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Getting to Know Universal – Free Attraction Tours
Curious about how your favorite Universal Orlando attractions work? Want to see the backstage areas not available to most guests? Need to know where all the easter eggs are located? The free attraction tours at Universal Orlando are a fun diversion for seasoned fans of the parks. In this article, we will cover what to expect from a tour, how to request one, and which attractions feature tours.
What Are Attraction Tours?
Universal Orlando offers several free, unpublicized tours of popular attractions. Tours last approximately 15-30 minutes and include behind-the-scenes information that explains the attraction’s stories and how the rides work. Many tours include visits to areas guests normally cannot access such as control booths, the Immigration Floor at MiB Alien Attack, or under the Revenge of the Mummy track.
Tours are available when staffing permits at the discretion of the Team Members. To request a tour ask the greeter Team Member located at the attraction entrance if tours are available. If the attraction tour is not available come back before park closing or the next morning.
Universal Studios Florida
Revenge of the Mummy
Team Members will guide guests through the attraction queue, explaining the attraction’s oddly complex storyline, and finally get a tour of the track switch section of the ride where you can watch the “Cup Of Coffee” video play out every 30 seconds.
Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon
View prior Tonight Show hosts artifacts followed by a tour of the lounge areas. Guests then get a behind-the-scenes tour of the show control booth before ending on the VIP balcony.
Fast & Furious: Supercharge
Guided tour of the garage showing off the various cars and trucks in the queue’s garage.
Hogwarts Express Tour
Discover the Harry Poter easter eggs and how this “train” actually works.
Gringotts Bank Tour
Learn about the complex attraction’s storyline and where the story slots into the Deathly Hollows movies. Plus learn about some cool technical facts.
Men in Black: Alien Attack
The MiB Immigration tour brings guests down to the immigration office room featured in the attraction queue. Take photos with the aliens, sign the log books, and sit in those incredibly uncomfortable white chairs .
Explore the forest inside the attraction’s queue with the opportunity to watch the full Botanicus preshow.
Transformers Tour
Walk through the queue as the Team Members attempt to explain the attraction’s storyline. Plus you’ll hear about the attraction’s cool technology like the dual elevator lifts.
Islands of Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Tour
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Castle Tour is a self-guided tour through the Universal Express queue. Guests walk through Dumbledor’s office, the portrait gallery, and the Gryffindor Common Room. The best option to see the inside of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry for families with young kids or those with motion sickness.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster Tour
Queue walk-through that highlights the easter eggs and technology behind VelociCoaster.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong Tour
Skull Island: Reign of Kong’s Temple Tour takes guests through the attraction’s queue, explaining the technology found within the attraction and explaining the ride’s plot. No backstage areas are visited in this tour but you will be able to linger in areas you will normally not for the queue.
Doctor Doom Tour
Don’t let the drop tower scare you away from seeing one of the funniest queue videos ever made.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster
The only way to take photos and videos of the Incredible Hulk Coaster is through the Gamma Tour. Team Members will point out various aspects of the attraction’s storyline, queue easter eggs, and other attraction information.
TouringPlans Touring Tips
- Tours are offered at the discretion of Team Members – tours are most often granted in the morning when attractions are fully staffed but guests have not arrived.
- The free tours do not include riding the attraction. Universal’s VIP Tours take you behind the scenes and skip the lines.
- Be cool man, Team Members are more likely to work with you to provide a tour if you work with them.
(Originally published October 14, 2022. Last updated on February 17, 2024.)
Have you done any Universal Orlando free tours? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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Joseph Matt
Joe covers theme parks through the lens of his quality engineering day job. He has over five years of writing experience at Touring Plans and has gone on dozens of trips to Orlando over his life. When not at amusement parks you can find Joe at breweries, enjoying live theater, playing video games, and cooking.
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Do you have to pay for park admission for your backstage tours? If not, will you please send me information on your group backstage tours, group pricing, days of tours, hours of tours and how long the tours last? Thank you
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Explore the Universal Orlando Resort with us
40 Movies to Watch Before Your Trip to Universal Orlando Resort
February 10, 2023 by Erin Schreiver 2 Comments
Universal Studios opened in 1990 to give audiences what they craved – an inside look into their favorite movies.
Universal Studios Orlando is broken up into two theme parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure . These parks are famous for their movie themed rides and attractions, not to mention their movie props and behind the scenes style of entertainment!
Before your next trip to Universal there are some movies that you just HAVE to watch in order to fully appreciate the details and work that has gone into these areas of the parks. these 40 movies and one TV Show fall into 7 different Franchises. We’ve only included titles that precede the creation of the associated attraction as newer additions to the franchises might differ from what you’ll see.
1. The Harry Potter Series
Sure, this is more than 1 movie, (it’s really 8 movies), but you have to watch the entire series in order to understand the Wizarding World and its troubles. The Harry Potter movies in order are:
- The Sorcerer’s Stone
- The Chamber of Secrets
- The Prisoner of Azkaban
- The Goblet of Fire
- The Order of the Phoenix
- The Half Blood Prince
- The Deathly Hallows Part
- The Deathly Hallows Part 2
Attractions
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios has drawn the largest crowds in Universal Studios since it opened in 2010. Both Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure fully immerse guests into the Wizarding World that we have read about and seen on the screen. These areas are almost exact replicas to the version we know.
There are 4 rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There is the Escape From Gringotts, The Hogwarts Express, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure. In addition to these attractions, the Wizarding World is full of interactive elements that are more fully appreciated after seeing all of the movies, such as wands, magic, and looking for Kreature over at number 12 Grimmauld Place.
- When is the Best Time to Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
- Harry Potters Wizarding World: All About the Magic Wands
- Why Every Harry Potter Fan Needs to Visit Madam Malkin’s
- Ranking Butterbeer's at Universal Orlando Resort
- Wizarding World Spells, Secrets, and Tips
- Treats From The Harry Potter Books That You Can Get in Universal Studios!
- 5 Hidden Details at Escape From Gringotts
- All About the Hogwarts Express
- Hogsmeade vs. Diagon Alley at the Universal Orlando Resort
- Dark Look Inside Borgin & Burkes
- Unlocking Magic: How Much Are the Wands at Universal Studios Orlando?
2. Jurassic Park
You can hear the music. The classic John Williams music at the intro into Jurassic Park. Well, you are going to be reliving Jurassic Park if you plan on visiting Islands of Adventure and you want to know everything you can about this prehistoric theme park. Universal Studios even has the dino egg incubator section just like the movie. Don’t forget what we learned then about all of those dinos being female…
There have been quite a few more Jurassic Park movies since the first one in 1993, and Universal Studios Orlando has adapted and added in the new elements. This land is chalk full of easter eggs, so to better enjoy them be sure to watch the whole dino-loving series!
Jurassic Park (1993) The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) Jurassic Park III (2001) Jurassic World (2015) Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) Battle at Big Rock (2019) on Amblin Entertainment website Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
The Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure features one Jurassic ride, the Jurassic Park River Ride Adventure. Be prepared to get wet! While the movies used a Jeep to get around, the teams at Universal Studios decided to stay true to the book and make it a boat ride adventure. Let’s just say that there are some surprises…
In addition to the big ride, there are some interactive elements like the dino science center where you can see the nursery and talk with the scientists. TIP: See if you can find the can of Barbasol!
Our absolute favorite attraction is a relatively newer attraction and it is a meet and greet with Blue. We meet Blue, the raptor, in the more modern versions of the series and find that she is simply misunderstood, but never forget that she is a meat eating predator!
3. The Mummy
Is there any hero better than Brenden Fraser? He was witty, cunning, fast, and charming, and even if he was kicking your butt, you just couldn’t hate him. The Mummy was not only box office hits, but has become a bit of a cult classic with the fandom of Brenden Fraser growing since his retirement.
