Spending a long day at the theme parks will definitely wear you out, especially in the hot Florida weather, but there are ways you can survive the heat throughout the day.
Purchase or bring a portable fan
Staying cool on a hot day is essential to surviving at the theme parks. We recommend packing a portable fan or purchasing one at the parks if you don’t own one. Universal Orlando sells portable fans at most souvenir carts and souvenir stores. The fans not only have blades to circulate air but are also equipped with a water sprayer.
Purchase a Coca-Cola Freestyle cup
Coca-Cola Freestyle cups can be purchased at most restaurants and food stands throughout Universal Orlando’s theme parks. The cups are reasonably priced and allow for free refills of over 100 drinks for the entire day. The Coca-Cola Freestyle cups can be used at all 18 Coca-Cola Freestyle locations.
Universal Studios Florida Coca-Cola Freestyle locations:
- Richter’s Burger Co.
- Louie’s Italian Restaurant
- Universal Studios Classic Monsters Cafe
- Mel’s Drive-In
- Ice Cart in World Expo
- Kid Zone Pizza Co.
- Lagoon Lemonade
- San Francisco Pastry Company
Islands of Adventure Coca-Cola Freestyle locations:
- The Burger Digs
- Oasis Coolers
- Comic Strip Cafe
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
- Moose Juice, Goose Juice
- The Watering Hole
- Captain America Diner
- Dining Reservation Cart
- Pizza Predattoria
- Cool Bones (located across Thunder Falls Terrace)
If you’re looking to just receive a refill of water, you may do so at any of the restaurants and most food stands. Coca-Cola Freestyle locations are solely for refills of soft drinks. The Freestyle cups are good for the day of purchase only, however, you may still continue to receive free refills of water. If you wish to use the cup on another day, you may reactivate it for a small fee. The Freestyle cups are strongly recommended to those visiting with a party of two or more.
Go on a water ride
One of the best ways to cool off is on the many water rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. If you’re up for the challenge and the ultimate way to cool off, ride a water ride (Universal Studios Florida does not have any water rides, however, you can find some mist zones and a water area)!
The best water rides are in the Toon Lagoon “island”; the only area dedicated to all water attractions. Here, you’ll find Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is a water raft ride that is guaranteed to get you wet. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a water flume ride with an epic finale drop (this is a great thrill ride and water attraction).
Another fan favorite is Jurassic Park River Adventure. This attraction is located in the Jurassic Park area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which is just next door to Toon Lagoon. The attraction takes you for a calm and relaxing river raft ride through the gates of Jurassic Park. You’ll get up close with dinosaurs in their natural habitat until suddenly you bump off course and enter the restricted Raptor Containment Area, where you then ascend into the Environmental Systems Building and escape the jaws of a T-Rex only to plunge 85 feet in total darkness. Jurassic Park River Adventure uses 1.5 million gallons of water and features one of the largest theme park water descents (at one time, it was the largest one ever constructed). Brace yourself if you’re sitting up front!
Enjoy a cool Starbucks beverage
You weren’t mistaken. There’s a Starbucks at both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks. Convenient, right? You can find Starbucks at Universal Studios Florida in the New York area and at Islands of Adventure in the Port of Entry. Starbucks is highly known for their amazing blended drinks and tasty desserts. Purchase a cold blended beverage like a Frappuccino to stay cool throughout the day.
Consider using our FREE Universal Orlando planning guide for additional tips and touring plans.
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