Universal Studios
The Universal Orlando theme park experience consists of two immense parks, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. This particular theme park is also home to the highly celebrated and much loved Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which although seems like a theme park in its own right, is actually part of the Universal Studios park. Aside from the theme parks Universal Orlando Resort hosts the buzzing strip CityWalk, which is the perfect hang out for your nightlife. There’s an endless strip of evening entertainment, night clubs, bars, some award winning restaurants and the general hum of nightlife and people enjoying their holidays.
Universal Orlando is one of Orlando’s famous three theme park resort, like Disney World and SeaWorld Universal also offers onsite accommodation for those that really wish to immerse themselves in the Universal experience. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort are Universal Orlando’s three world class on site hotels. Each hotel has been designed to meet various budgets and holiday requirements, however all three have been given top ratings. The hotels each have their own theme and boast various recreational and leisure activities to suit, nevertheless, no matter which hotel you might choose to stay at guests are able to use the amenities and facilities across all three.
Tickets
To experience Universal Orlando Resort in its entirety you will need to experience both parks. Instead of purchasing your Universal Studios tickets and your Island of Adventures ticket separately there are many tickets available that can allow access to Universal Studios and Universal Island of Adventures throughout the entire length of your stay.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Many automatically assume that staying onsite is pushing the boat out too far, however if you’re really after the best Orlando theme park holiday this is really the only way to go. The privileges exceed the hotel’s luxury and convenient location to the parks. You’ll be entitled to complimentary water taxis to and from your hotel to the parks, admission to the park one hour before it opens to regular Universal ticket holders and complimentary quick queuing privileges, which gives you the chance to avoid any excessive queues. Once again this is available across all three resorts.
Harry Potter – Universal Studios
Both Universal Studios and Universal Island of Adventures feature some amazing imaginative, creative or simply thrilling experiences, whether it’s live shows, simulator rides or roller coasters. Firstly, all guests must see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, regardless whether you’re a Potter fan or not, the world over is talking about this magnificent creation and it is well worth just taking a look at. If you are staying at one of the resorts use your early entry admission to head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first and be blown away by the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.
Universal Studios Thriller Ride
Universal is great for offering numerous ways to scare the living daylights out of you on the coasters, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios is definitely one of those rides. You’ll select a song of your choice to ride to and a video camera will film your ride. After your Rip Ride Rockit experience you’ll be able to watch yourself being throwing down vertical drops and turned upside down.
Universal Studios – Live Show
Although you may not be entirely interested in the behind the scenes aspect of filmmaking The Horror Make up show is a good way to be entertained whilst you rest your feet. The way this show has been put together is not only hilarious, but surprisingly insightful and enjoyable
Islands of Adventures
The must see rides at Universal Islands of Adventure really are endless and you can honestly spend your whole day here being lifted off your feet by roller coasters or wowed by unbelievably realistic simulator rides. Do not leave the park without riding Spider Man, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and Dragon Challenge. Of course, if you want to get drenched, which many people do Popeye and Bluto’s Blige Rat Barges will do the trick.
An Evening at Universal Orlando Resort
For your evening portion of your Universal experience CityWalk has more than enough for you to get your teeth into. For some amazing Caribbean Latin Fusion food the Latin Quarter is to die for, not only is the food great, but there’s some live entertainment that will compliment your meal nicely. After you have eaten check out CityWalk’s Rising Star. This new take on karaoke offers singers the chance to get up on stage with backing singers and a live band whilst audience members enjoy the performances seated at their tables sipping cocktails.