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By Jim Korkis

Welcome to the Orlando Vacation Universal Orlando Overview!

Lights! Camera! Action! Have you ever wanted to be part of a thrilling movie experience? Do you enjoy rides that rock and roll you around? Do you like things loud and energetic? Then Universal Orlando is where you want to spend some of your vacation days.

Universal Orlando is not as large as Walt Disney World but it will still take several days to experience because it is composed of two adventure theme parks, three resort hotels and a huge shopping and dining area called Universal CityWalk that truly comes alive with high energy at night.

Universal Orlando is a much different experience than Walt Disney World but with many options that will need some advance planning. This overview is designed to help you get started with your plans. You can get additional personalized help by visiting our website at www.orlandovacation.com or calling 1-800-641-4008.
Universal Studios Orlando like its sister park in Hollywood, California allows guests the opportunity to “ride the movies”. The park consists of six themed areas designed to resemble working movie sets - Hollywood, Production Central, New York, San Francisco / Amity, World Expo and Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone that is home to E.T., Curious George and Barney the dinosaur.
Some of the wild movie related rides in these areas include The Simpsons Ride a motion simulator journey where you join the well known animated Simpsons family on a trip to Krustyland, Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black Alien Attack, Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time and many more that are guaranteed to shake things up including a ride that puts you right in the middle of a disaster movie.

Islands of Adventure is the second theme park at Universal Orlando. Like Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, it is divided into several distinctly different themed lands called “islands”.

These islands include: Toon Lagoon where classic comic strip and cartoon heroes like Popeye, Betty Boop and Dudley Do-Right roam. Seuss Landing where the strange creatures from the books of Dr. Seuss come to life in rides designed for the younger guests. Marvel Super Hero Island: home to the famous Marvel comic book characters like the Hulk and Dr. Doom with the “Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man” being a jaw dropping 3-D ride through a New York battle between the webslinger and his nemesis the Green Goblin. Jurassic Park based on the popular Steven Spielberg films allows guests to interact with life sized dinosaurs both on rides and in the Discovery Center. The Lost Continent is home to Sinbad the Sailor and other ancient myths.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the newest island addition to the park and re-creates the experience of that famed movie series in amazing detail. Plan to come early to this small twenty acre section or expect to spend most of your time waiting in the hot Florida sun before you get to enjoy a ride or a shop.
A majestic Hogwarts’ Castle looms over this area that features: The Forbidden Journey ride using advanced robotics to send guests off on a wild adventure alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Dragon Challenge is an inverted racing coaster with two seperate tracks and many near-misses. Guests can also drink the famed butterbeer (either frozen or non-frozen), pumpkin juice or sample some of the other edible treats inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies.
Universal CityWalk is an entertainment district located in front of both parks and includes the 20 screen AMC Universal Cineplex as well as numerous restaurants, shops, and clubs like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and the Hard Rock Café. Also located here is the Blue Man Group theater with its nightly performances. Newly added is the high in the sky Rip Ride Rockit Coaster with a track that extends outside the park as well as snaking through CityWalk’s promenade.
Universal Orlando is well known for a variety of special holiday events that last for several weeks throughout the year including the truly frightening Halloween Horror Nights, Macy’s Holiday Parade with the authentic huge balloons, a colorful Mardi Gras Celebration and a Christmas make-over called “Grinchmas” with Dr. Seuss’ famous furry green Grinch taking charge of the festivities.

As you can tell, there are a lot of choices and a lot of questions that need to be answered for you to really enjoy your visit.

Orlando Vacation is an expert at Universal Orlando travel and can give you the options you need to help you decide what time of year to come, how long to stay, where to stay and what type of tickets to purchase. There are countless plans for every budget and every type of family. Visit the website at www.orlandovacation.com or phone toll free 1-800-641-4008.

Make sure you join us for some of our other Central Florida attraction overviews and tell your friends how Orlando Vacation can help your dream vacation become a reality that you can afford.

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