If you’re looking to experience what life would be like on the silver screen, Universal Studios Orlando offers an incredible alternative to its Hollywood counterpart on the west coast. And unlike Universal Studios Hollywood, the Orlando location is a full-fledged resort featuring a multitude of rides and attractions that will take more than just one day to see and experience. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate vacation for the entire family, Universal Studios Orlando might be exactly what you’re looking for.

History And Location

Located in Orlando, Florida, Universal Studios Orlando is a theme park resort owned by NBCUniversal and its affiliates. Originally established as Universal Studios Florida in 1990, the resort started out as a theme park meant to compete with Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort located just down the road in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Over the years, the theme park would grow into a full-fledged vacation resort, featuring a sister theme park, Universal’s Island of Adventure, to attract more guests. As of late 2011, the resort features the two theme parks, along with Universal CityWalk (a Florida version of Universal CityWalk in Hollywood, CA), Wet ‘n Wild water park, and several resort hotels.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is one of the two theme parks located within the Universal Studios Orlando Resort. Like its sister theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood, the park’s theme focuses on the entertainment industry, primarily movies and television. The theme park is divided into six themed areas:

• Production Central: The main entrance to the theme park is called Production Central. Here, visitors can experience various soundstages that feature theme park attractions, some of which function as actual studios for movies and television. The Blue Man Group, Shrek 4-D and the Universal Music Plaza Stage (a recreation of the famous Hollywood Bowl) are just a few of the attractions found in this sector of the theme park.
• New York: The New York sector of the theme park features buildings and architecture meant to resemble the different aspects of New York throughout the years. Here, guests can enjoy Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, Twister…Ride it Out and The Blues Brothers Live.
• San Francisco/Amity: The San Francisco/Amity section of the park gives off a distinctive marina, coastal city feel. Guests can enjoy attractions like Beetlejuice’s Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue, Jaws (an extension of the popular staged event from the Hollywood Studio Tour), and Fear Factor Live.
• World Expo: The World Expo is themed after the international expositions of the 20^th century. Here, guests will find Men in Black: Alien Attack and The Simpsons Ride.
• Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone: At Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone, guests will find many kid-themed attractions, such as Fievel’s Playland, Curious George Goes to Town, E.T. Adventure and StarToons Summer Jam.
• Hollywood: A Universal Studios theme park wouldn’t be complete without a section themed after the home of television and the movies. In this part of the park, guests can enjoy Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show, Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time and some of Tinseltown’s greatest monuments.

Universal’s Islands Of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the second theme park within the Universal Studios Orlando Resort and features several distinct islands, all with their own specific theme.

• Port of Entry: The main entrance to the park featuring the park’s centerpiece: Pharos Lighthouse. Here guests will find a variety of shops, restaurants and services.
• Marvel Super Hero Island: Take a tour around a Marvel Comics themed island with some incredible rollercoasters and other attractions.
• Toon Lagoon: Aside from the variety of shops and restaurants, Toon Lagoon features many of the parks water-based rides.
• Jurassic Park: This is the Universal Studios version of the famous theme park from the hit movie.
• The Lost Continent: The myths and legends side of the park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Officially opened to the public in June of 2010, this island of the Islands of Adventure deserves a section of its own. Spanning 20 acres, this island features an entire world themed after the famous Harry Potter Series by author J.K. Rowling. At every twist and every turn, guests will find themselves emerged into a world of wonder. Expect to find iconic locations from the Harry Potter world, like Hogwarts Castle, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village.

Annual Events

Some annual events at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort include:

• Mardi Gras: From February till April, guests will find parades, concerts and parties themed after the famous celebration of New Orleans: Fat Tuesday.
• Grad Bash and Gradventure: These events are held during April and May, and are designed specifically for graduating students. These all night parties feature music, dances and live performances along with the regular resort attractions.
• Halloween Horror Nights: During late September and all throughout October, the resort gets a haunted makeover featuring spooky themed shows, haunted houses and a numerous scare zones.
• Macy’s Holiday Parade: All throughout December, guests can enjoy the Universal Studios version of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Admission

The following information is the discounted cost of admission for online ticket sales at www.UniversalOrlando.com. For admission prices at the gate, add an additional $20 to these prices.

These passes will allow guests to travel back and forth from both parks:

• 4 Day Park to Park Access: $155.99 for adults and $142.99 for children ages 3 to 9.
• 3 Day Park to Park Access: $150.99 for adults and $138.99 for children ages 3 to 9.
• 2 Day Park to Park Access: $135.99 for adults and $138.99 for children ages 3 to 9.
• 1 Day Park to Park Access: $120.99 for adults and $114.99 for children ages 3 to 9.

These passes will allow access to only one park per day, with the exception of the 1 Day pass, where guests will only get to choose one park to attend.

• 4 Day, One Park Per Day: $145.99 for adults and $132.99 for children ages 3 to 9.
• 3 Day, One Park Per Day: $135.99 for adults and $123.99 for children ages 3 to 9.
• 4 Day, One Park Per Day: $115.99 for adults and $105.99 for children ages 3 to 9.
• 1 Day, One Park: $85 for adults and $79.00 for children ages 3 to 9.