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Hello adventurers! If you’re planning a visit to the sunshine state and you’re in search of issues to do at Universal Studios Florida, you’re in the correct place!
This epic theme park has change into a second residence to me – it’s simply 20 minutes from the place I stay in Orlando, and as an annual passholder, I spend loads of time right here. You can typically discover me screaming my head off on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, or sipping Butterbeer on a leisurely stroll by means of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The coolest half about Universal Studios is that your journey is completely as much as you. Whether it’s curler coasters and thrill water rides you’re after, some enjoyable enjoyable within the solar, or outrageous stay leisure, I’ve obtained you lined. These are the very best sights and issues you shouldn’t miss (and will guide early!) in your subsequent go to to Universal Studios Orlando!
NOTE: We centered this text ONLY round Universal Studios sights! Islands of Adventure, Universal’s different theme park the place the well-known Jurassic Park is positioned, is only a fast stroll by means of CityStroll from Universal Studios’ entrance gates.
Last however not least, With a park-to-park ticket, you get entry to the two theme parks, so you’ll be able to hold the journey going by hopping from one to the opposite!
If you’re in a rush
When it involves planning a Universal Orlando trip, the very best time to start out is true NOW!
In the summer time months particularly, Universal resorts replenish quick. Staying on-property comes with some huge advantages, like early park admission (beat the push to the busiest rides earlier than the park opens), complimentary transportation (the water taxi is an actual deal with!), and complimentary merchandise supply – who needs to hold their baggage across the theme parks all day? Get your resort booked ASAP!
Here’s what you’ll need to do first:
And listed below are the very best resorts: Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (luxurious), Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (mid-range), Universal’s Endless Summer Resort (funds)
1. Make some magic on the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort is value all of the hype, after which some!
At Universal Studios, you’re transported proper into these beloved books the second you stroll by means of Platform 9 ¾. Stroll round fantastical Diagon Alley™, take an exciting trip on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, then savor a candy deal with like butterbeer, or strive a uniquely flavored scoop at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor. If you go together with the latter, I extremely suggest a Chocolate Strawberry Peanut Butter Sundae – it’s served in an cute memento glass you’ll be able to deliver residence with you!
Kick the magic up a notch by buying park-to-park tickets and expertise each Diagon Alley™ and Hogsmeade™ by way of the Hogwarts™ Express! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ extends into Universal’s Islands of Adventure (the opposite Universal Orlando theme park), residence to Hogsmeade™. This is the place 3 of the 4 Harry Potter rides are positioned.
Did you recognize you may get there with out detouring by means of the muggle world first? ???? Park-to-park ticket holders have the choice to take a Hogwarts™ Express practice automotive instantly from Kings Cross Station at Universal Studios to Hogsmeade™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
You actually don’t should be a die-hard Potterhead to get swept away by Diagon Alley™ and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, however in case you are a Harry Potter fan, put together to have your thoughts blown by the Hogwarts™ Express and each Universal Orlando theme parks!
PRO TIP: Look out for the fireplace respiration dragon when you’re in Diagon Alley™ – you’ll be able to catch it a couple of instances each hour!
PRICE: US$186 per individual
2. Scream to the beat on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™ is among the greatest rides at Universal Studios Florida, and simply tops my record of favourite curler coasters at any Orlando theme park. You gained’t discover something prefer it wherever else!
When you embark on a 90 diploma climb in the direction of the sky, you’ll choose a track to return blaring by means of the audio system to your wild descent, as you zip, zoom, and plunge by means of the air as excessive as 17 tales above the bottom! The track choice is filled with bops – there are a selection of genres and one thing for each music style.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™ is such a blast, each time I trip it I instantly need to get again in line to trip it once more! There’s simply one thing about screaming alongside to a track you’re keen on.
PRO TIP: Long wait instances? Many sights provide a single rider line, so you may get on sooner. If your group is okay with splitting up, it is a nice option to save time with out splurging on an Universal Express Pass.
3. Shake it on the Blues Brothers® Show
Universal Orlando is filled with extraordinary rides, however you don’t need to miss out on the fabulous leisure both! The Blues Brothers® Show at Universal Studios Florida is my private favourite. It’s positioned within the New York space of the theme park, and options Jake and Elwood from the traditional SNL sketch turned film, performing a medley of cheerful, memorable tunes.
The Blues Brothers® Show takes place on the street, so that you don’t have to fret about lengthy strains or ready. You can come and go as you please!
PRO TIP: Get showtimes, wait instances, and every part you want for a day on the parks by downloading the Universal Orlando Resort app.
4. Plunge into the previous on Revenge of the Mummy
I particularly love this trip at Universal Studios as a result of it does what Universal Orlando does greatest: combines immersive thrills with film magic! Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor curler coaster trip primarily based on The Mummy motion pictures, and it’s scary good enjoyable. In truth, it’s even a bit of humorous!
While Islands of Adventure boasts a ton of curler coasters that go the other way up (a ton of instances, I’d add), Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida doesn’t go the other way up.
