While Universal Orlando Florida is home to hundreds of great attractions, there are a few that shouldn’t be missed. Here are some of the very best Universal Attractions that you should check out on your visit:

10. Jaws – This ride at Universal Studios is a classic favorite. You’ll take a boat tour through the harbor, where you’ll be tailed by a certain Great White Shark from movie fame. Some people may call it cheesy, but that’s part of its appeal.

9. CityWalk – This complex of restaurants, shops, and night spots is the first thing you see when you reach the Universal Orlando complex. There’s nothing like spending an evening at Margaritaville, chowing down on a great meal as you watch the crowds go by. Kids and Teens will love shopping at the many trendy stores here, while adults will appreciate the unique nightlife opportunities.

8. Dueling Dragons Coaster – This pair of roller coasters at Islands of Adventure takes riders on a twisting, looping, white-knuckle ride, with the two coasters racing to the finish line. Riders will experience two near collisions, where the trains pass within inches of each other. Be sure to ride both coasters, as they’re totally different experiences. The elaborately themed queue here is half the fun.

7. E.T. Adventures – Another classic favorite for kids and adults alike. You’ll board your bicycle and travel through the woods with E.T. The theming is impressive, and offers a cool, whimsical look inside this beloved movie. When the ride is over, E.T. will greet each guest by name, through the magic of technology.

6. Mythos – This restaurant tucked away inside Islands of Adventure is simply incredible. During a long, hot visit to the park one year, my friend and I simply stumbled upon this place and couldn’t believe out luck. It’s a full service, high-end restaurant serving incredible, creative food in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also unlike any theme park restaurant you’ll ever see anywhere else. Don’t miss it.

5. The Simpsons Ride – This simulator ride at Universal Studios features America’s favorite cartoon family. Fans of the show will love finally seeing the Simpsons on a ride, and visiting the large giftshop to check out unique merchandise.

4. Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster – This coaster is aimed at children and their parents, and features gentle curves and twists. It’s one of the best children’s attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

3. The Incredible Hulk Coaster – This is the biggest, baddest, and fastest roller coaster Universal has to offer. It is also one of the most popular Universal attractions. The coaster shoots riders from the launching platform at 60 miles per hour, then takes them on a twisting, looping thrill ride. Ride this coaster early to avoid long lines.

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There is nothing I love more than Halloween, unless it’s Halloween plus my favorite Florida theme park. For 2009, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights will have 8 haunted houses, 6 “scare zones”, and 2 new live shows. The park does a great job of reworking these shows every year, so you could make it an annual event and never see the same thing twice. Universal’s hanuted houses are scary too, and are not for kids or faint-hearted adults.

The theme for 2009 at Universal is “Ripped from the Silver Screen” with haunted houses and events focused on your favorite horror movies. You’ll see scenes from classics like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein, plus new favorites like Saw, Child’s Play and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures (who knows where that one came from!). Most of your favorite rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will also be open, so take a break from all the horror by hitting up the new Simpsons ride or the classic arcade-style Men in Black.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights are open on the following dates for 2009:

October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31

Most nights the park is open from 6:30 pm to 2 am, though it closes at midnight on Sundays. While this is one of the best Halloween attractions in the country, it’s also one of the most crowded, so it helps to know how to beat the crowds. Read more »

There is nothing quite as awe-inspiring as an Orlando Christmas. While many people head to the area to see the magic of the Disney holidays, they are often overwhelmed by the tremendous crowds at Disney during this time of the year. To experience all the wonder of the Christmas season without getting lost in the crowds, why not give Universal Studios a try?

Incredible decorations, festive lights, and holiday songs greet you along every turn at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Studios features street performances with memorable characters including those from the Grinch as well as your classic Universal movie favorites. Kids can dance and sing along with their favorite characters at the KidZone Holiday Show and Barney’s Christmas show, ‘A Day In the Park with Barney’. And don’t miss the Blues Brothers Christmas Show, rocking your favorite holiday tunes every night and bringing the snow down on Delancey Street after every show. Literally…..they make it snow. And yes, you’re still in Florida!

One of the coolest things Universal has done is to bring all the favorite floats from this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade down to Orlando. Every night, they use these floats to create their own version of the parade, with fireworks and music. Santa Claus will be there to light the trees and lead the parade too, so if you’ve always wanted to see the Macy’s parade live, here’s your chance.

Universal’s Islands Of Adventure joins in the holiday fun when The Grinch invades Seuss Landing and transforms it into Grinchmas, with Who-ville decked out in holiday lights and decorations. This is an absolute must see: Imagine yourself in the live action movie version of the Grinch, complete with snow and thousands of twinkling lights.

