This park’s theme revolves around entertainment, mostly related to the television and movies industry. You get to enjoy numerous rides, attractions and live shows. This park is also known as Universal Studio and is one of the parks in Universal Orlando Resort.

Firstly, you should visit their website to select and lock the dates you plan to explore the theme park. Be sure to check the opening and closing hours for your chosen dates.

For Universal studio Florida, I selected September 17th, 2018. The options I received for that day was : 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Now let’s breakdown a few things:

The Universal Orlando resort commonly known as Universal Orlando has 2 theme parks, a water park, a night-time entertainment complex and 6 Loews hotels.

The 2 Theme parks are:

• Universal studios Florida
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure

The Water park is:

• Volcano Bay

 

https://www.universalorlando.com/webdata/k2/en/us/files/Documents/universal-studios-florida-park-map-english.pdf

Universal Studios Florida features 8 themed areas.

Production Central
New York
San Francisco
London/Diagon Alley
World Expo
Springfield
Woody Woodpeckers’ Kidzone
Hollywood

Tip: Try reaching the park 1 hour before it is scheduled to open, so that you can avoid most of the crowd.

Production central

This is the first area that guests enter when they walk into the Universal Studios Florida gates. Apart from rides and attractions, this place also offers Dining options and Merchandise shops.

The towering Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster tends to draw the eye.

But if you look around, you’ll see a lot of large sound stages and show buildings. That’s because Universal Studios Florida is a real working production facility where TV and movie shoots take place.

Another attraction you’ll find in Production Central is the Music Plaza where many concerts happen.

The Rides it offers

Despicable me minion Mayhem-14mins
Shrek 4-D -20mins
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit- 4mins (Thrill)
Transformers: The Ride 3D -5mins

Dining in Production Central

Universal Studios Classic Monsters Café: Try Turkey Leg
Bone Chillin’

Shops in Production Central

It’s a Wrap: Located near the exit, it’s a Wrap is where you pick up your packages at the end of the day.

On Location: This shop is where you activate your Photo Connect Package or pick up your prints. On Location also sells camera and film supplies, sunscreen, hats, and other items you might have forgotten to bring to the park.

Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe
Super Silly Stuff
Supply Vault
Universal Studios Store
Studio Sweets

New York

It features several dining outlets and merchandise shops. We were fortunate to meet and greet “The mummy” Characters.

The Rides it offers

Revenge of the mummy -5mins (Intense)
Race through New York starring Jimmy Fallon- 7mins

Shows          

The Blue Brothers show -15mins
Held on the corner of the New York area across from the lagoon

Tip: Special character meet ups will be set up for different days. Be sure to pick up Park Map which has, show timings.

We had a chance of meeting Marilyn Monroe & the Diamond Bellas.

Dining in New York

Ben and Jerry’s
Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
Louie’s Italian Restaurant
Starbucks Coffee

Shops in New York

Doc’s Candy
Park Plaza Holiday Shop
Sahara Traders
The Irish Shop

Entertainment

Palace Theater Arcade: Access this exciting space through the Sahara Traders gift shop in New York or from 42nd Street.

San Francisco

Currently there is just 1 ride in this part of the park, Fast and Furious Ride. We waited in line for about 40 mins, but unfortunately could not ride it due to a technical difficulty. This area is designed very well, the buildings are modeled after actual buildings in the San Francisco Bay area.

This area sports a beautiful dock and has restaurants with seating areas by the water. You’ll find the Jaws shark hanging in this area. It is almost all that is left of the Jaws ride.

The rides it offers

Fast & Furious Supercharged -5mins We could not try due to technical difficulty

Dining in San Francisco

Chez Alcatraz
Lombard’s Seafood Grille: Try San Francisco cobb salad, New England clam chowder, Lobster bisque.
Richter’s Burger Co.
San Francisco Pastry Company

Shops in San Francisco

San Francisco Candy Factory

London/Diagon Alley

This is the main reason why I wanted to visit Universal Orlando for so long 😀 It is themed exactly like the Harry potter’s movie locations. It has signature restaurants and shops.
We ended up buying so many harry potter souvenirs and I have handful of Wands.

Before you enter the Wizarding world, you will see the Kings Cross station, it is the most noticeable building around. Yup, you guessed it right! This is where you catch the Hogwarts Express that connects to second theme park “Island of Adventure”.

In the courtyard outside King’s Cross station, You will find London’s waterfront and the Knight bus.

