Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
277
Tips
A Rocking Debut
At press time, Universal had just opened a new anchor attraction at Universal Stu-
dios Florida (a welcome departure from the recent onslaught of refits and replace-
ment rides).
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
sports speeds of 65 mph, wild corkscrew
turns, several near misses, and an incredible record-breaking loop (that could turn
the stomach of even hard-core coaster crazies). Suspended high above the walk-
ways of Universal Studios and CityWalk, this all new megacoaster takes riders on an
interactive musical multisensory experience. The bonus, thanks to a sophisticated
on- and off-board video system, is that riders get to piece together their own take-
home music video from footage taken during the ride (for a fee, of course).
shows from 11am).
Lucy, A Tribute
is a remembrance of America's queen of comedy, and the
Blues Brothers
launch their foot-stomping revue several times a day on Delancey Street.
Back at Woody Woodpecker's KidZone,
Fievel's Playland
is a wet, western-themed
playground with a house to climb and a water slide for small fry.
Curious George Goes
to Town
is filled with whimsical watery fun, from fountains to ball-shooting cannons—
bring a change of clothes.
SHOPPING AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
Every major attraction has a theme store attached, many of them selling some rather
unique merchandise. Although the prices are high when you consider you're just buying
a souvenir, the
Hard Rock Cafe
shop in adjacent CityWalk is extremely popular and has
a small but diverse selection of Hard Rock everything (including memorabilia with
astronomical sticker prices). For just about everything else a la Universal, the
Universal
Studios Store
carries a rather decent selection of toys, T-shirts, and souvenirs.
More than two dozen other shops in the park sell collectibles. Be warned, though, that
unlike Walt Disney World, where Mickey is everywhere, Universal's shops are specific to
individual attractions. If you see something you like, buy it; you probably won't find it
in another store. If you did forget to pick something up, there's a shop-by-phone ser-
vice—call
&
407/224-5800,
describe the item and where you think you saw it, and the
likelihood is they'll be able to help you out. There is a Universal store at Orlando Inter-
national Airport, but it mainly carries the usual souvenirs.
Note:
Universal has a service similar to Disney's in which you can have your purchases
delivered to
It's a Wrap
at the front of the park so you don't have to schlep that 5-foot-tall
E.T. around the park with you. Allow at least 3 hours for delivery.
Great Buys at Universal Studios Florida
Here's a sampling of the more unusual gifts available at some of the Universal stores. Of
course, in addition to these options, you can find the standard tourist fare, with a stag-
gering array of mugs, key chains, T-shirts, and the like. I've tried to include things you
wouldn't find (or consider buying) anywhere else.
•
E.T.'s Toy Closet and Photo Spot
This is the place for plush stuffed animals,
including a replica of the alien namesake.
•
MIB Gear
If you find yourself in need of a ray gun or alien blaster, this is the place
to buy everything out of this world.
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