Review: Universal Studios Florida

Set the scene. What's the story behind this park?
Once a single park, this facility eventually become two parks and an entertainment complex; Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk are both stand-alone attractions in their own right. Universal Studios itself is a mix of high-octane rides and meticulously rendered movie sets that immerse park guests. It’s a relatively adult-friendly atmosphere, especially compared to the other major parks, but that’s not to say there aren’t plenty of things for kids. The park is also a working movie production studio.

Fun! What are some of the best parts?
One ultra-popular addition to the park is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and its companion ride, Escape From The Gringotts. Other major rides include Men In Black Alien Attack, which simulates battling aliens with cannons, and TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, which mixes state-of-the-art rollercoaster technology with enhanced 3-D visual effects. Shrek 4-D, Jaws, and the earthquake-themed ride Disaster! are also crowd pleasers.

Sounds cool. How easy is it to navigate?
To maximize the experience, visit during the low season; also, be sure to look over the maps and download the park’s app before you arrive. As with all the bigger theme parks, planning is everything, so head for popular spots such as the Harry Potter area as early as possible. There are plenty of signposts and guides to help point the way.

That sounds cool. So who do you think Universal Studios is best for?
The cross-section of movies represented here is impressive, and most people should find at least one or two they especially like. There’s a special section for younger visitors (Woody Woodpecker’s Kids Zone) and enough high-end rollercoasters to appeal to even the most hardened thrill seekers.