Universal Studios Orlando is one of the most popular theme parks in Florida, in fact, Disney World is the only amusement park more popular than Universal; tourists travel from all over the world to visit the two Universal parks located at this spot.
The Universal parks are my favorite theme parks in Orlando; I spent nearly every weekend throughout my University years at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, so I know these parks like the back of my hand. Universal is a bit more adult themed than Disney World, and I only say that because Disney plays up the fairy tale aspect of childhood while Universal has rides and themes for truly every age group, and well into adulthood. There are tons of kid-friendly rides, and it’s still a theme park a the end of the day, so no worries on your children enjoying it…but you just might enjoy this one more yourself too is the point 
How to Plan Your Universal Studios Orlando Vacation?
What are the Two Universal Theme Parks in Orlando?
Universal Orlando is actually comprised of two theme parks sharing the same property. They are right next door to each other and you can walk between the parks in about 7 minutes.
- Universal Studios: This is the original theme park that opened in 1990 with all of the movie and television show themed rides. The tagline is “Ride the Movies” and that’s pretty accurate. The classics you’ve always heard about are likely at this park and Universal is known for less intense rides and more of a show environment (although there are definitely rides!) that are grouped into themed areas of the park.
- Islands of Adventure: This park opened in 1999 and is the roller-coaster and water park side of Universal and has very few shows within this park. The park is divided into islands and the types of themed adventures differ depending on which island you’re walking through. UPDATE: Now home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this section is a mini Hogsmeade village with rides and shops all delightfully themed around the Harry Potter franchise.
Where Should You Eat?
Theme park food is expensive and Also, there are several fast food restaurants just outside the park, across the street on Busch Blvd, that are your usual cheap fast-food fare–it may behoove you to hit one of these just before entering the park or time it so you get hungry right when it’s time to leave!
Where Should You Stay?
Staying near Busch Gardens is definitely affordable because the park is located right in Tampa. That means the hotel options run the gamut between the cheap motels and upscale inclusive hotels with pools and higher-end options.
Can Someone Plan This For You?
They sure can! Numerous fully catering travel agents are eager to fill up each and every day of your Florida vacation. These types of packages can be ideal for families and couples traveling on a tight time frame; the only thing they don’t do is pack your bag! In fact, I highly recommend checking out some of our offers here for discount packages if you plan to visit several of the nearby amusement parks. Many of the parks are related through their parent companies and you can get discounts for buying multi-day and multi-park passes.
Insider Tips You May Not Know About?
You bet! Disney is a conquerable beast and if you know some of the extra services and insider tips it has a huge impact on your enjoyment levels in the park.
- You can print tickets online: Consider purchasing your ticket online, print out the paper and scan the barcode once you arrive at the park at one of the many automated ticket machines.
- Child Swap: Rides with height restrictions offer a child swap for the adults. To do this, the whole family stands in line, then when you get to the front, one adult goes on the ride (with any eager, tall-enough, children). Then, when the ride is over the adults “swap” the child not tall enough for the ride and the other adult can now ride!
- Food and drink are allowed in the parks! You can bring snacks and drinks into the park. Food can get expensive, not to mention the debilitating heat if you don’t stay hydrated. Bring a small backpack of snacks, drinks, and treats so everyone in the family keeps a smile on their face in the long lines for rides.
- A Pet Kennel is offered by Busch Gardens for families traveling with the family pet. At a mere $7, this is a fantastic option that is, surprisingly, not offered by all of the Florida amusement parks.
My Favorite Rides and Shows at Universal Studios!
Hogsmeade village all lit up at night at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios was the first of the two parks and built to showcase the movie industry. The shows are a great way to cool down and I recommend hitting the shows right in the mid-day heat so you’re sitting in the shade and cooling off when the Florida sun is at its strongest!
My Favorite Roller Coasters: (Themed Location in the Park)
- Revenge of the Mummy: (New York) By far one of the coolest coaster experiences in the two parks; this ride is themed from 1999 Brendan Fraser movie The Mummy. This is a can’t miss though know that small children cannot ride this darkly themed indoor roller-coaster.
