Join us for a celebration of Christmas and travel right here on Xen!
We will be posting Christmas related travel posts for the 12 days leading up to Christmas Eve to get you in the festive mood!
Keep your eye out for some great post, including gift guides, travel-wishlist’s and insights into Christmas in Australia!
By Laura Jemetta
Like I’ve written about previously on Xen, last year Kate and I did some travelling in the US, and at the end of the trip, we decided to stay in Santa Monica for one night before we caught out flight home. We needed to be in LA to catch our flight out of LAX anyway, so we figured that we may as well get some rest in sunny Santa Monica before sitting on the plane for 15 hours.
It turned out to be a great decision, and the perfect way to recharge before starting the long journey home. I would highly recommend doing a short stay in Santa Monica if you’re catching a flight out of LAX – Santa Monica has a bit of a different vibe than Los Angeles proper does, and boasts a beautiful beach, an iconic pier and some fantastic food. Plus, at best, Santa Monica is only about 15 minutes away from LAX so it’s nice and close when airport time comes.
How did we get there?
Well, we arrived in LA early in the morning on an overnight bus from San Francisco, and we caught the light rail to a station near our hotel. From memory I believe this took about 20-30 minutes, and while it was a little difficult with our suitcases, it is definitely do-able. And cheap! It was only a really short walk from the station, which was so handy, especially after not sleeping on the bus!
The Hotel
Our hotel was the Hampton Inn and Suites, and it’s one that I would recommend without hesitation. Maybe it was simply because we were coming off the back of a stay in a slightly disappointing, shoe-box room in San Francisco, but walking into that bright, airy, air conditioned foyer was heaven. I knew when we arrived that we’d hit the jackpot.
At the time we stayed there, the Hampton Inn and Suites was virtually brand new, opening in April 2017, and to me, the hotel was immaculate. The hotel is aesthetically beautiful and beautifully functional, with a modern design and a sophisticated palette, and the best part is, the hotel is situated only three blocks away from the Santa Monica Pier.
When we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff, who happily stored our bags for us until check in time. Because breakfast was still being served when we arrived, we were invited to eat some breaky in the dining area while we waited. It was a really nice gesture, and so appreciated after travelling all night.
So what did we do in Santa Monica?
We had a great time in Santa Monica. We spent plenty of time down on the pier – which was so close to our hotel – just relaxing and taking in the sights. The Santa Monica Pier is the obvious must-do if you’re in Santa Monica – it’s a fantastic place to get some food, see some entertainment or to just people watch. If you’re on the pier, don’t forget to check out Pacific Park, the family amusement park on the pier. I recommend taking a ride on the ferris wheel for spectacular views of the beach.
The pier is the heart of Santa Monica – a hub of activity drawing huge crowds of tourists. It’s over 100 years old, stretching out across the water and providing awesome views of the ocean and Santa Monica Beach. Just across the road from the pier and it’s iconic sign, is Blue Plate Taco, where we had two fantastic meals; an afternoon snack, and proper dinner later in the evening. It’s a fantastic mexican restaurant, serving fantastic food and drinks, with a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a lazy lunch or afternoon drinks.
We also spent time in Downtown Santa Monica – an outdoor shopping mall which we were able to walk to from our hotel. We did a little shopping, but my favourite part was going to Barnes & Noble for the first time. We walked to Santa Monica Place from there, to get lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, which I was hugely excited about. We don’t really have anything like it in Australia, so I jump at any chance I get to visit the Cheesecake Factory.
By the afternoon, we had to get back to the hotel to pick up our bags and go to the airport, but it was nice to walk back via the pier one last time. We had enough time to ride the ferris wheel, before heading back to the hotel to order an uber. The ride to the airport was quick and painless – because Santa Monica is situated so close to LAX.
There you have it – our one and a half days in Santa Monica. Why not consider Santa Monica for a short stay, (or a long stay), next time you’re in the Los Angeles area. It’s a great base from which to explore greater LA, or just to stay overnight if you want to be close to the airport.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to Santa Monica and loved it like I did!
By Laura Jemetta
Magic Kingdom has so many wonderful rides and attractions to offer, but without some pre-planning, you might miss out on something fantastic. Make sure you check out my Disney planning guide to get you started, and then read on below to start making your list of attractions you simply have to experience.
This guide will help you do just that – it’s a guide to the most popular and most iconic attractions at Magic Kingdom, and at the end, you’ll be ready to start your own list.
