Today 11,000 UCF students and guests arrive at Universal Orlando Resort to experience the annual tradition of ‘Universal Knights’ run the university’s SGA to provide students a chance to experience the thrill the Orlando theme park. There are key things to remember to make your trip a success, and we have to info for you to make this year’s event one to remember.
Where:
Unlike last year’s event, ‘Universal Knights’ will not be taking place at both parks. Students will be able to experience Universal’s Islands of Adventure from 4pm to 1am.
UCF Student Government will provide limited shuttles to Universal Orlando resort from main campus and back, with rides taking place at varying times between 3 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. Students will still need their student ID to enter the shuttles and the main entrance of Islands of Adventure.
Parking will be free to enter Universal Orlando after 6 p.m. for students who want drive themselves and their party to the property.
Strategy:
The most popular area of the park will undoubtedly be the ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ located in the fictional town of Hogsmeade. With wait times for Hagrid’s Motorbike adventure being the longest of the night. Make sure to make your way to the back of the park first to experience that area will others entering the park will stay in Marvel Superhero Island and Suess landing before making their way to the back of the park later on in the night.
- Make your way to the back of the park and do everything you can in the “Harry Potter” land at the beginning of the night or the very end of the night to ensure the shortest wait times
- Take advantage of single rider lines. Although waiting in line with your party is expected during a fun night at a theme park, going through a single rider line can make what would otherwise be an Hour and a half wait be only 30 mins or less.
Top rides:
Velosicoaster: the newest addition to Islands of Adventure that can to the park in summer of 2021 is Velosicoaster, a ride located in the Jurassic Park portion of the park that is themed after the Jurassic World movies released by Universal starring Chris Prat. This is an INSTENSE ride, and the most thrilling of all of Universal Orlando. With two separate launches and upside-down twist and turns to give you the feeling you might fall out and become food for the raptors below, this ride is not for the faint of heart, but a must do for thrill seekers.
Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure: Located in Hogsmeade of the ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ this is more than just roller coaster featuring Hogwarts’s favorite grounds keeper. This ‘Story Coaster’ combines thrills with show scenes featuring animatronics and narration from Hagrid as he takes you through the Forbidden Forrest as you encounter Magical creatures and experience surprise drops and intense mid ride launches that will be a must do attraction from any wizarding fan.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Who doesn’t love Marvel these days? And arguably the top superhero from Marvel Comics is Spiderman. This ride is a thrilling 3D projection-based ride that spins and jerks your way through New York as you take on the web slingers top villains such as Doc Ock, Hobgoblin, and Electro all while trying to save the city and hear J. Jonah Jameson yelling verbal insults at New York’s “Web Headed Menace”.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster: Once deemed the king of all classic roller coasters, ‘Hulk’ is an old school thrilling intense coaster that launches you straight in the air and through upside down loops and twist that will have you yelling as loud as the mighty green one himself. With theme music made by “Fall Out Boy” to accompany you, this is one of the first big sights you will see when entering the park and a great ride to end your day as well.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Being presented as the marquee attraction of the ‘Wizarding World’ area, this is a chance for Harry Potter fans to step inside the incredible Hogwarts castle and experience the best Que line in the park while seeing the likes of Headmaster Dumbledore and everyone’s favorite Magical trio, Harry, Ron and Hermione. The boy wizard will take you through the grounds of Hogwarts on a floating bench as you avoid dragons, spiders and even dementors as you are touring through some of the most iconic scenes in the series with a combination of projections and physical sets.
Best places to eat:
Three Broomsticks: enjoy barbeque and English based food inside the iconic restaurant from the movies inside the town of Hogsmeade. This is also the only place inside Islands of Adventure that you’ll be able to enjoy ‘Butterbeer’ ice cream. Even for people who don’t have the a big sweet tooth, this dessert is widely considered the best in the whole theme park and you might think someone slipped a Amortentia potion in your ice cream because you’ll be sure to love it.
Fire Eaters Grill: This quick service restaurant located in the ‘Lost continent’ serves some of the best on the go options at the park with gyros to chicken platters with the buffalo chicken tenders being a must for foodies to enjoy while at the park. The portion sizes are always a lot, so if you hungry but want something quick before your next ride, this is the spot for you.
Essential:
Make sure to download the Universal Orlando App on your phone while you are there to see wait time line times and where each ride is located to make your experience much easier as you navigate through Islands of Adventure.
Even if you have a ticket to ‘Universal Knights’ you will need your student ID and will not be allowed to go in without it.
Have fun at one of the country’s top theme parks before finals week, you Knights deserve it.
