There are so many great rides here – this is one my family’s favourite amusement parks. This year’s big news is the new ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley’ area, although there are many other great movie-inspired adventures to explore too. My kids love jumping into action on the Men in Black ride ‘Alien Attack’. They also love the Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster. For older kids, the plunge into darkness on the ‘Revenge of the Mummy’ ride & the adrenaline-pumping ‘Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’ rollercoaster are hard to beat. My youngest loves going to the Barney Show and I have witnessed the older kids clapping away and singing along here when they think no-one is looking!
Universal Islands of Adventure
Since 2010, Universal Islands of Adventure has featured ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade’ which is great fun. My family loves ‘The Amazing Adventures of SpiderMan’; a fantastic 3D ride. See if you can keep your eyes open during the breath-taking finale! Speed junkies can test their nerve on the ‘Incedible Hulk Coaster’ which accelerates from 0 to 40 mph in 2 seconds flat. I must admit I’m not brave enough for this; just standing next to the ride is enough for me – the G-force is amazing.
Family-oriented favourites include the Pteranodon Flyers which gives you a prehistoric-bird’s-eye view, and the cool down on the ‘Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-rat barges’ makes for a very refreshing ride!
Universal Volcano Bay Waterpark
One of the original Florida water parks, Wet’n’Wild was acquired by Universal in 1999 and now boasts more themed multi-person thrill rides than any other theme park. These days it is a bit overshadowed by the two Disney water parks, but it does make for a great fun family day out.
