Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure

Karl and I spent about a week with family at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure during the week of New Years. This was our second visit to Universal, our first visit was in 2010 at the same time of the year. We had a really nice time and enjoyed many of the new attractions, especially the new Wizarding World expansion: Diagon Alley. Here are some tips and reviews of various attractions and treats we tried at the park during this visit.

Universal Studios

Production Central

1. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Expect long lines for this super cute 3D ride. I would suggest queuing in line for this as soon as the park opens.

2. Shrek 4-D – Cute but not amazing. Wait times usually dropped to about 10 minutes in the late evening.

3. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – One of the best coasters at Universal. Once seated you can select a song to listen to during your ride from a video screen on the lap bar. (Secret Songs on Universal Orlando’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit) The ride records video footage of you as you watch it so be sure to check out your video when you get off the ride. If you want to purchase the video you’re looking at $35+.

4. Transformers: The Ride-3D – A fast-paced, realistic 3d-ride. One of my favorites. The lines were shortest in the evening.

6. TWISTER – Seriously lame. Save this for last; the wait time is usually 10 minutes.

7. Revenge of the Mummy – A fun indoor coaster.

9. Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue – We didn’t get to see this show during this visit but I really enjoyed it when we visited in 2010. Go to an evening show so you can fully admire the special effects.

10. Disaster! – An interactive show in which you (the audience) participate in the making of a movie. Several volunteers are selected from the audience for starring roles. This was fun to watch and participate in. Wait times were usually 10-20 minutes.

The Wizarding World of Harry Poter – Diagon Alley

11. Knight Bus (London)

12. Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station (London), A train/

13. Knockturn Alley

14. Olivanders – See a wand choose a wizard in this unique experience. This is short and cute, especially if someone from your party is chosen. There’s a second Olivanders location in Hogsmeade.

15. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – The main attraction and only coaster inside Diagon Alley. While well done it was disappointingly short. Ride it first thing in the morning or at the end of the evening to avoid a 2 hour wait, or take the single rider line.

16. Live Performances

18. Men in Black Alien Attack – A fun and competitive shooter ride. Aim your laser gun at the sensors and be the first to push the big red button when the giant monster appears to score big.

20. The Simpsons Ride – An immersive ride through Springfield. Colorful and fun, this is one of my favorites.

Islands of Adventure

Tip #1: If you don’t mind splitting up go through the Single Rider line. Chances are you’ll be on the same ride or within one ride of each other and you’ll be able to cut wait times in half or less for all the rides with this option.

Tip #2: Consider an annual pass if your party is small and/or you’ll be attending the park for 5+ days.
An annual pass is about $100 more than a 3-4 day ticket and comes with several really nice perks, the best being free parking after your initial visit. Parking is $17 a day. We visited the park 5 days, and on one of those days we split up so we could get a 2nd car in for free. One of our annual pass upgrades has been paid for in what we’ve saved on parking alone. Annual pass holders also save 10% off most purchases throughout the park, including on food and drinks. We saved 20% off our moving picture at Shutter Buttons. Another nice perk is a dedicated parade viewing area next to Mel’s Diner.

Tip #3: Wait times are shortest first thing in the morning and within two hours of park close. You can also score a short wait time if you skip the parade and/or light show.

Tip #4: Bring water and snacks.
Universal allows you to bring small snacks that do not require heating along with any food required for special dietary needs. Snack bars, fruit, sandwiches, and other small snacks are all acceptable. If you forget to pack water or don’t mind waiting in line you can get a free cup of water at most of the beverage stands and restaurants. Check out Universal Orlando Travel Tips for more information on Universal’s food policy. Planning to eat at the park? Most food items/meals are priced in the $8-15 range. For specific food options and prices check out Touring Plans’ All Menus at Universal Orlando Resort article.