The NYC Magic Traveler: Facts About Universal Resort Orlando
- Nov 9
- 8 min read
Intro to Universal Resort
10 Facts to Know
You hear this often when people discuss theme parks: which one to go to, why, how much, what to expect. People debate companies (Disney, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Universal, etc). And you often hear people proclaim that theme parks of all theme parks are the ones at Universal Resorts are their favorite.
I will admit, I lean to Disney, but extremely slightly, like 51%. Yes, on for certain parts of the theme park experience, I'm Team Universal.
The NYC Traveler in Universal Resorts YouTube Playlist
Creating photos and videos has always been a great interest. So naturally, I gravitate to anything that celebrates the film industry. And Universal Studios was initially a big draw for me: seeing how movies were made, celebrating the filmmaking process, walking in areas designed to make you feel as if you were on a movie set.
However, theme park fans who are also movie fans who want to see the movie making process are apparently in the minority. The two parks in Florida that originally were celebrating the movie making world have been renovating, redesigning and reimagining their parks.
Disney-MGM Studios transformed into Disney's Hollywood Studios and in the process, down through the years, revamped its park by eliminating attractions such as The Great Movie Ride, The Studio Backlot Tour, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, American Idol Experience, and even the Animation Academy. The latter was moved to Disney's Animal Kingdom, in my mind, saving Rafiki's Planet Watch, which rumor had was also either on the chopping block or revamping drawing board. Everything related to an interactive attraction was eliminated. The rides are still Hollywood-themed, well, Disney's Hollywood, anyway. Indiana Jones's Epic Stunt Spectacular is one of the last attractions that seem Hollywood-ish that remains. Even the galleries of photos, paintings and animation cells from the process of creating Disney's famous cartoons, animated series and world-renowned movies are no longer there. One last act to leave was the Citizens of Hollywood, characters performing skits right on one of the streets in the park, and interacting with guests in character.
Universal held on to some of its shows and interactive-type attractions but they started to disappear, too. The popular Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue closed. The "put you in the action" Disaster attraction was removed. The famous Jaw ride as well as Back to the Future have been long gone but are still mourned. by die-hard fans. Universal had many more shows, presumably to make up for the fact that their actual main studio is in Hollywood, where the real backlot tour is. Like Disney, the rides are definitely themed from Universal's vast century-old catalog and library of movies, TV shows, music, etc. but few shows remained compared to the old days. Look for The Blues Brothers (complete with Aretha), Marilyn Monroe, The Bourne Identity Stunt show, character greetings (my favorites are Doc Brown and Beetlejuice) and the Animal Actors Show (very cute).
This does not mean that Universal Resort Florida is not worth your time. On the contrary, despite the park featuring more rides, you can still get a feel of Hollywood. Any movie company that produces films like they do can surely build a set and they do. Hollywood Boulevard looks like movies stars should be strolling down the street. The New York area makes you think that you are in an old film. The technology of the rides is amazing. And no one can resist the Harry Potter themed lands. There is no other way to describe the feeling like you are really there. Even if you do not follow the franchise.
In fact, as a theme park and not a tribute to the movie making process, Universal is a game-changer. Their merchandise is addicting, the cast members are helpful, there are a couple of don't miss restaurants (particularly in Universal Studios), there are several Harry Potter experiences that every dedicated fan should have on their list and their children's areas are great.
Luckily, one attraction that feels interactive is still there: E.T. is still effective. Get on a bicycle and discover where E.T. went when he returned home.
So, here are our 10 Facts to Know about Universal Resort Florida in Orlando:
1. As a tourist attraction, Universal is the older than Disneyland. Waaaaay back in the 1910's, Universal Studios decided that tours of the studio was a good idea. By 1964, the tours became a theme park with attractions based on their movie and TV productions that they made since 1915.
2. it's known to be the park that appeals more to teens than Disney because it seems to have more thrill rides. In California, Universal Hollywood is basically only one park. In Florida, there are 4: Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay, the waterpark. When you put all of the thrill rides in fewer locations, it adds up to an option that appeals to the thrill seekers (and your wallet).
3. Another major appeal is the simulator rides: a technological combination of 3D and physical special effects that makes you feel like you've stepped into a video game. They take up less space than an actual roller coaster since the car physically moves less from place to place within the ride. The use of screens and projections make you feel like you're traveling a great distance but when you get outside, you see that the building housing the attraction is not quite the size of a small town. This enables Universal to build more rides in less space. Plus, these rides are indoor: they are more likely to stay operating in inclement weather. Great bonus for Central Florida.
