🎢 Universal Studios & CityWalk: The Chaos, The Magic, and Why I Don’t Do Coasters 🍹

Okay. We need to talk about Universal Studios.

It’s wild. It’s loud. It’s full of over-the-top theming and giant rides. And it’s one of my favorite places to visit — even though I do not like roller coasters.

There. I said it.

Listen, I know some people live for that drop feeling. You know, the one that makes your stomach hit your toes? Yeah, that’s my literal nightmare. My anxiety does not appreciate surrendering control to a metal machine flying through loops. I want to cry every single time. So no, you won’t catch me on the Hulk coaster or VelociCoaster. When we lived back in Michigan we had season passes for Cedar Point, and my husbands favorite ride is the Millenium Force (he's insane). No thanks, I'd much rather not pass out. You and the kids go on and I'll stay here holding bags and drinks. Good luck up there, because I'm not built for that kind of trust. 

BUT — and this is a big “but” — you don’t have to love coasters to love Universal.

🎢 What I do ride (and actually love)

Here’s the thing: you can still have an awesome day here without losing your voice (or your dignity) screaming on a coaster. My faves?

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — it’s immersive, it’s magical, and it somehow doesn’t trigger my anxiety. Total win.

• Water rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure or Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls — I’ll take soaking wet over panic-inducing drops any day.

• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges — Warning: you will get drenched. But it’s hilarious and refreshing.

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man — This one surprised me! It’s thrilling but not terrifying, and super well done.

• E.T. Adventure — It’s nostalgic and weird and I love every second of it.

• The Minions ride — it’s ridiculous in the best way.

• The Simpsons Ride — chaotic, but hilarious.

• Hogwarts Express — because sitting in air-conditioning while moving through wizarding space? Perfection.

So yeah, I might not be your coaster queen, but I am your go-to girl for enjoying Universal without the need for anxiety meds and a paper bag to breathe into. I don't need to ruin everyones day with a panic attack and tears. 

✨ Pro Tips for These Rides:

• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – You will get soaked. Like, “just stepped out of a car wash” soaked. Bring a poncho, wear quick-dry clothes, and store your stuff in a locker or waterproof bag. Or do it at the end of the day and ride home soggy and proud.

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Can trigger motion sickness for some. If you're sensitive, take Dramamine ahead of time or ride it before eating a huge meal (trust me on this).

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – It’s a mix of screens and movement, so if 3D motion messes with you, close your eyes during big spins and again, take Dramamine. Still super fun, and worth doing at least once.

• E.T. Adventure – A great low-key ride when you need a break from the heat or chaos. Plus, it’s inside, air-conditioned, and honestly kind of adorable.

• Hogwarts Express – Do this midday when the parks are busiest and the sun is out to get you like you're in Super Mario Bros 3. It’s a chill way to hop between parks while sitting in AC like the royalty you are.

🧠 Tips for neurospicy, sensory-sensitive humans

I’m an ADHD mom with family members on the autism spectrum, and I get the need for downtime and predictability (in a very unpredictable place). Universal is exciting, but also a lot — loud, hot, overstimulating.

A few things that help:

• Bring noise-canceling headphones or loops for loud shows and queues

• Take breaks in shady spots like Jurassic Park or Seuss Landing

• Escape to CityWalk midday for food and AC

• Use the Attraction Assistance Pass if you qualify — it can make your day way more manageable

• LOTS of breaks. And snacks. 

Planning ahead = less overwhelm, more fun. Promise.

🍔 The Gluten-Free Good Stuff

As someone with celiac disease, I approach eating out like it’s an Olympic sport. But Universal has seriously stepped up their game. And yes — I have eaten well here and enjoyed it (without getting glutened, hallelujah).

Some must-know gluten-free wins:

• Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley) – Try the grilled chicken sandwich on a GF bun. I was surprised by how solid it was. Plus, you’re eating in a wizard tavern. Vibes = ✨

• Comic Strip Café – This place gets overlooked, but they’ve got GF buns and I loved the maple bourbon pork sandwich. It was messy in the best way.

