A Theme park without a Theme! (Universal Studios (Florida))

Member Name: Meggysmum

Product:	Universal Studios (Florida)
Date:	26/10/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Men in Black is Great Fun

Disadvantages: Seems a bit dated.

Universal Studios in Orlando opened in 1990. It is located at the Northern end of International Drive and is on the same site as City walk and Islands of Adventure.

I find this the most disjointed of all the Orlando theme parks but I would think that it has more teenage appeal than many in the area. The park is split into several areas but I didn't find them particularly distinctive and can't really remember why a certain attraction would be in a certain area.
Entrance to the park is past the very photogenic Universal globe and then through the huge gateway. Bag searches and electronic turnstiles are the norm for this area and the queues move quite quickly. There are several attractions that are particularly popular so like all parks it is a good idea to plan what you really want to see.

Shrek 4D is probably the first attraction you will spot. This is very popular and has a huge queuing area which leads you into a "pre-show" to get you up to speed on the story of Shrek (as if you didn't know!). This is followed by a 15 minute film with plenty of brilliant 4D effects and a good story although some younger children may find it a little scary.

Jimmy Neutrons Nickletoon Blast is opposite and that is a part simulator and effects story that is also popular with youngsters. Sometimes Shrek and Donkey or Dora the Explorer will be in the area to sign autographs. The donkey is expertly done and is very witty, certainly makes the parents laugh!

There is a larger children's area that houses Feels playground which is great and even has a little water ride in it. ETs adventure is located in the children's area. This always seems to have a huge queue, made worse by the fact that everyone is given a card and asked their names which is entered on a computer. After the rather gentle air ride you are welcomed back with your name but it is very hard to hear and I think it misses most people anyway.

My favourite ride is Men in Black. This shoot-to-score ride takes you through rooms that look just like the film and then send you to defend the city from aliens. There is a huge alien at the end and if you know how to beat it you get a huge score which infuriates your family! (Guess who knows the secret?)

As you progress around the lake you come to some of the older attractions that are starting to show their age. Jaws is not open everyday but is a boat ride that turns into a disaster. The boat pilots are the key to how much you will enjoy the ride. The models are not great but join in with the screaming and your kids will be terrified anyway.

Twister and Disaster are based on the disaster movies that were popular in the late 70s. They are both long attractions so make sure you have planned enough time to visit them. Disaster takes you on a simulation of a San Francisco Subway during an earthquake and involves 65000 gallons of water. Make sure you are not at the end of the train as the effects are really much better in the middle. Twister is based on a tornado and most of it is rather boring so give it a miss if there is a big queue.

The Revenge of the Mummy was the only coaster in the park when we visited (Hollywood Rip Ride Rockitt has just opened). It was an effective ride that is all enclosed with plenty of beetles and scary effects. It reaches good speeds and is quite exciting. The walk through the queuing area was very long so I would hate to think how much waiting occurs in high season.

Terminator 2 3D is a fun presentation involving actors and pre-recorded films. I thought that this was very effective and quite exciting but again wouldn't be suitable for younger children.

Universal Studios does have several other attractions. Unfortunately because we always visit in October several of them are shut as they are revamped for their Halloween night specials. This is quite irritating as there are stage make-up presentations and special effect features that I would like to see. Also, as the park is decorated for Halloween there are parts that look odd because they obviously will have features added to them at night so the park tends to look a bit derelict and unloved by day.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities and places to eat.

Photographs have to be collected at the guest services area and need to be viewed before you leave the park.

Having visited several times I would have to say this is not my favourite park as I find that it certainly doesn't take up a whole day. Visiting in October has the disadvantage of Halloween but the advantage that we have hardly ever had to queue for more than about 10 minutes for any ride. Get a two-park ticket and visit Islands Of Adventure as well, especially if you like thrill rides.

Summary: Good fun but not my favourite park