Let’s start with one of my favourite rides – The Haunted Mansion. Located in Liberty Square, this haunted ride is less scary, and more whimsical (for adults that is). The ride starts with a winding queue through the courtyard of an antebellum-era mansion, at the end of which you find yourself being welcomed into the foyer of the mansion itself. The less I say about the ride from here, the better, but it involves taking a ride in carriages aptly named ‘doom buggies’, throughout the mansion. Don’t miss this ride – especially if you’re at Magic Kingdom around Christmas, when the Haunted Mansion is transformed with ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ theming.
One of three ‘mountains’ at Disney, Splash Mountain is what I would consider to be a thrill ride. Located in Frontierland, Splash Mountain takes place in log-style carriages, which take you on a river-boat style ride. Glide lazily past singing animatronic animals until you reach the final, steep climb to the summit of Splash Mountain. The ride ends in a thrilling 15m, 45 degree angle drop, which deposits you into the waiting ‘river’ below, where you will probably get splashed. It’s an iconic Magic Kingdom ride, (and Disneyland ride, for that matter), and you don’t want to miss it.
Second of the three Disney ‘mountains’, Space Mountain is possibly even more thrilling than Splash Mountain. It’s actually the oldest operating rollercoaster in Florida, and is an original Disney World ride – having been replicated at almost all the other Disney parks around the world. Space Mountain is an indoor, space-themed rollercoaster, featuring a series of sharp turns and steep drops in almost total darkness. If you like rollercoasters, you’re going to want to make a bee-line for Tomorrowland. Fair warning though – the lines can be astronomical, sometimes upward of three hours, so snatch up a Fastpass+ for it if you can.
Big Thunder Mountain is the third of the ‘mountains’ of Magic Kingdom, and is also found in Frontierland. It’s a frontier themed outdoor rollercoaster, just as thrilling as Space Mountain. Big Thunder is almost an exact replica of it’s original counterpart in Disneyland. It’s a super fun ride if you like rollercoasters, featuring steep climbs, sharp turns and drops, and it’s especially magical to ride at night, when the climbs will give you the most beautiful view of the illuminated Castle. Just remember: the wait times are generally long, and the queuing area is in very close quarters, so maybe take an iced water with you into the line to keep you cool.
The Mad Tea Party is a simple spinning ride themed around the un-birthday scene in Alice in Wonderland. It’s a colourful and joyful sight in Fantasyland, and one that consistently draws crowds of all ages. All that spinning makes it notorious for causing motion sickness, so if you’re prone to it, maybe steer clear. That being said, kids especially will love this one, and everyone will find it fun to see how fast they can make their teacup spin – each one can be controlled by a central steering wheel independent of the ride itself. That’s double the spin and double the dizziness.
Located in Adventureland, Pirates is a dark themed ride that actually inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise. I know – I thought it was the other way around, but the ride pre-dates the films by about 40 years. In fact, the original Pirates ride was the last ride whose construction was overseen by Walt Disney himself. That being said, Pirates is one of the most iconic Disney rides, and one of my personal favourites. It’s a simple boat ride that positions you as a bystander to a pirate-themed story, and takes you through a beautiful waterfall of mist. It’s a great ride for the whole family, and if you’re struggling in the heat of the day, duck into Pirates – it takes place entirely inside and it’s always gloriously cool in there.
Another one of my favourites, the Jungle Cruise is located in Adventureland, and is a ‘river-boat’ style cruise down the great rivers of Asia, Africa and South America. Featuring animatronic wildlife and a charismatic guide, you will wind your way through the ‘jungle’ on your very own boat. It’s one for the whole family again, and is a charming break from the hustle and bustle of the park.
Another water-based ride, It’s a Small World is simply iconically Disney. It’s an indoor boat ride through scenes of animatronic children representing different countries from around the world. I realise now that that description sounds a little weird, but it’s fun to spot your country represented along the way, and the whole theme of the ride is global peace. Just be prepared to have ‘It’s a Small World’ in your head for the rest of the day. Seriously. The rest of the day.
This is another iconic Disney ride. I’m not sure about you, but when I was a kid all the ads for Disney World or Disneyland featured the flying Dumbo ride. Dumbo is a tame and kid-friendly carousel style ride through the air in Dumbo-shaped carriages. If you’re at Magic Kingdom with kids, it’s one not to be missed, though you’ll likely need a Fastpass+ if you want to avoid huge wait times.
