For those of you more fortunate than I, here is the place that i think you should travel to this summer, hands down. Wait in the lines, sweat your derriere off (you might look better) and drown in the pure magic that is
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| Photo by: Brian Richard (2011) |
Universal Studios Orlando.
Plus Islands of Adventure......go there too!
This place is great. I went about four years ago after the Harry Potter Hogsmead section opened in Islands of Adventure. I won't deny that the lines were long and the heat was hot, but this place really did live up to my expectations. Currently I am planning a trip back to, of course, see the new London and Diagon Alley attractions but it may take a while before anything happens.
For starters, lets talk price. Along with my parents and two other siblings (all adults), this place would equal out to about $975.00. A season pass with park to park access is only 1,074 dollars for 5 adults. Frankly, that is a great price. The same options for Orlando's flagship Theme Park (not naming any names....*Mickey*) would come out to $1,938.30 for the base tickets with the park-hopping option. The season passes would total $3,170. While I would love to venture back to the happiest place on Earth, I haven't been there in 15 years, I don't want anyone to spend their life savings just to ride some rides and see some characters. If you plan on going there, I say go, it's your money (bring me back a souvenir!)
If your wondering, the season passes for Universal range from $214 at the lowest and $434 at the highest per person.
When I traveled to Universal which was about four years ago, I was only able to go for two days. I know 2 days, what kind of vacation is that? It wasn't a vacation, it was work. I still had fun though, and here is why.
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| Photo by: Brian Richard (2011) |
Upon entering the park, I felt immersed in the experience. They do a really fantastic job with scenery and building design. Every part of the park has the feel of a new place with a new story and it surely doesn't disappoint. Universal studios has a back lot design feel to it. It is like walking through sets of a movie and the rides are diverse but extremely fun.
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| Photo by: Brian Richard (2011) |
I loved the Men in Black Alien Attack ride and the Revenge of the Mummy Indoor coaster was out of this world. Rip ride Rocket, I was told is fantastic, but unfortunately for me it was closed for repairs. Don't forget to also take in the oldies like the ever cute and extraterrestrial ET Adventure ride. Since my time there, They have changed the Simpsons area to encompass more eating areas and I believe just a minor update to the Simpson's ride. They have also added a Transformers indoor ride and the new Harry Potter Diagon Alley attraction which opened early this July. That place is a whole story in itself. If you want to take a look at what it has to offer, watch some videos on TheTimeTraker's youtube page. He has a whole lot of videos on Universal including the rides; they are fantastic.
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| Photo by: Brian Richard (2011) |
Islands of Adventure was extremely crowed when I was there, but traveling through Hogsmead was so fantastic. The details are amazing and I even got a wand for myself according to my birthday but (watch out, they cost about 30 bucks). Journey through Hogwarts was simply amazing but I few of my travelling partners got a bit sick on the ride. I have to say that the Queue lines for the rides are wonderfully done. Universal from what I hear is really becoming a challenger to the guy with the ears down the road. Make sure to spend some time on the originals: Jurassic Park River adventure and Bilge Rat Barges while you are there.
Food and drink like any park is a bit on the pricey side but I was not completely broke by the end of the two days. Your best option is to choose wisely when eating at a park. The stands that serve food are very quick and usually cost less while sit down areas are a bit more expensive. If you really aren't willing to give up your money at the parks, i suggest bringing a pack with snacks that will not spoil as you walk in the Florida sun. Purchase water at the entrance of the park, I have heard its cheaper (don't quote me) and heed the park attendants warnings. They are not just trying to up-charge you on a drink. Its hot, you don't realize how little fluids you've had, buy the electrolyte-replenishing beverage.
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| Photo by: Brian Richard (2011) |
As far as where to eat in the park, why not try the award winning Mythos restaurant in islands of adventure or maybe Falls Terrace for the kids. Three Broomsticks is another wonderful place for a meal, although it may be a bit crowed for some. Richter's Burger Co. was my favorite in Universal Studios. It had a veggie burger that was perfect for something light in the heat and the atmosphere there was very cool.
Overall, Universal and Islands of Adventure is a great summer Theme Park. The rides are being updated and new attractions are always in the works. I haven't been in 4 years and just seeing what is out there right now makes me so jealous. Trust me, I have not even scratched the surface of what these parks have to offer.
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| Photo by: Gabrielle Dinger (2011) |
When planning your vacation, remember to bring everything necessary to make your trip fun. That includes comfortable clothes and shoes, bathroom items, loads of sunscreen, and I prefer to carry cash so bring about 500 dollars worth of it. They don't need your credit card information any more and neither does any random person visiting the parks. Remember to stay safe and always have fun.
That's Universal Studios Florida According to B!
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