Universal for a Non-Rider

You will have a great time. I am basically a non rider and loved Universal. We are huge HP fans so that was a great deal of our time. I don’t ride because of motion sickness, fear of heights and fear of roller coaster type rides.

Dd and dh are definite riders so I would explore an area while they rode and then make them go see the stuff I found when they got off!

I did do Shrek, Minions, MIB, Howgwarts Express and Forbidden Journey. The only one I wouldn’t do again is FJ. Probably. But I love HP so much I would be tempted lol.

MIB is spinny and the first spin took me by surprise but after that I was a bit more prepared for it. I won’t say I wasn’t dizzy at all when we got off but we stopped and got something to drink and it passed. And I really enjoyed the ride.

We just didn’t get to ET

As for non-riding things to do—

All the performances are good. Really enjoyed them and there is a guide to give you the times. I think we hit them all.

As an HP fan, hours can be spent in Diagon Alley. Every store, every nook and cranny has something to see.

Just enjoying the sights and sounds.

Your dh might not be as enthusiastic about it, but I adore Dr Suess. Those were my favorite books to read to my children and now to my grands. So I really enjoyed exploring that area.

Really I don’t remember an area where there wasn’t something to see and enjoy.

I wouldn't ride Jurrassic Park River Adventure, doesn't it have a 50 foot drop?! (correction after reading the attraction's page, 85-foot) Terrified the living daylights out of me to the point where I wouldn't ride the much tamer Splash Mountain for years!

glocon said:

Does the mystic fountain still “interact” with guests at IoA?
That would be fun!

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We had the best time with this last trip. It was totally giving me a hard time and getting me wet. The kids thought it was hilarious. My non riding daughter loved it and kept asking to go back!

Kivara said:

We thought the Animal Actors show was a lot of fun (Studios) and the Sinbad show (IoA) is corny, but one of our favorites!

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We went to Animal Actors twice. Very cute.

My non riding DD loves the HP area. I’m a rider but I could spend days there too. Your HD should enjoy it if he’s an HP fan.

I realize I'm bumping an old thread, but this came up between my DH and I today as he's at our local amusement park with DS who is now tall enough to ride ALLLLLL the big rides. DH is basically dropping him at the entrance to each ride, but not walking through the queue with him as a non rider. he seems to think walking him through isn't allowed.

I have a vague memory that it is allowed at Universal, as long as you tell the cast member up front I'm not riding but would like to see the queue, and they can let you out without your having to go back through the whole line the wrong way. Did I dream this?

Jumping on the bumped up thread bandwagon...

Sparkly said:

I wouldn't ride Jurrassic Park River Adventure, doesn't it have a 50 foot drop?! (correction after reading the attraction's page, 85-foot) Terrified the living daylights out of me to the point where I wouldn't ride the much tamer Splash Mountain for years!

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On the opposite spectrum, my friend hates drops and refuses to do Splash Mountain again. I coerced her onto JP and because of the way the drop approaches, she was okay with it and rode twice more.

Bethany10 said:

I realize I'm bumping an old thread, but this came up between my DH and I today as he's at our local amusement park with DS who is now tall enough to ride ALLLLLL the big rides. DH is basically dropping him at the entrance to each ride, but not walking through the queue with him as a non rider. he seems to think walking him through isn't allowed.

I have a vague memory that it is allowed at Universal, as long as you tell the cast member up front I'm not riding but would like to see the queue, and they can let you out without your having to go back through the whole line the wrong way. Did I dream this?

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Yes, you stay together until the end. Don't leave the kiddo in line alone.

bchbetha said:

Yes, you stay together until the end. Don't leave the kiddo in line alone.

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So they'll let me out a different way, or am I fighting the line backwards to get to where the exit is to reconnect with my kid?

I'm hoping on the bigger thrill rides (AKA the ones I won't do) that DD will do them so DS has someone to ride with. I was really happy that he seemed ok this weekend however as it means he's ok doing stuff by himself if big sister says no.

Bethany10 said:

So they'll let me out a different way, or am I fighting the line backwards to get to where the exit is to reconnect with my kid?

I'm hoping on the bigger thrill rides (AKA the ones I won't do) that DD will do them so DS has someone to ride with. I was really happy that he seemed ok this weekend however as it means he's ok doing stuff by himself if big sister says no.

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You don't have to backtrack. There's a "chicken exit". Always best to ask ride attendants...surprised your dh didn't do that at your local park. New lesson though.

bchbetha said:

You don't have to backtrack. There's a "chicken exit". Always best to ask ride attendants...surprised your dh didn't do that at your local park. New lesson though.

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thank you. I'm not sure it dawned on him that there even is such a thing as a chicken exit. I've fought back the line at this park as well, so there may not be one. I'm excited as I really want to see the queue for Hulk but there's not way in heck you're going to get me on the coaster.

To add - if you are going through the FJ or Gringott's line, the non-rider can carry the bags so you don't have to use a locker. We do this all the time - I'm not able to ride, but I love the lines