Have you ever wanted to go to Universal Orlando Resort by yourself? Are you done waiting around for the schedules of your friends and family to match up perfectly with yours? It's annoying right?!

I took my first solo trip to Universal back in  2016. That trip is actually why I started my Instagram.  I wanted to help and inspire other's who like me, had a flexible and were on the fence about going alone.

At the time, I was a nurse with a flexible schedule. I was itching to get away once a month after working 3, 12 hours shifts in a row. I had figured out how to frequent Universal on a tight budget with my then fiancé, but knew I could do it alone while having an amazing time. 

Fast forward to 2023-- Going alone weekly is my self-care. Some folks go on  target runs, or treat themselves to a mani and pedi. For me, It’s riding rides non stop, and people watching with an ice cream from Florean’s.

Although I go to Universal pretty frequently with Carson,  I go alone the vast majority of the time.  A solo trip is an incredible experience. Once you go solo…you’ll be hooked!   

This is guide is meant to help you know everything you need to confidently enjoy Universal Orlando Resort by yourself.   

Why Would Anyone Wanna Do Universal Orlando Alone?

• YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT, AND HOW YOU WANT! 

• Ability to customize your entire trip around your wants and needs.

• Freedom to come and go as you please

• No compromises

• Sleep in or get up early based off YOUR preferences

• You’ll move faster through the parks

• Grab that second or third Butterbeer without judgement eyes

• Eat Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour for breakfast if you want

• You won't feel guilty for making your friends or family re ride or skip attractions

• Dinning made simple 

• There’s no checking with anyone else should you decide to stay until park close

Best Tips For Doing Universal Orlando Solo

Do Your Homework on Hotel Accommodations

Ultimately, you should stay where you’re going to feel the most comfortable.  Peace of mind goes a long way. Yes, you may find a sweet deal at an off-site hotel, but how close is it to the parks? Will you have to walk alone to the theme park? What’s the vibe like inside the hotel?

When staying on-site you don’t have to worry about transportation, and you’re extremely close to the parks. I’ve perrsonally never had any safety concerns at any of the Universal Orlando on-site hotels.

Although we all love stying on-site, sometimes the budget may call for an off-site hotel or AirBnB.

My favorite Off-site Hotels Within Walking Distance to Universal:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

• Hampton Inn Closest to Universal Orlando

• Drury Inn and Suites

• Hyatt Place Across From Universal Orlando Resort

• Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel

Further Away Off-Site Hotels:

• Aloft Orlando International Drive

Have a Flexible Game Plan Beforehand

I find that creating a loose plan for your trip will decrease the anxiety of leading up to traveling alone.

• Which park do you want to start in each morning?

  • Will you be utilizing Early Park Admission?Know what and where your priority rides are. 

• What and where your must-try food and drinks located?

• What rides MUST you go on

• Is there a show you’ve always wanted to see

Pack Light

You already know.  Get more rides in by wearing a 3 pronged fanny pack. Take advantage of walking around without having to bring that heavy backpack full of everyone else's stuff.

• Theme Park Bag Essentials- What To Pack for a day at Universal Orlando: Fanny Pack Edition

Be Prepared For a Hiccup

Something WILL go “wrong,” because something always does. That’s part of the adventure. Last week for me, it was forgetting a charging cord. My phone died and I only had Apple Pay on me for rest of afternoon.

• Pack an extra card + cash stored separately from your Lanyard + wallet

  • Just in the event your phone breaks & you can’t use Apple Pay, or bag gets accidentally picked up in the park, etc.

• Pack a Basic Travel First-Aid Kit & OTC Medicine

  • If you’re on RX meds, I made a laminated med card in the event something bizarre happened to me that required  the on site medics. It’s kept in my park bag.

  • If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared.  Avoid riding on an empty stomach, or eating a full meal minutes before doing another attraction. 

Slow Down and Take Your Time

This is the perfect time for you to see all the small details you often miss when going to Universal with your family or friends. Go into every shop. Spend as much time in the stores as you want.  Explore all the WWoHP nooks & crannies at your own pace.  

• Find all the Jaws Easter eggs in Diagon Alley

• 2 secret spell locations in Diagon Alley

• Do the Ollivanders wand experience

• Look for all the Easter eggs inside the queue of Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

Sometimes I'll make it a day all about watching shows and riding rides. Other days It's all about food and spells. Sit down with a Butterbeer, relax & people watch!

Take Ton of Photos

• Bring a tripod if you want to get some fun content photos.

• Don't be afraid to as a Team Member to help take your photo

  • They *usually* know the perfect spot to stand.

• Look for families, or a couple trying to take  photos  in selfie mode, & offer to swap taking  each other’s photos.

• Set a camera timer on your phone .

• Take photos with characters like Beetlejuice, The Frog Choir, and more.

Resort Hop Between The Onsite Universal Orlando Hotels

Note— If you’re staying at Endless Summer resort you can only utilize Surfside and Dockside’s Amenities.

