Once content to mooch off of Disney's traffic to nab guests for a one-day visit to its Universal Studios theme park, Universal Orlando is now a destination resort in its own right. The wonderful Islands of Adventure is the property's second park. Its three highly themed hotels offer an incredible perk: front-of-the-line, immediate access to most of the two parks' attractions. The CityWalk entertainment/dining/shopping complex and the nearby Wet 'n Wild waterpark round out the resort.
More compact than Disney's vast world, the close proximity makes navigating around Universal a snap. Water taxis connect the hotels to the parks but lovely pathways make walking a viable option as well.
Less cohesive and lacking the warm and fuzzy Disney touch, the Universal parks nevertheless feature some of the very best attractions of their kind on the planet, including Spiderman, the Hulk and Dueling Dragons coasters, T2: 3-D, The Simpsons Ride, and Men in Black Alien Attack.
Universal has a brash, in-your-face attitude. If the sweet It's a Small World defines Walt Disney World, the carnivorous Jaws sets the tone at Universal. Things are always blowing up and out of control on its attractions. The CityWalk complex fairly throbs with a techno beat at all hours of the day. Underwater speakers at the Hard Rock Hotel's pool ensure that guests never miss a lick of a searing guitar solo. If it's solace you seek, head to the Bahamas. If you want to pump up the action, head over to Universal.
What's it going to be then, eh? Disney? Universal? Why not both? If your budget and time allow, spend a few days hanging with Mickey, then get your adrenaline rushing at Universal.
Universal Studios Florida
Your About Guide's overview of the Universal Studios Florida theme park.
Islands of Adventure
Your About Guide's overview of the Islands of Adventure theme park.
Are you looking for hotel accommodations?
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- Find Universal Orlando Hotel Accommodations
Compare rates for Orlando-area hotels at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.
Florida Ride Guide 2008
The Simpsons Ride into Universal Studios Florida.
Halloween Horror Nights
- Halloween Horror Nights 2008 Overview
- A Bloody Good Time at Halloween Horror Nights- An About.com exclusive interview with Michael Roddy. Learn more about Bloody Mary and Universal's 2008 Halloween event from Halloween Horror Night's creative director.
Universal Orlando is Wild about Harry
Fans of one of the most beloved series of books and films will be able to visit J.K. Rowling's fanciful lands and characters when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to Universal Orlando in 2009. Read more about what's in the plans.
Universal's New Rip-Roaring Coaster Read about the Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in spring 2009.
Whoa Daddy! It's the Mummy Ride
Universal incorporates so many innovations into its utterly unique dark ride/coaster, it has coined a new label for Revenge of the Mummy: psychological thrill ride. But the ride also unleashes physical thrills, including a surprisingly potent coaster experience, to produce a wild, kinetic, frenetic attraction. It's another 5-star attraction for Universal. Read my review.
The Royal Treatment--at a Commoner's Price
With everything the luxurious Royal Pacific Resort has to offer, not the least of which is reasonable rates, this is the place to stay at Universal Orlando. And you get to skip the theme park lines to boot!
Luxury with an Italian Accent
Overview of Univesal's Portofino Bay Hotel.
Less riding. More rides.
Universal Orlando's hotels offer some great benefits.
