Universal Studios solo??

[galaga-girl]

I've been to WDW in Orlando a few times as a solo visitor. As I travel all the way from Australia it is hard to get others to save enough money to come with me.

This trip i'd like to go back to Universal Studios and IOA, but i've only ever done these parks with others. Anyone got any advice for doing them solo?? They are so different from the parks at Disney i'm just not sure if I want to do them alone.

I'll be in Orlando from the 16th of Sept till the 2nd of October.

[stingrock23]

I'm gonna find out next week. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm guessing I'll be using the single riders line, unless it isn't too crowded.

[Wes]

**PAGING BARRYH TO THIS THREAD, BARRYH TO THREAD**

[Slacking]

Its pretty much like doing any other park solo. Honestly, I prefer doing Universal solo than the Disney parks solo (Thats because in the boat rides such as IASM, PotC, and Maelstrom, they always put you in a row all by your self even if there is room elsewhere) What concerns exactly do you have about doing Uni/IOA as a solo visitor? Plus, a few of the rides have Single Rider lines.

[galaga-girl]

I guess it is just a fear. I was like it when I first did Disney solo. You just never know how welcome you are going to be as a single traveller. I'm sure that they are no different than the Disney parks, it is just that the CM's at WDW are great, I never have a problem finding someone to chat with, I didn't have that much interaction with the staff at Universal.

[Slacking]

IMO, there is nothing to fear.

 

I usually feel more comfortable as a solo traveler at the Universal parks than I do at the Disney parks.

[galaga-girl]

Thanks guys, i've decided to do it. If I can do Disney solo I can do Universal, I love the parks and don't want to miss out again (I missed them last year)

I've booked a room at the Hard Rock Hotel for 3 nights prior to my Disney only portion of the trip.

[CoasterFanatic]

I hear that if you ride Men in Black, the ops will call you mean names (ex. Sad and Pathetic).

 

Not to worry, you can complain to Guest Relations and get free passes to weasel your way up the handicap ramp. Score!

[ebl]

I do parks by myself all the time---and I love it. Though I can be somewhat shy, I can always strike up a conversation with someone. There are a few people that I enjoy going with to parks, but I like to move at my speed and not listen to whining, being held up to shop (I couldn't care less about souvenirs unless it's a park I'll never visit again), or watching shows unless they're entertaining (some are, but most I've found are...eh).

 

Hope you have a good time when you visit Universal.

 

Eric

[WillMontu]

Both Universal Studios and IOA make use of "sad and pathetic" lines. Usually they are hidden around the side of the entrance or right up front. Nearlly all of the big rides have them, and they are used fairly effectively (ie. 45 minute wait for the main line, 5 minute wait for the single rider line)

[galaga-girl]

When I was there with my sister, a single rider joined us on Men in Black. I love single rider lines, esp at Mission: Space in Disney, sometimes the wait there can be horrendous and I love watching peoples faces as you slip right past them!!

[Bush985]

I did two days by myself there in 2004. Things weren't bad at all. I actually checked my luggage at Guest Services the second day because I had to catch a train that night to SC, but besides that the single rider lines were great. I like going to parks by myself because I can move at my own pace. Really allows for a good day. No one to drag you down.

-RD

[ECZenith]

A lot of the major rides at the complex have single rider lines, which is a major benefit. Whenever I have to go to a park alone, I usually end up talking to people I don't know in the queue lines. I'm sure, you being from Australia, you'll have some interesting conversation for the yanks you'll be hanging around with.

 

It's kind of cool because you can plan the day EXACTLY as you want to. Arrive when you want, ride what you want, leave when you want.

 

Good luck to ya, enjoy the states.

[galaga-girl]

Thanks I really love America, this is my 4th trip and my 3rd trip to Orlando. People keep asking me why I keep coming back and not go elsewhere, it is so cheap to travel around America, the people are awesome and I always feel 100% safe especially when I am travelling alone. You guys have a great country!!

[BarryH]

I do Universal solo all the time. It's fun to do stuff on your own, when you want, and where you want without someone in the group saying, "Waaa, waaa, I don't want to do dat!" Besides, you can fill in the open single spaces and get a few minutes jump ahead of everyone else!

 

If you need company, many TPR members live in the Orlando area. Erik Johnson is at Universal a lot!