Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Florida and feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ll give you all the information you need to know to jumpstart your trip to this amazing theme park.
From state-of-the-art rides to innovative food offerings and upcoming attractions, we’ve got all the insider tips and tricks you need to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Florida. So let’s dive in and explore everything this mega-park has to offer.
What is Universal Studios Florida?
Universal Studios Florida is one of the world-class theme parks that make up the Universal Orlando property. As the flagship park, it was originally designed to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at film and television sets, similar to Universal Studios in Hollywood. However, with its detailed Backlot tour now closed, Universal Studios Florida has transformed into a full-fledged theme park with a diverse range of attractions and experiences for guests of all ages.
What You’ll Find at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is divided into several different areas, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to find at this park.
New Additions
Universal Studios Florida is constantly evolving, with new attractions and experiences being added all the time. If you’re visiting this summer, be sure to check out the brand new Minion land, which opened in 2021. Here, you’ll find the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, as well as a variety of themed shops and food options.
But that’s not all that’s new at Universal Studios Florida. In 2024, a new DreamWorks land will open, featuring rides and themed areas from popular movies like Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, and more.
Future Additions
Looking ahead to 2025, Universal Orlando will be expanding even further with the opening of Epic Universe, a third park gate and new hotels. This expansion will more than double the size of Universal Orlando and will include five themed lands: Celestial Park, Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Burke, and Dark Universe.
Skipping the Lines
Like Disney’s Genie Plus system, Universal Studios Florida offers Express Passes that allow you to bypass the lines for most attractions in the park. While these passes can be costly (ranging from $79.99 to $289.99 per person per day), they are often easier to use than Disney’s system, as you can skip the lines without needing to book return times for each ride.
Exploring the Park
Now that you have an overview of what’s available at Universal Studios Florida, let’s take a closer look at each area of the park.
New York: This area is home to the Jimmy Fallon and Revenge of the Mummy rides, as well as the famous San Francisco street from Fast and Furious.
Production Central: Transformers and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit can be found here, along with the Universal Music Plaza Amphitheater which hosts concerts throughout the year.
San Francisco: If you’re a fan of fast cars and high-octane action, this is the area for you. The Fast and Furious supercharged simulator ride is located here, as well as Lombard Seafood Grill.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley: Step into the magical world of Harry Potter in this area, featuring iconic locations like Gringotts Bank and Ollivanders wand shop. Don’t forget to try a Butterbeer ice cream while you’re here!
World Expo: Take a trip on the classic Men in Black Alien Attack ride or catch one of the live-action shows in this area. World Expo also comes alive during Halloween Horror Nights, a popular event held during the fall months.
Springfield USA: Fans of The Simpsons won’t want to miss this area, which features the popular Simpsons ride and Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl.
Hollywood: Get a taste of Hollywood with live-action shows and a broadcast-themed quick-service restaurant, the Today Cafe.
Minions Land: As mentioned, Minions Land is the newest addition to Universal Studios Florida and is a must-visit for fans of Despicable Me. Don’t miss the new Illuminations Villain Con Minion Blast attraction, along with a variety of other Minion-themed experiences.
Epic Universe (Coming Soon): Keep an eye out for the new DreamWorks land and more when Epic Universe opens in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Universal Studios Florida has something for everyone, from thrilling rides to immersive experiences in iconic movie worlds. With new additions on the horizon and plenty of opportunities to skip the lines, this park is a must-visit for any theme park enthusiast. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Express Pass and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Universal Studios Florida!
Share your top tips for making the most of a visit to Universal Studios Florida!
What themed area of the park do you find the most immersive and exciting? Let us know in the comments below!