There’s also a live action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring the Grinch himself, featuring music by Mannheim Steamroller.

If you liked Illuminations at Epcot, don’t miss the  Universal 360 Cinesphere Spectacular, bringing iconic Universal special effects to huge, 3D life on spheres across the lagoon along with breathtaking fireworks and laser light displays.

For New Year’s Eve, Universal CityWalk throws a huge blowout celebration, complete with food, drink, and a party in the streets counting down to the New Year.

The Universal Resort hotels also take part in the holiday festivities with festive special events. Celebrate the season Italian-style at the Portofino Bay Hotel, have a rock ‘n’ roll holiday at the Hard Rock Hotel or experience the tropical festivities at the Royal Pacific Resort.

Don’t miss Christmas with a twist of movie magic as only Universal can bring it to you!

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights was voted the #1 Halloween amusement park attraction in the country for 2008, and the title is well deserved.  Read more »

Orlando’s hottest hotel is the Orlando Hard Rock, located adjacent to Universal Studios. It offers classic California architecture and luxury with a rock and roll twist.

Each room is designed with your comfort and entertainment in mind, from spacious standard rooms up to the Graceland suite, where you too can live the life of the King of Rock and Roll.

You can’t get much closer to the Universal Studios than the Hard Rock Hotel, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Like all Hard Rock Hotels, the pool here is out of this world. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without spending some fun in the sun at the 12,000-square foot pool, the crowning centerpiece of the Hard Rock Hotel. Whether soaking up the rays on the poolside beach, serving it up on the sand volleyball court or making waves in the water, you won’t miss a beat of the best rock and roll with the underwater sound system. The Beachclub offers nonstop refreshment and several cabanas are available for that perfect beach side party.

There’s plenty more to do during your stay, including beautiful jogging and walking courses, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and special access to the best golf courses Orlando has to offer. Take part in numerous sports and artistic activities throughout the season or have some fun in the game room. Tour the memorabilia of rock legends and take home some of your own from the Hard Rock Store.

When you’re ready for the best in dining, look no further than the Palm Restaurant, New York’s famous steakhouse. From American to Italian cuisine, there’s something for the whole family.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, either. Spend your nights at the Velvet Bar, featuring the once-a-month “Velvet Sessions” with live music from your favorite bands. Slip back poolside for the Dive-In Movie or Concert Nights, featuring live DJs, bands and concert shows of today’s top artists.

Universal Studios has plenty for kids to do at the Hard Rock too. For your rockers in training, Camp Lil’ Rock is open late with supervised activities for the kids to have as much fun as the grown-ups.

The very best part of staying at the Hard Rock? Guests get free front of the line access to all the major rides and attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! There’s no better theme park perk out there right now than this.

Come for the weekend and live the life of a rock and roll star. Rates start as low as $229 and package options are available to make your stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort an experience you and your family will never forget.

Want an even better bargain? Many people don’t know it, but all three of the Universal are on Priceline. Before you book directly with the hotel, try Priceline and see if you can get a better deal. Sometimes you can get a room at the Hard Rock for right around $150.

Want to really save money on your trip to Universal Orlando? Consider skipping the hotels and staying at one of Orlando’s campgrounds instead. There’s no better way to get the entire family together for an adventure they’ll never forget. Take a break from hotels and television and get back to nature with one of these excellent campgrounds and RV parks.

The number one spot for camping in the Orlando area is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, located just outside of the Magic Kingdom. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Universal Studios, but like everything Disney does, it is immaculately designed and provides a terrific atmosphere for guests of all ages. Campsites are artfully situated among trees to feel private, but are close enough to all the amenities so that you never feel inconvenienced.

Fort Wilderness features some top notch pools, hiking trails, fishing, pony rides, and nightly campfires featuring Disney characters. Just so you don’t feel like nature is getting to be too much, there’s also a game room, wi-fi and internet services, laundry facilities, and baby-sitting available on-site.

Campsites start at $40 per night and can reach $100 per night during peak seasons, but there’s no other experience that can compare to camping out in the warm Florida weather.

Another great Orlando camping option is the KOA in Southeast Orlando at Lake Whippoorwill. The campsites are situated around a 300 acre lake, which features boat rampes, paddle boats, canoe rentals, and swimming. There’s also a pool, a hot tub, and bike rentals. Plan to spend around $40 per night for a site, and expect about a 20 minute drive into the theme parks.