There are 3 movies in The Mummy Series:
- The Mummy (1999)
- The Mummy Returns (2001)
- The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
Complete Set on Amazon
Sadly, there is only one attraction dedicated to this movie franchise, but Universal Studios made it count! Revenge of the Mummy is one of the most popular rides in all of Universal Studios Orlando, and still continues to rack up high wait times. This attraction starts out as if you are behind the scenes of the filming of The Mummy and it is taking place within the actual tombs. Then you find out that the curse is more than a script… It’s real!
Real talk – This roller coaster ride is insane! (In a good way) It takes place in a lot of darkness and there are props, sounds, scarabs, and even real fire. No matter how many times you ride it you will be in for some serious thrills.
Can someone please just get Brenden some coffee?? #iykyk
4. Despicable Me Series
Who doesn’t love the little minions from Despicable Me?? With their mumbo jumbo babble, to their undying, uncoordinated devotion to their master, the minions just steal everyone’s hearts!
Gru and the minions can be found in the Despicable Me series. As of 2022, there are 4 films, but we feel pretty confident that they are planning a 5th! There is:
- Despicable Me
- Despicable Me 2
- Despicable Me 3
- Minions: Rise of Gru
Right at the entrance of Universal Studios you will be greeted with the 3D simulated attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. The fun and childishly rude humor can definitely be better understood when you see the movies. Overall, it’s just a good time and great for smaller children because of the low height requirement.
In addition to the ride, there are also minions throughout Universal Studios. You can see them in various meet and greets, parades, and if you’re lucky, you can see Gru in his crazy-looking car trying to make a quick getaway with the minions. Be sure to bow to King Bob!
5. The Simpsons
The Simpsons movie isn’t exactly the most favorite movie of all time, but everyone has to agree that the show is pretty epic. The Simpsons is now the longest running animated show of all time, and only second to being the longest running show overall. (Sesame Street is the show that beat it.) Even if you’re not a huge fan of The Simpsons, you NEED to have a good weekend binge before your next trip. It is absolutely required, and here’s why…
There is an entire land dedicated to The Simpsons and the details are absolutely amazing. You can absolutely jump into the cartoon and have a Duff down at Moe’s, get a giant donut, find graffiti from El Barto, and get a squishee over at the Kwik-E-Mart. There is also a 3D simulator ride that puts you in a brand new episode as well.
BONUS FACT: The absolute must watch episode is Season 14 Episode 12 – “I’m Spelling As Fast As I Can”. This is the episode where Homer becomes addicted to the famed Ribwich. This is a must watch because when you come to Universal Studios you can march right down to the Krusty Burger and order your own Ribwich! Enjoy. Your arteries won’t. But your stomach will.
See this related post: The Ultimate Simpsons Day at Universal Studios
6. Men in Black
This 1997 classic was Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in their absolute prime. The music was great, the CGI was way ahead of its time, and the comedy was on point. Despite being close to 30 years old, this movie still holds up to the times and is just as fun as when we watched it all those years ago.
- Men in Black
7. Spiderman & Hulk
Yeah, this is awkward. MCU has taken over the superhero movie world and it’s owned by the rodent down the street, not naming names or anything. BUT Universal Studios Orlando’s Islands of Adventure is still home to Marvel Superhero Island from the days that they did own it.
Think of the Toby McGuire era of Spiderman movies, which in our opinion was the superior versions of Spiderman.
- Spider-Man (2002)
- Spider-Man 2 (2004)
- Spider-Man 3 (2007)
- Hulk (2003)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
7. Fast and the Furious
It’s all about the family! Listen, the Fast and the Furious franchise started off really cool in the early 2000s, but it quickly became absolutely ridiculous when they started getting to movie 9. Even still, back in 2015 Universal Studios was like, “Yes! Let’s give the fans a movie ride that compiles all of the most ridiculously fake aspects of these movies into one attraction!”. This is the case of a ride that is just so bad that it’s good, and we love it.
Bonus: Count how many times the characters say “family” in the pre-show and the ride. We counted 22.
- The Fast And The Furious (1997)
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
- Fast & Furious (2009)
- Fast Five (2011)
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
- The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
- Furious 7 (2015)
- The Fate Of The Furious (2017)
- Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
- F9 The Fast Saga (2021)
Fast and Furious 8 movie collection on Amazon
Fast and Furious 9 movie collection on Amazon
Comments, Questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!
Did we leave any movies out?
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Reader Interactions
November 16, 2023 at 12:44 pm
The Bourne show is one of the best stunt shows I have ever seen. Also nice in hot weather.
November 22, 2023 at 11:06 am
Good Point about the AC Frank!
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What Movies Were Filmed at Universal Studios Orlando?
Universal Studios Orlando, a premier film and TV production facility, has been the filming location for many notable movies and TV shows. In this article, we will explore what movies were filmed at Universal Studios Orlando, providing a comprehensive list of films, behind-the-scenes insights, and some fun trivia along the way.
Several notable movies have been filmed at Universal Studios Orlando including “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.” (2009), “House on Haunted Hill” (1999), “Sharknado 3” (2015), and “Tooth Fairy 2” (2011). Additionally, some scenes from the Harry Potter series were filmed at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter within the theme park.
History of Universal Studios Orlando as a Filming Location
Universal Studios Orlando, opened in June 1990, was initially conceived as a “working” studio for feature films, TV, and commercial production. The park’s sound stage operations were in business as early as October 1988, even before the theme park’s official opening. This unique park was designed to give visitors an immersive experience into the world of film and television production, demystifying the filmmaking process.
Notable Movies Filmed at Universal Studios Orlando
Several movies have been filmed at Universal Studios Orlando. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr. (2009) : This family-friendly comedy is a spin-off of the popular Ace Ventura films starring Jim Carrey.
- House on Haunted Hill (1999) : This horror film was shot inside the Islands of Adventure, with the Incredible Hulk roller coaster being used as part of the set.
- Sharknado 3 (2015) : The third installment of the cult-favorite Sharknado franchise was filmed in part at Universal Studios Orlando.
- Tooth Fairy 2 (2011) : This family comedy sequel starring Larry the Cable Guy was filmed at the park.
It’s also worth noting that while not filmed entirely at Universal Studios Orlando, some scenes from the Harry Potter series were filmed at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter within the theme park.
Why Filmmakers Choose Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios Orlando is a popular choice for filmmakers due to its state-of-the-art facilities, stunning backdrops, and a variety of soundstages and backlot locations. The park also offers production support facilities and services, like the Universal Studios Florida Production Group (USFPG), which provides production management and administrative services for various media platforms and print production companies.
Can You Tour the Filming Locations?
Unlike Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando does not offer a tour of the areas where movies were filmed. However, the VIP Tour Experience does provide a guided tour of the theme park.
How to Be an Extra in a Movie Filmed at Universal Studios Orlando
If you’ve ever dreamed of being an extra in a movie, Universal Studios Orlando could be your chance. Keep an eye on Universal Orlando’s audition website and create a career profile to receive audition notices via email. Attend auditions and casting calls and network with actors and industry professionals in the Orlando area.
In conclusion, Universal Studios Orlando has been a significant location for various movies and TV shows. Although it’s not a common occurrence, being an extra in a movie filmed at Universal Studios Orlando could be a dream come true for aspiring actors. Stay tuned to Universal Studios’ audition website for opportunities, and who knows? You might find yourself on the big screen someday!
Frequently Asked Questions
What other facilities does universal studios orlando offer for filmmakers.
Along with state-of-the-art soundstages and backlot locations, Universal Studios Orlando also offers pre-production offices, construction shops, costume shops, prop warehouses, and rehearsal halls.
Can I visit Universal Studios Orlando even if I’m not involved in film production?
Yes, Universal Studios Orlando is a major theme park that is open to the public. It offers a variety of attractions, rides, and entertainment inspired by popular films and TV shows.
Are there other Universal Studios theme parks where movies have been filmed?
Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood in California is another major location where numerous movies and TV shows have been filmed.
Is Universal Studios Orlando only for filming English movies?
No, Universal Studios Orlando is an international film production location. Movies from various countries and in different languages have been shot here.
Are there any ongoing productions at Universal Studios Orlando?
The production schedule at Universal Studios Orlando is subject to change and is not publicly available. However, the park is a busy production facility with various projects ongoing at any given time.
