Theme Park Insider

Universal Studios Florida reviews

Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: June 29, 2011

Universal Studios Florida was the first theme park at what's now known as the Universal Orlando Resort. Overshadowed in the past year by the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter next door at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida features many highly-rated movie- and TV-themed attractions of its own, including Jaws, Revenge of the Mummy, The Simpsons Ride and Men in Black Alien Attack.

The Hollywood, Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coaster dominates the entrance to the park, which hosts Universal Orlando's popular Halloween Horror Nights parties in October. If you are staying at one Universal Orlando's three on-site hotels, your room key allows you to skip most of the lines in the park. Just use the "Universal Express" entrances.

Buy your park tickets in advance, and check the park's daily operating hours on Universal's website. (The park is open every day of the year.)

Both Universal Orlando theme parks are located just off Interstate 4 in Orlando, near the intersection with the Florida Turnpike. You can get driving directions to the parks on our Google Map of America's top theme parks.

Scroll down to links for Theme Park Insider readers' reviews of Universal Studios Florida's attractions and restaurants. Or search our archives for more news about Universal Studios Florida.

Photo of Universal Studios Florida

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Readers' Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Florida

[455 + / 49 -] You can make advance dining reservations for Universal restaurants and character meals, including the Theme Park Insider Award-winning Mythos, by calling 407-224-4012.

[321 + / 19 -] Show your AAA card whenever you buy food or merchandise. Even though a sign may not be displayed, it's an automatic 10% discount.

[257 + / 19 -] On Men in Black, aim for the light at the top of the car on the other side of the track when you are turned face-to-face with it, and do not forget to hit the red button on your dashboard when it flashes and you are told to hit it.

Where to stay at Universal Orlando

Readers' reviews:

Attractions
Hollywood(Rating)(Height)
Universal Horror Make-up Show8
Terminator 2: 3-D7
New York(Rating)(Height)
Revenge of the Mummy948
Twister - Ride It Out6
Production Central(Rating)(Height)
Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit851
Shrek 4-D7
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
San Francisco(Rating)(Height)
Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue8
Disaster!6
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley(Rating)(Height)
Gringotts Coaster40
Waterfront(Rating)(Height)
Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Magic8
Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone(Rating)(Height)
Curious George Goes to Town7
E.T. Adventure7
Fievel's Playland7
Animal Actors on Location7
Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster536
A Day in the Park with Barney5
World Expo(Rating)(Height)
The Simpsons Ride840
Men In Black Alien Attack842
Fear Factor Live5

[Add a missing attraction]

Dining
Hollywood(Rating)
Beverly Hills Boulangerie8
Schwab's Pharmacy7
Mel's Drive-In7
New York(Rating)
Louie's Italian Restaurant8
Finnegan's Bar & Grill8
Production Central(Rating)
Monsters Cafe7
San Francisco(Rating)
Lombard's Seafood Grille9
Richter's Burger Co6
Chez Alcatraz6
Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone(Rating)
Kid Zone Pizza Company8
World Expo(Rating)
International Food and Film Festival8

[Add a missing restaurant]

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