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Universal Orlando Resort Florida Guide to Attractions and Rides

Traveling to Universal Orlando Resort Florida> Read our quick guide to its rides and attractions.

Universal Orlando Resort is the ultimate vacation destination because there is so much to experience all in one place. Whether you’re traveling with friends, as a couple or with the family there’s something for everyone. And the best news: Universal Orlando Resort will begin opening next Friday, June 5, 2020!
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Universal Orlando Resort Florida Guide to Rides & Attractions

I’ve written about Universal Orlando Resort Florida before (way back in 2010 when traveling with my then 9-year-old-niece.  And Universal has come a long way since those early days. With three separate theme parks, it is definitely an ideal vacation destination for travelers of all ages.

My friends at Get Away Today always have discounted Universal Orlando Resort Florida tickets. And did we mention Universal Orlando Resort will begin opening next Friday, June 5, 2020!?! For more information on safety guidelines at the park, click here. Read on as I offer a quick guide to all three parks.

1. Universal Orlando – Universal Studios Florida Attractions and Rides

One of the most hilarious and heartwarming theme park experiences ever created Ð Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ð is now open at Universal Orlando Resort, bringing minions, mayhem and tons of laughter to Universal Studios. The brand-new ride combines the outrageous humor and memorable characters from the hit Universal Pictures and Illumination EntertainmentÕs blockbuster film, Despicable Me, with an all-new storyline, incredible new animation and the latest 3-D technology to create a wildly-hysterical and unforgettable experience.
One of the most hilarious and heartwarming theme park experiences ever created is  Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Orlando Resort, bringing minions, mayhem and tons of laughter to Universal Studios. Photo: Universal Orlando

For adventure based on many iconic films and TV shows, head to Universal Studios Florida. Rides, attractions, and even dining experiences are meticulously themed after favorites such as The Simpsons, Harry Potter, Fear Factor, and more. Check out some of the options below.

FEAR FACTOR LIVE

Watch live stunts and challenges, or take part yourself! In this live show, you’re part of all the creepy crawly action. Up to 24 guests can be selected to participate.

The Blues Brothers Show

See the Blues Brothers live! Enjoy their sweet tunes, accompanied by Mabel on vocals and Jazz on saxophone.

Animal Actors Live

Trained animal stars perform live on stage, occasionally with the help of park guests. Enjoy the antics of cats, dogs, birds and more.

Revenge of the Mummy

Based on the popular Mummy films, the world's first psychological thrill ride places riders in seeming jeopardy, bringing them face-to-face with both physical and psychological fears Ð fear of the dark, fear of bugs, fear of fire, fear of falling, fear of being out of control and more.
Based on the popular Mummy films, the world’s first psychological thrill ride places riders face-to-face with both physical and psychological fears. Photo: Universal Orlando

Do you dare escape the rage of the Mummy? This thrill coaster is best for older guests and is designed for riders 48 inches and taller.

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster

This is a kid-friendly coaster with gentle swoops through a nut factory. What mischief will Woody get up to today?

T. Adventure

Hop aboard a virtual bicycle and soar through the sky with everyone’s favorite extraterrestrial. In this motion simulation ride, you’ll help E.T. head home.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Enter Gru’s home and be recruited by the Minions! Help them on a virtual mission and then join in the dance party at the end.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged

This virtual street race is suitable for guests 40 inches and taller. Feel like you’re part of the action behind the scenes of the Fast and the Furious.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Do you have what it takes to escape from the depths of Gringotts bank? With Harry and friends, you’ll evade evil and enchantments, and a fire-breathing dragon during the motion simulation Escape from Gringotts.

Hogwarts Express

All aboard Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando.
All aboard Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando.

Guests with Park-to-Park tickets can climb aboard the Hogwarts Express in Universal Studios Florida and take a ride to the neighboring Islands of Adventure.

2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure Attractions and Rides

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – one of the world’s most popular theme park experiences – features stunning enhancements, including 4K digital high-definition ride animation, a new highly-sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection system, a rockin’ new music score and all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – one of the world’s most popular theme park experiences – features stunning enhancements, including 4K digital high-definition ride animation, a new highly-sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection system, a rockin’ new music score and all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses. Photo: Universal Orlando

The designated “islands” within Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park include attractions modeled after Harry Potter, Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park and more. There are seven islands in total, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore. Here are just a few of the experiences you need to add to your list.

Frog Choir

Catch a live performance of the frogs and singers from Hogwarts Castle.

Triwizard Spirit Rally

In preparation for the Triwizard Tournament, students from Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and Hogwarts put on an acrobatic rally for park guests.

Poseidon’s Fury

This live-action show takes you into the depths of the ocean to witness a battle between Poseidon and Lord Darkenon. Be dazzled by lights, lasers, water projections, and other special effects.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

Guests 44 inches and taller will love this thrilling water coaster that follows Dudley on his quest to request Nell.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

See the web-slinger in 3D/4D and help him fight evil among the skyscrapers of the big city. Hold tight during the adventures, and be ready for a 400-foot freefall.

The Cat in the Hat

Awash with color, music and whimsy, Seuss Landing is where the beloved books of Dr. Seuss spring to life.
Awash with color, music, and whimsy, Seuss Landing is where the beloved books of Dr. Seuss spring to life. Photo: Universal Orlando

This kid-friendly motion simulation ride takes the whole family into a number of Dr. Seuss’ classic tales.

