Are you planning an Islands of Adventure solo trip and looking for the best things to do?
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
ThemeParkHipster loves rolling solo to the theme parks.
One of the perks of going to Universal Orlando alone is that you don’t have to miss out on a single thing!
There’s no need to compromise, it’s a day catered all to you!
So follow along with my ultimate list of the 10 best things to do at Islands of Adventure.
That way, you can have the most epic Universal Orlando solo trip and not miss a minute of fun!
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Listen to Podcast Episode 40 Below On How to Do Islands of Adventure in One Day
1. VelociCoaster Paddock Tour
Before you take on the massive predator of a coaster, find out all there is to know about Orlando’s Islands of Adventure’s newest thrill ride.
Surviving the VelociCoaster is a whole different experience when you know everything that breathes life into in after doing the Paddock Tour.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
Connect with a Team Member, and they will let you in on a few hidden secrets around you.
Find out how the launches work, the story, and fun facts, the care that goes into the raptors, and all the ins and outs before you battle this vicious coaster.
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2. Create Your Own Foodie Tour
All the yummy snacks and cool treats are half the fun of going to the theme parks. It’s a day to count the memories, not the calories!
So, creating a mini foodie tour in my day at the theme park is always a must and definitely one of the best things to do at Islands of Adventure.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
It’s a festival of flavors throughout Islands of Adventure!
Here are a few of the must-try foods at Islands of Adventure that will put you in a good mood.
- Cool off with a famous Dole Whip at Wimpy’s
- Stay young at heart with some Green Eggs & Ham Tots at the Green Eggs & Ham Café
- Indulge in an iconic Butterbeer treat at Three Broomsticks in the magical world of Harry Potter
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3. Do a Universal Orlando VIP Tour
The Islands of Adventure VIP Tour can be a great way to build up confidence in going to the theme parks alone.
You may start your day out at Universal Orlando alone, but once you’re in the VIP Tour you will be grouped with others for the royal treatment.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
You and your small VIP Tour group will have the best experience with 5 hours of behind-the-scenes with a Team Member and front-of-line access.
Your confidence will be soaring after your VIP treatment!
And you will be ready to take on the rest of the day of your Islands of Adventure solo trip with the Unlimited Express Pass that comes with your package.
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4. Look for Harry Potter Secrets in Hogsmeade
The magical village of Hogsmeade is full of wonderful wizarding hidden secrets and gems to uncover.
Well, that is, if you can fight the urge to race through like a free elf with no master!
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
If you know where to muggle around, you can find so many of the fun surprises that are within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
It adds a bit more adventure and mystery to the already charming world.
Here are a few to get you started in your treasure hunt for hidden secrets!
- Don’t be worried when you hear someone whining or trying to chat with you in the restrooms…it’s just your friendly encounter with none other than Moaning Myrtle.
- Remember to look up, down, and all around! You don’t want to miss a thing like the Hogsmeade Clock…you may be surprised when the clock strikes.
- Keep your ears open when in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey…you may catch some cool tips when you pass by the Potions classroom.
5. Wand Ceremony at Ollivanders
The Ollivander Wand Ceremony is one swishing and flicking good time, even for those going to Universal alone.
It is an interactive show that will have your eyes glued to all the magic and action going on all around you.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
But if you aren’t the lucky witch or wizard chosen to find your wand, don’t worry. It’s a siriusly good time as the replica of Ollivander’s wand shop comes to life.
Watching as the random lucky person tries out the different wands until the wand chooses the wizard is a really cool experience.
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6. Ride the Hogwarts Express
One of the wizarding ways to get around Universal Orlando for solo travelers, or anyone for that matter, is hopping aboard the most magical train of all, the Hogwarts Express.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
Riding Hogwarts Express will be an iconic part of your day!
Yes, it will cool you off with some A/C and give your feet a rest, but it also delivers the most epic visual and what feels like a real-life experience.
From dementors to British countryside and the Weasley twins, depending on which way you go, it is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans.
Just remember that you will need tickets to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, since it is a transport system that enters you into both parks.
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7. Survive a Raptor Encounter
If you’re a little dino-crazy, Raptor Encounter has you living out your pre-historic dreams as the famous raptors make their daily appearance
Whether it be Blue or whether it be Bravo and even some adorable baby raptors, these raptors will blow your mind. They seem so real, it’s mind-boggling!
Be sure to snap a photo or get that dino-rific selfie because you never know when they may go extinct.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
Raptor Encounter is a MUST on your list of the best things to do at Islands of Adventure.
That is, if you’re not a nervous rex to come face-to-face with one of the most dangerous dinosaurs out there!
8. Have a Drink and People Watch at Confisco Grille Bar Area
Going to Universal Orlando alone might have you feeling like it’s only me, myself, and I, but look around! There are so many wonderful travelers all around you.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
Located in Port of Entry, their exotic drink menu is just as adventurous as the restaurant itself. So, sit back and grab a drink at Confisco Grille bar area.
Must try drinks at Confisco Grille Bar:
- Watermelon Lemonade: Deep Eddy lemon vodka mixed with DeKuyper Pucker watermelon, lemonade, and some Sprite
- Adventurer’s Mule: Pitu Cachaca, passion fruit purée, sour mix
- Ocean Trader: Plantation pineapple rum combined with blue Curaçao, lime juice, Coco Lopez, and yummy pineapple juice
- Confisco’s Margarita: El Jimador Blanco tequila, Cointreau, Gran Gala liqueur, lime, agave
And if you do start to get hungry from people watch, remember Confisco Grille has a full sit-down restaurant inside.
9. Use the Single Rider Line
One of the highlights of Universal Orlando for solo travelers is taking advantage of the Single Rider Lines throughout the park.
It’s the ultimate way to save time, even up to half your wait time on some of your favorite adventure rides. Plus, it’s FREE!
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
Just look for the designated line for Single Riders, and you will be filling in for the odd seat numbers.
An Islands of Adventure solo trip has you skipping the long queues of those waiting to ride alongside their family and friends.
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
10. Ride the Best Rides at Islands of Adventure
One of the best things to do at Islands of Adventure is obviously having a screaming good time on the best rides at Universal Islands of Adventure.
Why this is One of the Best Things to Do on an Islands of Adventure Solo Trip
You will want to dive into as many rides as you possibly can on your Universal Orlando solo trip, but sometimes there just isn’t time to get everything in.
Here are a few must-do rides at Islands of Adventures, so you don’t leave with any regrets:
- The newest high-speed and monster of a coaster VelociCoaster
- The smashing thrills of the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster
- Living out your wizard fantasies through Hogwarts Castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’s magical ride and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
What to Know Before You Go to Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Whether you choose to go to Islands of Adventure in Orlando solo or with family and friends, each tip will guide you to having the best theme park vacation ever!
Your first question may be:
Can you do Islands of Adventure in one day?
You absolutely can do it in one day if you know where to start! Grab your FREE Islands of Adventure itinerary and guidebook here!
What are the Islands of Adventure hours?
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is opened 365 days a year 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the regular season and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the peak season.
Just know that the hours may change based on the busyness of the park.
How much is an Islands of Adventure ticket?
The cost of admission starts at $109, but I like discounts so I use Groupon to find cheap Islands of Adventure tickets.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do at Universal’s Islands of Adventure for Solo Travelers
Now you’re all set to head out on one of the best days of your life full of fun, food, and fabulous thrills on your Islands of Adventure solo trip.
I hope this guide gives you the confidence to finally take that solo Universal Orlando vacation!
Thanks for Listening and Reading!
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Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
(Original Article Date: July 31, 2019/Updated on August 10, 2023)