Trust me on this one – you can’t miss the parade. It’s a spectacle of colour and sound, and there’s something magical about those elaborate floats rolling past you; those characters from your childhood floating past you; the spectacle of it all. It is truly something, and it happens at least twice a day. Make sure to at least catch one of the two parades – the mid-afternoon, or the evening, (the evening one features swathes of fairy lights!), especially if there are kids with you at the parks. For us adults, we are aware of the trickery of it; of the people behind the costumes and characters, but for kids, those characters are so real. Even as an adult, it’s magic to be a part of.
Disney fireworks are fireworks as you have never seen them. These are spectacular fireworks. These are fireworks against the backdrop of the illuminated magic Castle. These are fireworks set to the soundtrack of your childhood. I challenge you not to be moved by these fireworks. I always am. The fireworks take place every night that weather permits at Magic Kingdom, and you can catch a great view by getting a spot somewhere on Main Street, though there are several other great vantage points throughout the park. Make sure you don’t leave Magic Kingdom before Fireworks; they will fill you with nostalgia, happiness and joy.
There you have it – my guide to the best and most iconic Magic Kingdom attractions. Now you can use this list to create your own list of the rides you have to see during your time at Disney. Don’t forget to think about which rides you would like to Fastpass+ too!
Please leave me a comment below if you liked the list, or if there’s any rides you would add to it. Maybe I missed out your favourite ride – let me know!
By Laura Jemetta
You’ve probably seen Magic Bands on the internet, or around the Park’s themselves, but they are more than a pastel coloured accessory worthy of an Instagram flatlay.
So, what are they?
Magic Bands are an all in one device that can link your park ticket, vacation package, dining reservations and Fastpasses+ together. Worn as a bracelet, your Magic Band allows you access to almost everything you need for your Disney visit, in a compact and user-friendly device.
What do Magic Bands do?
Magic Bands serve many functions on Disney property. Once linked to your holiday reservation, Magic Bands can act as your entry into the Parks and your key to your Disney hotel room. They can store your Fastpasses+ and dining reservations, and can even be used to purchase food and merchandise.
How can I get one?
There are two ways to get a Magic Band. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, or are an Annual Passholder, you will automatically receive a Magic Band with your reservation. Additionally, you can also purchase a Magic Band online before your visit to the Parks, or at selected Walt Disney World stores.
Customisable and colourful, Magic Bands are a convenient and user-friendly accessory to take with you to the Parks. Our tip is to take advantage of your Magic Band if you receive one with your reservation, and to consider getting one for yourself if you are spending multiple days at the Parks, or visit a few times each year.
By Laura Jemetta
If you have any interest at all in history, don’t visit Oahu without going to Pearl Harbor. Named ‘Wai Momi’, meaning ‘Water of Pearl’ for the pearls that used to be abundant in it’s waters, Pearl Harbor is now an important historical site and memorial marking the resting place of 1102 of the 1177 sailors and marines that lost their lives in the Japanese attack in December 1941. This surprise attack directly led to United States involvement in WWII.
Still an active military base, Pearl Harbor is now home to the USS Arizona – a moving memorial marking the final resting place of 1102 of those who lost their lives in the attack, as well as three other features that make up this National Landmark: the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Visiting these sites is a solemn and educational experience, and they are all historically significant tributes to the people who lost their lives on December 7 1941.
It is a highly moving experience to be in the harbor where the devastating surprise attack took place, and to stand on the deck of the Battleship Missouri, where the surrender was signed. You will be educated, you will think, and you will be moved by a visit to Pearl Harbor, and it will change the way you see Hawaii, and twentieth century history.
Important Tip: As Pearl Harbor is still an active military base, bags of any size are not permitted anywhere at the memorial. You can store yours bags at the baggage storage area for a fee of $5 per bag, but I recommend leaving the bag behind and just wearing something with pockets.
Let me know if you’ve been to Pearl Harbour, and what your experience was like in the comments below.
By Laura Jemetta
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you’ll know what an amazing place it is. Check out my post about why you have to see Oahu here, and my post about the best beaches on Oahu here. But, if you’re looking for a way to make the most out of your time in Hawaii, read on to find out some unique ways to discover beautiful Oahu.
