the dinosaurs!

Themed Lands for Adults:

Islands of Adventure offers several themed lands that provide immersive experiences, perfect for Universal Studios Florida for adults:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Explore Hogsmeade, ride the Hogwarts Express, and indulge in Butterbeer. This land offers magical experiences for Harry Potter fans.
• Jurassic Park: Step into the world of dinosaurs, with attractions, dining, and shopping all themed around the iconic franchise.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade

Islands of Adventure is home to the first phase of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogwarts itself, and Hogsmeade Village. 

With many thrilling rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can experience them all while sipping an ice-cold Butterbeer in between adventures. Experience the Forbidden Journey at Hogwarts Castle, or buckle in on the newest Harry Potter ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which you’ll need a virtual line pass to ride (Tip: The app drops new time slots at noon and 2 p.m. and they go quickly, so be ready to act fast by having the Universal app already installed on your phone!) The best part is afterward, you can grab a pint of beer at Hog’s Head Pub, something only the adults got to do in the Harry Potter series.

Related Post: Islands of Adventure Early Park Admission Tickets

Things to do at CityWalk at Night

When the sun goes down, the parties come up. This entertainment and retail district features tons of restaurants and bars. There are more than a dozen places to dine, but also many places to grab a drink. Adults can also enjoy singing karaoke with a live band and dance the night away at The Groove’s multi-level dance club with DJs, or the Red Coconut Club with a massive dance floor. These clubs at Universal Orlando are adults only, so enjoy dancing the night away until 2 AM, as that’s how long CItyWalk is open.

CityWalk is a very “grown-up” megacenter, with bars and clubs targeted at adults. If you’re looking for a party, we suggest checking out the bars and clubs there over Universal. Quite often there are special events themed for adults to have a good time.

Related Post: Complete Guide to CityWalk Bars and Clubs

Best Universal Hotel for Adults

If you’re planning a kid-free getaway to Universal Orlando, choosing the right hotel is crucial. You’ll likely want to find accommodations that cater to an adult audience, offering amenities and experiences that align with your preferences. Having stayed at all of the best Universal Orlando hotels, we’ve gathered insights to help adults visiting Universal make the perfect choice. Here’s a guide to finding the best Universal resort for adults:

Best Universal Hotels for Adults:

• Portofino Bay Hotel: Inspired by the charm of the Italian Riviera, this hotel offers elegant rooms, three themed swimming pools, and exclusive spa services, making it a top choice as the best Universal Studios hotel for adults.
• Hard Rock Hotel: With its rock ‘n’ roll theme, chic rooms, and adult-oriented amenities like a full-service spa, this hotel offers a unique and vibrant experience for adults.
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Experience tropical luxury with an exotic Polynesian theme. Enjoy fine dining at Emeril’s Tchoup Chop and relax by the lagoon-style pool.
• Universal Dockside Inn & Suites *Bonus

The Portofino is a quieter hotel than most others and features a few nice bars, but also has three pools. Overall, the Portofino is meant more for older couples or parties looking for a more “romantic” vibe. Plus, you can also book a spa day with the hotel’s full spa services if you’re looking for something more lowkey. For something a little more edgy, the Aventura hotel features a 17-story rooftop bar and is considered one of the best Universal Studios hotels for adults.

As a bonus, we also have added the Universal Dockside Inn & Suites to the list. Universal recently invited us to check out their newest value resort and we found it to be a great option for guests looking to visit Universal on a budget. 

Related Post: Ultimate Comparison of All Universal Orlando Premier Hotels

How Much Does a Universal Trip Cost for Adults?

So now another important question is, how much does Universal Studios cost for adults? And on average we believe adults visiting Universal Orlando should budget $1,650 – $2,250 depending on the hotel you choose. For this comparison, we are going to include the cost of your Universal hotel and tickets only. We are also going to include 3 park – 3 Day base tickets as we feel that’s simply the best way to see and do it all at Universal.

What is the cost of an adult’s trip to Universal Studios?

• 2 Adult 3 Park Base Tickets: $665.00 Total
• Universal Orlando Hotel for 4 Nights: $1,005.00 Total
• Average Universal vacation for adults: $1,665.00

Related Post: Shop Discount Universal Orlando Vacation Packages 

Best Bars and Lounges in Universal for Adults

While some nightlife options like The Groove and Red Coconut Club were mentioned previously, there are still many bars to check out while you’re at the Universal Orlando resort. So, if you’re asking, “Is Universal Studios good for adults,” the number of bars alone can tell you “Yes it is.”

Other bars and lounges in Universal for Adults include:

1. Dancing Dragons Boat Bar, Volcano Bay: Drink tropical and frozen beverages at this water theme park. Keep your toes in the sand and cool down with a cool drink (and they even have a refillable cup).
2. Backwater Bar, Islands of Adventure: This is a local favorite. It’s quaint, but it has the real feel of a classic hometown bar. There are many beers on draft, bottled drinks, and top-shelf liquor.
3. Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Universal Studios: Located in the middle of New York, it’s a full-service Irish pub and restaurant, a perfect place to grab a pint of beer midday.
4. NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Universal CityWalk: This is the place to unwind and dine after a busy day at the parks. Craft beer is on tap, with over 100 beers on the menu, and you can watch a sports game on one of the more than 100 high-def screens.

Related Post: Everything You Need to Ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure 

Plan an Adults Trip Around Halloween Horror Nights

Did you know that Universal is home to one of the premier Halloween events in all of Orlando? Halloween Horror Nights is the perfect night out for any group of adults visiting Universal! Home to over 10 haunted houses and 5 scare zones Halloween Horror Nights brings together stories and visions from the world’s most notorious creators of horror.

This event is absolutely geared towards adults and it’s one of our favorite Halloween events in the world and not just in Orlando. Be sure to take advantage of our discount Halloween Horror Nights tickets.  

As Universal adults, we love this event and go every single year for the best scares, drinks, and snacks all year!

Related Post: Halloween Horror Nights Guide

Is Universal Studios Orlando Worth It For Adults?

Last but not least you might be wondering, is Universal Studios Orlando worth it for adults? And Universal Studios Orlando is worth visiting for adults, due to the amazing Universal roller coaster and thrill rides found throughout the parks, Volcano Bay, and the overall atmosphere of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Not to mention the special events that Universal hosts throughout the year such as Halloween Horror Nights geared towards adults visiting Universal.

Also if you don’t feel like staying at a Universal Resort hotel, there are many cheaper hotel options that are just a short ride away, so you’re not wasting any time commuting!

Free Things to Do at Universal Orlando 2024

There are not many free things to do in Universal Orlando, however, be on the lookout for the freebies when you can! Universal CityWalk is free admission all day, every day to walk around and see the bright lights and enjoyable atmosphere. After 6 PM, Universal Orlando parking becomes free (if you choose to drive there), so if you’re skipping the parks for a night out, enjoy the free parking while you can!

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Universal Superstar Shuttle

Universal Studios for Adults FAQ

Q: Which Universal Park is best for adults?

A: We find Universal’s Islands of Adventure to be the best Universal Studios park for adults. It simply has the most exciting roller coasters and newest attractions.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!