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While there is plenty to do in Orlando, Florida, there are a few destinations that are special favourites with visitors and one of those is Universal Orlando Resort. Movie fans are sure to fall in love with the parks immediately, and the rides will put smiles on the faces of any thrill-seeker.
If you’re heading to the park and looking for things to do at Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, these are seven experiences you won’t want to miss.
Riding a Broomstick on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This ride is the main attraction when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Waiting in line is a highlight in itself, as visitors are able to wind through Hogwarts Castle and experience the magic of the movie brought to life. Even the famous talking pictures are there!
But it’s at the end of the ride that the fun really starts. Riders soar through the air on a broomstick with Harry and his friends in a combination of real sets, animatronics and wrap-around projection screens that had me convinced I’d actually been flying.
Having a Duff at Moe’s Tavern in Springfield
There are a few fun-filled rides in Springfield that are well worth visiting, but for me the true highlight of this area was simply walking down the streets of Springfield itself.
And of course, no visit to the Simpsons’ hometown would be complete without stopping at Moe’s Tavern for a Duff or a world famous Flaming Moe. The authenticity of the bar is sure to bring back memories of all those favourite episodes of The Simpsons.
Getting Wet on Jurassic Park River Adventure
With the new Jurassic World movie due to be released in June, this ride is a must for both old and new fans. Set up to initially imitate a peaceful raft ride through a functional Jurassic Park, disaster suddenly strikes when the raft goes off course and ends up trapped in an area filled with carnivorous dinosaurs.
The ride ends with a narrow escape from a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a huge splash as the raft plummets out of danger. Fair warning…expect to get surprisingly wet on this ride!
Strolling Through Seuss Landing
Even as an adult, Dr. Seuss remains one of my favourite authors of all time and his whimsical view of the world is brought to life in vibrant colour in Seuss Landing. While the area and its rides are geared mainly towards younger children, it’s still well worth visiting if you’re a fan of the books.
In classic Seuss style, there are no straight lines anywhere in this portion of the park. Instead, curving roads and twisting turrets abound. Make sure to grab a snack at the fabulous Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous!
Riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster
There are plenty of amazing roller coasters throughout the Universal Orlando Resort, but for the ultimate in thrills and chills, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a must-experience attraction. The vertical lift hill at the beginning sets the stage for the wild and fast ride to follow, with the coaster reaching speeds of up to 105 km per hour.
To add to the fun, riders can choose a track from a list of thirty different songs and listen to the music throughout the ride. If you’re going to request a front seat at any of the roller coasters in the park, make it this one!
Going Shopping in Diagon Alley
Anyone that’s ever wished they could step out of the ordinary world and into the hidden magical world of Harry Potter can have their dreams come true in Diagon Alley. The genius of this area was, for me, the way its entrance is presented to visitors as a completely normal London street, albeit with a few distinctive features fans of the series will immediately recognize. Number 13 Grimmauld Place nestles hidden on the street, while the Knight Bus and its conductor wait for wizards in need of transportation.
But walk through the openings in a very nondescript brick wall and suddenly, you’ve entered Diagon Alley. Grab a Butterbeer to refresh yourself and keep an eye on the stone dragon atop Gringotts bank. Every so often, he’ll let out a flaming roar.
Posing for a Picture with Jaws
While the hugely popular Jaws ride in Universal Studios Florida is no longer operational, the famous Jaws display remains and is easily one of the most popular photo locations in the resort.
Grab a snack and a drink at the nearby Chez Alcatraz and then get ready to let Jaws take a bite out of you. While the ride may be gone, the legend of Jaws lives on and having a picture taken with this iconic movie star is something that everybody should do when visiting the resort.
Of course, these are just a few of the attractions filling the two parks, and there’s many more things to do at Universal Studios Orlando! So give yourself plenty of time to explore and discover your own favourites.
Whether you prefer the combination of suspense and speed in The Mummy: The Ride or the high-flying fun of the Duelling Dragons roller coaster, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained. Check out the full list of attractions, grab your tickets and get ready for a day filled with fun and fantasy!
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Doris Calvert says
Looks like a blast!
Stephanie LaPlante says
I NEED to visit Diagon Alley. I’m the biggest Harry Potter fan on the planet!
caryn s says
Looks like you had such a fun vacation!
Darlene Demell says
Looks like such a fun place. One thing I would not do is ride that roller coaster. No thank you.
Catherine R. says
Great review. I haven’t been to Universal since they added the Harry Potter land and I can’t wait to see it. Thanks for the preview.
mongupp says
I would love to take my kids there….maybe one day!
Soozle says
Looks like a ton of fun! It would be really hard to fit it all in in a day I imagine – there is so much to see! 🙂
kathy downey says
Looks like you had a blast,love the color of that coat your wearing
Jeanine says
What on earth is a duff? I’ve been inMoe’s Tavern but I don’t remember that at all.
Judy Cowan says
They all look like fun, well maybe except the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster (not a fan of rollercoaster..lol) . Can’t wait until we can make another trip to the Orlando area!
Debbie W says
It has been years for me. I stuck my head into Jaws as well.
Florence C says
Love to go back and take the grandchildren. they would enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Holly Wright says
I would love to ride this rollercoaster!!!
Kiersten says
i want to go so bad, i’ve never been to any theme parks like this!
LILLIAN BROWN says
what a getaway♥
Andrea M says
I would looooove to go – it looks like so much fun!
Cahley Tod-Tims says
Oh my this looks so fun! As a Harry Potter fan it definitely would be Diagon Alley for me!
Elaine Buonsante says
That would be a great vacation!
angela m says
Looks like so much fun, Would love to visit some day.
Alfredo says
Looks awesome!! That looks like a nice place to visit :).
Gord says
Looks like an absolutely awesome place to visit!
MrsWhite says
Are you kidding me, what a blast! Haha – Your blog is absolutely one of the funnest around!
I’m really glad to have found it.
This is a great post for those who have yet to “Do Disney”.
MrsWhite says
All themed parks surrounding I refer to as ‘Disney’ – Just thought I would clear that up, so I don’t look insane. lol
Roman Fone says
Could be a fun place to go.
laura feist says
great vacation
Julia R. says
Really want to visit Harry Potter World!
Theresa says
I took my kids to Disneyland when they were younger, but the new rides at Disneyworld look really fun – especially the Harry Potter ones!
Darlene Schuller says
What a fabulous vacation! Never been myself.
Cheryl says
This is awesome! Thanks for the great write up, will keep these in mind
Jodi Mitrovic says
Universal Orlando sounds like a lot of fun. I’d love to stroll Through Seuss Landing’s and I know my Husband wouldn’t want to miss stopping by Moe’s Tavern in Springfield. Definitely fun for the whole family!
Alison Braidwood says
Diagon Alley looks really cool.
Lisa says
That looks like such a fun vacation!
Jenn says
Wow that roller coaster looks amazing!!
Alayne Langford says
What a magical vacation this would be!! #Bucketlist 🙂
Jenny says
Great photos! It looks like so much fun!
Betty Spry says
I would love to go see these attractions
Caroline says
Looks like such a fun place! Never been there but hope to go one day!