Visiting Universal Orlando for the first time in ten years brought back a million emotions I didn’t know I needed to feel.

When I turned 18 years old, my parents reluctantly unleashed me and my best friend on a solo trip to Orlando. 12 hours in the car, 5 days in the parks and countless laughs, bad decisions and invaluable lessons later, I felt like I had completed my coming-of-age story and was ready to take adulthood by storm.

Returning to Universal as I’m approaching 28 was a full-circle moment. I still feel like a wide-eyed kid sloppily learning how to adult, but it did feel GREAT to explore the CityWalk without having to use a fake ID – ha!

From then to now, I’ve rounded up my top can’t-miss attractions across Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.

Universal Studios | Can’t Miss

Diagon Alley | Strolling through the London-inspired streets is immersive enough to spark all your Wizarding World dreams, but rounding a subtle corner to reveal the incredibly-constructed Diagon Alley made me literally jump for joy. The Three Broomsticks. Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. Gringott’s (complete with a literal fire-breathing dragon). It’s an absolute can’t-miss.

Escape from Gringott’s | The theming inside the attraction is IMPECCABLE. I was actually a little disappointed at how quickly we moved through the queue because I wanted to be able to spend more time appreciating all the hidden details. The ride itself also blew me away – it’s thrilling, entertaining and very well-done.

Hogwarts Express: If you’ve purchased a park-to-park ticket, you have access to take the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I went in with virtually no expectations, assuming it was nothing more than a monorail disguised as a train. Boy was I wrong! From the queue to boarding to the journey itself, riding the Hogwarts Express made me feel like a true wizard, and the experience alone is worth bundling your park tickets.

Lunch at the Three Broomsticks: I absolutely LOVED my meal at the Three Broomsticks. Some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever had, and the ambiance is perfect!

Islands of Adventure | Can’t Miss

VelociCoaster: The queue experience for this brand-new rollercoaster almost spooked me enough not to ride. But I’m so glad I did! This beast tops out at 70 mph and has plenty of scream-inducing moments. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re a thrill-seeker, you can’t miss it!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: Dare I say, this is my favorite rollercoaster I’ve ever ridden? Yes. Expedition Everest has officially been beaten by the incredibly fun and unique experience on Hagrid’s motorbike. This coaster is filled with great theming, unexpected moments and excellent storytelling. Make sure you plan to ride it twice so you can experience both the bike and the side car!

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: I remembered this being a favorite during my first trip to Universal, and it stays on the list today! Maybe it’s because I’m a Marvel nerd or a sucker for great 3D motion rides, but this one is fun, well-done, and from what I’ve experienced, always a quick queue!

Snacks at Green Eggs and Ham: Although the wait was absurd, it was worth it when I tasted the Buffalo Chicken Tots for the first time. Set inside Seuss Landing, the green ham-shaped cafe has all of Theodore’s favorites like Who Hash, and of course, green eggs and ham.

Volcano Bay | Can’t Miss

TeAwa the Fearless River: I am a self-proclaimed lazy river expert, and without a doubt, this one is the best one. Grab a very buoyant life vest and hop in, letting the rapids and waves take you on a hilarious adventure through Volcano Bay! I could’ve spent hours here. So. Much. FUN!

Krakatau Aqua Coaster: If you do nothing else at Volcano Bay, DO THIS! It’s incredibly lighthearted, fun and thrilling, and with the ability to join the virtual queue with your TapuTapu, you can be sure to experience all the pools and rivers available while you wait for your adventure.

Kala and Tai Nui Serpantine Body Slides: There are two hurdles to jump through if you’re going to brave the body slides at the top of the volcano: 1. Watching people before you climb into a sealed plastic tube, panic as they await the trap door, then free-fall until you can’t see them anymore. Needless to say, I hesitated for quite a while before finally committing. 2. THE STAIRS. Oh my, if there isn’t a long wait, prepare to trek up 13 flights of stairs to reach the top. If you can talk yourself into both of those things, this slide is a blast and will have your adrenaline at an all-time high!

I’d like to thank Universal Orlando for sending me on such a great adventure! I’m thrilled to be a #UOTravelAdvisor.

Universal Studios is perfect spot for thrill-seekers and families with older children. With so much to see and do, I’d love to help you plan the perfect vacation today!