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Leah is an expert on Disney World and Universal Studios, and she loves sharing her tips and tricks for visiting the parks with others. She knows both parks' ins and outs and can help you make the most of your visit.
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Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida
Skip to: Overview | Location | Attractions | Entertainment | Dining | Shopping | Additional services
What is Hollywood?
There’s no place like Tinseltown, and guests visiting the Hollywood backlot at Universal Studios Florida will step right into the heart of the Entertainment Capital of the World. Featuring historic Hollywood landmarks, including Schwab’s Drug Store and Mel’s Drive-In, Universal’s Hollywood brings the magic of the movie town to the heart of Central Florida.
Guests hoping to peek behind the curtain will enjoy Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show , a stage show where special-effects artists demonstrate the methods they use to make monsters out of ordinary men (and women). Shopping locations in Hollywood include the Brown Derby Hat Shop and Williams of Hollywood Prop Shop , featuring park-used props for sale.
If hunger strikes during your 15 minutes of fame, there are a number of dining locations to try: Mel’s Drive-In , a ’50s drive-in serving burgers, chicken fingers, and root beer floats; TODAY Cafe , featuring breakfast croissants, sandwiches, salads, and pastries; and Schwab’s Pharmacy, serving ice cream sundaes, milk shakes, and banana splits.
The Hollywood area is also home to several character meet-and-greet experiences.
Where is Hollywood located?
In Universal Studios Florida .
Hollywood – attractions
- The Bourne Stuntacular
Meet Jason Bourne, a former top-secret special forces agent, as he fights and flees across three continents in a stunt show with both live actors and a huge LED screen. The show is chock-full of fire, smoke, and wind special effects and features professional stunt actors showing off their coolest tricks.
Hollywood – entertainment
Universal orlando’s horror make-up show.
The hosts of the Horror Make-up Show will have you rolling with laughter and, possibly, recoiling in horror from the cheesy jokes, but it’s all in good fun as they demonstrate some of the practical make-up and special effects that have been used by filmmakers to create the terrifying effects that keep us on the edge of our seats.
Hollywood – dining
- TODAY Cafe (quick-service)
Catch up on the day’s news and feel like you’re right in the studio at TODAY Cafe. Serving salads, pastries, sandwiches, and more, TODAY is an ideal stop for breakfast or lunch (and be sure to check out Al Roker’s seasonal selections!).
- Cafe La Bamba (quick-service)
Cafe La Bamba currently serves primarily as a dining venue for VIP tours only and, as such, is not open to the public. If you’re one of the lucky VIPs, you can expect a buffet spread with Southwestern flavors. The restaurant is also sometimes used during special events, such as Halloween Horror Nights ; if so, expect to find spooky desserts like eyeball cupcakes or “worms and dirt.”
- Mel’s Drive-In (quick-service)
Return to the halcyon days of the sock-hop and the drive-in diner at Mel’s Drive-In, and admire the vintage cars parked outside. Inside, you’ll find traditional diner favorites, like cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and milkshakes.
- Central Park Crepes (quick-service)
Whether you’re looking for a sweet or savory treat, the Central Park Crepes cart offers several intriguing flavor combinations, such as lemon blueberry or goat cheese and chicken. This charming Art Nouveau kiosk fits right into the leafy walkways of Central Park.
Schwab’s Pharmacy (quick-service)
Grab a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in this retro soda shop, modeled after the real Schwab’s Pharmacy, erstwhile hangout of the Hollywood elite from the 1930s until the ’80s. The legend lives on in Universal Studios Florida, where guests can order decadent banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, milkshakes, and malts.
Hollywood – shopping
UNIVRS offers trendy, style-driven apparel and accessories inspired by an array of NBCUniversal brands. Merchandise is released seasonally and in limited quantities, so if something catches your eye, don’t hesitate to snatch it up before it’s gone
Hello Kitty
Sanrio fans will be in Hello Kitty-heaven at the Hello Kitty store, where you might even get a chance to meet the iconic Kitty White herself. Some of the best souvenirs are from the “Hello Kitty at the Movies” merchandise line, where the adorable cat is placed into classic films such as Jaws , King Kong , E.T. , and Back to the Future . If that isn’t enough to entice you to stop in, the Hello Kitty shop also features a bakery counter, where you can purchase cute Sanrio-themed treats and candy.
Brown Derby Hat Shop
All kinds of hats are available for purchase in the Brown Derby Hat Shop, a store that is itself shaped like (you guessed it!) a brown derby. When the Florida sun beats down, step inside to select a tasteful sunhat, fashionable fedora, or fun novelty hat featuring Universal characters.
The Dark Room
Behind the camera-shop façade, you’ll discover a green-screen photo experience that will put you and your family into famous movie scenes. This feature is included with a My Universal Photos package, or you can pick up a free My Universal Photos card to try it out and purchase the images if you like what you see.
Hollywood – OI fun facts
Though some of the buildings in Hollywood are just stylized recreations of Tinseltown’s Golden Age, many are, in fact, replicas of real Hollywood landmarks:
- The Kress building in West Hollywood is a 1930s Art Deco landmark and was home to the famous Frederick’s of Hollywood boutique from 1946 until 2006.
- Eagle-eyed guests will also notice the storefront named Ralph’s, after the original grocery store founded in Los Angeles in 1873 (which still exists today, albeit under corporate ownership).
- The Brown Derby, which resides in Universal as a hat shop, is based on a restaurant chain that was started in the 1920s and which really did have that brown hat-shaped entrance.
Are there guest services available in Hollywood?
The lone restrooms in Hollywood are located inside Mel’s Drive-In and include a family bathroom.
There are no lockers available to guests in the Hollywood area.
The nearest first aid is back in Production Central .
To find the nearest ATM, guests will need to go into Production Central.
Hollywood – photo gallery
- Horror Make-Up Show
- Williams of Hollywood Prop Shop
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I've done 4 VIP tours at Universal Studios and have another booked for $3,500. It's an incredible deal that comes with huge perks.
- I've visited Universal Studios parks for 30 years, and I think its VIP tours are worth it.
- I've done four VIP tours with Universal and already have another booked for $3,500.
- The special ride access and unlimited food alone make it worth the price, in my opinion.
Many are aware of the VIP tours at Disney parks , but Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort also offer various levels of VIP tours daily.
These VIP tours are guided and allow for quick and private access to all attractions and unlimited food. There are a few types of VIP tours and price varies based on date and demand. Tours last around seven hours and you can choose between a fully private tour or a mix-in tour where you're paired with up to 20 other guests.
I've done four fully private tours, which guides customize based on your interests, and the price has usually been around $3,500 to $4,500. If you have a big group, this breaks down to a few hundred dollars a person.
Here's what my most recent tour was like and why I think they're worth every penny.
My most recent private VIP tour was at Universal Studios Hollywood.
My most recent private VIP tour was at Universal Studios Hollywood, which is the only way to gain special access to Super Nintendo World and its working back-lot studio.
We checked in at a private VIP lounge at the front of the park and were presented with a special lanyard we'd get to keep as a souvenir.
Theme-park food can be expensive, but guests on the VIP tour receive complimentary bites.
There were two meals included with our tour. We began at a VIP lounge where we checked in for the experience and were treated to a continental breakfast and expansive coffee bar.
Halfway through our tour, we enjoyed a robust gourmet lunch buffet that had many delicious options. This was hosted in another swanky VIP lounge that offered sweeping views of Los Angeles and even some mingling with characters, like Dracula.
After breakfast, we headed to Universal's back lot and got to walk around.
I've ridden the World-Famous Studio Tour tram that goes through Universal's filming back lot many times — it's my favorite attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. But as a VIP, I got to walk on the lot for the first time.
The back lot is part of Universal City, a working film studio that's large enough to have its own fire station. Many popular movies and television shows of past and present, like Netflix's "Never Have I Ever" and cult-favorite "Desperate Housewives," film here at its many soundstages and practical sets.
This was a bucket-list experience for me.
