04/15/2026
Closing out the MVP 2026 Annual Conference with an unforgettable day at Universal Orlando Resort ✨
We had the amazing opportunity to experience both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure as part of our conference finale, and it was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible week of learning, networking, and inspiration.
Coincidentally, the timing lined up with the Sunday at the very end of spring break travel, which meant a lot of guests were heading home and park attendance was surprisingly light. I was also flying solo for the day, which made it the perfect opportunity to fully take advantage of single rider lines and really maximize everything I could fit into one day.
After packing up my room and dropping my bags with the concierge, I headed straight into the parks, but not before the essential first stop: Voodoo Doughnut. Because let’s be honest… donuts are breakfast of champions.
I started my day at Universal Studios Florida, arriving about 45 minutes after opening—just in time to catch characters out and about with minimal crowds. I ran into a few and grabbed some fun photos before heading straight into nostalgia with E.T. Adventure as my first ride.
From there, I checked out the new DreamWorks Land, which I hadn’t seen since it opened. Between Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek, this area is such a great addition for families and little ones.
The momentum continued with The Simpsons Ride and Men in Black, where the single rider line got me right on with no wait. I followed that with Transformers and Revenge of the Mummy before heading into Diagon Alley for some Harry Potter magic.
While in Diagon Alley, I rode Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, then took the Hogwarts Express over to Hogsmeade to continue the adventure.
Once in Hogsmeade, my first stop was Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Even with a 35-minute wait using single rider (compared to an 80-minute posted standby), it was still one of the best examples of how manageable the parks were that day.
I also fit in Forbidden Journey, Kong Skull Island, and Spider-Man before ending my Islands of Adventure run with The Incredible Hulk Coaster…again using single rider and scoring a front row seat to finish strong.
By 5:30 PM, I had experienced both parks fully, packed in an incredible lineup of attractions, and wrapped up an entire Universal day feeling like I truly made the most of every moment.
A perfect closing chapter to an incredible MVP conference week 🎢✨
