Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
Even with fast-paced grown-up rides based on blockbusters such as the
Simpsons, Twister,
Terminator,
The
Mummy,
and
Men in Black
,Universal Studios Florida is a ton of fun for
kids. And, as an added plus, it's a working motion picture and TV production studio, so
occasionally there's even some live filming taking place. Even when there isn't a film or
show in production, you can see reel history displayed in the form of some 40 actual sets
exhibited along Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. And there are plenty of action
shows and rides, including
Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast,
Shrek 4-D,
Revenge of
the Mummy, Fear Factor Live,
Total Nonstop Wrestling-Impact,
and
Blue Man
Group
(a separately ticketed show, and one of the park's most recent additions).
ESSENTIALS
GETTING TO UNIVERSAL BY CAR
Universal Orlando is a half-mile north of I-4 exit
75B, Kirkman Road/Hwy. 435. There may be construction in the area, so follow the
signs directing you to the parks.
PARKING
If you park in the multilevel garages, memorize the theme and row in your
area to help you find your car later. Or, do it the old-fashioned way: Write it down. Park-
ing costs $12 for cars, light trucks, and vans. Valet parking is $20. Universal's garages are
connected to its parks and have moving sidewalks, but it's still a long walk.
TICKET PRICES
A
1-day ticket
costs $79 (plus 6.5% sales tax) for adults, $68 for
children 3 to 9; discounts are available if you purchase your ticket in advance online. At
press time, Universal was also offering a
1-day 2-park pass
for $94.99 (all ages), as well
as a
7-day/two-park
Unlimited Admission ticket
good for unlimited admission to USF
and IOA with park-hopping privileges for 7 consecutive days ($124.99 for all ages—the
best bargain by far), among several others (both require advance purchase). Using the
print-at-home option, while adding $2.15 to your ticket, can be a real time saver. Note
that the type of tickets offered (and the various special offers associated with them) often
come and go, so be sure to check Universal's website (
www.universalorlando.com
)
when planning your vacation—and, more importantly, your budget.
All multiday passes let you move between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of
Adventure.
Multiday passes also give you free access to the CityWalk clubs at night.
Because
the parks are within walking distance of each other, you won't lose much time jockeying
back and forth, which is not the case at Disney. Nevertheless, it's a long walk for tykes
and people with limited mobility, so consider a stroller or wheelchair.
See the beginning of this chapter for information on the
FlexTicket,
which provides
multiday admission to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and
Wet 'n Wild.
There are also 5-hour
VIP tours
at either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adven-
ture, which include a guided tour, free valet parking, refreshments, and line-cutting privileges
at a number of high-profile attractions among other perks, for $100 to $120 per person. A
7-hour, two-park VIP tour covers both parks and costs $150 per person. Prices for both tours
do not include 6.5% tax and
do not include admission to the parks!
For more information on
the VIP tour, call
&
407/363-8295
or send an e-mail to
viptours@universalorlando.com
.
Tours start at 10am and noon daily. If you plan on visiting during peak season, money isn't
an issue, and you aren't staying at one of the Universal resorts, this is a good way to experi-
ence the best of the park without having to spend most of your day in lines.
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