Universal Orlando comprises two parks -- movie-themed Universal Studios and thrill-ride-packed Islands of Adventure -- and a dining and entertainment complex called CityWalk.
THRILL SEEKERS At Universal Studios, start with the new and hot (literally!) Revenge of the Mummy -- The Ride, then defend the planet at Men in Black Alien Attack. (M.I.B. is like a video game: the more you play, the better you get. If older kids get hooked, the Single Rider Line usually has a minimal wait.) At Islands of Adventure, big thrills abound, but the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Dueling Dragons promise the most flips and dips. A word of caution: Universal's rides can be quite intense, so take height requirements and descriptions seriously.
DON'T MISS: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Ages 8 and under can check out Shrek 4-D and Animal Planet Live, while older siblings ride Men in Black for the 217th time.
DON'T MISS: ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction combines motion, pyrotechnics, and 3-D effects to immerse riders in a comic-book chase scene. Younger kids will love riding Cat in the Hat -- The Ride and One Fish Two Fish in popular Seuss Landing.
BEST WATER RIDE Wanna get wet? Really wet? Head for Islands of Adventure's Toon Lagoon section, where Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls culminates in a 75-foot drop and Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges will soak you through to your underwear. Save these for the hottest part of the day, and on Popeye, be sure to stuff shoes and socks into the dry pouch on each raft. Otherwise, your next stop may be Blisterland.
BEST BETS ON DRIZZLY DAYS Don't wanna get wet? Head to Universal Studios, where most attractions are inside.
GREAT RESTAURANTS CityWalk gets packed at night (mostly with adults), but restaurants are rarely crowded at lunch. Duck out of the parks and take a break at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville or the Hard Rock Cafe. Inside the parks, you'll find Mythos, a sit-down spot at Islands of Adventure that was recently voted the best restaurant in any theme park nationwide, as well as nice counter-service options. Croissant Moon Bakery at Islands of Adventure offers fast service and a great selection (the breakfast pastries are tasty), while kitschy Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios serves up classic burgers, fries, and shakes.
UNIVERSAL EXPRESS Universal offers several options for skipping the line: you can use Express Pass, a system that works much like Disney's FASTPASS, or you can buy a Universal Express Plus pass (prices vary by season), which allows you to use the express line once for each attraction.
CHARACTER MEET AND GREETS There's a certain logic to the layout; Shrek and Fiona can be found just as you exit the Shrek show, the Cat in the Hat is at Seuss Landing, and so on. Greeting times and places are indicated on park guides.
PRESCHOOLERS SHOULDN'T MISS At Islands of Adventure, little kids can climb through Camp Jurassic, play games in If I Ran the Zoo, or squirt themselves silly aboard Me Ship, the Olive. In Universal Studios, drop by the Woody Woodpecker KidZone, where the water cannons in Curious George Goes to Town are sure to cool them off.
Ticket prices: One-day/one-park passes are $59.75 for adults and $48 for kids ages 3 to 9. For more information, call 407-363-8000 or go to www.universalorlando.com.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
