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Universal Orlando
Universal's empire is the biggest rival to the huge force that is Disney. With two state-of-the-art theme parks, including some of the best rides and shows in the world, as well as the hugely popular City Walk, among other things, Universal is another must-do on any trip to Orlando. |
As with Disney, it is highly advisable to arrive early at the Universal Orlando attractions, in order to beat the crowds and give yourself the best possible chance of experiencing as many of the rides and shows as you can in your time there.
Universal Orlando Theme Parks |
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Universal Studios
"Ride the movies" at Universal Studios. The best movie studios park in Orlando, better than Disney's MGM Studios. Universal Studios effortlessly combines the best of the old and new in film and television. |
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Thrills and excitement are never hard to come by at Universal Studios, with enough to keep you on the edge of your seat all day. There is also enough to keep those who aren't interested in thrills occupied, and plenty for the younger kids to see and do.
There are so many top class attractions in Universal Studios, it is hard to know where to start, so I'll do the usual and break Universal Studios up in to the different themed areas it has to offer :-
Production Central
As you arrive in Universal Studios you’ll find yourself smack bang in the middle of a real working film and television production studio and Production Central is where Hollywood meets Orlando, and the business of making movies meets the excitement of living them. With the stunning Shrek 4D and Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, as well as a walking tour of Nickelodeon Studios with interactive hands-on activities and games, the kids will love it.
New York
Recreating the backdrop to many a big city production, New York makes you feel like you're on the set of a movie. The huge new attraction Revenge of the Mummy the Ride is here, which combines amazing special effects with a thrill ride. Also here you will find the Twister attraction and The Blues Brothers show. |
Revenge of the Mummy |
San Francisco/Amity
In the San Francisco and Amity area of the park, Universal takes you from one coast to another in what seems like only a few steps. In Amity, you will find yourself face to face with Jaws. Other area attractions include Fear Factor Live, Earthquake and Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue.
World Expo
Looks like a setting for an international exposition, combining futuristic attractions with retro. The most popular attraction in the park, and possibly Orlando, is in this area - Back to the Future, the ride - a classic simulator. Also in World Expo is the interactive Men in Black : Alien Attack, where you ride around the streets of New York, shooting aliens.
Hollywood
If you turned right at the start of the park, you would have found yourself here. All of the glamour of Hollywood has been recreated in this area of the park, with famous landmarks and buildings, as well as star covered sidewalks, making it seem like you are there. The brilliant Terminator 2 : 3D can be found here, as well as the Universal Horror Make-Up Show and Lucy : A Tribute.
Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone
Obviously, going by the name, you will have guessed that this area of the park is the one most suitable for kids, with favourites such as Fievel's Playground, Curious George Goes to Town, A Day in the Park with Barney, Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, the fantastic Animal Planet Live! Show and the classic and endearing E.T. Adventure.
Ensure that you visit all of the areas so you don't miss out on anything you will regret missing out on.
Must see/do attractions : Shrek 4D, Revenge of the Mummy, Jaws, Back to the Future, Men in Black : Alien Attack, Terminator 2 : 3D, E.T. Adventure.
Overall park rating : 4/5
A truly great park. There is, without a doubt, something for everyone, and Universal is constantly updating it. Since I started going to Universal Studios, so many attractions have come and gone, as they get rid of them as soon as they start deteriorating or losing popularity. However, all of the classics are still there and make for a great blend of the old and the new.
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Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is Universal's newest park, with 6 themed islands (one being the Port of Entry, which doesn't really count) filled with rides and attractions of the highest quality. |
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Port of Entry
Basically the welcoming area with a few shops and snack stops. Also has a boat ride to take you to the other side of the park.
Marvel Super Hero Island
Probably the best area of the park. You feel as if you are inside a comic. Full of white knuckle thrills, including The Incredible Hulk Coaster, with one of the fastest "catapult" starts in the world. Also in this area is The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, a unique mix of roller coaster, simulator, live action and 3D technology. Then there's Dr Doom's Fear Fall and Storm Force Acceleration, which is basically a speeded up version of the traditional teacup ride. Marvel characters roam the area so you can take the kids to meet them. |
Incredible Hulk Coaster |
Toon Lagoon
A zany, wacky and colourful land of famous comic and cartoon favourites. The other major theme here is water. Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls is a log fume ride, and a sure fire way to get wet. The final drop is great, it dips a couple of times during the 60 foot drop. Another guaranteed shirt soaker is Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges, which is a fun rapids ride. Other attractions include Me-Ship, the Olive, Toon Trolley and the Pandemonium Cartoon Circus. Those are mainly for the kids, though.
Jurassic Park
As you walk through the huge gates and hear the now synonymous music, you realise you are in a land brilliantly based on the film. This is a land where dinosaurs have been brought back to co-exist with man. It’s "an adventure 65 million years in the making!" Take a raft ride around the park on the excellent Jurassic Park River Adventure, or learn all about your favourite dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park Discovery Centre. Fly through the air on the Pteranodon Flyers or explore Camp Jurassic - a unique prehistoric playground.
The Lost Continent
Based on legends and myths, The Lost Continent is an ageless land where you will meet titans of the sea in Poseidon's Fury, and warring fire breathing beasts on the relentless Duelling Dragons roller coaster. Also, The Eight Voyage of Sinbad is a breathtaking show with stunts you won't believe.
Seuss Landing
Dr Seuss' crazy tales come to life in this wacky land of fun and nonsense. The Cat in the Hat ride is the pick of the attractions in this area, which also includes the Caro-Seuss-el, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and If I ran the Zoo. Good for kids.
If it means you have to go back three times, make sure you see all of this park, it's fantastic.
Must see/do attractions : The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rate Barges, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Duelling Dragons, Poseidon's Fury.
Overall park rating : 5/5
The best park in Orlando, and possibly the world. It's just a great place to go. There are world class rides and shows and there's something for everyone to do.
Other Universal Orlando Attractions
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City Walk
The place for the best in live music, fine and informal dining, shopping, dancing, state-of-the-art cinemas and much more, City Walk is Orlando's best stop for nightlife and entertainment. |
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| You'll find a whole host of themed clubs and restaurants, including Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom, NBA City, Motown Cafe, the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe, Emeril's Restaurant Orlando, the groove dance club, a 20-screen movie theater and more. City Walk has everything you could possibly look for in a good night out. |
Remember, with Universal Express, you can gain fast entry to the rides without having to queue, so do try to check that out.
*Please note*
Some rides at the theme parks have restrictions on height etc.
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