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Overview of Universal Studios Orlando

Overview of Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Orlando was once considered the “scrappy younger sibling” of nearby Disney World, but with several recent upgrades, including two Harry Potter lands, it’s now a destination in its own right. With two theme parks, plus the nightlife-rich CityWalk, Universal is bigger and more diverse than many people realize. If you’re looking to pump up the thrills and watch a real life movie studio in action, Universal Orlando is the place to be.

Universal Studios Orlando

If you’re looking to visit a park with tons of shows, a few thrill rides, and lots of behind-the- scenes action, Universal Studios Orlando is the park you’re looking for. The park is expertly themed and divided into several lands:

  • Production Central. Located in the front of the park, Production Central includes the sound stages.
  • New York. This convincing 20th century streetscape is a throwback to a recent time in New York’s history.
  • World Expo. Notice the façade of the Men in Black attraction, which is modeled after the pavilion at the 1967 New York World’s Fair.
  • Springfield. Stop by to meet the cast of The Simpsons.
  • Hollywood. The most popular attraction here is Terminator 2: 3D.
  • Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone. The perfect place for the little ones, you’ll find E.T., Curious George, and even Barney in this themed land.
  • San Francisco. Complete with simulated earthquakes every few minutes, San Francisco is a sight not to be missed.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Step into the world of Harry Potter in a more realistic land than you’d think possible from a fantasy book.

Superstar Parade

Universal Studios Orlando has a daily parade, called the Superstar Parade, that’s a colorful experience with tons of your favorite characters. You can expect SpongeBob SquarePants plus characters from animated shows and movies, including a few surprises from Despicable Me characters. The parade time varies, so check your times guide when you enter the park.

Universal Studios Park Highlights

Most people can experience all or most of the rides at attractions at Universal Studios in a single day, but if you don’t have a full day to commit, make sure your prioritize the top attractions:

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • Terminator 2: 3D
  • Shrek 4D
  • The Simpsons Ride
  • Men in Black Alien Attack
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Islands of Adventure

f Universal Studios is the perfect park for movie lovers, Islands of Adventure is the perfect park for thrill seekers. There’s no question that it’s one of the most elaborate and sophisticated theme parks in the country – if not the world – and, like Universal Studios, it’s divided into themed lands, though in this case they call them “islands.”

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. The original Harry Potter land, here you’ll find a reproduction of Hogwarts Castle and numerous Harry Potter themed rides, shops, and restaurants.
  • Toon Lagoon. If you want to meet cartoon heroes of yesterday, like Popeye and Dudley Do-Right, this is the spot for you.
  • Jurassic Park. See the world of Jurassic Park come alive with rides and elaborate theming.
  • The Lost Continent. The perfect spot for mythology lovers.
  • Seuss Landing. Easily the most whimsical of the islands at Islands of Adventure, this is a great place for the little ones.
  • Marvel Super Hero Island. There are plenty of thrills to be had here, including the popular Spider-Man and Incredible Hulk thrill rides.

Highlights of Islands of Adventure

It’s true that you’ll find plenty of thrill rides here, but these aren’t your garden variety thrill rides. Each roller coaster is themed to the extreme and there are tons of details to enjoy. Once again, you can get through the park in a single day, but if you only have time to hit a few

  • The Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter Ride
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
  • The Incredible Hulk
  • The Cat in the Hat
  • Dragon Challenge inverted roller coaster
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure
  • Poseidon’s Fury
  • Popeye & Bluto’s Blige-Rat Barges

CityWalk

Whether you want to grab a snack, have a relaxing dinner, see a wild concert, check out the latest movie, dance the night away, or simply kick back and mingle over cocktails, you can do it all at Universal CityWalk. The 30-acre entertainment complex is popular not only with tourists, but is a popular local’s hangout, too. There is no admission to enter CityWalk, which is located just outside the theme parks.

In addition to the many nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and movie theaters, there are regularly concerts and special events held. Make sure you check to see what’s coming through during your visit. CityWalk is truly a great spot to stop and let loose after a long day at the parks.