This makes it an incredible trip for individuals who need an adrenaline-pumping enjoyable expertise, however draw the road at being inverted. No judgment right here! There are nonetheless plenty of twists and turns (and hearth!) alongside the best way.
5. Have a beer (or a beverage) at Duff Brewery
The iconic Duff Beer from the hit present The Simpsons is dropped at life at this cozy, out of doors bar. Duff Brewery, within the Springfield, U.S.A space of the theme park, is the proper place to present your legs a break, and quench your thirst within the sizzling Florida solar. Sit down and revel in scenic views of the lake whereas sipping a Duff beer, a cocktail, or one thing non-alcoholic if that’s extra your fancy!
This is my go-to spot once I want a second to chill out, examine wait instances, and provides my drained ft a relaxation. It’s additionally implausible in case you’re craving a sizzling canine. ????
Moe’s Tavern, Homer’s favourite watering gap within the present, can be close by, serving up extra Duff Beer and quite a lot of scrumptious, Simpsons-inspired non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re touring with followers of The Simpsons, Moe’s Tavern is a should, as is The Simpsons Ride, a digital actuality curler coaster to Krustyland!
6. Take a nostalgic journey on E.T. Adventure
Based on the 1980’s traditional, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (a film that made me cry greater than I’m keen to confess), this trip is sort of synonymous with Universal Studios, because it’s the one opening day attraction nonetheless working in the present day! While Universal Studios in Hollywood and Japan each closed down E.T. Adventure, the trip can nonetheless be loved at Universal Studios Florida!
E.T. Adventure is a family-friendly, feel-good trip that youngsters (and youngsters at coronary heart) will adore. There’s a particular shock on the finish that’ll go away you smiling, however I’ll allow you to expertise it for your self!
7. Dine again in time at Mel’s Drive-In
Step into one other second from the silver display at Mel’s Drive-In, impressed by the film American Graffiti. This traditional 1950’s diner serves up all-American eats, like BBQ, burgers, french fries, and onion rings. Don’t overlook to scrub it down with a milkshake!
Mel’s Drive-In is a fast service restaurant, so there are not any reservations required. That makes it an incredible choose for a busy day within the theme parks. It’s additionally on the budget-friendly facet, which is a big plus once you’re having to eat out for each meal!
8. Become an actual life minion on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™
It doesn’t matter how outdated I get, I’ll all the time be a shameless fan of the Despicable Me motion pictures. They simply make me so joyful! If you’re the identical manner, otherwise you’re touring with little children, be sure to take a look at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™.
This foolish trip can have you laughing the entire manner by means of your journey being recruited as a part of Gru’s minion military. Minion Mayhem is positioned on the entrance of the theme park, so the road tends to get lengthy. This is an efficient one to do very first thing within the morning or late at night time to chop down on wait instances!
HACK: Want to maximise your Universal Orlando trip? Consider buying a Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the strains, saving a ton of time on well-liked sights.
9. Race by means of New York with Jimmy Fallon
Universal Orlando Resort is understood for its distinctive sights, and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is certainly one in every of a form. Your favourite characters from The Tonight Show come collectively on this unbelievable New York City Adventure, that includes its most iconic buildings.
The queue is superior too, because it’s a tour in itself. Learn concerning the fascinating historical past of NBC and The Tonight Show, rise up near historic items and memorabilia, and discover the 30 Rock foyer… all earlier than you’ve even boarded the trip!
10. Get some grub on the pub, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
Another must-do restaurant at Universal is Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, a conventional Irish-American pub within the New York space of the theme park. This restaurant has an incredible vibe – it’s tremendous excessive vitality and everyone is having a good time!
The menu is scrumptious, that includes pub staples like shepherd’s pie, Guinness beef stew, and loads of brews to pair along with your meals.
I like looking for out themed eating places wherever I’m visiting, and Finnegan’s is on the prime of my record of favorites. You may seize drinks to-go, in case you simply want an excuse to pop in and really feel some air con. Hey, it’s Florida – we’re all simply attempting to remain cool!
11. Defend the planet on MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
Aliens are taking on New York City and it’s as much as you to wipe them out. Are you prepared for the problem? MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™ is an old-school Universal trip that, regardless of its age, retains company coming again for extra. The cause is straightforward: it’s that enjoyable!
You’re armed with lasers, and also you rack up factors by taking pictures these alien invaders. The interactive ingredient retains you so engaged, you don’t even thoughts that the trip is a bit dated. If something, this glorious feeling of nostalgia retains MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™ on my must-do record.
12. Put your head inside Jaws (as a result of why not?)
The Jaws trip was closed in 2012 to make room for Diagon Alley, however its big hanging nice white shark nonetheless stays as one in every of Universal Studios’ most iconic photograph opps! Did you even go to Universal in case you didn’t take a pic along with your head in its mouth?
Growing up, I used to be all the time petrified of getting wherever close to the shark, regardless of my mother and father’ assurances it wasn’t actual, but there’s one thing good about figuring out it’s nonetheless there in the present day.
