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When you think of
Orlando, you may not realize that there are more theme parks
than just Walt Disney World. Universal Orlando Resort is the
home to 2 of Orlando's most popular theme parks, Universal
Studios and Islands of Adventure. What originally was just one
theme park has grown to 2 theme parks, an entertainment center,
and 3 resort hotels.
Located less than a mile from International Drive, Universal
Orlando Resort is fairly easy to get to and many hotels provide
free transportation to the theme parks. Both theme parks,
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, are in the same
resort and right next to each other. They're so close you can
actually walk from one theme park to the other in less than 5
minutes!
Universal Studios
Universal
Studios Florida is the Orlando theme park that lets you
experience the thrills of your favorite television shows and
movies. This classic theme park opened in 1990 and is the first
and original Universal theme park at the Universal Orlando
Resort. Universal Studios is definitely a family theme park with
rides for every age group from really little kids to the
thrill-seeking adults. And it's not just a theme park; it's also
a working production studio! When you visit Universal Studios,
there's a very good chance there will be some sort of filming
going on somewhere at the theme park. Don't worry; you'll still
be able to go on the rides.
This theme park is really easy to navigate as the park is set up
in a mostly circular format so you just follow it around to the
rides, with a few side areas. This park is also set up into
different areas that have specific themes. Production Central is
the theme of Universal Studio's main entrance and the first area
of the park that you experience. It's themed so that you feel
like you've entered an actual production studio. As you continue
through Universal Studios, going straight and then clockwise,
you enter the streets of New York. This is where my personal
favorite ride at Universal Studios is located. Make sure to
visit Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride and catch The Blues
Brothers Live show when you visit this area!
The next section of Universal Studios actually has 2 different
themes. First is San Francisco and then Amity where you can
experience the thrill of Jaws. Up next is World Expo with my
second favorite ride at Universal Studios, Men in Black: Alien
Attack! After World Expo (which is pretty small with only 2
rides) is the Woody Woodpecker's KidZone. This area is perfect
for little kids with Barney, an animal show, and a Curious
George splash zone. Unless you have little kids, you can
probably skip this area, except for E.T. Adventure which is a
classic ride that you absolutely can't miss. The last area to
visit is the streets of Hollywood with several shows and
attractions here that you don't want to miss.
Most events at Universal Orlando Resort are hosted inside of the
Universal Studios theme park. Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi
Gras concerts, Summer Concert Series, and Macy's Holiday Parades
are all held inside of Universal Studios. Most of these events
are included with your regular Universal Studios admission
(except Halloween Horror Nights or Rock the Universe).
Universal Studios also tends to be less crowded than Universal
Orlando Resort's other theme park, Islands of Adventure, which
means it takes less time to go through this park. If you want to
skip the regular lines, check out Universal's Express Plus which
gets you into the fast line for the rides and shows.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is Universal
Orlando Resort's newest theme park and has become extremely
popular ever since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area
opened here in June 2010. The Islands of Adventure theme park at
Universal Orlando Resort opened in 1999 right next door to
Universal Studios. This theme park is super easy to navigate as
it's set up in a large circle. As long as you follow the main
path, you'll pass by every ride and show in the park.
After you get through the main entrance area and go to the left
you see and hear the biggest, fastest rollercoaster at Islands
of Adventure, the Incredible Hulk Coaster, as the ride vehicle
speeds over your head. This massive rollercoaster is a must do
for all rollercoaster junkies! In the same area there are
several other rides based on your favorite comic book characters
such as Spider-Man. The next area is Toon Lagoon which is
brightly colored and features 2 of the parks water rides. In the
summer, the lines for these 2 rides can get very long. The next
island is the fantastic Jurassic Park area. This area is great
for the entire family. The main ride here is a water ride and
then there is a small kids' ride for the little ones plus a
climbing/playground areas for kids of all ages or just those who
are kids at heart.
After that is the area everyone most looks forward to: The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is definitely my favorite
area of the entire Islands of Adventure theme park. You really
feel like you've entered the books and the detail is just
incredible. Definitely visit this area of the park! The final
area of Islands of Adventure is Seuss Landing based on the books
by Dr. Seuss. This is another good area for the entire family
with rides that the entire family can go on together.
Islands of Adventure tends to be more crowded than Universal
Studios ever since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in
June 2010. During the summer or other peak times of the year, it
is very important to get to Islands of Adventure as early as
possible so you can get to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
before the crowds hit. If you want to skip the regular lines,
check out Universal Studio's Express Plus which gets you into
the fast line for the rides and shows.
City Walk
When you first park and enter Universal Orlando Resort, from the
parking garage to the 2 theme parks, you walk through Universal
Orlando Resort's shopping, dining, and entertainment center:
City Walk. In City Walk, there are dozens of shops, restaurants,
nightclubs, and even a movie theater.
This entertainment center is right at the entrance to both
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure meaning you can take
a lunch break at one of the many restaurants, or visit after the
theme parks have closed. In fact, I often recommend a quick
break at a City Walk restaurant for lunch or dinner to families
visiting the Universal Orlando theme parks to escape crowds for
a nice meal. The movie theater is also great, showing dozens of
movies and it even has an Imax theater.
The newest thing coming to City Walk and Universal Orlando
Resort is a miniature golf course which will be great for
families to have something to do outside of the theme parks or
movies.
Still have questions?
The Orlando Vacation Store is
your one stop shopping for all your Orlando vacation needs. Just
call us toll free (USA) at 1-866-882.4720 to
speak with a vacation specialist and shop with confidence with
our 100% package price guarantee!
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