If your staying at any of the other 6 onsite hotels- carve out some time to check out their amenties. Take the boat between hotels to pool hop. Grab a fun drink or bite to eat! Universal’s hotels are full of  hidden gems and great spots to eat.

Cabana Bay in particular has 2 great pool options + Lazy River

• The larger pool includes a really cool water slid 

Try Something New

Treat yourself by trying a new snack, drink or experience! Consider booking your solo trip during a seasonal offering like Mardi Gras where you can try lots of different items.

• 3 Alcoholic Drinks To Try at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• 3 More Alcoholic Drinks To Try at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Prepare for The Weather

No matter what the forecast says, Florida’s weather is unpredictable. With littles, pack a bathing suit.

Pack the rain gear no matter what.

• Umbrella, ponchos or raincoats.

• Extra ziplock bags, stroller rain covers, extra socks, change of outfit if carrying a backpack.

• Water-resistant shoes, etc. 

Sun Protection

• Sunscreen, chapstick, hats, sunglasses, stroller fan, lightweight quick-dry clothing and any cooling accessories like a neck fan.

Double Check Park Hours Before + During Your Trip

Universal Orlando only releases park hours for the current month and the next month. Those hours can vary by day. If you have a park-to-park ticket and one park is open later than the other, end your day at the park you'll have more time in. 

ALWAYS double check the park hours in the morning every day you’re there. It's not uncommon for Universal to do a last minute change, or for the park to close early for a private event.

Arrive Early

Consider making the most of your trip since you won’t have anyone  slowing you down in the morning. Plan to arrive at the parks about 45 minutes ahead of the official opening time. Regadless if you have Early Park Admission or not.

Team members will often let guests enter the parks 10-15 minutes before official park opening. 

Being amongst the first guests—  you'll knock out a lot of the popular rides early, and quickly. This will help you from waiting in longer lines later in the day.

Dress for Comfort

Do yourself a favor and pack comfortable clothes. You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, sweating, and getting in and out of rides.

Make sure that you pack plenty of comfortable, breathable clothing to help prevent thigh chaffing. Extra socks.

If prone to thigh chaffing:

• Consider bringing biker shorts, or bloomers to wear under dresses skirts. For additional protection pack your anti-chaffing stick

What are the Best Shoes for Universal Orlando?

Comfortable, supportive shoes with a stiff sole are key to a great Universal vacation. Look for Lightweight + easily packable shoe options.

Say it with me—Your Universal trip is NOT the time to break in a new pair of sneakers. Guests on average do at least 10,000 steps a day.

• KEEN

• Allbirds

• Merrell

• Teva

• New Balance

• ASICS

Note—Even with the Best Shoes for the theme parks, so are just prone to blisters. Consider applying moleskin before you leave the hotel.

Stay Hydrated!

THE most important tip, as it’s easy to forget. If visiting during extremely hot weather, I’d consider packing electrolyte replacement packets.

This can be key if you’re planning to enjoy some of the awesome alcoholic drinks at Universal Orlando.

Whenever you stop for a bathroom break, drink some water. Whenever your’e stopping for a meal or snack, still order a free cup of water.

Additionally, you can save a TON of money by brining a refillable water bottle which you can fill up at any water fountain on property. 

Utilize Single Rider Lines

Single Rider almost always has a much shorter wait time than the regular standby line. 

Single Rider Lines at Universal Studios Florida:

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

• Fast and Furious 

• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

• Revenge of the Mummy

• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D

Single Rider Lines at Universal’s Islands of Adventure:

• Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man

• Doctor Doom

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

• VelociCoaster

• Skull Island: Reign of Kong

It's important to note that some attractions will temporarily close single-rider at times to maintain efficiency 

Stay Late

For the most part, the last 2-3 hours before park closing is when you’ll lowest crowd levels. The weather will be more enjoyable as well. 

When it comes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

• Late evening or early morning, is the perfect time to really explore Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade since most guests flocked there mid day.

• The wait time for Hagrid’s is is often times the lowest right before park closing.

• The shops like Honeydukes and Ollivanders aren’t packed like sardines.

Game Plan How You Want to End the Night

Nighttime Show

• Universal Studios Florida has the Cinematic Celebration, a massive water, projection mapping and fireworks that only runs once a night, on select nights. 

• Islands of Adventure has The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle which begins at dusk and continues approximately every 20 minutes until park close. 

One Last Ride

• Hagrid’s almost always has the shortest wait time right before park closing

• Maybe you want to get in a night ride on VelociCoaster to compare to the daytime experience. 

Most Importantly—Have Fun!

It’s totally normal to feel nervous! You're going to have an amazing time though. I guarantee you’ll be planning your next solo vacation back to Universal Orlando on the flight back home!

Please, please, please reach out to me if you have any questions, fears, want advice, or need a little pep talk to finally take that solo trip.

Related Posts:

• Money Saving Tips for Universal Orlando

• How to Plan a Trip to Universal Orlando in 7 Easy Steps!

• Guide to Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando Resort: How to Make the Most of Your Morning

For more Universal Orlando Resort + Walt Disney World news and tips, follow MissWizardingWorld on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and on Twitter.