If you are not a fan of rollercoasters or thrill rides in general, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a theme park! I can’t really do rollercoasters because of motion sickness and I don’t enjoy going upside down or spinning around. I still really enjoy other rides and everything else on offer.
If this sounds like you and you are wondering if Universal Studios is worth a visit, I’m here to tell you that absolutely yes!
Here are some the best things to do at Universal Studios (US) and Islands of adventure (IOA) that aren’t rollercoasters or thrill rides (plus some bonus activities in City Walk).
Games
If you enjoy arcade games then you have plenty of choice. Jurassic Park Games (IOA), Kingpin’s Arcade (IOA), Palace Theatre Arcade (US), Simpsons Games (US) and Toon Lagoon Games (IOA) will definitely keep you entertained for hours.
Universal’s Great Movie Escape is located in City Walk. There are two themed escape rooms you can try; Back To The Future: OUTATIME and Jurassic World: Escape. I really would’ve loved to have done Jurassic World: Escape but the tickets are expensive at $49.99.
Live Shows and Entertainment
The live shows and entertainment can honestly be found anywhere! For an extra dose of movie making magic I would suggest The Bourne Stuntacular (US), Universal’s Horror Make Up Show (US) and Animal Actors on Location (US).
The Wizarding World also has so much to offer in terms of live shows. These include the Triwizard Spirit Rally (IOA), Celestina Warbeck and The Banshees (US) and The Tales of Beedle the Bard (US).
Other shows worth catching are Oh, The Stories You’ll Hear (IOA), The Blues Brothers Show (US) and Universal’s Superstar Parade (US).
A sort of ride-show hybrid, the Hogwarts Express is a must do. With park to park tickets you can ride from Diagon Alley (US) to Hogsmeade (IOF) with a different experience depending on which direction you’re travelling.
Fireworks
Dark Arts at Hogwarts and The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts are both displayed on the Universal website but both are showing as temporarily closed at the moment. These may be seasonal but I can’t find confirmation of that. Either way if you can see a Harry Potter themed firework show, you’re having a good time!
Seasonal Events
If you’re intentionally travelling to Orlando for a certain holiday or festival, you are in for a treat.
The famous Halloween Horror Nights event has won Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best Halloween Event 14 times. This runs from 30th August to 3rd November.
At Christmas time Holidays at Universal Studios include events such as Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universals Holiday Parade featuring Macys. Can you imagine how awesome it would be to see the parks dressed up for Christmas?
If you are visiting around Spring time you will be just in time for Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavours of Carnaval. During this time you can enjoy Mardi Gras parades, street performers, live music and authentic Cajun foods. Don’t forget to collect some iconic beads!
Best of all you don’t need to pay extra for Mardi Gras like you do with Halloween Horror Nights.
Character Meet and Greets
Character meet and greets can be found all over the place. Spread across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, there are chances to meet all of your favourite characters. These include The Simpsons, Transformers, Scooby Doo, Marilyn Monroe, Beetlejuice, Blue the Velociraptor, Marvel heroes and villains, Spongebob Squarepants, the Minions and even the Knight Bus operator.
Live Music Events
Hard Rock is, of course, known for its musical memorabilia. Orlando is home to a Hard Rock Cafe and a Hard Rock Hotel which offer live events.
Velvet Sessions is an award winning intimate concert whose past performers include Joan Jett and Foreigner. Velvet Unplugged is a more laid back acoustic show. Both of these are at the Hard Rock Hotel.
The Hard Rock Cafe hosts Hard Rock Live. Here you can see live music and comedy in the 3000 seat auditorium.
The Hard Rock Hotel also hosts an event called Wine Riffs. Each event is different with vintage wines paired with a full course menu (I think it’s six courses) and a DJ who plays a custom soundtrack to set the mood.
What are some of your favourite things to do if you don’t enjoy theme park rides?
Don’t forget to check out my simple food and drink guide to Universal Studios.
Universal Studios is a brilliant theme park and there’s so much to do there that doesn’t just involve rides! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Absolutely! x
These are all great things to enjoy at a theme park besides the rides. I love how they offer so many different activities, especially the live events. I enjoy the rides and some shopping in between! Thanks for sharing!
I agree! Thanks for reading x
Wow! This was a fun read! Thanks for this! I love that there is so much else to do that doesn’t involve rides! I myself get a little motion sick sometimes. Also, I’ve never liked heights and I get scared easily. Or I should say my anxiety goes up easily. When I was a child, I couldn’t even go on the swings without getting scared! Imagine a rollercoaster! Thanks again for this post!
That’s very kind thank you! I also get motion sick so it’s nice to know there are other things to do!
I love roller coasters but I also love when amusement parks have more to offer than just rides! The Universal Studios in LA has a really cool studio tour that’s always fun!
That sounds fun – I’d love to visit Universal in LA x
Thanks for sharing. Next time I am at Universal Studios, I must check these out!
Thanks for reading!
This gives great options for those who don’t like rollercoasters or can’t go on them
I’m glad you think so! x
What a fun place to visit!
It’s so fun! x
I’m not a huge fan of rollercoasters so these suggestions are great!
Thanks for the suggestions! Thrill rides aren’t my thing so knowing about these attractions will be a big help if I ever get to go to Univeral Studios.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading :)