Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
276
An over-the-top Krustyland exterior gives way to the signature Universal queue hidden
inside (an appropriate prelude of what's to come, filled with oversized attraction posters,
video screens, and animated elements that hint at its predecessor). Krusty himself makes an
appearance, taunting guests before entering the Fun House (okay, it's really just the small
waiting area that opens onto the ride). From here, it becomes a bit more familiar as you
board one of several elevated cars, each facing the gargantuan screen—though instead of
time travel, you're off on a wild ride through Krustyland. Although a tweak to the motion
simulator's mechanics has smoothed out the ride, expect to be bounced around just the
same—the special effects, however, are enough to make you hold on for dear life. The
cartoon's creator Matt Groening claims, “the ride is designed to duplicate the
Simpsons
home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming.” He's right!
Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time
Frommer's Rating:
A
Recommended Ages:
10-adult
This is billed as “the quintessential sight and sound experience for the 21st century!” The
same director who made the movie, Jim Cameron, supervised this $60-million produc-
tion. After a slow start, it builds into an impressive experience featuring the Governator
(on film), along with other original cast members. It combines 70mm 3-D film (utilizing
three 23×50-ft. screens) with thrilling technical effects and live stage action that includes
a custom-built Harley Davidson “Fat Boy” and six 8-foot-tall cyberbots.
Note:
The crisp
3-D effects are among the best in any Orlando park, but Universal has given this show a
PG-13 rating, meaning the violence and loud noise may be too intense for preteens. That
may be a little too cautious, but some kids younger than 10 may be frightened.
Twister . . . Ride It Out
Frommer's Rating:
B+
Recommended Ages:
10-adult
Visitors from the twister-prone Midwest may find this re-creation a little too close to the
real thing. An ominous funnel cloud, five stories tall, is created by swirling 2 million
cubic feet of air per minute (that's enough to fill four full-size blimps), and the sound of
a freight train fills the theater at rock-concert level as cars, trucks, and a cow fly about
while the audience stands just 20 feet away. It's the windy version of the old
Earthquake
and packs quite a wallop. Crowds have been known to applaud when it's over.
Note:
This
show, too, comes with a PG-13 rating. Its loudness and intensity certainly can be too
much for children younger than 8.
Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster
Kids
Frommer's Rating:
A+ for kids and parents, B+ for others
Recommended Ages:
5-adult
This is the top attraction in Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, an 8-acre concession Uni-
versal Studios made a while back after being criticized for having too little for young
visitors. This ride is a kiddie coaster that will thrill some moms and dads, too. While only
30 feet at its peak, it offers quick, spiraling turns while you sit in a miniature steam train.
The ride lasts only 55 seconds, and waits can be 30 minutes or more, but few kids will
want to miss it. It's very much like the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm in the
Magic Kingdom (p. 211).
Note:
Its height minimum is 36 inches.
7
ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS
The somewhat corny
Universal Horror Make-Up Show
gives behind-the-scene looks at
what goes into (and oozes out of ) some of Hollywood's most frightening monsters (PG-13,