For a real outdoorsy experience for your family, consider staying at the Circle F Dude Ranch. It’s about a 90 minute drive from the theme parks, but you’ll get to spend time on a real dude ranch, featuring horseback riding, fishing, campfires, and plenty of other family friendly activities. There’s even a camp program for kids that will keep them busy when mom and dad need a break.

If you’re looking for a place that caters to families with RV’s, check out the Orlando Winter Garden RV Park. They feature spacious sites with full electric, water, sewer, and cable tv hookups. Pets are welcome here, and the resort features two pools, laundry facilities, plenty of outdoor sports, and campfires with plenty of down home cooking. Rates range from $30-$50.

Camping in Orlando will not only bring your family closer together, it will save you big bucks that will come in handy when it comes to paying for those theme park tickets!

The hottest show in Orlando is the Blue Man Group at Universal Studios. This world famous trio has played sold out shows all over the world, and now has a permanent home at the Sony Aquas Theatre next to the Orlando Hard Rock Hotel. The Theater was designed just for the Blue Man Group, and is made to resemble the original New York location. Upon entry, you’re greeted by two Blue Men who just happen to be thirty feet tall. The space itself is small and intimate. With only 1000 seats, there really isn’t a bad spot in the house.

The show mixes music, comedy, dancing, and drums to create a truly amazing experience on par with Cirque du Soleil or similar shows. The actors (the Blue Men) put on the entire show, lasting nearly two hours, without saying a single world. With all there is to see and hear, you barely notice that the Blue Men never speak.

There’s a live orchestra and band, and of course, the Blue Men and their steel drums. Through it all, a truly spectacular laser light show is taking place all around you.

One of the most highly touted parts of this show is the audience interaction. If you really want to interact, sit in one of the first four rows, called the “splash zone.” The Theater provides ponchos to protect guest’s clothing from any unfortunate spills and splashes of….let’s just say there’s blue paint involved, but luckily, it’s machine washable!

Shows are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with ticket prices ranging from $60-80 depending on the season and your seating selection. The show is extremely popular and regularly sells out, so get your tickets early. The show is fun for all ages, but is not much fun for children under three. You don’t need to pay for theme park admission in order to see the show, as the theater is located on Universal’s free CityWalk area. Parking is free after 6pm in Universal’s parking garage.

In addition to the two theme parks, the Universal resort offers a mega entertainment complex called CityWalk. It’s located on the other side of the lake from the two theme parks, and serves to connect the parks and hotels to the parking area. Read more »

Can you imagine actually having the chance to step inside the world of the Harry Potter books? You could have a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, stroll through Hogsmeade, and shop in Diagon Alley. Starting in 2010, if you visit Universal Orlando, you could get the chance to do all these things and more as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens in the park.

In a joint venture with Warner Brothers and Universal Orlando Resorts, a park has been dedicated to Harry Potter, the title character of the book series created by J.K. Rowling, and will open inside Universal’s Island of Adventure park in Orlando, Florida. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be situated in Lost Continents section of Islands of Adventure.

While there has been a great deal of speculation about when the park will open, Universal has only stated on their Web site that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, touted as a “theme park within a theme park,” will open some time in 2010. Rowling herself has been very supportive of the park, and Universal has enlisted the help of Stuart Craig, the creative mind behind the set design of the entire Harry Potter movie series, to give the park a look that will allow patrons to imagine that they’re right in the middle of one of the films.

Because the park’s design will be inspired by the films, some of the most iconic locations from the series, including the village of Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forests, will be part of the layout. The centerpiece will be Hogwarts itself, a structure that may rival one of the great landmarks of Orlando, Cinderella’s castle at Disney World. Concept art for Hogsmeade, Hogwarts and inside the Three Broomsticks have already been made public.

Specific details about the rides and attractions hasn’t been fully disclosed yet. However, during one of the first reports on the park in June 2007, Orlando news station Local 6 reported that one of the rides, according to their sources, will include the Ford Anglia featured prominently in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Universal has created a Web site for the park, located at www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com, which has attraction renderings, frequently asked questions and an invitation to get regular updates on the park through your e-mail.

While you wait for the new Harry Potter land to open, start putting together your Harry, Ron, or Hermione costume.

While everyone can agree that a trip to Universal Studios Orlando can be fun for the whole family, many people are worried they can’t afford to spend money on a vacation, especially with the economy the way it is. What many people are surprised to learn is just how affordable a family vacation can be. With millions of people visiting the area each year, there are so many hotel, flight, and ticket options available that prices are cut rate.One of the best ways to get top value for your dollar is to buy a Universal Studios Vacation Package.