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: (Production Central) This coaster was built in 2009, which means lines are still very long to ride this bright red steel coaster. The “pick your own tune” feature is a lot of fun and adds a personalized element to the coaster!
My Favorite Rides:
- Men in Black: Alien Attack: (The World Expo) Inspired by a video game-type experience this ride is a lot of fun and completely interactive as you ride through the park and score points by shooting aliens with your laser gun!
- E.T. Adventure: (Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone) A classic. You cannot miss this ride on your trip to Universal; for the adults it’s a nostalgic trip through the classic 80s movie and children will love the ambiance and fun throughout the ride.
- Jaws: (San Franciso/Amity) Some fun surprises that will give startle you out of complacency as you journey through the classic film Jaws.
My Favorite Shows:
- Universal Horror Make-Up Show: (Hollywood) This is an older show but a whole lot of fun and takes into account the original purpose of the park, to give a bit more behind the scenes look at the movie industry.
- Shrek 4-D: (Production Central) This one falls a bit between a ride and a show. It’s sit-down though and you watch the screen as you continue on with the Shrek saga in a fun and 4D interactive environment. Children will love this one too!
- Twister: (New York) This falls again somewhere between a show and a ride since you are put through the experience of a tornado, with the wind, some fire, and commentary. It’s intriguing to feel special effects used as you’re hit with the full force of tornado speed winds; doubles as a fun teaching lesson for kids and a great way to cool off if it’s hot outside! This ride should have no longer than a 30 minute wait, so come back to it later if it’s any longer than that!
My Favorite Rides and Shows at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!
Islands of Adventure is a real highlight of any trip to Universal–you have to visit this park or you are doing yourself a disservice. Rather than indoor shows and special effects, this park features a lot of technologically advanced rides. It’s also incredibly well laid out, with the different “islands” floating around a central point so you can easily navigate to all the various islands.
My Favorite Roller Coasters: (Island Location in the Park)
- The Incredible Hulk: (Marvel Super Hero Island) This coaster lives up to the hulk name because you start the ride feeling like you are shot straight out of a cannon; you then take the twists and turns of the coaster at high speeds as you whip up and down with views over the entire park.
- Dragon Challenge: () This ride was formerly called Dueling Dragons before the Harry Potter World was added. Renamed or not, it’s still an awesome coaster with two simultaneous coaster tracks that often look and feel like they are going to slam into each other but swerve right at the last second! I love this one but get motion sick every time, so be forewarned, it’s not for those with a weak stomach!
- Dr Doom Free Fall: (Marvel Super Hero Island)) Though not technically a roller-coaster it’s fun and different. The draw on this ride is the straight drop once you get to the top. While you’re up there, enjoy the expansive views of Universal and surrounding areas of Orlando…yes, you’re that high!
My Favorite Rides:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) The newest ride at Universal and well worth the wait. This ride is a simply cannot miss experience from start to finish. The experience starts the second you enter the line and it’s the details along the way that make the waiting so enjoyable. It’s hard on the stomach because of the graphics and sudden turns and drops, but easily one of the best rides in all of Orlando.
- The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman: (Marvel Super Hero Island) An indoor ride, this 3D experience is awesome and you really do feel like you are dropped right in the middle of a comic book.
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: (Toon Lagoon) This is an overall fun ride for most in the family; it’s fun and has some thrills without being scary. There is a pretty big drop for some thrill; also, expect to get wet! Comparable to Splash Mountain at Disney World.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure: (Jurassic Park) Take an outdoor boat ride through the misty river as the team from Jurassic Park take you on a wild ride. Campy and fun, there are some neat animatronics and every member of the family will enjoy the ride…though be warned some parts could get a little scary for the very young, and there is a steep drop at the end.
- Cat in the Hat: (Seuss Landing) Silly and light-hearted, this indoor ride is super fun and your children will love spotting their favorite characters from the story. Truly a ride for every single age in your family.