The Wizarding world of Diagon Alley is hidden behind a brick wall just like in the movies.

As you walk past the brick wall, look up and you will see the amazing dragon sitting on top of the Gringotts bank.

 

You can tell, I am OBSESSED with the dragon 😀

I have so much more to tell you all about Diagon Alley.I will be soon putting up a post about Harry potters Tips and Tricks. Make sure to watch out this space.

The Rides it offers

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts-5mins
Hogwarts Express-King’s Cross Station – 5mins

Shows in Diagon Alley

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees -13mins

The action takes place on a stage in the back section of Carkitt Market.

With song titles created by Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling (“You Stole My Cauldron but You Can’t Have My Heart,” “A Cauldron Full of Hot Strong Love,” and “You Charmed the Heart Right Out of Me,”).

The Tales of Beedle the Bard -11 mins
The action takes place on a stage in the back section of Carkitt Market.

Knight Bus – 5mins
Parked near the fountain on the London waterfront.

Dining in Diagon Alley

Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream
As the name suggests this shop is all about Ice-creams.

Leaky Cauldron
This place is heaven for Harry potter fans. You will find all the yummilicious signature food.We tried Bangers & Mash Fisherman’s pie and the famous Butterbeer.

 

The Fountain of Fair Fortune
This shop is all about drinks.

The Hopping Pot
As you enter the magical world. Just a few steps from the brick wall, take a right and you will see this restaurant at the far end. This is an outdoor spot and serves drinks.

Tip:
The picnic tables outside of The Hopping Pot fill up fast, especially when the Carkitt Market shows (Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees and Tales of Beedle the Bard) are about to start. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, you will be within earshot of the shows.

Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment
This is a small yet beautifully designed counter of drink potions.
Try : Fire Protection Potion, Babbling Beverage, Elixir to Induce Euphoria, and Draught of Peace.

Shops in Diagon Alley

Sugarplums Sweets Shop.
Borgin and Burkes.
Madam Malkin’s Robes.
Magical Menagerie.
Ollivanders : I got chosen for Wand Ceremony. So yaaay 😀
Quality Quidditch Supplies
Scribbulus.
Shutterbutton’s.
Wands by Gregorovitch.
Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.
Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment.

World Expo

This is a small area which covers just 1 ride.

The Rides it offers

Men in Black: Alien Attack -5mins (Thrill)

Shows in World Expo

Fear Factor Live -30mins

Shops in World Expo

MIB Gear

Springfield

Springfield is a Simpsons themed area. The area also includes multiple opportunities for interaction.

Tip: Look out for a pay phone outside Kwik-E-Mart, put it down and wait for it to ring. When you pick the phone up again, you’ll hear a special message.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVKjemuwVsI

The Rides it offers

The Simpsons Ride 8mins
Kang & Kodo’s Twirl’n Hurl 2mins

Dining in Springfield

Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck.
Cletus’ Chicken Shack.
Duff Brewery.
Flaming Moe’s.
Krusty Burger.
Lard Lad Donuts: Try the famous Big Pink Donut
Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror.
Luigi’s Pizza.
Moe’s Tavern.
The Frying Dutchman.

Shops in Springfield

Kwik-E-Mart

Woody Woodpeckers’ Kidzone

This part of the park is specifically designed for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. We skipped all rides and shops in this area to save time. You can choose this area to stay cool. They have Wet Play areas.

The Rides it offers

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster 1mins
E.T Adventure 8mins

Shows in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone

A Day in the Park with Barney -25mins
Animal Actors on Location – 25mins

Play Areas in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone

Fievel’s Playland: Wet play area.
Curious George Goes to Town: Wet play area.
Barney’s Backyard.

Dining in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone

KidZone Pizza Company.

Shops in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone

SpongeBob StorePants: SpongeBob appears periodically throughout the day to take pictures with guests in a themed area in the store.
The Barney Shop.
E.T.’s Toy Closet and Photo Spot.

Hollywood

This place has many outlets that are recreated from actual Hollywood outlets. The Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida contains many different landmarks and building facades from the real Hollywood in California.

Even the street names, including Hollywood Boulevard, and Sunset Boulevard, are Hollywood inspired. Parts of the Hollywood area also pay homage to Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills. You can even get your picture taken in front of a faux Hollywood sign.

The Rides it offers

There aren’t any rides in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida.

