Universal Orlando

Orlando, Florida: Universal Orlando is a theme park/entertainment complex located in Central Florida. With two theme parks, three world class hotels and an entertainment complex it provides fun for all ages.

Universal Orlando got started in 1990 with the opening of Universal Studios Florida. Universal Studios is a theme park that allows guests to ride the movies, mixing thrill rides with Hollywood special effects. It is also a working studio with shows being shot on location on a regular basis. The park is also home to Halloween Horror Night, where select nights in October the park turns into a nightlong fright fest.

Universal Orlando upped the stakes with the addition of their second park in 1999. Island of Adventure features several islands of thrill rides including two of the nations best roller coasters, the Incredible Hulk and Dueling Dragons.

Both theme parks are linked together by Universal City Walk. The entertainment complex is the centerpiece of the resort. Featuring nightclubs, restaurants and shopping it is also the entry point for all guests visiting Universal Orlando.

The resort is home to three world class resorts, adding to the vacation experience of Universal Orlando. The Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel are all located within the property making it a convenient way to see the parks. In addition to all providing luxury accommodations, guest are provided with transportation to the parks via water taxi and front of the line privileges at all rides.

Universal Orlando also partners with Wet and Wild on International Drive providing a water park option to the resort. The park opened in 1977 as the first water park in the country and has been thrilling visitors since. Since 2007 it has been considered a part of the Universal Orlando experience.

Over 11 million visitors crossed through the turnstiles in 2008. Universal Studios Florida was ranked 11th and Islands of Adventure was ranked 14th worldwide in attendance for 2008. It is the second largest entertainment group in Florida behind Walt Disney World.

For more photos, click the photo above or visit my Universal Orlando photo page.

Updated December 26, 2009

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