Loads of Fun at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort is one of the biggest and most popular theme park resorts in Florida. It is considered as the largest among all the theme parks owned by Universal Studios. It is divided into two major theme parks: the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The resort also houses the Universal CitiWalk and three hotels.

The resort started on June 7, 1990, with the original Universal Studios Florida. Years later, continuous expansion added the other parts of the complex, along with multi-level parking facilities. With all the parts combined together, Universal Orlando became even bigger than the Universal Studios Hollywood, with Walt Disney World Resort as its prime competitor. The gargantuan resort has drawn millions of visitors, which steadily increase as more attractions are added continuously.

The difference between Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World is very distinct. While Walt Disney World markets itself as provider of fun, safe and family-oriented adventure, Universal Orlando features attractions that have more action and more thrill.

The resort’s original theme park, Universal Studios Florida is for those who want to get a feel of the movies. The park has rides and sets which are inspired mostly by Universal’s most popular films such as Spiderman, Twister, Hulk and Jaws. There are six themed areas inside the park: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco/Amity, KidZone, World Expo and Production Central.

Considered as the most technologically advanced theme park in the world, Islands of Adventure is one of the most popular attractions inside the resort. The park is divided into six island-like parts, each with its own theme:

The island features thrilling rides based on famous Universal films. There is the Incredible Hulk Coaster, which goes over 65 mph. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall has a tower which takes riders 200 feet up in the air and freefalls them down again. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man has exciting special motion vehicles coupled with 3-D effects. Meanwhile, Storm Force Accelatron lets riders spin their own vehicles at high speeds.

Everything on the island is based on the classic character, Dr. Seuss. Attractions include The High-in-the-Sky Seuss Trolley, which takes guests through a relaxing tour high up in the rooftops of Seuss Landing and The Cat in the Hat, a ride which shows the popular story through special effects.

This Renaissance Faire-styled land is filled with myths and legends. Attractions include Dueling Dragons, an intense roller coaster that has five inversions and goes over 55mph, and The Flying Unicorn, a moderate roller coaster that takes guests through a mythical forest.

Inspired by the popular films and books, Jurassic Park takes guests into the land of dinosaurs, complete with exotic plants. Attractions include Camp Jurassic, which has caves and slides, and the Jurassic Park River Adventure, a boat ride which moves slowly through the park.

Perfect for guests who love Sunday cartoons, the Toon Lagoon is a great destination for families. Attractions include Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, a drenching rafting adventure, and Me Ship, The Olive, where guests can explore Popeye’s ship.

A seventh island, which is based on the Harry Potter movies and book series, is scheduled to open in 2010.

CityWalk is Universal Orlando’s major night time attraction, an entertainment spectacle filled with live entertainment and overwhelming choices for dining and shopping. The complex is built around a huge lake and features many outdoor stages for performers. Movie buffs will surely enjoy at the 20-screen AMC Universal Complex. For those who come with adventurous taste buds, CityWalk houses a lot of the most popular restaurants in the U.S. such as Hard Rock Café, NASCAR Café, NBA City Café and Margaritaville. Night life is the best thing about CityWalk, since the area is filled with excellent clubs such as Latin Quarter, Bob Marley’s, Ciagarz, Red Coconut and The Groove.

There are three Loews hotels inside Universal Orlando: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel. All the hotels offer first-class accommodations and are located near the theme parks of the resort. Guests who are staying in any of the hotels get free transportation to and fro the theme parks. They are also given an Express Pass, which allows them to skip the queues at any of the resort’s attractions.

Those who hate crowds and long lines should avoid the peak seasons, which are obviously during school holidays and holidays. If you are planning to stay in the hotels inside the resort, better make your reservations in advance. There are several ways of getting to Orlando, depending on where you will be coming from. There are several airports in the city, the Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport.

Take advantage of the ticket options that the resort offers. Prices may vary depending on the season. Basic options include a 1-day, 1-park ticket that grants you access to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida and a 2-park ticket that lets you explore both parks up to seven days. Other options, such as the 3-park ticket, gives you the chance to explore nearby parks such as Wet ‘n Wild, Busch Gardens Africa and SeaWorld.

The best time of the day to visit CitiWalk is after lunch time, or early afternoon. During this time, lots of restaurants in the area offer great discounts to diners. The prices which surely bounce up as night time approaches.

Before going to the resort’s thrilling rides, remember to bring the necessary stuff you will need in order to enjoy the day with minimal hassle. Make sure to bring extra clothes with you to the park, especially if you plan to jump on the water rides. Rides such as Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls are guaranteed to get you soaked. A poncho or a raincoat will surely come in handy for those who want to shield themselves from all that drenching.