What better way to see Oahu than from the ocean, as the early Hawaiians did? While the Outrigger Canoe didn’t originate in Hawaii, it arrived there around 200 AD, and is now an iconic symbol of Hawaii. In fact, Outrigger Canoeing is actually the official state team sport of Hawaii. Outrigger is a fantastic way for you to see Waikiki Beach, as well as some of the other beaches on Oahu. Paddle out with two experienced Oarsmen and, if you’re lucky, catch some waves in your very own Outrigger; a thrilling way to see the sparkling ocean, the beach, and lush green Diamond Head in the distance. There are plenty of opportunities for Outrigger Canoe tours on Oahu, and it is a unique and relatively inexpensive way to see Hawaii.
Yes, you can experience the island by helicopter, and these tours are a spectacular and thrilling, albeit expensive, way to see Oahu. I have seen Oahu by open-door helicopter, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Oahu. You will be stunned by seeing the commanding majesty of Diamond Head from the air – with the ocean to it’s right, and the specks of the city at it’s base. Do almost a full loop of the island in your helicopter, seeing not only Diamond Head, but Waikiki, Honolulu, the Dole Plantation and some of Oahu’s most beautiful valleys from above. It is an amazing way to see the island, and an unforgettable experience in itself. Long pants and a jacket are definitely a must for helicopter tours – while Oahu is generally warm and muggy, it is freezing up there! And remember, closed toe shoes are required to board helicopters, so pack some runners if you want to see Oahu from the air.
Oahu is a very drive-able place, provided you can get your head around driving on the wrong side of the road! Sure, Waikiki is built up, and can be confusing with it’s abundance of one-way streets, but the freeways are well signed, and with a GPS, they can be easy to navigate. When I was in Hawaii, we rented a car and took trips up to the North Shore, driving from beach to beach, and did the same for the East Shore too. This is a fantastic way to explore the real Oahu, and to pack a lot into your days. Rent a car and drive yourself around for a shopping day at the Premium Outlets and Ala Moana, or drive up to the Polynesian Cultural Center for a day of education. You can even drive yourself to Pearl Harbor, though it can be very difficult to find a car park there! My tip for renting a car in Hawaii: try to stay on the road for a full day, so you don’t need to park your car in Waikiki, though if you must, spaces can usually be found at the International Marketplace car park.
If you love animals, consider experiencing Oahu and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful valleys by horseback. I recommend renting a car and driving yourself up to Kualoa Ranch; a 4000 acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch on the East Shore. There are so many exciting activities offered at Kualoa Ranch, and horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore the ranch, and see Oahu’s natural beauty. Both one and two hour tours with an experienced guide are available at Kualoa, and closed toe shoes are essential.
Also operated from Kualoa Ranch, zipline tours are another way to see Oahu from above, and more specifically, to see Ka’a’awa Valley, which you may recognise from the film Jurassic World. The zipline experience takes roughly three hours, and includes some education on Hawaiian culture and traditions from your experienced guides, as well as some short hikes, before you zip your way through the treetop canopy zipline.
By Kate Arnold
Paris is undoubtably a beautiful city but when I visited I didn’t have a great experience. This was down to a few reasons, some in my control, some not. Travelling isn’t always a breeze and it isn’t alway awe inspiring, character building and life affirming. Sometimes it’s just a bit shit.
Here’s a sonnet I found in my journal that I wrote, holed up in my hostel in Paris:
— Dear Paris, fuck you
So it goes, I did not love this city
such as I always thought I would
It smells like piss, ev’ry surface gritty
It did not look like I thought it should.
Beautiful monuments not worth the cost
Local’s hatred for tourists: resolute
Pick-pockets prey on the young and the lost
Oh — that was an actual prostitute.
In the time it took to buy one ticket
three men asked for any change I mightn’t need.
I have never seen so many children
and their mother’s living on the street.
Dear Paris, fuck you, your unkind natives
And fuck the four days that I’ve wasted.
Yeah. It’s not the best poem I’ve ever written and I never thought it would ever see the light of day (that half rhyme of ‘ticket’ and ‘children’? not my finest work), and needless to say this was not the adoring poem I thought I’d be writing to this famed city of love. I was mad. Mad at the city, mad at the locals, mad at the other tourists.
It’s no secret that travelling isn’t cheap and I felt like I’d wasted so much money going to a place where I felt alone, unsafe and in general, unhappy. It would have been better for me to have stayed in London, which I love, and I would have enjoyed myself more. I kept thinking that I was wasting so much time. This trip was little over a month long and I felt like I needed to enjoy every minute of it. Sure, I went and saw Ground zero, Notre Dame, Shakespeare & Co. and of course, the Eiffel Tower. I went to the Louvre and saw Mona Lisa. I went on a cruise along the Seine. There were shinning moments but in general I was les misérables.
