Solo Day at Universal

[kbelle8995]

I am going down to Orlando in December. I will have a solo day to myself. I will be doing the Christmas Tree map. Any other suggestions. Where's a good place to eat by myself? Any suggested of what you would do if you had a day by yourself at Universal.

 

[bababear_50]

Hi I am going for just one day at the end of Nov to Dec. 2023

My plans are to take in the seasonal atmosphere (decorations) and have some fun.

I plan on having breakfast with the Grinch (bought tickets last month) and then taking in the Who Holiday Spectacular show

I have a list of family and friends Grinch /Harry Potter Christmas shopping I need to do.

I'll pick up a Christmas Tree Map and see how many trees I can spot.

I have EX Pass so I am hoping to do a few favorite attractions and rides but
I am packing my patience as it is a busy time of the year for tourists and Universal employees.

I am hoping to take a mid day break and then go back in the evening to see Hogwarts Castle Lights.
(Forbidden Journey) , maybe with some warm Butterbeer.

Have fun planning and I hope you have a great time

Mel

 

[kbelle8995]

Yes shopping is definitely on the list. Especially Pin shopping. I saw some last time I wanted. And maybe score the How the Grinch stole Christmas pin.

I love the parks so much at the holidays. If it gets too crowded I think I will ride the boat.

 

[soniam]

Today Cafe, Leaky Cauldron, and Three Broomsticks are my go to when solo.

 

[FreckledOne]

Thank you for starting this thread. My solo days (Sat&Sun) don't take place until summer 2024, but I am gathering as much intel as possible. For those who have gone solo, where do you usually stay? I am not averse to walking long distances and I am totally fine with onsite or offsite.

 

[nighttowll]

One of my favorite solo activities is to lay by the pool at Portofino with a book and read. Those memory foam loungers are amazing. It's so relaxing and peaceful.

 

[Skywalker3]

I've done a few 'majority' solo days at Universal recently. I was there with family, but several days, we'd split up right after getting there, and I'd not see them again all day.
I had some great times at Universal. I did severalrides using the SR queue: MiB several times in a row, Mummy, and Gringotts. Spent a lot of time hanging out in Diagon Alley, eating ice cream from Florian's, or enjoying a Butterbeer or Dragon's scale, and people watching. There's a great place by the Menagerie store, and several benches in Knockturn Alley. I admit, I don't really like eating alone at table service places. I am ok getting something from QS, and just eating on a bench in the shade, if I can find one. Curb will do too. A crepe from the crepe stand, or a jacket potato good for that. I've also enjoyed Today Cafe quite a bit. Checking out the shows would be good, Bourne etc. or the street shows, and maybe even some character meets. The TMs there were very nice to take pictures w/ my phone for me.
In IoA, enjoyed getting a Hogshead brew and/or Butter beer and just sitting in the area, people watching. Enjoyed tots from Green Eggs and Ham, and Fire-eater's grill. Spider man has a single rider queue. I think Hulk does too. I've not done the SR at Hagrides or VC, as I hear they don't move fast, but I would probably try and ride them in the regular line, if I had time, and wait times weren't bad, I also took my time walking the queue at Forbidden Journey, (before using chicken exit, I just can't do that ride anymore!)
Enjoyed LOTS of time for browsing/shopping, taking in the Easter eggs, etc.
Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[kbelle8995]

Please continue the suggestions. I have been to Universal several times. I'm an annual passholder but I am always looking to get out of my park box and find some new experiences.

 

[kbelle8995]

Thank you for starting this thread. My solo days (Sat&Sun) don't take place until summer 2024, but I am gathering as much intel as possible. For those who have gone solo, where do you usually stay? I am not averse to walking long distances and I am totally fine with onsite or offsite.

Most hotels on Universal are close and quite safe. I stay at Cabana Bay as it is very budget friendly. When I'm going by myself I tend to stay in Brand name hotels so I have someone to call if I have issues or complaints. I've stayed at Cabana by myself and for the most part felt very comfortable. Universal has a good selection of hotels and makes it easy to get to the parks

 

[titojackson84]

I just did a solo trip at the end of August and had the buy 3 get 2 free park hopper ticker. I stayed at surfide and would definitely stay again. Each time I ate at the hotel, I got something different and wasn’t disappointed (eggs and chicken in the fettuccine had an odd taste but I still ate it). The bus ride to the parks was very short. Despite it being on the other side of the highway, it’s still just a matter of minutes. The walgreens across the street is very convenient too.

At the parks, I ate at leaky cauldron, 3 broomsticks, moe’s, and mythos and had no complaints. I used the single rider line for most rides (I wanted the front on hulk). I used it on velocicoaster when the regular line said 30 minutes and felt single rider took longer. All other rides I used it on was much quicker. I also bought a wand and did some of the spells.

For the record, I am not one for going to parks solo, but the gf doesn’t always want to go and it can be expensive for my friends to go. I wouldn’t go to a table service restaurant solo at home but I have no problem while on vacation.