These packages combine all your travel needs into one package, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and sometimes even meals and theme park tickets. Buying everything all at once like this can save you big bucks on your trip. I really like these packages by FunJet because I used them for a trip to Orlando last year and got a much better deal than I could have gotten on my own. They gave me airfare and a hotel for my trip for the same price as the hotel alone would have cost me if I’d booked separately, plus they don’t have all the crazy fees that Orbitz and Travelocity have these days.

If you can’t find a package that meets your needs, don’t worry. You can build your own package using some cheap travel providers. Start by finding your flight on Priceline. They’re my favorite place for Orlando flights because not only can you search for deals the normal way, you can also name your own price for flights and see if any airlines will accept that price for a ticket. It’s called bidding for travel and you’ll get a response instantly.

Once you have your flight, check out hotel options at Priceline as well. I was a little nervous the first time I used Priceline, but you select exactly where you want your hotel to be and what star level you want before you bid. It feels really good to know you only paid $30 for the same room the hotel normally charges $200 for! I pretty much only use Priceline for my hotel bookings these days because of the great deals I’ve gotten.

For the cheapest rental car options, try E-Z Rent A Car.  When I used them to book my rental car on a trip to Walt Disney World last year, I think I ended up with a rate around $15 a day. It’s hard to get much cheaper than that.

By using these resources to book you’re trip, you’ll be able to have plenty of fun on your vacation, knowing you got the best deal. Plus the money you save will come in handy for buying souvenirs at the parks!

Orlando offers a great selection of water parks, with more being added every year. In this post, we’ll take a look at the Disney waterparks, Sea World’s new Aquatica park, and the classic Wet ‘N Wild and Watermania.

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Yes, there are theme parks in Orlando beyond the famous Walt Disney World. There’s Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, or course. (For an overview of the Universal parks, see this post from October.) In this post, we’ll look at Sea World and its sister park, Discovery Cove, as well as Busch Gardens in Tampa.

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The Orlando area is home to some of the best theme parks in the world. In this post, we’ll do a quick overview of each park, highlight some of the best attractions, and outline the best park for different interests and age groups.

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Let’s face it….you can only spend so much time at an amusement park before you need a break. While on your vacation at Universal, there’s going to come a day when you just can’t face another roller coaster or long line. Don’t worry though. Orlando offers plenty of other attractions to keep you busy away from the parks. Read more »

I’ve mentioned in many posts that I hate waiting in long lines. I know some people feel like that 90 minute wait is part of the theme park experience, but I’d rather wait 5-10 minutes and walk right on to the ride. The good news is that Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer plenty of ways to experience major rides and attractions without waiting in line, and you can do it without spending an extra dime.

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With all of the movie making magic and special effects that Universal Studios has to offer, it can leave visitors wanting more in terms of big thrills. In 1999, Universal created a sister park, right next door called Islands of Adventure. This park offers all the coasters and thrill rides that Universal Studios is missing.

Islands of Adventure features five islands around a central lagoon. The first land is Super Hero Island, and it contains some major headline rides. The first is the Incredible Hulk coaster, which shoots riders from 0 to 40 MPH in 2 seconds, and features some major loops and zero-G moments. Next is The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, which is a simulator ride that is better than any you’ve experienced before. Also in this land is Dr. Doom’s Fearfall, a tower ride which drops riders to the ground, braking moment before impact.

The next land you’ll encounter is Toon Lagoon. The best thing about this land is the elaborate theming, and the whimsical buildings. There are also two major water rides: a log flume and a river rafting ride.

For dinosaur lovers, you’ll love Jurassic Park land. The main ride here is the Jurassic Park Adventure, where dinosaurs chase you the entire way until you end up on a surprise 85 foot drop to the water below. There’s also a Jurassic Park playground and a dinosaur discovery area for kids.

Speaking of kids, they’ll love Seuss landing, which has several Seuss themed attractions, including a Cat in the Hat dark ride, a Caro-Seuss-el carousel, and an interactive play land for kids.

For more big thrills, head over to the Lost Continent. Here you’ll find the Dueling Dragons coasters, Fire and Ice, as well as the children’s coaster The Flying Unicorn. There are also two spectacular shows based on Sinbad and Poseidon, and a really uniue interactive fountain that’s not to be missed.

Coming in 2009, a new land will be added based on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Fans of the books and movies are eagerly awaiting this new land.

Taking young children to Universal Studios? While some of the rides here are a little too grown up for kids, there is still plenty to keep them busy.

