Thinking about booking a trip to Universal Studios, but not sure where to start? Get the rundown of each park to help you decide if you’re ready to book an exciting adventure with your Certified Universal Studios Travel Agent!
The first time I went to Universal Orlando, I honestly had no idea what to expect other than Hogwarts was waiting for me! Basically, there was a lot of “they have THIS?” and “look at THAT!” when we arrived in the parks. It definitely kept things exciting, but I also felt like I missed out on certain rides, shows and experiences since I wasn’t prepared. Luckily, Universal is not just a once in a lifetime experience!
Get familiar with the parks, themes and attractions to help you decide if you’re ready to book an exciting adventure. Once you are there, you’ll know exactly what rides you’re looking for so you will get the most out of your Universal experience.
Disney or Universal?
First off, Universal Studios and Disney World are not the same. Same city, different vibes. While both offer a very magical experience, Universal Studios is geared towards the thrill seekers and slightly older crowd.
Obviously everyone of all ages will enjoy sections of the parks more than others, but if your kiddos haven’t seen/read any Marvel, Jurassic Park or Harry Potter content then Disney might be a better choice at your stage in life. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of options if you do bring the littles with you (Despicable Me Minions, Dr. Seuss land).
The other day my husband asked if Universal is somewhere we should take the family since we have a Jurassic Park obsessed little boy. I literally told him we should take the kids later in life, but WE can go anytime! We still have pretty little babies so we want to do the magic of Disney first and then the excitement of Universal (personal preference). Plus, I’ll need my kids to be tall enough to go on the spinning rides with me since my husband won’t!
Theme Park Planning: Universal Studios, Orlando
Universal Orlando consists of three major theme parks: Universal Studios, Island of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Also not to be missed is CityWalk, a dining, shopping and entertainment experience before you even scan your park tickets.
Ideally, you’ll want to plan at least a full day at each park, including the water park. My recommendation to most clients is 4 days total if you’re doing all three parks. If you’re thinking about going during the peak season, spring/summer break and holidays, I suggest adding extra time to your trip. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you were rushed the whole time you were there and came home needing another vacation.
Lights, Camera, Action: Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios is your inside look to the biggest Blockbuster films and television shows! The park consists of 8 themed areas and over 20 attractions. Themed areas include Production Central, New York, San Francisco, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield: Home of the Simpsons, Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone and Hollywood.
Not to be Missed Movie & TV Magic
Transformers: The Ride 3-D
Fast & Furious–Supercharged
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Men in Black Alien Attack
Revenge of the Mummy
Hold on Tight We’re Headed for Island of Adventure
With 7 immersive lands of fictional stories, you’re going to be busy! Fantasy lands include Marvel Superhero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Hogsmeade, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.
Not to be Missed Thrill Seeking Adventures
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall
Pteranodon Flyers Jurassic Park
Velocicoaster (just opened in 2021)
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Flight of the Hippogriff
Poseidon's Fury
And so nobody freaks out, I’m not skipping over the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There is just so much to say about all of it, those sections deserve it’s own future blog post!
Did you even know there was a water park? Welcome to Volcano Bay!
Because the excitement of the other two parks is so grand, this amazing water park is sometimes overlooked. I’m not a huge water park fan myself, but the amenities and layout of this park are not to be missed. With over 30 experiences and 19 attractions, you will want a full day here to explore, relax and ride.
Not to be Missed Water Features
Taputapu Wrist Band
Interactive experiences across the park
Pay for food and drinks with a tap of your band
Open and secure lockers
Photo ops
Virtual Lines!
No waiting in lines while you’re wet and cold
No dragging rafts
This is literally my favorite feature as I hated doing this when I was younger and I can’t imagine doing it now for myself and my kids!
CityWalk Orlando
And in case you don’t think you’ll have enough to do at the parks, you also have access to Universal’s CityWalk. Located between the entrances of Universal Studios and Island of adventure, you’ll discover dining, shopping and entertainment without any admission ticket necessary and open for the night owls (until 2:00 a.m). This is the best place to get souvenirs!
Now that you know more and feel more confident about the parks and what is offered, you won’t be overwhelmed like I once was. Even with a travel agent, I always suggest writing down what you and your family/group/couple must-do rides are so you know what you want to do when you get there. Be flexible but always have a plan!
If you are ready to start planning the ultimate Universal Studios Orlando trip, message me, your Certified Universal Studios Travel Agent, to start creating your thrill seeking adventure!
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