As we explored, we were even able to visit the iconic courthouse and clock tower from "Back to the Future," a highlight for me.
We also walked along the cobblestone streets of the famous Little Europe back lot, a memorable filming location of "The Good Place" and Universal's classic monster films of the 1920s.
As we went behind the scenes, we also got to ride around on a special bus.
During the back-lot portion, we rode around to different parts of the studios on a specialty VIP motorcoach.
We also visited Universal's top-secret prop warehouse but weren't allowed to take photos.
All in all, we spent around two hours exploring the sets.
I loved walking along the set of Jordan Peele's 2022 thriller "Nope." The theme park from the film, Jupiter's Claim, was relocated to the back lot and we had free access to roam around it.
During the back-lot portion, we also experienced classic things regular guests experience from the World-Famous Studio Tour tram, like the set of "Jaws" and a 3D adventure on King Kong 360.
Walking through the sets was a huge highlight of our day.
Next, we headed to Super Nintendo World and skipped lines.
After the back lot, our VIP tour arrived back at the theme park for lunch. Then, we made our way to the new Super Nintendo Nintendo World on foot.
Universal Studios Hollywood's VIP tour is the only way to enjoy special access to Super Nintendo World. This meant we were able to be escorted directly to the front of its headliner attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, which had a 90-minute wait time during our visit.
Super Nintendo World has proved immensely popular since opening this year, and sometimes it's so crowded people must enter a virtual queue for a chance to enter the land. As a big fan of the immersive land, I'm glad my VIP status guaranteed me access to it.
After Nintendo, we were escorted directly onto some major attractions.
With our VIP-tour ride access, we were quickly whisked directly to the front of lines — usually via backstage shortcuts — and onto attractions.
Our tour guide took charge of our itinerary but guests are able to make requests if they desire. Ours included the indoor roller-coaster Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride.
He also mentioned guides have the ability to bring tour guests into special experiences, like the popular Ollivander's Wand Shop in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , or attempt to get reservations at the new Toadstool Café inside Super Nintendo World.
Personalized details like this added even more value to my experience.
After the tour, I used my unlimited Express Pass to enjoy more rides on my own.
I was surprised that VIP guests also received an unlimited Express Pass, valued at about $200 to $300, to enjoy after the tour.
After the tour, I used my pass to enjoy expedited access to attractions I wanted to ride again, like Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash.
This pass was especially great because in-demand Universal Studios Hollywood attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey can garner lines of well over an hour on busy days.
I highly recommend a Universal VIP tour.
I believe price alone is a reason to book a VIP, especially when comparing it to the cost of an Express Pass and all the additional perks we received.
After all, tours include unlimited front-of-line access to all rides, shows, and attractions, along with valet parking and all-you-care-to-enjoy meals.
There wasn't just one highlight but many, and favorites included the special access to Super Nintendo World and the walking tour of the back lot. Our entire group felt like VIPs and loved the personalized attention we received. It felt like a truly special experience and a great value. The complimentary food was also surprisingly delicious.
The quick access to rides was amazing and allowed us to ride everything in a single day, which usually can't be done with a regular ticket.
Plus, our tour guide was funny and a wealth of knowledge. He was on hand to not only escort us to the front of attraction queues, but also to share insider info and park secrets .
I've already booked another VIP Tour — this time, for Halloween season.
As big fans of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights , my family was exploring options to gain quicker access to the haunted houses during the event, where wait times can sometimes be over 60 minutes.
After calling Universal's dedicated VIP phone line, we discovered that a 10-person fully private tour would cost $3,500 total on our desired date of visit, breaking down to $350 per person.
When comparing the price to an Express Pass, which can cost up to $200 per person during Halloween Horror Nights, it was a no-brainer for us to spend a little more and book the VIP tour.
Named the "RIP" tour during the Halloween season, this VIP package also includes a guide, food, private lounge access, and unlimited access to all attractions — including haunted houses.
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Universal Orlando guide: Tips from frequent visitors
When I was a kid, we went to an Orlando theme park at least once a year. You had to plan a few things in advance, but visiting an amusement park wasn't what it is today. With all the apps, reservation timelines and rules, planning the "perfect" trip to any major theme park has become a massive endeavor.
Just thinking about planning the trip is enough to give me hives. The stakes are so high — pricey admission, reservation deadlines for everything from character breakfasts to dinners at popular restaurants and all sorts of add-ons to get into the theme parks before the masses and skip the lines. There's so much to know.
However, we really wanted to visit Universal Orlando on a family vacation , so I needed to overcome my planning paralysis. I'm happy to say that — with some strategic decisions upfront — we were able to execute an awesome visit to Universal with a minimal amount of advance planning.
If you're a first-time visitor to Universal Orlando, here's what you need to know to plan your own vacation.
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When to visit
The date for your visit to Universal Orlando may not be entirely up to you.
If you're traveling with school-age children, you're likely locked into visiting during school vacations, long weekends and summer break. If that's the case, you'll probably visit Universal when it's at its busiest. That's not the end of the world, though, since there are ways to reduce the waits for lines. More on that in a minute.
You can check expected crowd levels at crowd calendars like the ones at Undercover Tourist, Touringplans or Orlando Informer .
The slower times of the year are Labor Day through the first two weeks of November (before Thanksgiving) and the first two weeks of December (before the holiday rush). Note, though, that if you visit close to Halloween, it will be busier because of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights .
Most of January, except for the first week, is also relatively quiet, as is the first week of February. But then it gets crazy with spring breakers. Crowds thin out a bit after Easter and through May, then ramp up again for the summertime. June, July and August are always busy. Always. And, as an added bonus, it's extremely hot.
For our first visit in a zillion years, I picked a quiet time in early November so any planning blunders on my part would be minimized by the lack of intense crowds.
Related: 10 things no one tells you about Orlando
Where to stay during a Universal Orlando vacation
Once you've ironed out when you plan to visit Universal, you'll want to determine where to stay.
You have a ton of options, from hotels right on Universal property and nearby points hotels to rental homes and Airbnbs . There are so many choices that TPG wrote an entire guide to choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip .
Let's recap the high points here.
Benefits of Universal hotels
If you only have a few days to explore Universal and don't mind the cost, an on-site property may be your best bet. That's because guests of all Universal hotels receive early entry into the parks for specific attractions.
Which parks open for early admission vary by day and only certain attractions are available. However, they tend to be the popular rides with lines that grow once the gates open to regular parkgoers. There's a helpful page on the Universal site to figure out what's available to on-site hotel guests. With some rides in each of the two parks available, that should also help spread out the crowds just a bit.
It's a nice freebie, and it's the best strategy if you have your heart set on riding Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure without spending hours in line. Currently, this ride does not participate in Universal's Express Pass skip-the-line program.
If you stay in one of Universal's on-site hotels, you can take advantage of the park's complimentary transportation options to get between CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and your hotel.
Some hotels, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel , Loews Royal Pacific Resort , Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offer complimentary boat shuttles.
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort , Universal's Aventura Hotel and the above-mentioned hotels have peaceful walking paths and all resorts, including Universal's budget-friendly Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites, have complimentary shuttle buses.
The downside of staying at a Universal hotel is often the price. Rack rates are usually relatively high, though Universal's Endless Summer Resort — Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites — have rates that start at $91 per night on off-peak dates.
The mid-tier resorts, Aventura and Cabana Bay, start at closer to $130 per night.
Related: How to use points to save money at Universal Orlando
But if you prefer to stay at one of Universal's top-end Premier hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino Bay), you're probably looking at starting rates around $325 per night. However, you'll also get complimentary Universal Express skip-the-line passes for every guest staying in your room.
We'll explain that in more detail down below, but it's a huge timesaver and may be worth the extra per-night cost of staying on-site.
If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum® Card from American Express , a great way to maximize a stay at Loews Portofino Bay is to book via the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts collection .
This will get you not only the Express Passes for all guests of that hotel but also full daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, late 4 p.m. checkout and more.
Staying off-site
Universal is surrounded by plenty of points hotels, so if you'd prefer to stay off-site — on points or cash — you can easily do so. Some of TPG's favorite nearby points hotels are even within walking distance of Universal.
Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando
Here are a few points hotels within walking distance of Universal:
- Hyatt Place Across From Universal Orlando Resort (Category 2, from 6,500 World of Hyatt points per night).
- Hyatt House Across From Universal Resort (Category 3, from 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night).
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (Around 30,0000 Hilton Honors points per night).
And some great points hotels that are just a short drive away:
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (Category 4, from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night).
- Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld (From 34,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates).
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (From 52,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates).
- JW Marriott Grande Lakes (From 40,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates).
- Hilton Orlando (40,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
- Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (40,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando (63,000 to 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
Related: Choosing the best Universal Orlando hotel for your trip
All about Universal tickets
Visitors have a lot of options when it comes to buying Universal tickets, from the type of ticket to how you'll pay for them. Here's the skinny.
FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT UNIVERSAL VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S THEME PARK BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .
Universal ticket types
There's a variety of ticket types at Universal Orlando. You can buy tickets that get you into one, two or three theme parks (i.e., Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park).
You can purchase tickets for one, two, three, four or five days. The cheapest tickets allow access to one park per day. So, if you start your day at Universal Studios, you can't use the same ticket to get into Islands of Adventure in the afternoon. You're limited to one park per day. This sounds good but isn't always a great choice.
Alternatively, you can buy the pricier Park-to-Park tickets that allow you to bop between the theme parks as you wish. These tickets may be more expensive, but they give you the greatest amount of freedom to visit more than one park on the same day.
Related: From Butterbeer to magic wands: Everything you need to know about Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter
If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and Kings Cross Station, you need a Park-to-Park ticket or an Annual/Seasonal Pass.
There's no way around that requirement since Hogsmeade Station is in Islands of Adventure and Kings Cross Station is in Universal Studios. Basically, Universal's got you cornered on this one.
If you're going to visit for more than a couple of days or potentially twice in 12 months, consider a Universal annual pass .
When I planned our trip, Universal was running a promotion that would have given us extra days in the parks for free. But when I crunched the numbers, a Florida resident annual pass was only $8 per ticket more expensive than the tickets for one trip, so we went with the annual pass.
Buying direct from Universal
Universal Orlando almost always has ticket specials on its website. Read the options carefully to see if any of the promotions make sense for you. The special may throw in a free day at the park(s), an Express Pass or discounted admission to the Volcano Bay water park .
Related: How to get the most out of one day at Universal Orlando
Buying tickets from other vendors
You can also buy tickets from reputable vendors like Undercover Tourist . What's great about Undercover Tourist is that it often has some older tickets available so when prices increase each year, you can often still buy a cheaper ticket from them.
It's worth bookmarking their site to comparison shop. Purchases from Undercover Tourist code as travel for the purposes of using a travel credit card or earning extra points.
Related: Best credit cards to use for Universal Studios
And although you can't typically purchase stand-alone Universal tickets at Costco, Costco Travel does sell Universal vacation packages that include tickets and on-site hotel nights.
You'll even get a Costco Shop Card after your visit. Check out pricing for your dates to see if it represents a better deal versus booking through other methods.
Using points to buy Universal tickets
Historically, it was possible to use Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to purchase your Universal Orlando theme park admission , though our most recent searches didn't turn up any availability.
Upgrade to skip the lines
Like so many amusement parks around the world that have skip-the-line passes , Universal has its own version called Universal Express. There are a few ways you can get Universal Express passes.
Related: Is Universal's Express Pass worth it? TPG tested how much time it really saves you in line
The best way is often to get it included in your stay, as mentioned above. Guests staying at any of the three top-of-the-line Universal Premier hotels — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort — get Universal Express Unlimited for free as registered guests.
This is huge as the starting cost if purchased separately is more than $100 per day, per person. For a family of four, getting it with your room rate is almost certainly a better deal than buying it.
Note: The Premier level of the Universal annual pass includes Express Pass access beginning at 4 p.m.
Another option is to simply buy an Express Pass when you need it. How much you pay depends on the type of pass you buy and when you visit Universal, as passes cost more when crowd levels are high. Here are the three types of Express Passes you can buy:
Universal Express: This is the base version of the skip-the-queue pass. It allows you to skip the regular line one time per participating ride at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Prices start at $79.99 per person, per day for one park and go up from there — sometimes as high as $279.99 per day.
Universal Express Unlimited: The unlimited pass lets you skip the regular lines at participating rides as many times as you wish at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Passes for that privilege start at $109.99 per person, per day. Pricing for the unlimited passes seems to be running about $30 more per day than the normal express passes, which may make them the better value (assuming you can afford a second mortgage).
Volcano Bay Express: This pass is solely for use at Volcano Bay water park, where it allows you to skip the regular line one time per participating ride. The pass starts at $19.99 per person, per day, but you won't find that rate very often.
Participating rides and attractions are subject to change, so it's best to consult Universal Orlando's website before your visit.
When I visited, just about every ride we wanted was included in the Universal Express Unlimited, with the exception of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Hagrid's is an incredible ride that has also seen some incredible wait times since opening. Alas, unless you purchase a VIP tour, your anticipation of rides that aren't included in Universal Express like Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be rivaled only by your time waiting in line.
Take a VIP tour
Another way to avoid the lines is to take a VIP tour. There are small group and private VIP tours at Universal and both will help you cut the line.
Summer Hull, a director at TPG, took her family on a private VIP experience at Universal and it included walk-on ride access during the tour, as well as Express Passes and dining credit after the official tour was over.
A private tour will cost a few thousand dollars for the day for your group, but small group VIP experiences can be much less expensive, starting at less than $200 per person.
The primary difference between the two tours is the amount of access. The group tours are obviously less private but also only guarantee that you'll experience front-of-the-line access for eight to 10 rides. A private VIP tour is charged by the hour and operates at a faster or slower pace as you prefer.
Whether you decide to purchase an Express Pass or take a VIP tour will likely be determined by how crowded the park is during your visit, as well as your budget.
If it's off-season, you may be able to get away without a skip-the-line pass. But if you're visiting during a holiday week or school vacation, be prepared for long lines without a pass. On those dates, having an Express Pass will allow you to ride more attractions in less time.
Universal's child-swap policy
If you travel as a family, you know that not everyone will want to go on every ride. And some of your kids may not yet be old or tall enough to ride some attractions that your other kids are dying to try.
Universal solves the problem of the entire family having to choose between experiencing a ride or not with its child-swap program.
In fact, Universal's child swap is the best in the business as there are (air-conditioned) waiting areas in some key attractions. Most even have televisions showing whichever movie the attraction is based on.
This allows one member of your party to watch over small children while the rest of the gang waits in line and rides. Then you can swap places so the other member can enjoy the ride too, without another long wait. Just ask the attraction attendant to point you toward the designated waiting spots.
What's at Universal Orlando?
Although it's not as large ( yet ) as Walt Disney World , Universal Orlando has plenty for your family to see and do for several days. There are two theme parks, a water park and an entertainment, dining and shopping complex.
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk are arranged in a triangle around a small lake. The Volcano Bay water park is separated a bit from these three destinations.
Universal Studios
One of Universal's two theme parks, Universal Studios has eight sections. You enter through an impressive arch and, if you walk straight, are immediately in Production Central with attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Transformers: The Ride-3D.
If you take a right after you enter the park, you're in Hollywood, where you'll find the NBC Media Center, Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, the Bourne Stuntacular and the Character Party Zone.
A lot of the attractions in both Production Central and Hollywood are better saved for when the day starts getting hot. You get to sit in blissful air-conditioning at these shows: Minion Mayhem, the Bourne Stuntacular and the Horror Make-Up Show.
If you've got little kids, turn right upon entry and walk through Hollywood so you can start immediately at Woody Woodpecker's KidZone.
From there, enjoy Springfield: Home of the Simpsons. I'm no kid, but I loved Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl ride!
If your kids are older, bypass those kid-centric areas and make Men in Black Alien Attack in World Expo your first ride of the day. After you ride, you are perfectly positioned to enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley first thing in the morning.
