Did you know there is a place in Orlando that offers fun with some friends from faraway lands that take you on out-of-this-world adventures? Universal Orlando Resort is Disney’s cousin *twice removed, about 15-20 minutes away. (depending on Orlando traffic)
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, look no further! We have put together guides to help you navigate between the two parks. This guide will break down the ins and outs of Universal Studios! No, this is not the Star Wars park. That is Disney (Hollywood Studios)…
Universal Studios Florida 101
Universal Studios Florida is Universal Orlando Resort’s first and oldest theme park. Opening it’s doors to guests on June 7, 1990, the park was conceived as a cross between a working production studio backlot and a functioning theme park. These aspects still remain as many television and film productions still use the facility, but the theme park side has exponentially grown over the years. The biggest new addition being the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which helped to launch the park to a new level of immersive entertainment. Universal Studios is always in flux, preferring to take a slightly different approach to their older attractions than Disney. Almost all of the parks opening day offerings are no longer around and have been replaced by more modern properties, but the original backlot feel of the park itself still endures.
Production Central/Minions Land
Production Central is the entrance to the park and helps guests begin their adventure of riding the movies. The space has evolved over the last year to merge into the new “Minions Land.” Opening Summer of 2023, you can now blast your way into supervillain stardom in the new attraction “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.”
Attractions and Rides
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- Despicable Me and Sing at the Illumination Theater
Dining
- Illumination’s Minion Cafe (Quick Service)
- Bake My Day Bakeshop (Quick Service)
- Freeze Ray Pops (Quick Service)
- Pop-A-Nana Popcorn (Quick Service)
Shopping
- Evil Stuff
- Super Silly Stuff
- Betty Boop Store
- It’s A Wrap
- On Location
- Studio Sweets
- Super Silly Stuff
- Supply Vault
- Universal Studios Store
- Williams of Hollywood
New York
The New York area is themed to represent the classic feel of mid-century NYC. Brownstone stoops line 5th Avenue and there’s even a recreation of the Macy’s department store facade. New York is where you’ll find the thrilling Revenge of the Mummy coaster as well as the park’s Starbucks location.
Attractions and Rides
Revenge of the Mummy
The Blues Brothers Show
Dining
Louie’s Italian Restaurant (Quick Service)
Ben and Jerry’s (Quick Service)
Finnegan’s Bar and Grill (Table Service)
Starbucks (Quick Service)
Shopping
Amazing Pictures
Park Plaza Holiday Shop
Rosie’s Irish Shop
Sahara Traders
The Film Vault
San Francisco
The San Francisco section of the park lies along the central lake and is rather sparse in its offerings. The theming is rather relaxing here as there are multiple docks and waterside seating areas. The only real standout in this part of the park is the Fast and Furious attraction.
Attractions and Rides
Fast and Furious – Supercharged
Dining
Chez Alcatraz (Quick Service)
Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Table Service)
Richter’s Burger Co. (Quick Service)
San Francisco Pastry Company (Quick Service)
Shopping
Amazing Pictures
Custom Gear
San Francisco Candy Factory
Hollywood
Hollywood is Universal Orlando’s celebration of the history of the classic film town. Art deco architecture lines the streets while classic characters like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop make daily appearances. Make sure to check out the fun and lively Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-up Show to see how silver screen monsters are brought to life.
Attractions and Rides
The Bourne Stuntacular
Universal Orlando’s Horror Makeup Show
Dining
Mel’s Drive-In (Quick Service)
TODAY Cafe (Quick Service)
Shopping
The Dark Room
World Expo
World Expo is one of the smaller areas of the park. Basically just a home for the Men in Black Alien Attack attraction, it’s themed to the still-standing World’s Fair Park in New York. This spot also contains the long-running Fear Factor Live show where you can live your dream of eating a bug in front of a live audience!
Attractions and Rides
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
Fear Factor Live
Shopping
MIB Gear
Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
Springfield is one of the relatively newer additions to Universal Studios Florida and lets guests step inside the world of The Simpsons. All of the buildings and theming in this area make you feel as though you are visiting a cartoon world. The Simpsons Ride is the headliner here but it’s also worth stopping by the Fast Food Boulevard food court for some of the better counter service offerings in the park.
Attractions and Rides
Kang and Kodos’ Twirl and Hurl
The Simpsons Ride
Dining
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck (Quick Service)
Cletus’ Chicken Shack (Quick Service)
Duff Brewery (Quick Service)
Flaming Moe’s (Quick Service)
Krusty Burger (Quick Service)
Lard Lad Donuts (Quick Service)
Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror (Quick Service)
Luigi’s Pizza (Quick Service)
Moe’s Tavern (Quick Service)
The Frying Dutchman (Quick Service)
Shopping
Kwik-E-Mart
Woody Woodpecker’s Kids Zone
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone is an area geared to smaller Universal Orlando guests. Theming in this section centers around characters like Woody and Curious George with a play area and counter service pizza spot. This area is also the location for one of the last two remaining opening day attractions for the park, the E.T. Adventure.
Attractions and Rides
E.T. Adventure
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
Animal Actor’s On Location
Dining
Kidzone Pizza Company (Quick Service)
Shopping
E.T.’s Toy Closet and Photo Spot
SpongeBob StorePants
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley is hands down the most popular and impressive land at Universal Studios Florida. Opening its doors in July 2014, the area debuted as one of the most immersive and detailed lands that had ever been built in an American theme park. From the shops to the food to the attractions, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spares no detail to create a truly magical experience. Here guests can experience an Escape from Gringotts or purchase a wand to create their own magic throughout the land. The Hogwarts Express will also take guests to the sister land of Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, but it should be noted that you will need a park to park ticket to ride the train.
Attractions and Rides
Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringott’s
Hogwart’s Express
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Dining
Leaky Cauldron (Quick Service)
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour (Quick Service)
The Fountain of Fair Fortune (Quick Service)
The Hopping Pot (Quick Service)
Shopping
Ollivander’s Wand Shop
Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes
Borgin and Burkes
Globus Mundi
Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions
Magical Menagerie
Quality Quidditch Supplies
Scribbulus
Shutterbutton’s
Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop
Wands by Gregorovitch
Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
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Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?
Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!
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