Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

Universal Studios is located in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world. The biggest competitor to Disney, Universal Studios is constantly developing new technologies, faster rides, and steeper roller coasters. Universal Studios found its niche with incorporating Movies and Thrill Rides to make some of the best attractions in the country. Universal Studios also opened Islands of Adventure in 1999, and this theme park has some of, if not the, best roller coasters in the country.

Universal Studios is famous for such rides as Back to the Future, E.T., Men in Black : Alien Attack, Terminator 2:3-D, Jaws, Revenge of the Mummy, Twister…Ride It Out, and Earthquake – The Big One, where riders experience what it would feel like to survive an 8.5 Richter Scale Earthquake.

Universal Studios is also very kid friendly. Woody Wood Peckers Kid Zone and is a child playground that features many waterspouts for kids to cool off and a kiddies roller coaster. The show, “A Day in the Park with Barney” teaches kids how to be eco-concious. Jimmy Neutron’s Rocket Ride is a popular ride with kids – and this ride features cameos from SpongeBob SquarePants and the Rugrats. Nickelodeon Studios is a great place to bring the young ones – there are tours of the soundstages where Nick shows are produced, a chance to eat some Slime and Gak, and the option of playing SEGA’s newest video games. There is a lot of audience participation, and one lucky kid always gets slimed.

Islands of Adventure is the best theme park to visit if you are looking to get your adrenaline pumping. This theme park is not very kid friendly outside of the area known as Seuss Landing, which features carousels and interactive play lands. For everyone else, we recommend The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Dr. Doom’s Feafall, The Incredible Hulk Coaster (where it appears as if the coaster is going to crash into pavement!), Jurassic Park River Adventure, and the Dueling Dragons.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure give you good bang for your buck. With tickets priced under $60, this theme park is affordable. Universal Studios is also one of the parks featured on the FlexTicket, which is good to purchase if you are spending a week or so in Orlando. Parking is about $8 per day. The busiest season for the theme parks are in the summer and around the December holidays. To avoid lines, do not plan your trip during this time. However, if you stay at one of Universals hotels, such as Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific, your room card normally allows you to skip ahead to the front of the line.

While Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure do not have a Gay Days equivalent, these theme parks are very LGBT friendly and accepting. As with most major theme parks, people from all walks of life attend and so tolerance is very high. This is a fine theme park to experience with your partner and/or your family - there is enough entertainment here to satisfy everyone!

Florida Tourists Guide