Get in line for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts before the line gets too long.
Then, explore Ollivanders and Gringotts Money Exchange and see a few shows (we saw The Tales of Beedle the Bard and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees). Kids love talking with Stan and the Knight Bus conductor. Don't miss a meal at the Leaky Cauldron or ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour.
If you have a Park-to-Park ticket, you can decide to take the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station (next to Leicester Square) to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure.
If you have a one-park ticket, you won't be able to ride the Hogwarts Express and will instead continue your exploration of Universal Studios.
As you depart The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, keep to the right to enter San Francisco.
If you didn't opt for a butterbeer in Hogwarts, this is a fantastic spot to stop for lunch or a snack since most of what you'll find here are restaurants, including the city's famous seafood restaurant, Lombard's. There is also one ride here: Fast & Furious — Supercharged.
From San Francisco, continue on to New York, where you don't want to miss Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (another great get-out-of-the-heat, rest-your-feet experience) and Revenge of the Mummy. Hang around, too, to see some shows like the Blues Brothers or Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas.
Once you've had your fill of the Big Apple, continue back along the main thoroughfare to Production Central and Hollywood, if you skipped those in the morning.
In the evening, don't miss Universal Studios' nighttime extravaganza. Called the Cinematic Celebration and centered at the theme park's lagoon, it combines music, films, water and light.
You can also see a daytime fountain and music show at this same lagoon. Check the daily program or official Universal Orlando app for times.
Islands of Adventure
The second Universal theme park is Islands of Adventure. Your best call here is to arrive as soon as the gates open and walk quickly to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Both are at the opposite end of the park from the entry gates, so it will be a walk but enjoying the busiest rides in the park without crushing crowds is worth it.
If roller coasters aren't your thing (and you aren't prone to motion sickness), get in line instead to see Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This is where you'll ride a broomstick and it really is a fantastic attraction.
After that, ride Flight of the Hippogriff, a gentler roller coaster. (If you can ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World, Flight of the Hippogriff will be no big deal). Or you can simply walk around Hogsmeade for some fun photos without throngs of other guests in the background.
After you've done the ride, explore Hogsmeade itself and see some shows (we saw the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally) and watch a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders (if you didn't see the same experience at Diagon Alley already).
Grab a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks or adjacent Hog's Head and then continue on to the other lands of Islands of Adventure.
When you leave The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can go in either direction. For our purposes, let's pretend you walk to Jurassic Park first. Here you'll visit Camp Jurassic where kids will enjoy the Pteranodon Flyers. You can also take the Jurassic Park River Adventure and have a "raptor encounter."
There are plenty of places to pick up fast food here, from pizza and ribs to burgers and nachos.
Next up, you can ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong before hitting Toon Lagoon, where your kids can cool off in some sprinklers, or you can all ride Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls flume (warning: you will get very wet).
As you dry off from that heart-pounding experience, head to Marvel Super Hero Island, where you can meet Marvel characters and ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster (it's an intense one).
If you have some daredevils in the family — or Marvel fans — you'll spend a good amount of time here.
Beyond the Incredible Hulk coaster is the entrance to the park. Continue from there to Seuss Landing.
Even though we didn't have any kids in tow, we still enjoyed walking through this bright and cheery land and we even rode the Caro-Seuss-el merry-go-round and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.
There's also a Seuss character zone and plenty of other rides and attractions that are specifically designed for the little ones.
The Last Continent is just beyond Seuss Landing. There's a neat interactive experience called The Mystic Fountain. Seriously, start talking to it and you'll be mesmerized.
You can also take on Poseidon's Fury in a special-effects guided tour or stop to dine on Mediterranean-style food at Doc Sugrue's Kebab House, Fire Eater's Grill or Mythos Restaurant.
Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay is Universal's water park. This park can close because of chilly weather or during lightning storms. Check Universal's schedule to see if it is slated to be open during your visit. Volcano Bay has everything you'd expect of an exceptional water park, like Waturi Beach with a fantastic lagoon for swimming and Kopiko Wai Winding River.
There are also some incredible waterslides and drops and the Ko'okiri Body Plunge that features a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet of what Universal calls "white-knuckle fun."
Thrillseekers love the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, where you plunge right through a waterfall, and TeAwa The Fearless River whitewater ride through churning rapids and waves.
COVID-19 restrictions are pretty limited at Volcano Bay. Masks are required when entering and exiting the park, as well as in restaurants (when you're not actively eating) and in retail locations. They're not permitted on the water rides themselves.
As if two theme parks and a massive water park weren't enough, Universal also offers CityWalk.
This complex of restaurants, shops and clubs is open during the day, but it really heats up at night with free self-parking after 6 p.m. You don't need tickets to enter, but you can buy tickets for shows at the Hard Rock Cafe.
You'll also find restaurants such as Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom and Pat O'Brien's that offer live (and recorded) music. There's a movie theater (free parking with the purchase of two movie matinee tickets), karaoke club (CityWalk's Rising Star), miniature golf and the Red Coconut Club and The Groove for dancing.
There are plenty of spots to dine too. You can grab snacks like pizza, hotdogs and Panda Express Chinese food and sweets from Voodoo Doughnuts.
Or you can have a more substantial meal at restaurants like the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, VIVO Italian Kitchen, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and more.
We had a fantastic dinner at Bigfire, where the pork chop was the juiciest I've ever eaten.
Universal's boat shuttles that take you back to its resorts are right at CityWalk so it's convenient to spend the day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure and then have dinner at CityWalk and go shopping before heading back to your hotel for the night.
And a third park coming …
Universal Orlando announced a new theme park, a third gate at Universal Orlando, back in 2019. A massive 750-acre tract of land located not far from the two existing theme parks was to be the site for the new park.
Dubbed Epic Universe , the new park is rumored to house franchises like Fantastic Beasts, a Harry Potter spin-off, Super Nintendo World and Universal Classic Monsters. Construction was delayed due to the pandemic, but the new park is on track to open sometime in the summer of 2025.
The best credit cards to use at Universal
Now we get to a hot topic for points-and-miles travelers who are planning a trip to Universal Orlando. Which credit card should you use? That depends.
For example, how and where you purchase your theme park tickets will dictate how the charge will be coded. Historically speaking, Universal theme park tickets and VIP tours purchased directly from Universal have coded as "entertainment."
However, tickets purchased at an on-site Universal hotel and charged to the hotel have coded as "travel." Depending on how you purchase your ticket, you'll want to select either a card that rewards you for entertainment spend or travel purchases.
If you think your purchase will code as entertainment, two good credit card options are:
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — 4% cash back.
If, however, you know your charge will code as travel, you're better off using:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve — 3 points per dollar spent.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — 2 points per dollar spent.
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card — 2 points per every dollar spent.
The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
Universal is packed with rides, attractions, character meet-and-greets and more. Yet it's compact enough for you to cover a lot of ground in just a few days.
Universal Orlando can be a pricey but incredible adventure for your family. If it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience you're seeking, you may be best waiting until the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
However, if you're more "go with the flow," Universal Orlando has plenty to offer for fans of Harry Potter, Marvel and so much more.
Additional reporting by Edward Pizzarello.
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Universal Studios Orlando is renowned for its thrilling rides, captivating shows, and immersive experiences. One of the most iconic and must-visit attractions within the park is the Universal Studios Studio Tour. This guided expedition takes visitors behind the scenes, providing a unique glimpse into the magic of filmmaking. In this article, we’ll delve into the enchanting world of the Universal Studios Studio Tour Orlando , exploring its highlights and why it’s a must-include in your theme park itinerary.
Table of Contents
The Studio Tour Experience
Step into the heart of hollywood east.
The Universal Studios Studio Tour in Orlando offers visitors an opportunity to step into the heart of Hollywood East. As you embark on the tour, you’ll be transported to the glamorous world of movie-making, where some of the biggest blockbusters come to life. From classic films to modern-day hits, the tour covers a diverse range of productions, showcasing the rich history and evolution of the film industry.
