Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is a large theme park located slightly west of Orlando, Florida. It's the bigger of the two themed parks at Universal Orlando Resort, the main competitor of Disney World in the city. The park is packed with attractions and amusements related to Universal movies, including fast roller coasters, 3D and 4D films, and a wealth of experiences for kids and the whole family. Surrounding the area are numerous entertainment and dining spots, encounters with famous movie characters, activities, and play areas.
How much time should you dedicate to Universal Studios?
You should dedicate a full day trip to Universal Studios Park.
10 Must-see and do things at Universal Studios
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Roller Coaster
- Fight aliens with Will Smith in Men in Black: Alien Attack
- Hang out with all the Simpsons characters in Springfield
- Bike ride with ET in Woody Woodpecker's children's area
- Thrilling simulation ride with the Minions in Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Scary simulation ride in TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3D
- The high-speed Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Production Central
- Embark on a journey inside the “Revenge of the Mummy” ride
- Adrenaline-pumping adventure in Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Shows and performances at the Universal Music Plaza stage
Click here for all the information on visiting Universal Orlando Resort…
Click here for the complete guide to visiting Universal's Islands of Adventure…
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Tickets for Universal Orlando Resort theme parks
To purchase two-day tickets for both theme parks, click here…
For a daily combo ticket for both parks with park-to-park access on the same day, click here…
To purchase the Universal Explorer Ticket (both theme parks + Volcano Bay water park), click here…
How to get to Universal Studios?
- The Universal Studios theme park is located just west of the intersection of Florida's Turnpike and the I-4 highway.
- The park is located midway between downtown Orlando and the massive Disney World resort to the south.
- The entire resort features a transportation system including a rail line (the Harry Potter train) connecting the two theme parks with each other, as well as the resort hotels and the water park to the south
- The resort area is not comparable to the size of Disney World, allowing for just a few minutes' drive between parks
Map of Universal Studios Theme Park
What is Universal Studios Theme Park?
- The Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida is Disney World's biggest competitor
- The two parks are close to each other, just a fifteen-minute drive apart on the I-4, in the western part of Orlando
- The theme park opened in 1990 following Disney World's tourism boom in central Florida
- The park itself competes head-to-head with Disney's Hollywood Studios which opened about a year earlier
- It brings the best of the Universal Studios cinematic experience, with all the attractions tied to the studio's top Hollywood films.
- While Disney's movie park is largely based on George Lucas's films, Universal is mostly centered on films by Lucas's friend, the legendary director Steven Spielberg.
Everything to see and do at Universal Studios
A peripheral route around the amusement park's surrounding pool counter-clockwise:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Universal Studios' segment in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The second part of the Harry Potter world is located in the neighboring Islands of Adventure park. Both parts are connected by the Hogwarts Express railway, linking King's Cross Station in the park with Hogsmeade Station at the Islands of Adventure.
In the world of Harry Potter, there are souvenir shops and restaurants whose decor is inspired by the fantasy world of J.K. Rowling.
The main attraction in this section is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – an indoor roller coaster that speeds through the setting of the Harry Potter films.
Men in Black: Alien Attack at the World Expo
The Men in Black attraction is one of the most popular in Universal Park, featuring all the fun of the movie set starring Will Smith, with the chance to endlessly shoot aliens. The combination of the ride and shooting is reminiscent of a particularly lively interactive video game.
The World Expo is the northern section of Universal Park, also offering restaurants and souvenir shops.
The Simpsons in Springfield
The city of Springfield from The Simpsons represents what is called Middle America. Springfield is portrayed as a small, suburban town without any specific state identification, one of dozens of cities named Springfield across the USA (most likely based on Springfield, Oregon, the hometown of the series' creator, Matt Groening). Naturally, the section is entirely dedicated to the long-standing and beloved animated show.
Key attractions in Springfield:
- The Simpsons Ride – A simulation journey through The Simpsons show, including a fun encounter with many beloved characters from the series
- Kang & Kodos' Twirl ‘n' Hurl – A carousel ride hosted by the two popular aliens from the series
Woody Woodpecker's KidZone
Children's play area in the eastern part of the park. This section features many attractions and amusements for kids besides the large attractions, including shows, activities, play areas, character meet-and-greets, restaurants with children's menus, and plenty of memorabilia.
Main attractions in Woody Woodpecker's kid zone:
- E.T. Adventure – A bike journey through the iconic sets of E.T., including the famous finale from the movie
- Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster – A children's roller coaster featuring the beloved character
- Animal Actors on Location – A show with trained animals performing tricks
Hollywood
Hollywood is a large dining and entertainment area in the southern part of the park, adjacent to the Production Center. It features attractions like the Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, where you can see how characters are made up for horror movies.
Minion Land
The new section of the amusement park, opened in 2023, is entirely dedicated to the successful Minions brand. Minion Land is located next to the Production Central on the Plaza of the Stars. This area is entirely for kids, including places to eat and souvenir shops.
Main attractions in Minion Land:
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – A simulation journey inside the movie Despicable Me, where the popular yellow characters first appeared on screen.
- Minion Blast – The place to meet the Minions.
Production Central
Production Central is the area of the Plaza of the Stars, between New York and Minion Land. At its center are several attractions around the Music Plaza Stage.
Main attractions in Production Central:
- Transformers: The Ride 3D – An exciting and interactive journey with the Transformers.
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – A roller coaster that reaches over 100 km/h.
- Universal Music Plaza Stage – An amphitheater for shows, concerts, and musicals with 8,000 standing spots
New York
The New York section is located around the square formed by Park Avenue and 57th Street (Is it New York or what?). Around the square, you'll find some great attractions and, true to the city of New York, plenty of restaurants and places to eat and drink.
Main attractions in New York:
- Revenge of the Mummy – A medium-speed roller coaster traveling in a space themed after the movie ‘The Mummy'
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – A wild 3D race through the streets of New York City
- The Blues Brothers Show – An '80s experience featuring the beloved duo performing the best songs from the movie
San Francisco – Fast & Furious Supercharged
San Francisco is the connecting section between the southern part of the park and the World Expo at the northern end. There are quite a few dining spots and souvenir shops there, but mainly there's the popular attraction of Fast & Furious. The ride takes you on a journey alongside the movie stars.
