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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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.