If you have young kids, you’ll want to start your visit to Universal with a visit to Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, a land designed just for little ones. Kids looking for thrills will want to head for Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster. This is a great beginner coaster for kids, with a minimum height requirement of 36″. Parents can ride too, so they can enjoy this gentle coaster with their kids. Read more »

In 2004, Universal Studios opened its first roller coaster. Revenge of the Mummy is based on the popular Mummy movie series, and is one of the most unique coasters ever invented.It took almost 25 years for Universal Studios to finally build a roller coaster, but when they finally decided to add one, they definately picked the right one. A traditional coaster would be way out of place with the park’s movie magic theme, so Universal went for a coaster based on the movies. Read more »

As a lifelong Simpsons lover, I was so excited to here that Universal Studios was opening a Simpsons themed ride in 2008. Read more »

Are you planning a vacation to Universal Orlando but nervous about leaving your pet behind? With all of the hotels available in the Orlando area, it’s no surprise that many of them are starting to cater to pet-lovers. Bringing your pet along can help calm your nerves, knowing your pet is being cared for, and can also give your pet the adventure of a lifetime.

Because of the huge demand for pet friendly hotels in Orlando, many of those that do allow pets don’t even charge any extra fees for guests who bring their pets along. Some may require a refundable cleaning deposit, and others may have weight limits for animals, but every year the rules become more flexible. Check the rules with each hotel before you book, and confirm one more time before you leave.

The following are some of the best hotels in Orlando for pets:

• Comfort Suites at 9350 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando – This hotel is one of Orlando’s best when it comes to our furry friends. Both cats and dogs are welcome, and rooms are designed with pet safety in mind. The hotel features a pet playground and plenty of space to take your dog for a walk. Located only 2 miles from Universal, Comfort Suites is a great place for pet lovers.
• Buena Vista Suites at 8203 World Center Drive – This hotel is in the Disney area, so plan on a 20 minutes drive to Universal Studios each day. They welcome both cats and dogs, and feature two-room suites that are designed with pet safety in mind. There is no special spot designed for dogs to play, but guests are permitted to walk dogs on the tennis court or in the parking lot.
• The Sheraton Safari Hotel at 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Rd – With it’s cat and dog friendly policies, this hotel located near Downtown Disney is another great option if you’d like to bring your pet along on your vacation. Room service will accomodate any food orders for your pet that you require, and there’s plenty of walking trails to allow your pooch to stretch his legs.
• Quality Suites 7400 Canada Ave – This cat and dog friendly hotel is the closet hotel to Universal Studios for pet lovers. There’s plenty of space on the grounds for you to walk your pet, and rooms are designed to keep your pet safe.

Take advantage of these and other pet friendly Orlando hotels on your next trip to Universal or Disney!

Many people who have visited Orlando’s Universal Studios park in the past will be surprised at just how much the resort has evolved. There are now two major parks, three hotels, and the CityWalk Entertainment complex. Read more »

So you’ve checked out some of the hotel options near the park and you’re convinced that staying onsite is completely worth the cost. Now which of the three Universal Resort hotels do you choose? Read more »

Let’s face it. Theme park tickets are expensive. No matter which amusement park you choose, you’re going to shell out big bucks for your tickets. But let’s break it down. Disney and Universal tickets cost about $70 for a one day, one park ticket. On the average day, the park’s are open from 10 am to around 9 pm. That’s 11 hours of world class fun for $70, or just over $6 an hour. When you look at it that way, it’s not such a bad deal after all.

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If Universal’s onsite hotels are out of your budget, don’t worry. There are thousands of hotel choices in Orlando, with something that will fit any vistor’s budget.

Within one mile of Universal Studio’s gates, there are half a dozen affordable lodging options. For the very best deal, try the Comfort Inn Universal Studios. It offers free parking and rates starting around $50 a night. Best of all, you can walk to the theme parks from here!

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The Universal Resort offers three on-site hotels that truly five-star, world-class destinations, with a price tag to match. So why bother reviewing these hotels if the price is so high? Simply put, Universal’s hotels come with the greatest theme park perk ever. Guests of the hotels get free front-of-the-access to all the major rides and attractions in the park! Can you imagine a sweeter deal?! All you have to do is show your room key to the ride attendents and you can breeze past the lines.

So what, you’re thinking, if the prices are too high for me to afford it? While the rack rates at the three hotels are all over $300 a night, the smart traveler can easily get a room at one of Universal’s hotels for $150-175/night by shopping around.

The first place to look is Priceline. Not only do they seem to have some of the best hotel deals around, but they have the lowest booking fees too. There’s nothing I hate worse than finding a low price for a hotel on Expedia or Orbitz then finding out I’m paying an extra $50 or so in booking fees. Read more »