Shows in Hollywood

NBC Media Center
Studio Brass Band -20mins –Set up on the corner near the Hello Kitty store.
Universal Orlando Horror Make-Up Show-27min

Dining in Hollywood

Beverly Hills Boulangerie
Café La Bamba
Mel’s Drive-In
Schwab’s Pharmacy

Shops in Hollywood

Brown Derby Hat Shop:
Cyber Image
Hello Kitty Store
The Film Vault
Williams of Hollywood Prop Shop:

Other shows:

Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration -19mins

An epic new show is lighting up the night at Universal Studios Florida with a colossal celebration of music, water and light that transforms the park and takes you into the movies like never before.

This show takes place near the lagoon. Unfortunately we did not have any shows scheduled on the day we visited the park.

Universal Superstar Parade – 30 minutes

The parade takes place in late in the afternoon. Show times may vary depending on park hours and events, so you should check the park map for times on the days you are there.
The parade moves through New York, Hollywood, and Production Central in Universal Studios Florida.

The parade starts at the gate between Café La Bamba and Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show and then back to the starting point.

Show Details:

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/search-results/filtered/index.html?attraction_experience=shows&attraction_location=usf&attraction_interest=

Show time:

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/hours-information/show-times/index.html#show-times-usf

Other Seasonal Shows:

There are many attractions that opens seasonally. When we went to Universal The Halloween Horror Nights had started.

You can find the seasonal Event information here:

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/seasonal-fun/index.html#Spring

Note: It’s important to note that Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. It will not get you into the theme parks during regular hours

There were 10 horrifying houses for Halloween Horror Nights for 2018

The event runs select nights September through November at Universal Studios Florida. This year, the dates are Sept. 14 through Nov. 3, 2018, typically from 6:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. While all nights are popular, the crowds generally increase as it gets closer to Halloween.

• September 14-16, 19-23, 26, 28-30
• October 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, 31
• November 1-3

Almost as fun (or more fun depending on the lines) are the Scare Zones, areas of the park where terrifying creatures are free-roaming.

Please note that the regular Express Pass does not work during Halloween Horror Nights. These are the rides that will be open during Halloween Horror Nights 28:

• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3D.
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
• Revenge of the Mummy.
• Men in Black Alien Attack.
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/halloween-horror-nights/index.html#announcements

Note: Shows and their timings keep changing so be sure to check their website before you plan.

Using Express Passes on Universal Studio Florida

If you are not a fan of long lines, then you should purchase the Universal Express Pass. This is not a VIP pass, but it is a special ticket that allows you to skip the regular lines for rides and shows after you have entered the park. You can get this as a free ticket in select resorts.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/express-passes/index.html#universal-express-passes

Universal Studio Florida rides and attractions That Accept Express Passes

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
• T. Adventure.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack.
• Revenge of the Mummy.
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
• Shrek 4-D.
• The Simpsons Ride.
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D.
• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
• Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station.
• Fast & Furious Supercharged.
• Kang & Kodo’s Twirl’n Hurl.
• The Halloween Horror Nights.

Universal Studio Florida rides and attractions That Do NOT Accept Express Passes:

• Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
• Knight Bus.
• The Blues Brother Show.
• Universal’s Superstar Parade.
• Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular.
• Fear Factor Live.
• Universal Horror Make-Up Show.
• Animal Actors on Location!
• A Day in The Park with Barney.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/express-passes/index.html#participating-rides-attractions

Please read the height requirements for each ride:

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™*
  Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Revenge of the Mummy™*
  Must be at least 48″ (122cm).
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™
  Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
  Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster™
  Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• The Simpsons Ride™
  Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™*
  Must be at least 51″ (130cm) and no more than 79″ (200cm).
• T. Adventure™
  Must be at least 34″ (86cm). Children between 34″–48″ (86cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™
  Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion. Persons under 40″ (102cm) must experience this attraction from an adjacent stationary seat.
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
  Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged™
  Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

*These rides have test seats available so that guests can determine comfort and fit for themselves before riding.

How we covered Universal Studio in 1 day

Firstly, you need to understand that you might not be able to cover all the attractions, rides and shows. The park is quite big, so please do not be disappointed. You will still be able to make a lot of memories and have a great time.

You need to do a bit of homework before going to theme parks, especially if you are going with your little ones.

I have put down all the details to make it easier for you.

1>I maintained a small print out of the rides, shows, and dining places for each day.

