While I love most of the rides at Universal Orlando, sometimes I can’t handle riding them again and again and again. And especially when on a trip with only my oldest to Universal Orlando, I’ve become very comfortable (after lots of preparation and setting very clear expectations) sending her onto rides alone. If this is something you are interested in trying safely, here are my tips.
How old do you have to be to ride alone at Universal Orlando?
While Universal Orlando does not have any age limits, the resort has very clear Height Requirements for its rides. And while most rides have minimum heights, most rides also have a minimum height for riding without being accompanied by a supervising companion. That is typically 48″ which my daughter was at 8.5 y/o. She is small for her age. They are super strict, and we are happy that they are keeping our kids safe.
Setting clear expectations
We have always made it very clear at the parks that our kids should not “just go look at something” or go with anyone else, even with someone else from our party, without talking with my husband or I. We also have rules for when our kids get lost that we remind them of each trip (find a Team Member with a badge on, or find a mom with kids). We also remind our girls that when they notice they are lost, to stay in place, and we’ll find them instead of them searching for us. Both my girls know my phone number by heart as well (from too many nights ordering Thai food delivered). The only time one was “lost” was when our youngest decided to take one of the alternate entrances into Diagon Alley without telling us as a “surprise”. We very quickly found her and reminded her of our rules.
Walking the single rider line with her at first
The first attempt at letting my oldest ride solo was at Forbidden Journey in Islands of Adventure. That ride makes me queasy sometimes, so I’m happy to skip it. I walked with her the entire way through the single rider line, then when we reached the loading platform, I went to the child swap rather than getting on the ride. I was able to watch through the door to see her unloading from the ride. She then wanted to wait in line by herself and ride again, and knowing how long the line was (non-existent that day) made me much more comfortable allowing her to do that for the first time.
Setting a specific meeting point and timeline
When I let her ride solo, we set a very clear meeting point. Not just a general area or store. A very specific location. Most of the rides have multiple doors to exit from, and we don’t want to miss or pass each other. For Forbidden Journey, it is at the Marauder’s Map in the shop under the castle. For Gringotts, it is right outside the exit door for Scribbulus. I walk her to the entrance of the ride, we note the wait times, have her height checked, and communicate at what specific time she needs to ask for help if I am not at the meeting point. I then make sure she gets in line, and she is off.
Teaching her responsibility and empowering her
One of our guiding parenting principals is that we are not raising kids, we are raising future adults. We don’t expect them to act like adults right now, but by giving them small opportunities to grow and learn how to deal with circumstances, we are hoping that when they reach adulthood, they are prepared to take care of themselves.
Was I scared the first time I let her ride solo? Of course! Did I sprint to the bathroom and back to make sure that I was at the meeting point in time? Of course! Was I impatiently waiting for 10 minutes because that’s how long the ride takes? Of course.
Was she super proud of herself? Did she tell me about encouraging the girl she sat next to who had never been on the ride and telling her when she could close her eyes and when to open them? You bet.
How have you dealt with your kids getting bigger?
