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Inspired by the California original and opened in Orlando in 1990 (when the city assumed it would become “Hollywood East”), Universal Studios celebrates the movies. The park is a jumble of areas and attractions. But the same is true of back-lot sets at a film studio. Suspend any disbelief you might have, and just enjoy the motion-picture magic.
At Production Central large soundstages house attractions based on TV programs and films like Shrek, Despicable Me, and Twister. Because it’s right near the entrance it can be the park’s most crowded area.
Here you see firsthand that not every film or program based in New York is actually shot in New York. Cleverly constructed sets mean that nearly every studio can own its own Big Apple. Universal is no exception. As you explore Production Central, a collection of sparkling public buildings, well-worn neighborhoods, and back alleys are the next-best thing to Manhattan itself.
As you enter the area known as San Francisco, you’re roughly one-third of the way through the park. The crowds spread out, and the pace seems to slow. You can stop to see a show starring Beetlejuice or dine at the waterfront Lombard’s Seafood Grille.
After passing scenes from San Francisco, you’ll reach the land everyone is talking about: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley. What the books suggest and what filmmakers created, Universal has replicated right here—putting you in the middle of a fantastic fantasyland. Just ahead, World Expo features two large attractions—MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack and the Simpsons Ride. The scarcity of rides here is, however, offset by the colorful spectacle surrounding the Simpson’s hometown of Springfield and the abundant attractions at Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone. It matches the energy of toddlers and the under-10 crowd with diversions that include a junior-size roller coaster, a mini–water park, and a chance to meet E.T. and Barney the dinosaur. In Hollywood, quiet parks and flashy Rodeo Drive really do make you think you’ve stepped into vintage Tinseltown.
All in all, Universal Studios fulfills its promise: to put you in the movies.
Planning
Getting Oriented
On a map, the park appears neatly divided into seven areas positioned around a huge lagoon. There’s Production Central, which covers the entire left side of the Plaza of the Stars; New York, with street performances at 70 Delancey; San Francisco; the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley; the futuristic World Expo; Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone; and Hollywood.
What’s tricky is that—because it’s designed like a series of movie sets—there’s no straightforward way to tackle the park. You’ll probably make some detours and do some backtracking. To save time and shoe leather, ask theme park hosts for itinerary suggestions and time-saving tips. Here are a few of our own suggestions.
Touring Tips
We highly recommend you purchase your tickets online because it gives you plenty of time to consider your many options and includes a discount. Entering Universal Studios can be overwhelming as you and thousands of others flood through the turnstiles at once. Pick up a map in the entryway to CityWalk or by the park turnstiles and spend a few minutes reviewing it. Map out a route, find show schedules, and select restaurants. If a host is nearby, ask for insider advice on what to see first.
The “right” way. Upon entering, avoid the temptation to go left toward the towering soundstages, looping the park clockwise. Instead, head right—bypassing shops, restaurants, and some crowds to primary attractions like the Simpsons Ride and MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack.
Photo ops. Universal Studios posts signs that indicate photo spots and show how best to frame your shot.
Rendezvous. Good meeting spots include Lucy: A Tribute, near the entrance; Mel’s Drive-In, midway through the park on the right; and Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue midway through the park on the left.
Park Amenities
Guest Services: Get strategy advice before visiting by calling Guest Services at | 407/224–4233.
Lockers: Daily rates for lockers near the park entrance are $8 for a small unit and $10 for a larger one. There are free lockers near the entrances of some high-speed attractions (such as MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack and Revenge of the Mummy), where you can stash your stuff before your ride; they’re available to you for up to 90 minutes total.
Lost People and Things: If you plan to split up, be sure everyone knows where and when to reconnect. Staffers take lost children to Guest Services near the main entrance. This is also where you might find lost personal items.
Stroller Rentals: Just inside the main entrance, there are strollers for $15 (single) and $25 (double) a day. You can also rent small kiddie cars ($18) or large ones ($28) by the day.
Exploring
Production Central
Expect plenty of loud, flashy, rollicking rides that appeal to tweens, teens, and adults. Clear the turnstiles and go straight. You can use Express Pass at all attractions.
New York
Universal has gone all out to re-create New York’s skyscrapers, commercial districts, ethnic neighborhoods, and back alleys—right down to the cracked concrete. Hidden within these structures are restaurants, arcades, gift shops, and key attractions. And, although they’re from Chicago, the Blues Brothers drive from the Second City to New York City in their Bluesmobile for free performances at 70 Delancey. Here you can use Express Pass at Revenge of the Mummy and Twister.
San Francisco
This area celebrates the West Coast with the wharves and warehouses of San Francisco’s Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf districts. Use your Express Pass at both attractions.
World Expo
At the far end of the park is a futuristic set of buildings containing a few of Universal Studios’ most popular attractions, MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack, the Simpsons Ride, and Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ’n’ Hurl, which offer fast admission with Express Pass.
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
With its colorful compilation of rides, shows, and play areas, this entire section caters to preschoolers. It’s a pint-size Promised Land, where kids can try out a roller coaster and get sprayed, splashed, and soaked in a water-park area. It’s also a great place for parents, since it gives them a needed break after nearly circling the park. All shows and attractions except Curious George and Fievel accept Universal Express Pass.
Hollywood
The quintessential tribute to the golden age of the silver screen, this area to the right of the park entrance celebrates icons like the Brown Derby, Schwab’s Pharmacy, and art deco Hollywood. There are only a few attractions here, and all except Lucy accept Universal Express Pass.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley
Hidden by a facade of London row homes, you may not think there’s much to see. But when you spy an opening through a broken brick wall and step into Diagon Alley, you’ll realize what an incredible blueprint J.K. Rowling created through her words. You can literally spend hours in this one district looking at the complete range of Potter-centric places: Universal Studios’ version of Ollivanders wand shop; Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes (magical jokes and novelty items); the Magical Menagerie (all creatures furry, feathered, or scaly); Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions (wizard wear); Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment; and Quality Quidditch Supplies. For practitioners of the Dark Arts, venture down Knockturn Alley and step inside Borgin and Burkes. For an appetizing break, stop at the Leaky Cauldron, the land’s signature restaurant, or cool off at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour.
And when you’re ready to head to Hogsmeade (conveniently located at the neighboring Islands of Adventure), make sure you have a park-to-park pass before stepping aboard the wonderful, magical Hogwarts Express—now departing to Islands of Adventure from Platform 9¾.