Universal Studios Florida allows you to step into the world of movies, TV shows, and pop culture! This iconic theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, brings your favorite films to life with thrilling rides, immersive lands, and unforgettable entertainment. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a Harry Potter fan, or just looking for family fun, Universal Studios Florida offers an action-packed adventure for all ages. Get ready to ride, laugh, and make memories in this cinematic wonderland!
Park Areas & Attractions
Minion Land
This fun vibrant entry area of the park includes interactive attractions, several shops and eateries and Illumination Theater, an outdoor meet and greet with rotating characters.
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – Interactive shooting attraction starring the Minions and Despicable Me villains.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – 3D motion simulator adventure with Gru and his Minions.
New York
A recreation of classic New York streets with action-packed attractions, restaurants, Starbucks and The Blues Brothers Show.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – High-speed roller coaster where you pick your own music.
• The Revenge of the Mummy – High-speed indoor coaster with Egyptian-themed thrills.
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – Motion simulator ride through New York City.
• Transformers: The Ride-3D – 3D motion simulator dark ride that is set in the Bay-splosion-packed war of good versus evil.
San Francisco
A waterfront area with a mix of dining, shops and a thrilling attraction. Be on the lookout for Bruce the shark; this trophy formerly stood in front of the Jaws ride and was transplanted here once the attraction closed.
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged – Motion-based thrill ride featuring high-speed car chases.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
A highly detailed recreation of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. This immersive area is accessed behind the London Street scene through a secluded entrance in the middle of the façade. There is a numerous shop in this area to complete your Harry Potter souvenir wish list.
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – A thrilling 3D dark ride through Gringotts Bank.
• Gringotts Money Exchange – Area where you can convert your muggle money to Gringotts bank notes which is overseen by an imperious interactive animatronic goblin.
• Ollivanders Wand Shop – Experience a wand choosing ceremony.
• Knockturn Alley – A labyrinth of twisting passageways where the Harry Potter bad guys hang out.
• The Leaky Cauldron – The areas restaurant serving British pub fare.
• Hogwarts Express (King’s Cross Station) – Train ride with special effects to Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure (requires Park-to-Park ticket).
World Expo
A futuristic area with sci-fi and an action-packed ride.
• Men in Black: Alien Attack – Interactive shooting ride where you blast aliens for points.
Springfield: Home of The Simpsons
A colorful recreation of Springfield from The Simpsons with themed rides and food.
• The Simpsons Ride – A 3D motion simulator through Springfield’s wildest attractions.
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – Alien-themed spinning ride.
• Moe’s Tavern & Krusty Burger – Enjoy Duff Beer and iconic Simpsons snacks.
DreamWorks Animation Land
This section is a new area of the park that features child-themed attractions based on favorites such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls!
• Animal Actors on Location! – A live show featuring performing dogs, birds, pigs and a menagerie of other animals in a covered outdoor stadium.
• Dream Works Playgrounds – Multiple areas with interactive playgrounds and splash areas for kids to run and play.
• TrollerCoaster – A slow moving child size roller coaster.
• Po Live! – An interactive video area where children can learn Kung Fu taught by Po.
Hollywood
A classic Hollywood Boulevard area with themed entertainment and character meet-and-greets.
• Bourne Stuntacular – Live-action stunt show featuring high-tech effects.
• E.T. Adventure – An indoor adventure ride based on the beloved movie.
• Character Meet & Greets – Meet SpongeBob, Marilyn Monroe, The Minions, and more.
Special Events at Universal Studios Florida
• Rock the Universe (late January) – An annual Christian music festival weekend-long event of faith and fun. Separate ticket is needed for the event.
• Universal Mardi Gras Carnival (early February through March) – A yearly Mardi Gras celebration that pays homage to the New Orleans tradition including parades, concerts, themed shops, and delicious food and drinks. This event is included with your park admission.
• Halloween Horror Nights (early September through October) – A nationally recognized and industry-awarded haunted theme park event that is complete with terrifying haunted houses/mazes, sinister outdoor scare zones, and theater shows. This event may not be for everyone and is recommended for people over the age of 13. Separate ticket is needed for the event.
• Universal Orlando Resort Holidays (mid-November through early January) – A yearly Holiday celebration and festivities complete with beautiful décor and the Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, which brings elements from the Macy’s famous New York parade.
Tickets & Express Pass
• Single-Day & Multi-Day Tickets – Options available for Universal Studios and/or Islands of Adventure.
• Park-to-Park Ticket – This option allows you to visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in the same day. This ticket option is required for riding Hogwarts Express.
• Universal Express Pass – Allows you to skip the regular lines ONE time on participating attractions and you can use it whenever you want without needing reservations.
• Universal Express Unlimited Pass – Allows you to skip the regular lines as many times as you like per day on participating attractions whenever you want without needing reservations.
Tips for Visiting
• Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel to take advantage of Early Park Admission, which allows you to enter the parks up to one hour prior to park opening.
• Use Universal Express Pass to skip long lines on select rides. The Universal Express Pass is included with your stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Lowes Portofino Bay, and Lowes Royal Pacific Hotel.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks, especially during Florida’s hot months.
• Keep an eye out for character meet-and-greets for fun photo opportunities.
A visit to Universal Studios Florida is more than just a theme park trip—it’s a cinematic adventure filled with thrilling rides, immersive worlds, and unforgettable memories. I enjoyed taking in the beauty of the themed areas of the park such as walking down the streets of Hollywood and was blown away by the authentic details in DreamWorks Land. Whether you’re casting spells in Diagon Alley, flying over the forest with E.T., or laughing with the Minions, every moment is designed to submerge the guest right into the film.
With world-class entertainment, delicious, themed dining, and exciting attractions for all ages, Universal Studios Florida is a must-visit destination for movie lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
To start planning your action-packed vacation at Universal Orlando Resort, reach out to me today!
