Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, CityWalk: Creating the Best Universal Orlando Theme Park Experience

There are plenty of things to consider when it comes to planning a vacation to Universal Orlando Resort. What are the different parks? What rides, shows, and food can you experience at each? Is it possible to visit more than one park in a day? How do I even go about booking the trip?

Well, don’t worry, help is here! To answer questions about this whole process and the numerous possibilities it can entail, this guide was put together to provide a breakdown. Through the guide you will learn of two of its major theme parks and CityWalk, and what you can find at each attraction.

If you’re ready to plan an adrenaline-packed vacation, be sure to book with Casey Davis at Park & Palm Travel, at no additional cost to you.

Hogwarts Castle at the Wizarding World of
Harry Potter, Universal Studios, Florida

Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Florida

Islands of Adventure

This amazing 110-acre destination is known for its unique fantasy theme and thrill attractions. With over 19 different rides, there’s something here for kids of all ages to explore! Featuring over two dozen themed restaurants, entertainment options, and shops to browse, the possible expeditions are absolutely endless.

This park is split up into eight different sections, each with its own theme:

  • Port of Entry
  • Marvel Super Hero Island
  • Toon Lagoon
  • Skull Island: Reign of Kong
  • Jurassic Park
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
  • The Lost Continent
  • Seuss Landing

Rides

Each section of Islands of Adventure has distinct attractions. Whether it’s a small child looking for some fun, tweens seeking out thrills, or adults craving an adrenaline rush, there is a ride for everyone. A few of the attractions available include:

  •     Caro-Seuss-el
  •     Flight of the Hippogriff
  •     Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  •     Hogwarts Express
  •     Jurassic World VelociCoaster
  •     Skull Island: Reign of Kong
  •     The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
  •     Poseidon’s Fury
VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Florida
Mythos Restaurant at Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Florida

Food

Of the 24 distinct dining choices available, most are unique to the theme park, while a few are also nationally known. A few of the places available to choose from include:

  • Pizza Predattoria
  • The Burger Digs
  • The Watering Hole
  • Green Eggs & Ham Cafe
  • Mythos Restaurant
  • Three Broomsticks
  • Starbucks
  • Confisco Grille

Entertainment

Entertainment and live shows are also a major part of the Islands of Adventures experience! Live-action performances and character encounters will transport you to another world. It will awaken your imagination, and even the oldest of adults will feel like a kid again!
Home of the Simpsons at Universal Studios, Florida

Universal Studios

Covering 108 acres, this theme park is centered around TV shows and movies. Showcasing 13 different rides, adults and children alike can enjoy both nostalgic and current attractions. With over 20 different food options, as well as several shows and shopping choices, the excitement and sights are countless.

As you travel through this authentic motion-picture studio, you can enjoy a variety of spaces, including:

  • Production Central
  • New York
  • San Francisco
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
  • World Expo
  • Springfield, U.S.A: Home of The Simpsons
  • Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
  • Hollywood

Rides

Each section of Universal Studios offers theme-specific rides. A couple of the more popular rides include:

  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • E.T. Adventure Ride
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station
  • MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
  • Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
  • The Simpsons Ride
  • TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
E.T. Adventure Ride at Universal Studios, Florida
Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Florida

Food

With over 21 different options for food and beverages, there is sure to be something available for everybody. Some of the more famous spots to check out include:

  • Leaky Cauldron™
  • Chez Alcatraz
  • Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
  • Lombard’s Seafood Grille
  • Starbucks
  • Fast Food Boulevard
  • Moe’s Tavern
  • Häagen-Dazs

Entertainment

Known for amazing entertainment experiences, Universal Studios offers live-action attractions, character interactions, and access to Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind movie-watching experiences and live shows, Universal Studios is a prime destination.

CityWalk

If your ideal vacation involves lots of food, shopping, and entertainment (and whose vacation doesn’t?), CityWalk is the perfect spot to visit before and after exploring the parks.  Regardless of whether you choose to visit one or both parks, you will need to go through CityWalk to enter them. Unlike the neighboring theme parks, you are not required to purchase a ticket for entry to this area! With over three dozen dining choices, several shops, and a handful of entertainment and nightlife options, this attraction is a great addition to your vacation experience.

While exploring this area, be sure to check out the:

  • Unique Dining
  • Quick Service Dining
  • Entertainment and Nightlife
  • Shopping
VooDoo Doughnut at Universal Studios CityWalk, Florida
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen™ at Universal Studios CityWalk, Florida

Food

The sit-down restaurants in the Unique Dining section serve up incredible food and will have you leaving in awe. From the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and Vivo Italian Kitchen, to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market and Red Oven Pizza Bakery, there is something to eat for every type of diet. Do NOT miss out on The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. It houses the best sweet concoctions you can imagine.

If getting your food quicker and in a less formal atmosphere is more convenient, there are plenty of options. From Fresh Eats and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, to Panda Express and Cold Stone Creamery, a variety of quick and tasty choices are available to satisfy your tastebuds!

Entertainment & Shopping

Whether visitors want to get a tattoo, listen to live music, dance at a club, or browse for souvenirs, CityWalk has it all. The following destinations are just a small portion of the ones that you can explore:
  • Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company
  • Hollywood Drive-In Golf
  • Red Coconut Club
  • Quiet Flight Surf Shop
  • Universal Studios Store
  • CityWalk’s Rising Star

Other Things To Consider

Park-to-Park Passes

Looking to experience both the Island of Adventure and Universal Studios in one day? Are you or your kids big Harry Potter fans? Well, with the Park-to-Park pass, you can board the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios and travel to Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure! This ticket also allows visitors to experience Platform 9 ¾, alongside a beautiful ride through the British countryside packed with unexpected sights and experiences.

Volcano Bay

Another attraction worth visiting is Volcano Bay, which is a waterpark. The Water Volcano referred to as Krakatu is hard to miss, as it stands 200 feet tall and is regarded as the heart of the waterpark. Whether you want to experience the thrill of a tall body water slide, go for a relaxing swim, or anything in between, this park has it all.

Ollivander’s Wand Shop at Universal Studios, Florida

Booking A Vacation

When it comes to picking a theme park to visit at Universal Orlando Resort, there’s plenty of factors to consider. After deciding which of the theme parks best fits your interests with respect to rides, entertainment, and food, it’s time to book the trip.

Using a travel agent like Casey Davis at Park & Palm Travel can make getting to your ultimate vacation faster, smoother, and so much easier. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning today!

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If you’re ready to start your next vacation, I’m ready to start planning it for you!