Universal Studios® Orlando

Television and movie buffs will love this entertainment industry-based theme park in Orlando. As part of the larger Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios is both a theme park and an actual working film and television production facility.

Universal Studios Orlando is filled with exciting rides, and those who enjoy loud, fast, high-energy attractions couldn't find a better place to spend the day. But those who don't will be just as entertained. In addition to exciting and thrilling rides, visitors can also learn the secrets of movie making by going behind-the-scenes at some awesome and informative attractions.

Whether you're a fan of high-powered excitement, sidesplitting comedy or charming children's stories, nobody puts you in the picture like Universal Studios.

Rides and Attractions

Universal Studios has a great selection of thrill rides and exhibits. Here are some of the highlights:

Men in Black: Alien Attack

Travel in an ultra-cool six-passenger car that spins and whirls through a city infested with aliens. But fear not, every passenger is equipped with a laser gun to blast them out of this world. Collect points as you destroy the tricky buggers and compete with a neighboring car to see which one can earn the most points. Men in Black is a high-impact ride filled with elaborate sets, impressive animatronics, and lots of fun.

Posted by: chimeychanga
Posted youTube: February 26, 2007

Shrek 4D

This 20-minute show uses 3-D effects (by way of OgreVision glasses), motion simulators, and other special effects such as turning and tilting seats (which represent the fourth 'D'), to entertain visitors as they join Shrek and Princess Fiona on their honeymoon. This fairy-tale attraction stands out due to its creative storyline, consistency with the original film (including the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy), and highly entertaining preshow.

Posted by: sfgamfreek
Posted youTube: April 26, 2009

Posted by: citypassvictor
Posted youTube: April 17, 2008

Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast

Help Jimmy save the world after an evil genius steals his rocket and tries to destroy the earth. In this wild mix of computer graphics, motion simulators, and state-of-the-art ride technology, riders join Jimmy Neutron, and an assortment of Nickelodeon characters (including Sponge Bob Square Pants, The Wild Thornberry's, Rugrats and the Fairly Odd Parents) as they get hurtled through hyperspace.

Posted by: evilpinoy456
Posted youTube: July 24, 2007

Revenge of the Mummy

The indoor roller coaster uses a sophisticated propulsion system to hurtle riders through the shadowy tombs of ancient Egypt as they try to escape the curse of the Mummy. Not for the faint of heart, this ride is pretty intense. Flames, fireballs, and creepy creatures all combine with surprising twists, turns, stops, and starts to make for a wild thrill like no other in the park. Note: Absolutely no carry-on items are permitted on the ride, not even small fanny packs attached to your waist. You will be asked to put all bags, packages, and any other loose articles into a locker.

Posted by: taylon05
Posted youTube: August 24, 2008

Twister

Ever wanted to know what it's like to experience a twister? Find out in this intense and noisy attraction. An ominous funnel cloud, five stories tall, is created by 2 million cubic feet of swirling air per minute, and the sound of a freight train fills the theater as cars, trucks, and a cow fly about while the audience stands just a few feet away. Just when you think it's safe, that protective roof you've been thankful for being under, begins to shake.

Posted by: adamcookie
Posted youTube: February 03, 2007

E.T. Adventure

Board your flying bike, and soar with E.T. on a mission to save his home planet. Travel through the forest and into the star-lit sky, and along the way, you'll meet some of the characters created by Steven Spielberg for the ride. This family favorite is definitely a charmer that should not be missed.

Posted by: mattroseboom
Posted youTube: March 17, 2007

Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time

It's up to you and the Terminator to prevent mankind from becoming extinct at the hands of evil futuristic cyborgs. James Cameron, who directed the film, went all out with this $60 million attraction, and combined live action and 3-D effects to create a totally intense theme park attraction. It includes the voices of the original cast members.

Posted by: olduniversallover
Posted youTube: May 21, 2008

Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You!

This ride replaces the popular Earthquake, which closed in November of 2007, however it still rates pretty high on the Richter scale! After experiencing a special effects demonstration, visitors board an underground train that is set into the final scene of a disaster movie. When an earthquake hits you'll be trapped, sitting helplessly as slabs of concrete collapse around you, a propane truck bursts into flames, a runaway train hurtles toward you, and of course, everything floods.

Posted by: olduniversallover
Posted youTube: May 21, 2008

The Simpsons

Join TV's favorite family on a trip to Krustyland, America's favorite low-budget theme park. Once you board your elevated car you're in for one surprise after another as you embark on a wild, over-the-top ride through the park. Show creator Matt Groening had a large hand in developing this ride and was quoted as saying “The ride is designed to duplicate the Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming. "Expect to be bounced around!" Note: This ride replaces the Back to the Future ride that closed in 2006.

Posted by: ValhallhaAngel
Posted youTube: June 02, 2008

Jaws

Arguably the most famous ride at Universal Studios, Jaws takes guests aboard boats for a relaxing tour of Amity Harbor, but (surprise, surprise) things get a little harrowing when a great white shark decides to sink the boat. Modeled after the famous scene from the backlot tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, Jaws is a crowd favorite. Intense and wild, you may find yourself wishing you had a bigger boat!

Posted by: skuny2009
Posted youTube: January 17, 2009

Universal Studios Tips

• Visit Jaws after dark when the effects are far more spectacular.
• Men in Black often has a much shorter line for single riders. Even if you're not alone but are willing to be split up, get in this line and hop right on a vehicle that has less than six passengers.
• If your children don't like touchy feely special effects, they may get upset at certain points during the Shrek 4-D attraction.
• When riding The Mummy in the first few hours that the park is open the single riders line is extremely fast and saves a great amount of time.
• Disaster is very similar to its predecessor, Earthquake. If you liked the original, be sure to visit the new one.
• Many of the rides have height requirements, so check before visiting the park so that kids don't get disappointed.
• If at all possible stay at a Universal Resort, which will give you a lovely place to stay plus the best front-of-the-line ride access. Each of the three resorts has a great "beach pool", and free water-taxi shuttles to the theme parks. Check the Universal Orlando site for deals.
• Universal experts suggest that it takes 12 to 14 hours to see and do absolutely everything. If this sounds like a bit much, you can either buy a two-day pass and do the visit at a more leisurely pace, but at greater cost, or make a list of things you want to see in the time available, accepting that there will not be time for others.
• If you decide a second day is necessary once inside the park, buy the second one-day ticket before leaving. This way you will only be charged as if you have bought a two-day pass, which is cheaper than buying two separate one-day tickets.
• The Universal Studios theme park covers a large area, with the attractions spaced around a central Lagoon. Have a route worked out that covers everything in the shortest possible distance, especially if you have young children. Try to enjoy attractions as you meet them on your planned route, rather than jumping all over the park, which will tire everyone out quickly.
• Also keep in mind that some rides - and many restaurants - delay their openings until late morning, which may throw a kink in your plans. Check times before visiting the park.

See also International Drive | Disney's Animal Kingdom | The Magic Kingdom | Disney's Hollywood Studios | EPCOT Center | The Rest of Walt Disney World | Islands of Adventure® | SeaWorld® Orlando | Discovery Cove® Orlando | Gatorland | Kissimmee and Lake Tohopekaliga

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