Universal Studios for adults

Is there anything to do at Universal Studios for adults? YES! As a Universal Travel Agent, I’m actually asked this question a lot. I know this website is called Florida Travel with Kids, but I wrote this post a long time ago for another website and wanted to update it and add it here. Maybe you have older teens or are planning an adults-only trip to Orlando. Plus, many of our other guides to Universal Orlando are for all ages!

It’s not that Universal isn’t great for kids. There are plenty of fun areas for kids at Universal, but it’s always been geared towards older kids, teens, and adults.

When I say “things to do at Universal Studios,” I really mean things to do at Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort is comprised of Universal Studios, Epic Universe, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.

So while there were technically three theme parks and one water park, most people still refer to Universal Orlando simply as “Universal Studios.” 

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, a Florida resident, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder.

I have firsthand experience with the parks, hotels, rides, dining options, and more, enabling me to offer tailored recommendations and insider tips to enhance your Universal vacation. Contact me for more information if you’d like assistance booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you. 

Do I need a rental car in Orlando?

I like to get around as needed while on vacation, so I like to rent a car. I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best rates available, whether you’re flying into Orlando or Sanford.

Now that you’ve got your car, let’s get to the 5 things to do at Universal Studios for adults.

Universal Studios for adults

Here are the top 5 things to do at Universal Studios for adults.

1. Visit City Walk

Universal CityWalk is open long after the parks close. There are about a million things for adults to do at CityWalk, including:

• Dancing at the Red Coconut Club.
• Karaoke at Rising Star.
• Drinks, everywhere, more on that later.
• Have a late-night donut from VooDoo Donuts. You’re an adult; you can have donuts any time!

CityWalk also has many great restaurants that you can take advantage of before, during, or after your day at the park.

2. Ride Thrill Rides

There are plenty of “grown-up” friendly rides at Universal Orlando. If you love thrill rides, you will enjoy:

• Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• Escape From Gringotts
• Stardust Racers
• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
• Curse of the Werewolf

There are a LOT of things to do at Epic Universe for adults, check out All the rides at Epic Universe and 10 things to know before going to Epic Universe  to learn more.

3. Check out Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights is recommended for guests 13+. It is a separately ticketed event running from around August to Halloween.

Haunted houses in previous years have included Stranger Things, The Shining, House of 1000 corpses, and more. Scare actors are also located in scare zones, to, well, scare you.

Halloween Horror Nights also has all kinds of special food offerings, so make sure to check those out while you’re at it.

An Express Pass can be a great thing to have during the day at Universal, but it might be even better at Halloween Horror Nights to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Please note that Halloween Horror Nights did not happen last year (although they did have some scare houses) but Halloween Horror Nights 2021 will be epic! 

4. Have a drink (alcoholic or not)

Universal Orlando is not shy about offering adult beverages at every corner. From City Walk to the Wizarding World, you’ll find a drink to enjoy wherever you are in the parks. For those who don’t drink, there are plenty of fun non-alcoholic versions available! I recommend:

• The Stingray at Antojitos (City Walk)
• Ocean Attack at Chez Alcatraz, ask for a “Shark Friendly” for a non-alcoholic version (Universal Studios)
• Any margarita at Margaritaville (City Walk)
• Frozen Daquiri at Fat Tuesday (City Walk)
• A beer for the Hogwarts Express ride (you can buy it in line!)
• Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, or Fishy Green Ale for non-alcoholic Wizarding World drinks
• And so many more. Share your favorite Universal beverage in the comments.

5. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando is full of nostalgia for adult guests, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is no exception.

If you’re a 30-something adult, you probably read the Harry Potter books (or at least watched the movies) as a child or teen. Maybe you read the books or watched the movies with your own kids or grandkids.

Not only does the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offer a plethora of adult beverages, but no one will bat an eye if you choose to dress up and get really immersed in the Wizarding World.

Meeting characters at Universal is fun for adults too.

If you’re visiting without kids, you can also take the time to really enjoy the details of the Wizarding World. I recommend reading the books or re-watching the movies beforehand. Here are 30+ Movies to watch before going to Universal.

Universal Studios for adults

There are plenty of other things to do at Universal Studios for adults, but these are some of my favorites. Have you taken an adults-only Universal vacation? Let me know about it in the comments.

I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist. There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist) or an approved Travel Agent!

You can also check prices at all the resorts on Expedia:

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay
• Loews Royal Pacific
• Aventura Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

Don’t forget that Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific include Free Express Passes for your party! Staying at a premier resort can be very worth it if you’re visiting Orlando during a busy time such as summer, Christmas, etc.

Universal Studios for adults

I hope you enjoyed this list of 5 things to do at Universal Studios for adults!

Your vacation should be as magical (and Epic!) as the parks themselves without the stress of planning. As a Universal Orlando travel agent, I’m here to make that happen. Contact me today if you’d like some help planning a Universal Orlando Vacation.

We have lots more Universal travel tips on the blog. Check them out!

• 7 things to buy BEFORE going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 20 Universal Orlando Mistakes to Avoid
• Hidden Secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 5 reasons to book Universal with a Universal Orlando Travel Agent
• 21 First Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

Did you enjoy this post? I would love it if you would pin it for later! Or, make sure to share it with your friends on social media if they are looking for things to do in Florida with kids.