The Orlando Universal Studios It is one of the main parks in the United States, which attracts many lovers of Universal-produced films. This way, discover the complete history of the complex and find out what to visit on your trip to Florida in the USA.
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What is Orlando Universal Studios?
One of the main amusement parks in Florida is Orlando Universal Studios, which attracts tourists from all over the world. After all, it was the first space at Universal Orlando Resort, a large entertainment complex that offers:
- attractions;
- Thematic parks;
- hotels and resorts.
It is also worth highlighting that the place is famous for offering visitors the chance to experience the world of cinema in a unique and emotional way.
Does Universal Studios belong to Disney?
Although this is a common question, it should be noted that Universal Studios is not part of the Disney Orlando parks. After all, although it is in the same city, it is a division of NBCUniversal, which is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
This way, companies compete in the market, both for films and parks, but you can visit both on your trip. However, you need to plan ahead, as the parks are not so close together.
What is the park experience like?
Universal Studios Florida offers a unique experience centered around the films and entertainment culture created by Universal Pictures, while Disney parks have their own approach and narrative.
Likewise, both park complexes offer a wide range of attractions and experiences for visitors to enjoy, each with its own unique atmosphere and themes.
Distance from Disney to Universal Studios
The distance between the parks is about 20 km, which takes about half an hour by car. However, to make the most of it, it is ideal to visit on different days.
This means you can enjoy the different attractions of each of these parks more and you don't have to find two parking spaces in two different locations, for example.
What is the origin of Orlando Universal Studios?
Orlando Universal Studios emerged from a partnership between companies with Universal Pictures. Thus, some attractions are based on films signed by Universal Studios and the authors of some of these works, for example.
Conception
The idea of creating Universal Studios Florida began to be discussed in the 1980s. Thus, renowned film director Steven Spielberg was very involved in the initial conception of the park and was one of its co-founders.
Steven aimed to bring the most iconic scenes from Universal Pictures films to reality. That's because Spielberg wanted visitors to have the chance to enter the worlds of the films they loved.
Initially, the idea was to create a park from scratch, but one of the first projects was the creation of a simulator for the film Back to the Future. But soon the project grew and today, many people dream of visiting Orlando Studios.
Development phase
Universal Pictures, a division of MCA Inc. at the time, gave the project the green light, and development of the park began in Orlando, Florida.
The location was then chosen due to the region's popularity as a tourist destination and the year-round favorable climate.
Park opening
Orlando Universal Studios officially opened on June 7, 1990. On that day, the park opened its doors to the public and allowed visitors to experience the magic of cinema firsthand.
In the beginning, the park had attractions based on popular Universal Pictures films, such as “ET”, “Jaws” and “King Kong”. However, expansion was rapid and soon more attractions with successful themes from the Universal brand arrived.
Expansions
The initial success of Universal Studios Florida It's what led to several of these expansions over the years. Thus, one of the most important additions was “Islands of Adventure”, a sister theme park opened in 1999.
This expansion brought themed areas dedicated to properties such as “Harry Potter” and “Jurassic Park”, which helped attract even more visitors.
What came next?
Until the 2000s, Universal Studios launched several attractions, based on cartoons like Pica-Pau, for example. In 2000, the location also debuted the attraction based on “Men in Black” at the World Expo, also in the park.
Another growth that occurred before 2000 was the creation of several resorts and hotels, which allow for an even more intense experience in the location. This is because you can stay inside the complex and experience every second of the magic that the place offers.
Finally, the Shrek 4D, an attraction based on this successful trilogy.
Who owns Universal Studios?
In 2011, Comcast Corporation acquired NBCUniversal, which included Universal Parks & Resorts. In this way, this brought new investments and resources to Universal Studios, which allowed the park to be a success and continue to innovate.
However, it is worth highlighting that the park still maintains the same basis in the main ideas that led to its creation.
How is Orlando Universal Studios divided?
Orlando Universal Studios is divided into several distinct themed areas, each with its own theme and attractions related to films and shows. In this sense, these themed areas offer visitors a unique and varied experience.
Further on, you will understand a little more about the park, which is part of the Universal Studios complex.
What is the Universal Studios complex like?
The Universal Resort is a large complex of parks and other environments. Still, it has three large parks and their main attractions, which are:
- Universal Studios Florida;
- Islands Of Adventure;
- Volcano Bay Park.
It is worth noting that in the space you will also find Universal CityWalk, a free space that is aimed at local retail. This way, tourists can find several interesting shops and attractions that can complete their visit and make their trip memorable.
Themed areas of the park
Orlando Universal Studios Florida also has several themed areas within its own space. This is the case of Production Central, the main entrance to the park and where you will find the iconic Universal Studios sphere.
Still, the area includes attractions like “Transformers: The Ride 3D” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.”
More environments
The place also has several other options for visiting spaces, which you can explore alone or with your family. Thus, it is the case of:
- New York area;
- World Expo;
- Springfield.
What to visit at Orlando Universal Studios?
Orlando Universal Studios Florida offers a variety of attractions that are worth checking out, whatever your age. So, here are some of the attractions and areas you should visit when exploring the park:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley;
- Revenge of the Mummy;
- The Simpsons Ride.
Also enjoy the Transformers attraction, a high-tech 3D experience that puts you in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit It's a rollercoaster full of emotion where you can choose your own soundtrack while looping and twisting. Therefore, it is worth seeing on your visit to Universal Studios.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
The attraction is a high-tech simulator that takes you on an exciting race through New York City. In this sense, if you like adrenaline, it is ideal to visit the place.
How much is an Orlando Universal Studios ticket?
Ticket prices for Orlando Universal Studios can range from 100 to 400 dollars, according to several factors, such as the time of year, for example.
Still, the type of ticket, the age of the visitor and whether you are purchasing tickets just for Universal Studios Florida or a package that includes access to other Universal Orlando Resort parks, such as Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.
How to enjoy the park?
Always plan all the steps and the time you want to spend in each location, so you don't miss out on anything. Likewise, be ready for any changes to your routine that arise.
This way, you guarantee a much better trip with your friends and/or family to one of the most visited and famous parks in the world.
Is Orlando Universal Studios worth visiting?
In general, it is worth visiting Orlando Universal Studios, as it is your chance to experience the emotion of the films up close.
The park offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors of all ages. Still, there are many reasons why many consider Universal Studios worth visiting, such as:
- its attractions;
- the magical world of Harry Potter;
- your cuisine.
That's because Universal Studios Florida offers a wide variety of themed restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
There are souvenir shops where you can buy items linked to the park's films and characters, to remember your trip for longer.
Immersive environment
The themed areas of the park are very well created and immersive, which makes visitors feel like they are in the movies. Therefore, it is an additional point in favor of the space.
Travel with the family
It is also worth highlighting that Universal Studios Florida is ideal for visitors of all ages, which makes it an excellent choice for families.