• NBC Sports Grill & Brew (CityWalk) – Bless them. They offer GF beer, GF pasta, and GF buns. Grab a burger or chicken sandwich and actually enjoy your meal with a drink.

• Green Eggs & Ham Café (Seuss Landing) – The GF tater tots are crispy and safe, and you can get them with buffalo chicken or green eggs and ham. I seriously loved it — quirky, cute, and surprisingly satisfying.

• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (CityWalk) – The vibe is steampunk-chic, and they have an allergy menu. Speak to a chef and they’ll take good care of you.

And of course… the one thing I will never skip:

• BUTTERBEER.
  Frozen, hot, cold — I don’t care. It’s my treat. Technically, it’s gluten-free, but always confirm based on how it’s prepared when you go. I personally LOVE the frozen one on a hot day. It's pure magic in a cup.

🎉 CityWalk = Your Theme Park Breakroom

CityWalk is right there between the two parks, and honestly, it’s where I go when I need a break from the chaos. It’s full of food, drinks, and people-watching gold.

A few of my go-to stops:

• Margaritaville (You already knew this. Pineapple margarita? Yes please. Make it 2, actually.)

• Bigfire – Chill atmosphere and great for food sensitivities

• Voodoo Doughnut – Cute for pics. They have gluten-free, but beware of cross-contamination if you're celiac like me

• Live music – Sit, sip, breathe. You earned it.

🎒 Stuff You’ll Be Glad You Brought (Trust Me)

Let’s be real. A theme park day can either go surprisingly smooth or spiral into “I just paid $12 for socks because I got soaked and now I hate everything.” So here’s your bring-this-so-you-don’t-regret-it list from someone who’s been through it more than once.

• Sunscreen — Apply it before you leave the hotel and bring it with you. Florida sun does not play around. I didn't the first time I went to Universal. Huge mistake. Huge. 

• Poncho or rain jacket — Because this is Florida, and the afternoon sky will absolutely betray you. Pop-up rainstorms are a daily ritual.

• GOOD shoes — Not new shoes. Not cute-but-blistery sandals. Wear your tried-and-true, broken-in, I’ve-walked-Disney-in-these shoes. Your feet will thank you.

• Fanny pack or backpack — I live for a solid fanny pack (lululemon, anyone?) It holds the essentials (phone, snacks, chapstick, travel-size sunscreen) and doesn’t kill your back like a tote bag will. If you need more space, a lightweight backpack is perfect. Just make sure it’s comfy, and remember some rides require lockers for bags.

• Water bottle — There are refill stations, and staying hydrated is key to not melting into the pavement. Also, Liquid IV helps me tremendously (but I also have POTS, hello fellow spoonies). 

• Charged phone and/or portable charger — You will drain your phone battery taking photos, checking wait times, or entertaining your kids in line.

• Snacks — Especially if you have dietary needs or just need to avoid full toddler meltdowns (even if your toddler is 36 like me).

Pack smart, walk smarter, and remember that soggy socks and sunburns can ruin even the best-planned day. You deserve better, queen.

💁‍♀️ Real talk: you don’t need to do it all

You don’t have to ride everything, eat every snack, or schedule your day to the second. You can say “no thanks” to the roller coasters, skip the heat meltdown by dipping into CityWalk, and take the time to sit and eat something that won’t wreck your body later. Hell, you can go just for dinner if you want and have annual passes. Make that pass earn it. 

I’ll help you plan a trip that works for YOU — food allergies, sensory needs, non-coaster people and all. Because Universal isn’t just for the thrill junkies. It’s for all kinds of families, and you deserve to enjoy it your way.

See you at the exit with all the bags,

Danielle 

P.S. If you’ve ever faked not feeling well to avoid riding a roller coaster but then sprinted to the butterbeer stand like it was the Olympics… I see you. You’re safe here.