Ride the movies! That’s what Universal Orlando Resort is all about.
Photo via Universal Orlando
Amazing Parks Universal Orlando
The Universal Orlando Resort is made up of several distinct areas/parks. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay Water Park and CityWalk.
Like the WDW resort properties, Universal Orlando Resort is more than one single theme park – it’s more of a resort destination. Universal offers an APP to help you plan your stay. You can set alerts for ride wait times and order meals. The property offers 7 on-site hotels for visitors to choose from. Staying on-site also offers certain benefits like early admission, priority seating and Express Pass.
Photo via Universal Orlando
Universal Studios Florida
The park opened in 1990 and welcomes 10.2 million visitors each year. There are 8 lands at Universal Studios Florida. Each land boasts interactive experiences including 4D rides and simulators. Movie franchises have a huge presence and include Harry Potter, Fast & Furious, Transformers, Men in Black and Shrek. For the little ones to stay entertained, there’s Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone, Curious George and Barney’s Backyard.
Universal Studios offers 30+ dining locations throughout the park, 15+ attractions/rides, over 15 entertaining shows, and you can shop til you drop in more than 35 stores.
Kids play areas and character encounters make Universal Studios fun for the entire family!
Photo via Universal Orlando
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Thrilling roller coasters, Marvel superheroes and Harry Potter make this sister park a must see!
Island’s of Adventure opened in 1999 and welcomes 9.6 million visitors per year. This area offers 17+ attractions and shows, 25 dining spots and 26 gift shops.
Universal Studios is where you “ride the movies” and Islands of Adventure is the spot to truly experience them. The park is full of state of the art thrill rides all themed to big entertainment entities.
You can explore Hogwarts; escape a killer T-Rex; and brave the wrath of Doctor Doom. There’s plenty of excitement for the little ones too with interactive play zones and live stage shows in Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans across both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It is an absolutely magical experience. This land opened in 2010 and offers 5 shows and attractions, 5 dining areas and 14 gift shops.
Photo via Universal Orlando
Universal Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay opened in 2017 and welcomed 1.5 million visitor it’s first year. The park includes 19 attractions, 6 dining locations and 2 gift shops.
Volcano Bay is inspired by Polynesian Islands and cultures, offering a carefree island lifestyle to relax in. Plunge down water slides, relax on the beach or chill out in a private cabana.
Photo via Universal Orlando
Universal CityWalk
CityWalk opened in 1999 and offers 25 dining spots, 8 gifts shops and 11 entertainment venues. This entertainment and retail district is the perfect spot to visit before or after visiting the parks.
Guests must pass through CityWalk to enter Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. You can start your day before entering the parks with breakfast or end your evening with a concert. The most popular show, the Blue Man Group, is also at CityWalk.
Did you have the chance to read America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks – The History of Amusement Parks where you can learn how it all started! Also, don’t miss:
- America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks – No. 1 Walt Disney World
- America’s Most Amazing Theme Parks – No. 2 Disneyland.