Here’s a big mistake I made: I didn’t check to see if the soccer (I’m Australian so that’s what I’m going to call it) was on. Why would I? I don’t care about sports. It didn’t even cross my mind except when I was trying to book the Euro Star and thought Huh, I wonder why tickets are £300? It didn’t occur to me that this would mean the city would be more crowded than usual. The flow on effects of this were immense:
By this I don’t mean that I was unhappy to be alone in this city of love and romance. I mean that I got lost. I was targeted by pick-pockets and people asking for money. I couldn’t overcome the language barrier well. I found the public transport difficult to navigate. My mentality when travelling and getting lost is always just to ask someone, but whenever I did I was met with such hostility. I felt very unwelcome in Paris.
This one is another example of poor timing. I arrived off my sleeper bus from London at 9am on the day that it was announced the UK was leaving the EU. As an English speaker (as I’ve said my French is très mal) locals assumed I was British and did not treat me favourably for it.
I’ve never been anywhere that I’ve seen mothers and their children living on the streets. It was profoundly disturbing to see this. I had so little money, being close to the end of my trip, that I didn’t have much to give any of them. I have great guilt about walking past homeless people, even in Melbourne, but I know that I can’t stop and talk to every one of them and I can’t give them all money. Seeing young children sitting on bridges and outside train stations while their mothers beg for money, while I was privileged enough to be travelling outside my own country made me feel as though I was wasting my money on my own self indulgences, when I should be donating to homeless shelters and charities that would help these people out.
Similarly, I was on my way to Notre Dame when I passed a woman standing on the street and I just thought: She is a prostitute. An actual prostitute. It was like something out of Les Misérables. I saw a man, at least twice her age, walk up to her, take her hand and she led him into the building. I felt so sad for her. And look, I’m not naive enough to think that there aren’t homeless mothers and children and prostitutes in the world but it’s one thing know it and another to see it and seeing theses people in these terrible situations in such a beautiful city was extremely confronting.
Here on Xen. we talk so much about how travelling is so wonderful and life affirming, but it isn’t always the case. Travelling can be lonely, you can feel homesick or lost. You can be in an iconic, beautiful city, somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, and not know why you’re there. I don’t want to discourage anyone from travelling alone. It is an amazing experience that I think everyone should experience at least once, if you have the chance. Just know that, like in life, travelling has its ups and downs. And don’t worry, my trip got much better after this. I headed to Amsterdam and had a great time. Check my article on the hidden gems of Amsterdam here!
I’d love to hear about any travelling experiences that didn’t live up to your expectations and why that was. Leave a comment and let me know.
By Laura Jemetta
In this post, I share my tips for visiting Disney on a budget.
Planning your meals carefully can be really good for your wallet. When I was at Disney, I made sure to eat a filling breakfast before getting to the Park – this was my first defense against unnecessary spending. When I was hungry again, I snacked on inexpensive things like popcorn, and instead saved my money for a nice quick service meal for dinner.
Staying hydrated at the Parks is essential, especially in Orlando and California. Did you know that you can get free iced water at any kiosk or quick service restaurant? All you have to do is ask. My advice: skip the expensive sugary drinks in favor of the healthiest and cheapest option – good old water!
Can’t afford character dining or the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Don’t worry – some of the most magical Disney experiences are actually free. Grab a spot on Main Street, or outside Adventureland and catch the Parade. It is a spectacle of colour, music and dance, and you can see all your favourite characters pass by. Of course, the Parade ends with everybody’s favourite; Mickie and Minnie, and the kids will love getting a wave from them from atop their float. There are also heaps of opportunities to meet your favourite character for free. Meet Ariel in her grotto, the Princesses at Fairytale Hall, or be lucky enough to spot a rare character out and about around the Park. Make sure you also catch the fireworks – trust us, you’ve never seen fireworks like Disney does fireworks. The show is magnificent, (and free!) – spectacularly set to your favourite Disney songs and bursting with colour, don’t be surprised if they move you to tears!