Pteranodon Flyers

Dino loving kids 36 inches and taller will enjoy a gentle flight with views of the whole park. Suspended beneath the 10-foot wings of a Pteranodon, guests will experience a smooth ride.

Jurassic Park River Adventure

Adventure dino loving kids 42 inches and taller can experience some thrilling encounters with residents of Jurassic Park on this water ride. You begin with a calm float through the Park, but quickly take a turn into a restricted area that includes fierce dinosaurs and an 85-foot drop.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Light Projection Show at Universal Studios Hollywood Photo credit: Universal Orlando
The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Light Projection Show at Universal Studios Hollywood Photo credit: Universal Orlando

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures

Hop onto Hagrid’s motorbike or sidecar for a thrilling roller coaster ride through the Dark Forest. Look for magical creatures at every turn! Designed for guests 48 inches and taller.

Flight of the Hippogriff

On this roller coaster, be prepared for a lesson from Hagrid about the care of Hippogriffs, as well as a trip around his hut and pumpkin patch. Designed for guests 36 inches and taller.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Just like the Harry Potter films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts castle, the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – the marquee attraction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Just like the Harry Potter films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts castle, the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – the marquee attraction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Photo: Universal Orlando

Take a 3D/4D trip around Hogwarts and its grounds on this experience.

Hogwarts Express – Guests with Park-to-Park tickets can climb aboard the Hogwarts Express in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and take a ride to the neighboring Universal Studios Florida.

3. Universal’s Volcano Bay Attractions and Rides

Universal’s Volcano Bay is a one-of-a-kind, fully-immersive water theme park experience, offering guests a hassle-free way to enjoy the park’s unique attractions, ranging from daring to serene.
Universal’s Volcano Bay is a one-of-a-kind, fully-immersive water theme park experience, offering guests a hassle-free way to enjoy the park’s unique attractions, ranging from daring to serene. Photo: Universal Orlando

The island paradise of the fictional Waturi people, Universal’s Volcano Bay goes all out creating the Waturi people backstory and attractions based on their way of life. In Volcano Bay, you find leisure pools, splash areas and a variety of water rides.

Waturi Beach

Enjoy gentle waves and leisure areas at the base of the Krakatau volcano. This beach is perfect for swimming, splashing, and lounging.

Kopiko Wai Winding River

Float the lazy river on a tube and take a leisurely trip around Volcano Bay.

Tot Tiki Reef

Take the littlest swimmers and splashers to this reef for shallow water play, including fountains and singing whales. There’s even a mini volcano!

Krakatau Aqua Coaster

At the heart of Volcano Bay is Krakatau. It features and thrilling coaster for guests 42 inches and taller. Wind around and through the volcano before splashing through a waterfall at the end of the slide.

Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Slides

For guests 48 inches and taller, the Serpentine Slides offers thrills in the form of high speeds, winding tubes and a drop into a pool below.

Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides

Guests 48 inches and taller can slip and slide down the Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides into a shimmering pool.

Runamukka Reef

This play area features interactive fountains and water features so you can splash and play in the shade.

Ko’okiri Body Plunge

A thrill ride for guests 48 inches and taller, Ko-okiri Body Plunge begins with a 70 degree fall through a drop door, followed by over 100 feet of water slide and a visit from Vol the volcano god.

Honu of the Honu ika Moana

On rafts designed to emulate sea turtles, this multi-person water ride takes guests 48 inches and taller down slides and through open flumes at thrilling speeds.

Universal Orlando Resort Deals!

From rich sets and an actual forest with 1,200 trees to ground-breaking coaster technology and a captivating storyline, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be the most highly-themed, immersive coaster experience yet – becoming the world’s first “story coaster.”
From rich sets and an actual forest with 1,200 trees to ground-breaking coaster technology and a captivating storyline, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be the most highly-themed, immersive coaster experience yet – becoming the world’s first “story coaster.” Photo: Universal Orlando

Now that you know some of the amazing adventures that await you at Universal Orlando Resort, it’s time to book your trip! When you book with Get Away Today you’ll have peace of mind as their professionals will take good care of you and your family. With this customized vacation quote, you can start planning your Universal vacation today.

Plus, stay onsite at a Universal Resort Hotel and have more time to ride, dine, splash, and explore all three theme parks. Select Universal Resort Hotels offer bonus perks such as early park admission, complimentary theme park transportation, and Universal Express Unlimited, which significantly reduces ride wait times.

To see all Universal Orlando Resort vacations, visit www.getawaytoday.com. You can also have a travel specialist to help you plan your trip by calling 855-GET-AWAY. When you book, let them know Traveling in Heels sent you!

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Plan today and look forward to your family vacation with Get Away Today’s layaway plan.

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3 thoughts on “Universal Orlando Resort Florida Guide to Attractions and Rides”

  1. Your post is making me want to bring my daughter to the one by our house in SoCal! She shockingly hasn’t been yet (well once at 6 months) but has been to Disney close to 300 times. The Minions are so cute!! I remember seeing Shrek the one time we went, but Minions are so much cooler. Awesome and helpful guide!

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