2>I kept the park opening and close timings at the top of my mind. Since the park opened at 8am. We made sure we reached the park at least by 7:30am. We were lucky enough to not face a lot of crowd as we went there during off-season i.e September.

3>As we entered, let me be honest, we went crazy and went straight to the tempting shops on our left. We explored Universal studio store. As I am a huge harry potter fan I got my first interactive wand here. I wanted to be ready with the wand before I entered Diagon Alley.

4>After we explored the first shop. We felt bad that we missed a lot of time and stuck to our list and started checking all the things on our list. We had already purchased an additional Universal Express park to Park ticket which helped us catch most of the attractions in no time.

5> We had stopped at New York to buy our first refillable mugs. You can fill it will Coke, Water, Cold drinks, Water and many drinks throughout the day. You will end up saving hundreds of by using the Universal Studios Refillable Cups.
6> We started exploring everything from Production central and then proceeded to New York, San Francisco, Diagon Alley. Yep we stopped there on Day 1 😀 because like I said before the park is too big to complete, especially if you are an admirer of every little thing.

7> A short while after lunch, we ran outside Diagon Alley to see Parade which starts at 3PM.

8> After the parade, we were back in Diagon Alley till 6:50pm and we soon realized that Island of adventure was open till 9PM. So, we headed to Kings Cross station and took the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade.

We ended our day by watching The Hogwarts Castles fireworks show and dinner at three broomsticks.

9> Next day on Sept 19^th , we started by exploring what was pending in Universal Studios. But before entering the park, we rushed to guest service office to collect a hard copy of the ticket and the express pass.

10>After that, started exploring from Hollywood, then onto Woody Woodpecker, Springfield, World Expo and once again to Diagon Alley.

Why again? Because I love Harry potter! A lot 😀 After that we took Hogwarts Express and reached Island of Adventures.

Useful Tips:

• Buy your Universal Orlando park admission tickets in advance; the line to buy park tickets at the gates can be quite long, especially in the morning.
• Download the Official Universal Orlando Resort app before you visit for all Universal Orlando’s parks. This free mobile app will tell you wait times for rides, show times, and restaurant hours.
• There are free park brochures near the entrance of Universal Studios Florida; be sure to grab one when you get in the park. The brochure includes a park map, show times, and other important park announcements.
• Make sure to collect your hard copy of Ticket and other additional copies from Guest services. It is easy to carry around in lanyard.

• Universal Studios Florida has a daily afternoon parade known as Universal’s Superstar Parade. Look for the parade route on the free park map near the gates.
• Most park visitors choose to eat in Universal Studios Florida – there are several good restaurants right in the park – but another option is to pop out of the park to eat lunch or dinner in CityWalk. You’ll find a lot of worthwhile dining options.
• Some rides have locker facilities. Take a picture of your lockers just in case you forget .
• A lot of the park restaurants close one hour before the rest of Universal Studios Florida; don’t leave dinner until the last minute unless you want to eat in CityWalk.
• Universal Studios Florida sells Coca-Cola products. Pepsi products can be found at a few CityWalk locations. You cannot buy soda in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
• Refillable cup has an RFID chip in the bottom of the cup (hidden away)
  One of the standard Universal Studios cups is $15.99 + tax. This includes one day of refills (running from midnight to midnight). 
• Remember, if you’re an annual pass holder then you’ll get a discount on Universal Studios food, drink and merchandise. While one cup will set you back $15.99 + tax you can get;2 cups for $14.99 plus tax,3 – 6 cups for $12.99 plus tax.
• And yes, you can use this cup on different days too you simply pay a reactivation fee + tax which will cover the cup being reactivated and used for that entire day (until midnight)
• American Express is an official card of Universal. It has 10% discount on merchandise over $75.
• Universal Studios Florida has designated smoking sections in every area of the park except The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
• You can find ATM’s and first aid counters inside the park. I wasn’t looking but I found one right at the entrance of Universal Studios.

• Try exploring the park anticlockwise i.e Hollywood, it is least crowded. And majority of people start exploring from Production Central.

Now that you’ve gotten this far. Help other find this information as well.Please share with those planning a trip? Like, Share and Comment.

I encourage my readers to comment, ask questions I will be glad to help you.

As stated earlier, I will upload a separate post about Harry Potter and the Wizarding world along with details of our experiences in the other theme parks.

Be sure to read our other posts.

Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure.
Tips and Tricks for Universal Orlando – The Ultimate List.
How We Planned Our Trip to Orlando.