Universal Orlando Resort - Part 1
Universal Studios Florida Universal Studios Florida immerses guests in the world of movies and television with various rides reflecting this. I loved walking around an area modelled on New York and another modelled on San Francisco. There were street bands, dances and a great atmosphere.
Highlights for Young Children: • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: Join Gru, his daughters & the mischievous Minions on a hilarious 3D ride. • DreamWorks Land: With rides and shows based on DreamWorks movies like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda & Madagascar. • E.T. Adventure: Takes you on a bike ride with E.T. to his home planet.
Highlights for Adults: • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: A high-speed coaster that lets you choose your own soundtrack as you twist and turn at speed. • Fast & Furious Supercharged: A 3D simulator ride. If you like the Fast and Furious movies, it is a great ride to do. • Transformers: The Ride 3D: A 3D experience that puts you in the middle of a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley A must-see for Harry Potter fans. Explore Diagon Alley, go inside Gringotts bank with goblins working at the desks and see the fire-breathing dragon on top of the building. Go on the ‘Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts’ high speed 4-D indoor ride. Take the Hogwarts Express train from Universal Studios Florida to Universal Islands of Adventure (which connects Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley). NOTE: This is not included on 1 day tickets. We took the train in both directions to experience it, but one-way is enough. There isn’t anything different in the opposite direction.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Islands of Adventure is all about the adventure and thrills. This park is themed around superheroes and magical creatures. If you’re looking for the best roller coasters, this is where to go.
Highlights for Young Children: • Seuss Landing: An area inspired by Dr. Seuss’s books, featuring gentle rides like the Cat in the Hat and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. • Pteranodon Flyers: A gliding ride that offers aerial views of the Jurassic Park area, perfect for kids and parents to enjoy together. (Adults are not allowed to ride this alone)
Highlights for Adults: • The Incredible Hulk Coaster: A high-speed roller coaster that propels you from 0 to 40 mph in just two seconds. Loved this! I availed of the single rider line, which cut the wait time from 55 minutes to just 10 minutes. • Jurassic World VelociCoaster: Universal's most intense coaster, featuring breath-taking drops & high-speed launches. THE BEST ROLLERCOASTER IN THE PARKS! Hands down, my favourite. Just to warn you, it is so popular, that the wait times can be lengthy. It was 75 minutes when I was there and the single rider line was closed, so try to do this first to avoid the queues. If you have an express pass, all the better (additional cost, or free if staying at certain Universal Orlando hotels). • Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: A very fast motorbike ride through the forbidden forest and ruins, where you can sit on the motorbike (I would definitely recommend this) or in the sidecar. We did it twice to experience both options. A great roller coaster with lots of surprises!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Hogsmeade Village, at the foot of Hogwarts Castle, offers another slice of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Enjoy a ride on the Hogwarts Express, experience the Flight of the Hippogriff and sip on Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. There are shows in this area and plenty of shops and ‘taverns’.
Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park With a 200 foot smouldering volcano at its centre, Universal’s Volcano Bay is a stunning tropical-themed water park inspired by the Pacific isles, that offers relaxation and adventure in equal measure. With 21 different attractions, there is something for everyone. You get a waterproof tapu-tapu wrist band on arrival and use this for virtual queueing for rides (no standing in line), to open lockers, to pay for food, drink and merchandise plus surprise people with interactive games around the park. Tip: Head straight to the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and tap on. If there is a wait, look for totems on other rides that say “Ride Now.” That means you can hop on without waiting or interrupting your Krakatau reservation. There are plenty of dining options in the park.
Highlights for young children: • Waturi Beach: A wave pool with stunning views of Krakatau, perfect for relaxation. • Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef: These play areas offer gentle slides and water features designed for young children. • Kopiko Wai Winding River: Take a slow ride on this lazy river through tropical landscapes. Life jackets are required (provided).
Highlights for Adults: • Krakatau Aqua Coaster: A must-do! A 4 person canoe slide upwards through the mist, through the volcano, plunging through a waterfall. • Honu of the Honu ika Moana: Sit on a 5 person raft, speeding through an open flume, along 2 massive walls. Absolutely loved this. You get up to a good height. • Ko’okiri Body Plunge: Featuring a drop door, a 70 degree angle descent & 125 ft slide, this is one for the thrill seekers! It typically has a long wait time, so use your tapu tapu to join the virtual queue while you relax on the beach or have a drink. You climb the steps inside the volcano higher and higher, then enter the capsule and at any moment the floor will give way plunging you to the bottom in just 4 seconds. I did it! It was brilliant. Would definitely do it again.
