
7 Best Things to Do in Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando's Best Attractions
The best things to do in Universal Orlando revolve around the 2 flagship amusement parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These 2 parks are simply world-class and not to be missed. Families and younger ones should go for the original park first, while older children and teens will love Islands of Adventure. Regardless of age, movie buffs will simply love the whole Universal complex and its unique ability to bring the movies to life before your eyes.
There are loads more attractions around Universal Orlando though, with water parks, live performances along CityWalk, and a host of things to do on International Drive. Enjoying everything this area has to offer might be easiest if you hire a car, but the great thing about staying in a hotel within the Universal area is the excellent shuttle service which will take you wherever you want to go.
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- Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure® – more commonly referred to as just ‘Islands of Adventure – is one of the most popular and highest-rated theme parks in the Florida area, and has received international awards for its range of roller coasters and attractions.
The most popular rides and attractions include Marvel Super Hero Island® and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Hogsmeade™ which features a fun range of Harry Potter themed locations such as Hogwarts™ Castle and the Forbidden Forest.
Read moreLocation: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Phone: +1 407-224-4233
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Universal Studios Florida® - one-half of the wider Universal Orlando® Resort – is one of the most visited and best-known theme parks in the United States, drawing in the crowds with its long lineup of Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions.
Some 7 million guests enter under through the park’s iconic archway every year, originally opened in 1990 as a standalone theme park. The most popular rides include Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts, Hollywood Rip, Ride and Rokit, and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.
Read moreLocation: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
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ICON Orlando is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, elevating passengers 400 feet (122 metres) into the sky for some awesome panoramic views over downtown Orlando and Central Florida beyond. Opened in April 2015, the circular structure replicates the design of many giant Ferris wheel attractions across the world (such as the London Eye and Singapore Flyer), and is officially classed as an ‘observation wheel’ because the motion is slow and steady – the only scary thing is the look down!
As part of your ticket, you can also enjoy a ‘pre-flight 4D Cinema Experience’, which basically points out all the places of interest around the Central Florida region that you’ll be seeing for real when you head up to the top.
Read moreLocation: ICON Orlando 360, 8401 International Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +1 407-601-7907
- Families
- History
- Unusual
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium in Orlando is the ultimate collection of all things weird and unusual for the whole family to enjoy. Prepare to be shocked and amazed at this one-of-a-kind museum in Orlando's entertainment district.
Ripley's contains so many items, photographs and interactive exhibits that you won't believe are real, from shrunken human heads to bizarre animal oddities, such as a 2-headed calf.
Read moreLocation: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to midnight
Phone: +1 407-345-0501
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For an outrageous and sensory show from a worldwide group of talented performers, check out Blue Man Group in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort.
The Blue Man Group is a comedy, theatre, rock concert, and dance party combined. The upbeat trio of multi-instrumentalists put on a spectacular show that goes through several episodes with audience participation. The show appeals to pretty much all ages, so it's great for the whole family.
Read moreLocation: Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Phone: +1 407-258-3626
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Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Orlando exhibits a cool collection of stunningly lifelike wax sculptures through 6 sections. There are famous celebrities, sports stars and historical figures for you to pose and photograph.
You can get up close and personal with Albert Einstein, The President of the United States, Michael Jackson, Angelina Jolie, and even Shrek. There are true-life wax representations of pretty much all of the most popular and influential people in history, sports, music, television, and film!
Read moreLocation: ICON Orlando 360, 8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm (Friday–Saturday until 11 pm)
Phone: +1 866-630-8315
Universal Orlando Resort's CityWalk is a pedestrianized street that's great for dining, drinking, shopping, and fun! It's filled with restaurants, live performance theatres and nightlife venues – you can be sure to find something captivating here.
Some of CityWalk's highlights include the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe as well as famous celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's restaurant, Emeril's Restaurant Orlando. What's more, access to the whole area is completely free, so it doesn't matter if you're visiting Orlando Universal Resort or not.
Read moreLocation: Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 2.30 am
Phone: +1 407-363-8000
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