Universal Studios Florida: reviews and practical tips

+4
recs
5/5 2 reviews
6000 Universal Boulevard, 32819 Orlando, United States
6000 Universal Boulevard, 32819 Orlando, United States
Universal Studios de Floride

Visiting Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is located in the city of Orlando. Opened in 1990, the park has been gradually expanded to reach a total area of 160 hectares today.

Originally, the concept was designed to compete with Disney World located right next door. Over time, the project evolved into a complex of 3 parks, including "Islands of Adventure" and "Volcano Bay".

Themed Lands

Universal Studios draws massive crowds largely due to its major blockbuster franchises. Featuring Harry Potter, E.T., SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, Spider-Man, Fast and Furious, and Transformers, it is hard to miss a universe you enjoy here. Visitors will also find attractions based on intellectual properties from other studios, such as the Simpsons, Shrek, and Terminator.

Attractions

Among all the attractions, the most popular is undoubtedly "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". You can walk through the exact sets from the films before boarding the Hogwarts Express. Another major draw is the highly immersive Transformers 3D ride, which drops you right into the middle of the franchise action. Thrill-seekers will find plenty to do, as the parks feature numerous roller coasters like "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit", which reaches speeds over 100 km/h.

Guided tours of the park start at $190. The "VIP Experience" lets a group follow a guide for 5 hours, granting front-of-the-line access to about ten rides, breakfast and lunch, and a behind-the-scenes look at the park production areas. A "Private VIP Experience" is also available for a private tour with a dedicated guide, though pricing is upon request.

This is an exceptionally diverse park where every visitor can find a world that suits them.

Opening hours

Monday 09:00-20:00
Tuesday 09:00-20:00
Wednesday 09:00-20:00
Thursday 09:00-20:00
Friday 09:00-20:00
Saturday 09:00-20:00
Sunday 09:00-20:00
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of Universal Studios Florida

Summary of 2 reviews
5/5
Average rating
+4 recs +4 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
4.5
With friends
5

Avygeo ranking

#1117
in the world
#189
in Americas
#41
in the United States
#2
in Orlando

A great mix of movies and rides

Many movie franchises like Harry Potter or Transformers serve as backdrops to immerse you in realistic environments, alternating between fan service, entertainment, and thrills.

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Visiting your favorite movies

Despite the miserable weather, we had a lot of fun visiting these parks.
There are so many attractions based on movies or worlds we all know like E.T., Harry Potter, Fast and Furious, etc.
With the fast passes, the wait times are short, but it definitely increases the budget (count on $100 per adult for 1 day).
Plenty of shops with items that stick to the themes.
Lots of little corners with nods to movies. Parades and meet and greets with characters.
A large number of the attractions are motion-based (you are in a vehicle that does not roll, it moves in place depending on what is happening on the screen), but there is also a roller coaster that lets you look out over the park, especially on days when it is not raining.
The part that was the most memorable for us remains Harry Potter because of the incredible accuracy. You really feel like you are in the movie and you expect to run into house elves.

26
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As a couple :
With friends :