Meet the ‘Pre-Work Park Rat’ who rides VelociCoaster every day before his 9-to-5

For most Orlando commuters, the trip to work does not include a 70 mph roller coaster. For Luke “@preworkparkrat,” racing through the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure has become his favorite way to begin the day before heading to his 9-to-5 job.

My husband introduced me to Luke’s Instagram account, Pre-Work Park Rat, and I quickly appreciated his positive, genuinely fun approach to each morning. In each video, viewers follow along as he enters Universal Orlando Resort during Early Park Admission for annual passholders and attempts to squeeze in a ride before work — with attraction delays, timing and the occasional last-minute pivot adding some suspense.

Luke works in I.T. and is originally from the Tampa area, having moved to Orlando about 10 years ago. He purchased his first Universal Orlando annual pass last year, but the routine that would become Pre-Work Park Rat began before he ever considered sharing it online.

Meet the Pre-Work Park Rat

Luke had been making pre-work visits to Universal Orlando before he began documenting them. The idea started with a simple debate between co-workers: Was it actually possible to visit a theme park, ride an attraction and still arrive at work on time?

“I tried it and realized I could,” Luke said.

The benefits extended beyond proving that it was possible. Luke shared with me that he noticed a positive effect on his mood throughout the rest of the day. Another co-worker encouraged him to share the routine on social media, so he filmed a practice video during the weekend before publishing his first official attempt.

“The rest is history,” he said.

Why ride VelociCoaster before work?

When asked why he chose VelociCoaster for the challenge, Luke puts it simply: it is his favorite roller coaster and one of the attractions available during Universal Orlando’s Early Park Admission.

“VelociCoaster makes me feel alive,” he said. “I have ridden it hundreds of times, and not a single time was I not giggling at the end.”

The attraction’s typical early-morning wait also makes the challenge more practical. When operations run smoothly, Luke can enter the park, ride and leave for work without a long line interfering with his schedule.

Of course, roller coasters do not always cooperate. During the fifth installment of his series, VelociCoaster experienced a delay that forced him to make a quick decision: Wait and risk being late for work, or pivot to another attraction.

“As you saw, I really wanted that VelociCoaster ride, so I rolled the dice,” he said.

Traffic is less concerning because he builds a buffer into his schedule and knows when he must leave the park. Attraction delays remain the less predictable part of the equation — and give viewers another reason to follow each morning’s outcome.

A new account finds an audience

Although Pre-Work Park Rat is still a new account, Luke’s videos quickly began receiving thousands of likes as viewers followed his daily successes, setbacks and close calls.

“It has been exciting and overwhelming,” he said. “Do not get me wrong, I wanted to grow these accounts, but I expected to be where I am now [at about two weeks] to take longer than it has. The support has motivated me in a way I never thought possible.”

Luke has not decided when the challenge will end. Although reaching Day 100 is his current short-term goal, he views the routine as something that supports his physical health and hopes it can continue indefinitely.

He is also considering which other Universal Orlando attractions might work for a future pre-work adventure. One possible candidate is Stardust Racers, the dual-launch racing coaster at Universal Epic Universe. However, since annual passes to Epic Universe are not yet available, the option is not possible.

His workplace is aware of the unusual morning ritual, too. Luke says he works in IT and has received support from his boss and co-workers.

After all, Pre-Work Park Rat began with a co-worker wondering whether the idea was possible. Now, thousands of viewers are checking in to see if he can pull it off each day.