Backlot Adventures
One of the highlights of the Universal Studios Studio Tour is the backlot adventure. Here, visitors can explore the actual sets and soundstages where their favorite movies and TV shows were filmed. From the bustling streets of New York to the eerie alleys of a horror film set, the backlot offers a diverse array of environments, each carefully crafted to immerse guests in the world of cinema.
Encounters with Movie Magic
The Studio Tour provides unique opportunities to witness movie magic in action. Special effects demonstrations, live performances, and interactive exhibits allow guests to get a firsthand look at the creative processes behind their favorite films. Whether it’s learning about practical effects, green screen technology, or animatronics, the tour is an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Iconic Film Sets
Universal Studios Orlando boasts a collection of iconic film sets that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. From the legendary Bates Motel of “Psycho” fame to the whimsical Whoville from “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the Studio Tour takes you on a journey through the most memorable landscapes in cinematic history. Walking through these sets is like stepping into the scenes of your favorite movies.
Celebrities and Studio Secrets
The Universal Studios Studio Tour occasionally surprises guests with celebrity appearances, offering a chance to see beloved actors up close. Additionally, the tour unveils some well-kept studio secrets, revealing the intricate details that go into creating a cinematic masterpiece. From costume design to set construction, the behind-the-scenes insights add a layer of appreciation for the artistry involved in filmmaking.
In the realm of theme park experiences, the Universal Studios Studio Tour Orlando stands out as a captivating journey into the enchanting world of movies. With its backlot adventures, encounters with movie magic, and iconic film sets, the tour provides an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process and a chance to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends, the Universal Studios Studio Tour is a must-include in your Orlando theme park itinerary.
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DreamWorks Land opening this summer at Universal Studios Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. ( WBRC ) - Universal Orlando Resort released new details this week about a brand new area coming to Universal Studios Florida this summer.
Named DreamWorks Land, the new themed area takes inspiration from popular films by DreamWorks Animation Studios, including Shrek, Trolls, and Kung-Fu Panda.
The family-friendly area will include a roller coaster, interactive play areas, live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and more, according to Universal.
Fans of the films will be able to immerse themselves in the worlds of the beloved animated films by visiting Shrek’s 35-foot-tall cottage, Poppy’s Playground nestled underneath a 20-foot mushroom, or practice Kung-Fu at Po’s Training Camp.
Meet-and-greets with characters such as Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, Po, and Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse” will take place throughout the new area.
With the opening of DreamWorks Land comes the newly imagined Trollercoaster, formerly Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster. The redesigned ride for guests of all ages features “Trolls” characters Poppy, Viva, Tiny Diamond, Satin, and Chenille.
While a specific date has not been given, DreamWorks Land is expected to open this summer.
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The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood Turns 60
T he Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood has an unusual history. In 1914, a German American immigrant named Carl Laemmle founded Universal City which contained a movie studio, a zoo, its own police department and mayor. The following year he invited the public to get up close and personal to the world of moviemaking for just five cents a ticket. Not a bad deal given that it also included a boxed lunch. But that tour came to an end in 1930 since it was difficult to soundproof the stages. However, in 1964 the movie makers began to offer tours once again.
This time around, guests were paraded inside “Glamor Trams” with red and white awnings. The two-hour long tours (which is about twice as long as today’s tours) would drive by numerous real sets and sound stages used to make movies and TV shows. The house from Psycho was one of the first film sets accessible for visitors to see. No other movie studio was offering such a thing. The trams were loaded up five times a day Mondays through Fridays.
This year marks Universal’s 60th year of tram tours. According to the studios, over 200 million people have ridden on the trams and experienced this attraction which has changed with the times over the years.
In the early days, the tour consisted of behind-the-scenes special effects, a makeup demonstration, a display of costumes made by designer Edith Head, a two-man stunt show and a tour of outdoor film sets. In 1965, in addition to the tour, Universal Studios began offering a larger stunt show, an animal show and a screen test comedy theatre. For years, one of the best features at the park was the Tourist Center where make-up artist demonstrations, trick photography and special props were on display. Some items on display had included a rotary phone from The Incredible Shrinking Man , a van you could lift like The Six Million Dollar Man and a hanging shark from Jaws that you could pose with. Guests would walk through Lucille Ball’s dressing room and see some of the special effects Alfred Hitchcock used to make his films.
Although Universal Studios Hollywood has grown into a full-blown theme park, the Studio Tour has kept its roots giving guests a peek into movie-making magic. Although some of the duties of the tour guide has been given over to a video presentation hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the studio still relies heavily on the actual human guides which can make the difference between a good or bad experience. According to Universal, “dozens of producers, directors, performers, movie and TV professionals as well as industry executives began their careers as Studio Tour Guides, and to this day, rank among the leaders shepherding the Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood into the future.”
Over the past 60 years, the tram ride has changed many times. Special effects like the falling bridge, a runaway train and a rockslide have gone. In their place, the park has added mini adventures that put guests “into” the movies – if only for a few moments.
“The Parting of the Red Sea” (1973-2016) where the waters would part and the tram would drive right through the now dry land. (Note: this effect was more impressive from a distance rather than close up). The spinning “Avalanche Tunnel” (1974-2001) was a simple effect that played with your mind and was a part of the trip for years. The “Rockslide” (1974-1979) of tumbling boulders always looked more realistic in the photos than what people experienced on the trip but the near collision with the “Runaway Train” (1974-1985) managed to rattle a few nerves.
The “Flash Flood” (since 1968) showered guests with a unique behind-the-scenes look at movie weather effects. All these years later, the popular attraction continues to be a staple on the Studio Tour. Meanwhile, the look of Jaws has changed many times, but he still packs a punch and is still considered one of the park’s premier Studio Tour attractions.
In 1989, “Earthquake” had guests clinging for their lives with its fabricated but eerily realistic 8.3 magnitude quake. All these years later, “Earthquake”, which continues to shake things up on the Studio Tour. It is currently closed but will open again soon with what promises to be even better.
In 2005, an original movie set from Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, War of the Worlds landed onto the backlot as a sprawling addition to the Studio Tour, in which trams traverse a key scene depicting a small town devastated by an elaborately choreographed 747 jetliner crash and surrounded by wreckage and debris.
The tour once featured an amazing “King Kong Encounter” (1986) but was destroyed in a huge backlot fire in 2008. However, he remerged just two years later as “King Kong 360-3D” (since 2010) which was inspired by Peter Jackson’s film.
“Fast & Furious: Supercharged” (since 2015) presents a gripping, high speed, 3D-HD experience based on Universal Pictures’ most successful film franchise of all time.
The most recent addition to the tour is the original “Jupiter’s Claim” set from Jordan Peeles’ NOPE which was added in 2022. The elaborate set was carefully disassembled post-production and transported to Universal Studios Hollywood where it was meticulously reconstructed on site, complete with original props and details from the film.
While Universal Studios Hollywood is planning some special touches this year for the Studio Tour’s anniversary, none have been announced just yet.
“On Its Way Out,” Universal Orlando Ride Nearing Permanent Shut Down
in Universal Orlando
A beloved attraction at Universal Orlando Resort is “on its way out,” and nearing a permanent closure after a decade in the theme park.
There’s no doubt that Universal Orlando Resort– home to Universal Studios Florida , Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park– has some major plans in the works for the future, particularly with one land that could be completely shut down soon.
Although The Simpsons Ride opened in 2008, The Simpsons Land at Universal Orlando Resort opened its gates to eager fans in 2013, bringing to life the iconic fictional town of Springfield from the long-running animated TV series. Located at Universal Studios Florida, this immersive area captures the vibrant essence of the show with its colorful facades, quirky attractions, and beloved characters.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a towering replica of Springfield’s most famous landmark, the nuclear power plant, setting the tone for the whimsical experience that awaits. Visitors to The Simpsons Land can explore iconic locations like Moe’s Tavern, Krusty Burger, and the Kwik-E-Mart, where they can indulge in themed food and beverages inspired by the show’s culinary delights.