Don’t get me wrong – you don’t have to forego the souvenirs entirely! Just be smart about what you buy. Skip the edible treats and the balloons – they won’t last past your trip to the Parks, and you won’t be able to carry that balloon back with you on the plane. Perhaps give the Mickey ears a pass too, (I know; unpopular opinion) – will you ever wear them again once you get home? Think about getting practical things instead; things that you will be able to use or look at every day. One of my favourite souvenirs is the Magic Kingdom mug I picked up at the Starbucks on Main Street. I use it every day, and it makes me think of the magic of Disney each time.
What are your tips for saving money at Disney World or Disneyland? Let me know in the comments below if any of my tips are helpful to you! And don’t forget to check out my post about our day at the Magic Kingdom.
By Laura Jemetta
You can’t go to Honolulu or stay in Waikiki without going to Waikiki Beach. You will have seen this beach in those tourism shots of Hawaii, and it is just as beautiful in person. Crowded at almost every time of the day, Waikiki is a pristine, white sand beach with the bluest of blue water. The ocean is usually dotted with surfboards and outriggers, which are both a fantastic way for you to experience the beach. If you prefer, you can sit on the sand and watch the surfers, enjoying Diamond Head to your left, and Honolulu to your right. Whichever way you choose to enjoy Waikiki Beach, my tip is don’t let the tourists deter you; just join them and take in the beauty around you.
Waialae is a beautiful and more secluded beach about 10 minutes east of Waikiki. This is a beautiful beach for a walk or a picnic, and a great place to take some beautiful palm trees. This beach is less popular with the tourists and more popular with the locals, but we recommend taking the short drive to Waialae for a peaceful retreat from bustling Waikiki. Waialae’s more secluded atmosphere, along with the palm trees and blue, blue ocean make it a popular choice for Hawaiian weddings; in fact, I chose it as the location for my parent’s 30th wedding anniversary vow-renewal.
Is this a cop-out? Maybe. But I couldn’t choose just one beach on the North Shore, because as a whole, the North Shore is known for both its swells, and it’s beauty. The beaches of the North Shore stretch for more than seven miles up the coast of Oahu, and are home to some of the biggest waves in Hawaii, and some of the best surfing competitions in the world. Less busy and bustling than the beaches around Waikiki, the North Shore offers a laid-back taste of the real Hawaii. Rent a car and explore Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, or Ehukai Beach; also known as the Banzai Pipeline. If you go during the winter months, you will be rewarded with some of the biggest swells you’ll ever see – just remember to leave them for the professional surfers, and don’t attempt to swim or surf on the North Shore.
Halona Beach Cove is a secluded cove on the East Shore of Oahu which is colloquially known as ‘Eternity Beach’ because part of the movie “From Here to Eternity” was filmed here. The cove can only be accessed by a hike down steep and jagged rocks, so make sure you wear proper shoes if you plan on heading down. If you are brave enough to take the hike, (I wasn’t!), you will find a small and beautiful beach at the bottom, which is perfect for sitting and watching the ocean, or maybe for a picnic. Just remember not to try and swim here, as the water can be dangerous, and there are definitely no lifeguards here. If you do visit Halona Beach Cove, don’t forget to check out the blowhole a little beyond the cove; it is pretty spectacular in itself!
If you’re in/going to Oahu check out our article on must see places while you’re there. Let me know in the comments below what your favourite beaches on Oahu are!
By Laura Jemetta
That’s right, many rides at Universal Orlando have a Single Rider Line, which is a free way to skip ahead of the general line for some of Universal’s most popular attractions.
Really?
Yes, the Single Rider line allows you to access a special queue especially for single riders, significantly shortening your wait times.
So, what does this mean?
Generally, guests opt to be seated with their friends and family on the rides themselves, which can result in a spare single seat in a row or carriage. As a single rider, you opt fill that spare seat where needed. The wait times in the Single Rider line are significantly shorter, for what I consider to be the small trade-off of not sitting beside your friend or family member for the duration of the ride.
But don’t despair!
You still queue up with your loved ones, and only say goodbye to them for the two or three minutes of the ride. In fact, the many times I used the Single Rider line at Universal, Kate and I ended up seated next to each other on the ride anyway!
Think of it this way: you won’t be chatting to your friend on the ride anyway, so why not save yourself the two hour wait in line for Gringotts?
MY TOP-TIP
For both Gringotts and The Forbidden Journey in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, take the general line for your first time riding, no matter how long the wait. Both have a spectacular walk-through queue that you have to see at least once.
Tell me in the comments below: have you taken advantage of the Single Rider Line at Universal Studios? What did you think of it?
Xenomania: the love of foreign things 