Universal Studios Orlando – Fun, Adventure, and Harry Potter

Universal Studios Orlando resort is home to two theme parks, a water park, CityWalk, and several hotels.  It is a complete Resort all to itself in Orlando Florida.

We visited Universal Studios Orlando one winter.  We have always been Disney Theme Park fans, but decided that it was time for a change on this particular trip….. and I might say – we made a great decision!

Below, is a highlight of each portion of the Universal Studios Orlando Resort.

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Florida

This is the original Universal Studios Orlando Theme Park.  Here you will take a deep-dive into movie adventure.

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – 3D Ride
• E. T. Adventure – Ride your bike with E. T.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – choose your own music roller coaster
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Shrek 4D
• The Simpsons Ride
• Terminator 2: 3D
• Transformers – 3D Ride
• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
• Curious George goes to Town Playplace
• Fivel’s Playland – play area

The Shows include:

• Animal Actors on Location
• The Blues Brother Show
• A Day in the Park with Barney
• Fear Factor Live
• Universal Orlando’s Horror Makeup Show

The newest addition to Universal Studios Florida is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.  Here you will stroll down the streets of Diagon Alley where Hogwarts students purchase all of their school supplies before taking the Hogwarts Express to school.  Adventure here includes ‘Escape from Gringotts’ – a multi-dimensional thrill ride.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure was the original home of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  The section of the Wizarding World in Islands of Adventure is now called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.  Stroll through Hogsmeade – have a snack at The Three Broomsticks, and enjoy adventure on two roller coaster rides and the multi-dimensional ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

In addition Islands of Adventure is a cartoon mecca.  You will see rides, shows and statues from many of your favorites:

• Dr. Suess (The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish)
• Popeye and Olive Oyl
• Dudley Do-Right
• SpiderMan
• The Incredible Hulk
• Doctor Doom

Don’t forget other movie favorites that you will experience in Islands of Adventure:

• Jurrasic Park
• King Kong
• Voyages of Sinbad

Universal’s Volcano Bay

This is the newest attraction in Universal Studios Orlando – a water park!  At Volcano Bay, you will be welcomed as a part of the Waturi family.   Then you receive your TapuTapu – an interactive bracelet that adds to your adventure in the park

In the water park, you will have the opportunity to take visit four different areas full of wave pools, fast water thrill rides and fun kids play areas.

Universal Studios CityWalk

Universal Studios CityWalk is a mecca of restaurants, and show venues.  You will find something for everyone here from chocolate to sushi, casual dining and fine dining alike.

Entertainment includes:

• The Blue Man Group
• A movie theater (Universal Cineplex 20)
• Mini-Golf
• Live Music

Universal Studios Orlando Hotels

Universal Studios Orlando offers several hotels on-site making this a world-class resort.  The themed resorts are:

• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

 

Universal Studios Orlando Reviews

Read additional reviews of Universal Studios on TripAdvisor.