Thursday, January 24, 2008

Universal Studios FL

My Wife and I just returned from vacation and without a doubt had the best time we have ever had at Universal Studios FL.

I think the reason why we liked Universal Studios so much is because it is aimed more for adults than children in comparison to say Disney World. Kids will still love it, don't get me wrong!

Universal Studios has two theme parks - "Universal Studios" and "Universal Studios: Islands of Adventure".


Universal Studios: Islands of Adventure

There are five different islands in the Islands of Adventure with roller coasters and 3D shows themed from myths, legends, comic books and cartoon heroes. They are all great fun!



Seuss Landing - If you are a fan of Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel's famous books then you'll love this island. OK so this one is clearly aimed for the kids. It's supremely silly with just the right dash of absurdity. The ride's designers not only remain true to the book, but they also pay homage to the Seuss oeuvre through their clever use of animatronics, lighting, wild effects, and other theme park attraction techniques.



Toon Lagoon - This looks like an island straight from Toon Town in Who Framed Roger Rabbit! It's actually where all the water rides are which is great when the weather is hot. There is a whitewater-rafting trip in Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges and on the hair-raising flume drop, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls.


Marvel Super Hero Island - Expect 3D film, live action and special effects technology on the rides. The most memorable experience will be feeling the powerful G-force from the roller coaster, The Incredible Hulk. The ride features seven wild inversions, and a zero to forty m.p.h. launch that is exhilarating. This ride is not for the light of heart or who have motion sickness.

Jurassic Park - Wow! This Island contains the most life-like animatronic creatures I've ever seen. Having said that, I haven't seen many! I'm sure you would be as impressed as I am when you come face-to-face with what seems like living and breathing dinosaurs on a wet but exciting river adventure.



The Lost Continent - Great photo opportunities here. This is a land where myths and legends come to life. I especially liked the Dueling Dragons roller coaster. You can also encounter mythical gods in Poseidon's Fury — Escape From the Lost City.


Universal Studios
Universal Studios FL is a motion picture and television based theme park which was built with Steven Spielberg himself as a creative consultant. The theme park gets you involved with behind the screens and also gets you involved in the action of your favourite films and cartoons. The Simpson's will have a new attraction in the theme park.

Some of Universal Studios' most popular rides and attractions include:

Men In Black Alien Attack — Based on Will Smith's blockbuster motion picture, Men In Black, the ride is the world's first ride-through interactive computer game experience, where you can determine each ride's outcome by how well you do in the game.

"Twister ... Ride It Out!" — Based on the movie Twister, you know the one with all the tornadoes, you will experience a twister that will quite literally blow you away!

Shrek 4-D — This multi-sensory attraction features 12 minutes of new animation that picks up where the Oscar-winning feature film, Shrek, left off. Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow will return to give voice to the characters they brought to life in the film. It's really cool! A must-see attraction at Universal.

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast — Nickelodeon's Jimmy Neutron launches you on a rocket adventure to save the world in an attraction that uses computer graphics and motion-based seats to surround guests with a realistic experience.


The weather in Florida was perfect for us however be aware that the summer months of June, July, August and even into September are the rainiest months of the year. During this period thunderstorms are common.

It made me smile and I hope no-one takes offence to this but there are a lot of Kens and Barbies around the place! It does become apparent that the local area is very tourist based but it was great because everyone had a holiday cheer about them!

We both have very fond memories of Universal Studios FL and will definitely go back to visit it again...We HIGHLY recommend it!