Universal Studios Florida: New York

New York at Universal Studios Florida.Orlando, Florida: The designers of Universal Studios Florida spared no detail when trying to make their lands match the original namesakes. The New York area of the park is no different, featuring style and architecture reminiscent of the Big Apple. A stroll through the streets of New York will make you fell like you are in the NYC and not in Central Florida.

The ride highlight of New York is the Revenge of the Mummy. Opened in 2004, the Mummy ride takes the place of the old favorite Kongfrontation. The ride is an enclosed roller coaster features banked turns and a series of special effects to keep riders on the edge of their seats. The almost three minute ride takes its riders through an adventure inspired by the Mummy motion pictures while reaching speeds of near 45 miles per hour.

The other attraction in New York is Twister…Ride it Out. Opened in 1998 and based on the hit movie Twister, the attraction takes an inside look at the destruction caused by tornados and how Hollywood recreates the devastation on camera. Riders pass through a ride queue area that is meant to resemble the Midwest town of Wakita while learning about tornados. Once you enter the building you will watch a pre show video from the stars of the movie Twister explaining the real life devastation caused by these natural wonders. Then the tornado warning comes across the screen and you are led to the drive-thru movie theater where a tornado drops down from the sky right before your very eyes.

In addition to the rides and attractions, New York also features the Blues Brothers Live. Here the Blues Brothers entertain guests several times a day with classic rock and soul music.

To conquer you hunger, New York has a few good choices to eat. The dining choice s in New York are:
  • Ben and Jerry’s: The world famous ice cream parlor.
  • Finnegan’s Bar and Grill: full service Irish-American pub that serves fish n’ Chips, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Beef Stew and many more Irish specialties.
  • Louie’s Italian Restaurant: counter service restaurant featuring pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, meatball subs and more Italian favorites.
  • Starbuck’s: there is one on every block in NYC so why not have one in Universal’s New York.

The shops of New York are based on the attractions found here. Sahara Traders features Mummy themed items. The other shop, Aftermath, has items inspired by Twister.

During the holiday season, the streets of New York come alive as the balloons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade invade the streets of Universal’s New York.

For photos of Universal’s version of the Big Apple, visit my New York photo gallery.

Updated September 19, 2010

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