Chez Alcatraz, the out of doors bar the place the shark is positioned, has a drink tribute to the film and former trip. For a refreshing beverage and entertaining efficiency from the bartender, order an Ocean Attack. Duh nuh… Duh nuh…
FUN FACT: The nice white shark on show is named Bruce!
13. Visit Universal Orlando for his or her AMAZING seasonal occasions
As an area, I like visiting the theme parks throughout their particular seasonal choices. Universal Studios Orlando has 2 of the very best: Halloween Horror Nights and Mardi Gras, every provided for a restricted time yearly. Mardi Gras is included with admission, whereas Halloween Horror Nights is a separate ticketed expertise. Here’s a short overview of those thrilling occasions!
13.1 Halloween Horror Nights
Warning: this occasion is not for the faint of coronary heart, however for anybody who loves an excellent scare, pay attention up! Halloween Horror Nights is a very immersive, completely terrifying takeover at Universal Studios, that includes scary haunted homes, sinister scare zones, and stay leisure delivered to you by probably the most nightmare-inducing scareactors round! Available throughout choose nights within the fall.
13.2 Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is my favourite time of yr! This bayou-inspired bash is filled with meals, drinks, and leisure. Every yr from February by means of mid-April, expertise this New Orleans celebration, Universal fashion.
Catch a live performance from among the greatest stars in music, pattern unbelievable Cajun delicacies, drink Hurricanes and different festive cocktails, and catch all of the beads you’ll be able to deal with from the passing parade floats!
14. Explore Universal CityStroll
Just outdoors the theme park gates is Universal CityStroll, a buying, eating, and leisure complicated smack dab within the heart of all of it! Try one of many larger-than-life eating places, like The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, or Florida favourite Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, voted the very best burger in all of Orlando.
There’s additionally a large movie show, Hollywood-themed mini golf course, well-known Voodoo Donuts, plenty of buying, and a Starbucks, which turns out to be useful once you’re working round having this a lot enjoyable.
Adults visiting CityStroll have an abundance of choices for nightlife! Fat Tuesday, Pat O’Brien’s, Rising Star Karaoke, and plenty of extra bars have late hours, nice music, and in depth menus of beer, wine, cocktails, and late night time snacks.
Admission is free, so in case you resolve to skip the theme parks someday, you’ll discover numerous issues to do at Universal CityStroll.
15. Be a celeb for the day with a VIP expertise
Consider this your backstage go to the Universal theme parks! The VIP Tour Experience affords a surprisingly inexpensive option to see Universal Studios Orlando like a celeb visitor: in an expert-led guided tour with precedence boarding on the very best sights.
If they’re inside your funds, VIP theme park excursions are 100% value it. They provide a once-in-a-lifetime expertise and permit you to take action many enjoyable issues without having to attend in line. You additionally get a glimpse into the interior workings of the park, which has all the time fascinated me as a theme park fanatic!
PRICE: Starts at US$190 per individual
| ???? Family-friendly rating: | High |
| ???? How many days: | 1-2 |
| ???? Best worth ticket: | Park-to-Park Ticket |
| ????????♂️ Best free exercise: | Universal CityStroll |
| ???? Best attraction for teenagers: | Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ |
| ???? Nightlife: | CityStroll’s Rising Star |
| ???? Must strive meals: | Butterbeer |
FAQs about issues to do at Universal Studios Florida
???? What are the very best sights at Universal Studios?
???? Is 1 day at Universal Studios value it?
Absolutely! In 1 day at Universal Studios, you’ll be able to trip the very best sights, catch superb stay leisure, and discover fantastical Diagon Alley within the Wizarding World.
⚡ What is there to do at Universal Studios in addition to rides?
Even in case you don’t trip a single trip at Universal Studios, you’ll be able to have a tremendous time strolling by means of the immersive themed areas, sampling quite a lot of movie-themed meals and drinks, and watching the stay leisure all through the theme park.
???? Is Universal Orlando Resort extra enjoyable than Disney?
Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World each rating excessive on family-friendly enjoyable, however in case you’re a Potterhead, film buff, or huge fan of thrill rides, Universal Studios will be the sort of enjoyable you’re after.
???? Are there new sights coming to Universal Studios in Florida?
Yes, Super Nintendo World is at the moment being constructed and is meant to be opened in 2023. For the die-hard followers although, this attraction is offered now in Universal Studios Hollywood.
Conclusion
Isn’t Universal Orlando so magical? Thrilling rides by means of cinematic moments, adventurous eats and drinks, show-stopping leisure that deliver the flicks to life – there’s actually no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do at Universal Studios! I cherished sharing about one in every of my favourite locations with you, and I’m right here when you’ve got another questions.
If you’re on the fence between a single park ticket and a park-to-park ticket, I say go for park-to-park if it is smart to your funds! The two theme parks are phenomenal on their very own, however collectively they make for an unforgettable, epic getaway!
Islands of Adventure has among the greatest rides, together with the wild Jurassic World Veloci Coaster, and extra enchanting Harry Potter areas to discover.
Remember to guide your resort keep as early as doable! And please go away a remark under when you’ve got any questions. I’m right here to assist! ????
Happy exploring!
Montana
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