Universal Studios Orlando is a theme park located in Orlando Florida not too far from Disney World and SeaWorld. But Universal is anything like the other two theme parks. Universal Studios Florida opened on June 7, 1990.
It opened about a year after Disney’s MGM Studios now known as Hollywood Studios. Both theme parks were a place for you to “ride the movies”.
Universal Studios is the 6th most visited theme park in the United States and 9th worldwide. When you visit you will understand why. The park is pretty large and packed with tons of attractions, characters and set pieces to explore. Stand out front of Moe’s. Take a picture with the tiger shark from Jaws. Or explore Diagon Alley and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This post may contain affiliate links. It is at no extra cost to you for clicking a link, but helps me out. For more info click here.
There is just so many things that are great about Universal Studios Orlando it can be hard to narrow them down. Here’s everything great about Universal Studios Orlando.
RIDES
Universal has some state of the art, top of the line rides. Some of my favorite rides in Orlando are located in Universal Studios. A ride doesn’t need to go fast or be heart pounding to be considered a great ride to me.
Two of my favorite rides here barely move but make you feel like you are moving. Of course I am talking about The Simpson Ride and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Both are Motion Simulator rides and really make you feel like you are right there in the middle of all the action.
The Simpson Ride will mist some water in certain areas. It would be nice if they could get the heat to turn up when you’re near an explosion. These two rides shake you, move you, and thrill you. Sure you are staying put in one place and it is just the car moving around. But it really makes you feel like you are in the scene.
Men in Black: Alien Attack is another fantastic ride at Universal Studios Orlando. It is similar to Toy Story Mania and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin over at Walt Disney World. If on a scale of 1-10, 1 being not intense and 10 being very intense. Both rides at WDW would be a 2. Men In Black would be a 7.
This ride spins you around when you least expect it. Aliens popping up around every corner. It is a fun ride that is very thrilling and challenging. Maybe my aim is off but it seems like the guns don’t work as good as they once did.
Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Tickets – Save Up to $100!THEMING
Universal Studios Orlando has two of the best themed areas in all of central Florida. The Simpson’s area and Diagon Alley are magnificent. It really makes you feel like you are in the cartoon or right in the movie.
The second you walk into Springfield (at least for me), the Simpson’s theme song will pop into your head. You will see Moe’s. Walk inside and you can order the famous flaming Moe.
Or maybe walk across the street and grab yourself a Duff Beer. After all it is Homer Simpson’s favorite beer. It just might become your favorite too.
My beer! You never had a chance to become my urine!
Homer Simpson
Springfield is a great place to get amazing photos. Grab a picture in front of Jebediah Springfield. Laugh at Chief Wiggum. See Krusty and Sideshow Bob. Even take a picture with the Simpson Family.
The theming here is great. Plus they have one of my favorite rides in Universal Studios, The Simpson Ride.
For the Harry Potter fans out there. A stop at Diagon Alley is a must. For some, finding it can be a little tricky. But isn’t that part of the fun?
The level of detail here is amazing. It makes you feel like your right in the middle of the movie. Just what ever you do. DON’T MAKE THE DRAGON ANGRY.
He is watching you at all times.
For many a stop into Ollivanders is a must. Wands upon wands stacked floor to ceiling. Which wand will pick you?
Another great store to check out is Scibbulus. They have ink, parchment, feather quills and much more. Anything you could ever want to write a fancy letter.
Give it a try. Most of us haven’t written a letter on paper in years. Maybe it is time to send a letter or two. But this time make it like the olden days. Or just do it like a witch or wizard.
For a truly unique experience be sure to hope on the Hogwarts Express at the King’s Cross Station. You will need a park to park ticket in order to ride this attraction. It takes you over to Hogsmeade over at Islands of Adventure.
Heading to the train is one of the best parts. Since we are heading to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We have to do something magical to get there.
FOOD
Maybe I should just list this as drinks since I didn’t really eat any food at Universal Studios other than a pretzel. But the drink I had that everyone should get is over in Diagon Alley.
The butterbeer is simple amazing. Get the frozen one in the hotter Orlando months. It is refreshing to the bone. Almost as if it were magic.
I just love this drink. The sweet taste of the butterscotch. And that deliciously sweet whipped foam topping.
Should I say it….. I don’t want to say it….. But it is true. This drink, the Butterbeer is the BEST themed drink in any Orlando Theme Park. Might I say any theme park in the US.
Another drink that is great at Universal Studios Orlando would have to be the Coke Freestyle. Not anything special but the deal you get with your cup just can’t be beat.
There are tons of areas around the park to fill up. On a hot day or just any day really. Being able to easily grab a refill and stay hydrated is a good thing. Currently it cost around $16 plus tax for the cup. But you get over 100 different coke products to pick from and ICEE. I dare you find a better deal.
If you do know of a better deal in Orlando let us all know in the comments below.
CHARACTERS
Some of the coolest characters can be found at Universal Studios Orlando.
Meet some of your favorite Transformers. Try and solve the latest “who done it” with the Gang from Scooby Doo. Or meet one of my personal favorites that I didn’t even know was there. BeatleJuice. Just remember not to say his name 3 times.
There is never really a set schedule for which characters will appear or at what times. Each time you visit you may see a different set or group of characters.
We saw Hello Kitty on our first day. The Scooby Doo gang on day number 2. And on our last day at Universal I got to see BeatleJuice. Of course he doesn’t look anything like Michael Keaton but it was close enough.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. This way you know when our newest post have been added. We post 2 to 3 times a week. We are coming up to our 100th post very soon.
On or around 10/28/19 we should have our 100th post. We will be doing a giveaway for a $25 amazon gift card. Stay turned for the requirements to be eligible. You will need to follow us on one of our social media platforms and comment or share. We will have more info soon.
Kozmo Photos 