A visit to a Universal theme park is a quintessential U.S. experience, but the two offer quite unique adventures. Orlando is more of a family theme-park destination and is hence better for rollercoasters and rides, while Hollywood is more about the Los Angeles experience itself – set inside a real working movie studio, it’s the place to see active movie sets and perhaps even glimpse a celebrity or two. We’ve looked at the top reasons to include a visit to a Universal Park or Studio this year.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Brand-new to Universal in California from early 2023, the thrilling SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ takes you right into much-loved environments from the Mushroom Kingdom thanks to interactive games, challenges and the epic, cutting-edge ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
Climbing aboard this ride, you put on special goggles and battle Team Bowser on iconic Mario Kart courses alongside Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach, collecting digital coins and throwing shells to win the Golden Cup. Afterwards, dine at the Toadstool Cafe and take home some souvenirs in the form of Nintendo-themed merchandise from the 1-UP Factory™ shop.
Reservations are normally required to enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ but guests with Universal Express and VIP privileges get reservation-free entry once daily (after 3pm for Platinum Pass members).
Universal Orlando Resort
Situated right in the heart of Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort consists of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. Between them, they offer film studio tours, film- and book-themed rides and attractions (including the ever-popular The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™) and aquatic fun. There’s also Universal CityWalk®, with food, music, shopping and entertainment – a great place to spend family time in the evening, after all the theme-park fun.
Universal Orlando Resort is the place to experience your favourite films in a new light by going behind the scenes and even becoming part of them. Among the best-loved rides and attractions here are the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure coaster, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem immersive ride, The Simpsons Ride motion simulator, and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
Islands of Adventure is another interactive theme park where you can immerse yourselves in a world of book and film legends on rides such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 3D dark ride, the high-speed Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey motion-based dark ride.
Volcano Bay is a tropical water park, with attractions suitable for all ages from tots to thrill-seeking teens and adults, whether it be Waturi Beach with its heated lagoon or the Krakatau Aqua Coaster with its four-person canoes.
Staying with Universal
To make your experience complete and be fully immersed in the Universal universe, you can stay in one of the hotels located within Universal's Endless Summer Resort. Dockside Inn & Suites is a super–affordable retreat with a coastal vibe. Also great value, Surfside Inn and Suites’ opposite Dockside has a cool surf vibe and beachy, surf-themed accommodation.
Both offer spacious, two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six, with kitchenettes for added flexibility. Both also come with exclusive theme park benefits including early park admission* to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay up to one hour before other guests (valid theme park admission required, select attractions). Skip the regular lines with Free^ Universal Express access^ (select hotels only; valid theme park admission required), and avail of complimentary water taxis and shuttles between your hotel and the parks, plus so many more!
To book your next trip to the USA with a visit to Universal Parks and Studios with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today.
*Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regularly scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando, and at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Valid at select attractions at each park. Attractions are subject to substitutions without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
^Requires theme park admission. Valid only at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Not valid at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Excludes separately ticketed events. Park-to-Park admission required to board the Hogwarts™ Express. Benefit valid only for guests of Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, for the number of guests staying in the room for the length of hotel stay. Available during normal theme park operating hours only. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.
^^Purchase and first use must be on or before 31/12/23. Additional Restrictions Apply. The 2023 Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay on all days during a fourteen (14) consecutive calendar day period which includes the first day any portion of the ticket is used. First use must be on or before December 31, 2023. The ticket will expire in full on January 13, 2024. Unused days shall be forfeited. The above Admission Media is non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be used by the same person on all days. Standard entry includes biometric scan. Valid only during normal operating hours. Parks, attractions, or entertainment may: close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather or special events; change operating hours; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of Universal Orlando Resort (‘Universal’). Unless otherwise stated, does not include admission to separately ticketed events at any of the Universal theme parks or within any of the CityWalk venues, Universal Cinemark, or Hollywood Drive-In Golf™, and parking or discounts on food or merchandise. Some CityWalk venues require ages 21 or older for admission. Valid Photo ID required. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice. Expires 13 days from first use.
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. © 2023 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro. © 2023 MARVEL. Jurassic World franchise TM & © 2023 Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cabana Bay Beach Resort TM & © 2023 UCF Hotel Venture II. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
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