4. The shot in the arm that put Universal front and center was its partnership with the Harry Potter franchise. Years after opening in 2010, it remains a pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of dedicated wizards and mere muggles. Even guests who have no knowledge of the movies or books enjoy Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. In Orlando, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe all have Harry Potter-themed areas. Diehard fans will want to visit the candy store in Hogsmeade, have the wand choose them, try butterbeer, and buy as much merch as possible. There are actually items that are only available in the lands, or a certain land, not even in the main shops at the front of the parks or on City Walk. Bring your bank account with you.
5. Universal is very enticing for the whole family because of the children's attractions with themes such as Dr. Seuss, The Simpsons and the Despicable Me movies. In Universal Studios, cool off and burn off your energy in the Dreamworks water area. The Dreamworks land is very nice with its water feature, and kids seem to like it. The cutest land, though, is Seuss Landing. Seeing Dr. Seuss' books come to life complete with a Green Eggs and Ham eatery and an actual ride through The Cat in the Hat appeals to adults as well as kids. And, there is a bookstore and a story time! How cool is that. Bring more cash: the Grinch merch is worth the trip.
6. If you can't make it to Volcano Bay while in Florida, you can get more than wet on hot days in Islands of Adventure which boasts 3 rides to cool you off: Bluto's Bilge-Rate Barges, Jurassic Park River Adventure and Dudley Doo-Right's Ripsaw Falls. Trust us, you will be soaked. The lines are long, as expected, in the summer. Unfortunately, the price is high for the express pass, so you might have to make a decision. During the winter, check the app and website to see if any ride might be closed for maintenance. Bluto's Barges is a whitewater raft style ride with the usual bumps along the way. Jurassic Park takes you through a ride through their park in a log flume complete with the drop at the end. But the winner is Ripsaw Falls. You will be wet before you take that final plunge. it's a lot of fun.
7. Universal is famous for their shows which feature displays of special effects, stunts, make-up and their famous backlot tour at the Hollywood park. In Florida, though, there are fewer shows but characters are wandering around. Any given day, you may see The Blues Brothers, Marilyn Monroe and Doc Brown. The cutest show isd the Animal Actors show, and we hope it stays for a while. Visit Universal Resort to see these shows and appearances based on your favorite movies and shows.
8. You can stay on property. The hotels are operated by Loews which vary in price, themes and amenities. There are shuttles to take you to the parks. There are several levels from luxury to budget. The Endless Summer Resorts, located closer to International Drive, are the value resorts. All of the resorts are excellent but our vote is Cabana Bay, bringing back that Art Deco, pastel colored, 1950s glory days of Hollywood feel. The hotels with Universal are operated by Loews.
9. City Walk, the dining, shopping and entertainment district, is connected to the theme parks so that you do not have to leave the area to visit it. In fact, in Florida, you walk through City Walk to get to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. There is lots to choose from. The mostly West Coast famous doughnut shop, Voodoo Doughnuts, has its East Coast location here. People like doughnuts in the morning and when they leave the park. Try visiting there midday, the line might be shorter. Several sit down restaurants are available when you get tired of typical theme park food, which Universal has plenty of. But the unusual winner? The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Chocolate is the star, but everything does not have chocolate or cocoa in it. If you have any allergies, just let the server know. And the merch? Just remember that you have been warned. Finally, you can get a taste of island life or a cruise port with Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville or check up on your favorite sports team with the NBC Sports Grill and Brew (of course!).
Whether you take the tour or not in Hollywood or if you are in Florida, you will have feel like you have stepped on a movie set as you seem to be part of the show. You will feel like part of the cast. Besides the Harry Potter themed lands, walk through Toon Lagoon. Are you a certain age? Look at the faces of younger ones as you attempt to explain the concept of comic strips (especially the Sunday newspaper). In fact, try to explain what a newspaper is. Then, really let their jaws drop when you explain how much fun it was to watch Saturday morning cartoons. Meanwhile, Marvel Alley will get your courage up to try at least one of the attractions there. You may have to. The gift shoips are addicting. Give Universal a try!
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All photos and videos created and copyrighted by Marcia Crayton, unless otherwise noted.
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