The highlight of the area is, of course, The Simpsons Ride, an exhilarating simulator attraction that takes guests on a wild journey through the fictional Krustyland amusement park, guided by the mischievous antics of Bart Simpson. Alongside the ride, guests can enjoy various interactive experiences, including meet-and-greets with beloved characters like Homer, Marge, and the rest of the Springfield ensemble.
Recently, Bioreconstruct posted photos of “weathering” that can be seen on Kang & Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, the other riding attraction in Springfield. The attraction is one of just two in Universal Studios Florida that doesn’t have a height requirement– with the other being VillainCon Minion Blast– and has been a popular attraction among young guests since its opening in 2013.
About 10 years of weathering at top of Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl. pic.twitter.com/zEqacBiAcC — bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 12, 2024
As you can see in the photo, there is some weathering atop the attraction– which has been open for a decade now– but the truth of the matter is that it might not get fixed in the grand scheme of things.
While Universal Studios Orlando may elect to fix it, reports indicate that there will likely not be many significant updates to Springfield as the land is on its way out . Reports say that Universal’s contract with The Simpsons runs out in 2028, meaning that there are likely just three years left before the entire land closes down and makes way for something else. At this point, Universal hasn’t announced anything officially, and we would imagine that they won’t for a couple more years, but it is something to be aware of if you’re a fan of The Simpsons and you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort in the near future.
Inside the Magic will keep you updated on the latest developments happening at Universal Orlando and beyond.
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Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Studios Florida™ is a real working motion picture and television studio that enables guests to jump right into the action of their favorite films and TV shows 'on-set' of a variety of fully dressed backlot locations. Get to the Fun Faster with a Universal Express™ Pass.
All of which may give the answer to our overarching question away, but let's officially answer it, anyway: Universal Orlando Resort (sadly) does not have a Studio Tour experience like Universal Studios Hollywood does. There are two but s to this, however. Universal Studios Florida did, for a short period of time, feature a mini-tram tour ...
The Studio Tour contains half of Universal's attractions - such as King Kong 360, Earthquake, JAWS, and Fast and Furious - which make the tour far more interesting and entertaining than one would lead you to believe. Above that, the Studio Tour actually takes you through one of Hollywood's busiest and biggest movie studios.
Universal Orlando offers several free, unpublicized tours of popular attractions. Tours last approximately 15-30 minutes and include behind-the-scenes information that explains the attraction's stories and how the rides work. Many tours include visits to areas guests normally cannot access such as control booths, the Immigration Floor at MiB ...
You'll also receive a My Universal Photos 3-Day Photo Package, which starts on the first day of the tour. For a Private VIP Experience, you can book a 1-Park, 1-Day Tour (not available during peak times), a 2-Park, 1-Day Tour or a 2-Park, 2-Day Tour. To book a Private VIP Tour, call (866) 346-9350, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The Chamber of Secrets. The Prisoner of Azkaban. The Goblet of Fire. The Order of the Phoenix. The Half Blood Prince. The Deathly Hallows Part. The Deathly Hallows Part 2. Attractions. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios has drawn the largest crowds in Universal Studios since it opened in 2010.
Enjoy exclusive access, priority entry, and expert guidance on a VIP tour of Universal Orlando Resort.
Private tours available at Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure: 1-Day, 1-Park Tour (Not available during peak times) 1-Day, 2-Park Tour. 2-Day, 2-Park Tour. Separate theme park admission required for all VIP Experiences. To book a Private VIP Tour or for more details, call (866) 346-9350, 9 am-7 pm, seven days a week.
A Little Exposition. @introvertsguidetothemeparks. It's not hard to understand why Universal Orlando Resort offers the perfect vacation for movie lovers. Use a microscope to zoom in on the lifeblood of this place and you'll find its DNA is built like a film strip. In the mid-1980s, one of Hollywood's most renowned studios (Universal ...
Several notable movies have been filmed at Universal Studios Orlando including "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr." (2009), "House on Haunted Hill" (1999), "Sharknado 3" (2015), and "Tooth Fairy 2" (2011). Additionally, some scenes from the Harry Potter series were filmed at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter within the theme park.
Grab a scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream in this retro soda shop, modeled after the real Schwab's Pharmacy, erstwhile hangout of the Hollywood elite from the 1930s until the '80s. The legend lives on in Universal Studios Florida, where guests can order decadent banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, milkshakes, and malts.
Universal Studios Florida Theme Park. It's just like watching your favorite TV shows and movies IRL, except with the ultimate ride-y things like twists, turns and drops. Face villains more menacing than your kids pre-churros. Save the earth daily or even hourly. Oh and dragons, have we got dragons. And one of them even breathes real fire so ...
Universal Studios and Universal Orlando's VIP tours cost thousands but they're worth it for behind-the-scenes access and front-of-line ride access. Menu icon A vertical stack of three evenly ...
Related: Guide to visiting Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando group VIP tour basics. The one-day, two-park Universal Orlando group tour lasts for seven hours and provides priority entrance into at least ten rides and attractions. It will start at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
'Nope' Fictional Theme Park Becomes Permanent Attraction on Universal's Studio Tour. Created by production designer Ruth DeJong, the set opens day and date with the Jordan Peele film on July 22.
The Universal Holiday Tour is back for the 2023 season at Universal Orlando Resort. The tour has been offered over the last few years, so we were excited to see it returning again for 2023. ... The check-in area is located between the Hard Rock Cafe and Universal Studios Florida, where you will scan your park ticket. ... movies, and music videos.
The Studio Tour (also known as The Backlot Tour) is a ride attraction at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in Universal City, California near Los Angeles. Studio Tour is the theme park's signature attraction. It travels through a working film studio, with various film sets on the Universal Studios Lot.Guests sit on multi-car trams for the duration of the ride and looking behind the ...
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld (From 34,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates). The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (From 52,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates). JW Marriott Grande Lakes (From 40,000 Marriott points per night on standard dates). Hilton Orlando (40,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
Experience the ultimate Universal Studios adventure with VIP Tours. Immerse yourself in enchanting worlds and skip lines. Book your VIP Tour now! SmarTours Orlando. Open main menu. ... "SmarTours made me feel like a movie star with their Universal Studios VIP Tours! From the special access to the extra treats, it was all fantastic."
The Studio Tour Experience Step into the Heart of Hollywood East. The Universal Studios Studio Tour in Orlando offers visitors an opportunity to step into the heart of Hollywood East. As you embark on the tour, you'll be transported to the glamorous world of movie-making, where some of the biggest blockbusters come to life.
USA TODAY
No trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is complete without experiencing our signature attraction, The World-Famous Studio Tour.This legit journey through the actual sets of some of your favorite movies and television shows is mixed with exhilarating attractions and entertaining insights, making it an educational thrill ride unlike anything you can experience anywhere else.
The Universal Studio Tour - Universal Studios Hollywood Maybe not a "ride" in the traditional sense, but it does require you to get into a vehicle, and it's one of the most iconic theme park ...
The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, along with the park itself, debuted in 1964. After taking on many forms throughout the park's history, in the current day, the tram tour takes guests on a classic, cinematic journey approximately 45 minutes to one hour long. During the tour, guests are shuttled around the studio lot.
11. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. Full disclosure: Twister: Ride It Out is still one of the Universal rides I wish they'd bring back.But I'm open to new experiences, even if ...
The Cadillac logo represents "Ghostbusters." The Ghostbusters' Ectomobile, a.k.a. Ecto-1, is a 1959 Cadillac and the same symbol is on the Universal Studios Florida speculation map.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Universal Orlando Resort released new details this week about a brand new area coming to Universal Studios Florida this summer. Named DreamWorks Land, the new themed area takes inspiration from popular films by DreamWorks Animation Studios, including Shrek, Trolls, and Kung-Fu Panda.
The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood has an unusual history. In 1914, a German American immigrant named Carl Laemmle founded Universal City which contained a movie studio, a zoo, its own ...
A beloved attraction at Universal Orlando Resort is "on its way out," and nearing a permanent closure after a decade in the theme park. There's no doubt that Universal Orlando Resort- home ...