Universal Studios Florida

“Jump into the Action of Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows” is the tagline for Universal’s theme park in Orlando, Florida. All the rides and sets are based off of Universal’s large collection of blockbuster hits. Movie themed rides include Men in Black Alien Attack, E.T. Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy, and The Simpsons Ride. The big coaster for the park is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit where you get to choose your own sound track to ride to. Unfortunately Disaster! was down for repairs while we were there so Peg didn’t get her Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson fix.

Universal Studios has much better shows as compared to the Islands of Adventure Park so it is probably a better choice for older couples. By using the Express Plus pass you can get better seating and quicker access. Not to be missed shows include Animal Actors on Location and the Blues Brothers Show (eat dinner at Finnegan’s Bar and Grill after the Blues Brothers – Yum!). But, the absolute best show in the park is Universal Orlando’s Make-Up Show. Be sure to arrive a little early for this show so you can tour the movie props in the lobby.

Scattered about the park are a number of cool cars and hot rods. Of course being the owners of Bubba’s Garage we had to check them all out. You can find a half dozen hot rods around Mel’s Diner in the Hollywood section. Over in the New York area you’ll find some nice classics set against some neat scenery. Production central is where you will find the Back to the Future vehicles.

Take your time to explore the details of the park. Universal does an outstanding job of decorating the sets. We found tons of detail when we walked the back alleys in the New York section of the park and really enjoyed the views from Hollywood and World Expo.

Universal Islands of Adventure

While the Wizarding World of Harry Potter may be the most popular “Island” at Universal Island it isn’t the only one at Universal Orlando. Each of the six Islands has its own theme and totally different feel. You enter through the Port of Entry which is basically a bunch of shops which are decorated like an old marketplace and work your way in a circular movement to each of the Islands.

Depending on your direction of travel, the first Island you come to, Seuss Landing, is the most colorful in the park. Based off of the writings of Dr. Seuss, this was also our favorite Island and the only area were we actually road a ride more than once. Which ride? The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! of course. Okay, we are getting old.

The next Island going counter clockwise is The Lost Continent. This Island is very detailed. We spent a good bit of time here just exploring the scenery. We also had a decent lunch at Mythos Restaurant where they have table service. The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show is located on this Island as well as Poseidon’s Fury; both good shows. For some silly reason this area also has the one thing that really got stuck in my head and that is the sound of the Mystic Fountain when it is asleep. “snore…glug..glug..glug..glug”

Fighting for the title of most dated area of the Islands is Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon. Jurassic Park has some fun learning areas in Camp Jurassic and Jurassic Park Discovery Center. We even played with the hands-on exhibits and watched a baby dinosaur hatch. I guess Toon Lagoon wins the award because, if you are under 50, you probably won’t know any of the cartoon characters! I am a bit of a throwback to old times so at 45, I knew most of them but I did have to tell Peg about 75% of the characters’ names. Toon Lagoon is basically a mini water park and, since we didn’t want to get wet, we didn’t ride anything here. We did run around on “Me Ship, The Olive".”

 

Marvel Super Hero Island probably has the best rides out of all the Islands. Here is were you will find The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, and our favorite, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

By staying onsite at one of the property hotels, we were able to use the Express Plus lanes for almost no waiting during this slow season trip. Combine this with the hour early opening and we really enjoyed ourselves. I would highly recommend visiting in late January to early February.

Universal Islands of Adventure – Harry Potter

We took a mini-vacation down at Universal Orlando during the off-season. Between January and February there are minimal crowds during the week and by staying at one of the onsite Resorts you can even add to your enjoyment with the early entry into Islands of Adventure. Of course once at the park, we made a bee-line straight for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

By arriving early, we had no trouble getting around. In fact, there were very few people during that first hour. This allowed us to enjoy all the spectacular scenery. The first attraction we went to was Ollivanders Wand Shop. This cute five minute show uses a young wizard chosen from the audience. After some wimpy effects the young wizard has a wand choose them. I wouldn’t stand too long in line for this one but it is fun.

It was then off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the castle tour. Unfortunately, I am too big to ride the Forbidden Journey but even touring the castle was fantastic. The tour is actually a separate line you take inside the castle. Just ask for it when you enter. The level of detail that they put into the queue is well appreciated. Take your time and listen to the story. The bickering paintings were amazing!

Nobody was in line for the for the Flight of the Hippogriff so we strolled right through the entrance. This kiddie coaster  includes a few little interesting design elements including Hagrid’s Cabin. Back on the main street we headed to The Three Broomsticks for some breakfast. We had made reservations but because it was slow they were letting anyone in. The food is okay but the atmosphere is what you go there for. Look up in the rafters and you may get a glimpse of a house elf or an owl in the shadows. Next door is the Hog’s Head Pub which is the best place to buy that much sought after Butter Beer. Yum! Watch for the snorting hog’s head. We hit the candy store at Honeydukes for some Sherbet Lemon Drops. Right next door is Zonko’s Joke Shop where I picked up a Screamer Yo-Yo.

Across the street, next to Olivanders, is the Owl Post. Here owls wait to pickup messages for delivery. The rafters are quite messy as the designers have added a level of realism that probably could have been left out. It’s good for a chuckle. Be sure to check out all the windows during your stay in Hogsmeade and don’t be scared if you hear Myrtle sobbing in the restroom. The level of detail for WWoHP is over the top.

One thing that was a bit of a disappointment is the size of the Wizarding World. There are rumors that they will be expanding it but even with a breakfast break we were done in less than a couple of hours. Off season and early entry are the best way to do it! WWoHP is only one island at the Islands of Adventure so it isn’t its own park.