Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando is broken down into two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure) and one water park. This post will step you through what each of the three locations has in store!

Universal Studios Florida

This is the original theme park and was intended to be an alternative to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Each attraction is based on a popular movie and the theme park is broken into seven major zones (presented clockwise from main entrance at the bottom left):

• Production Central is where you'll find the attractions based on Dispicable Me and Shrek, as well as the Rip Ride Rockit which is the roller coaster where you choose the tune you want to scream along to, and the Transformers 3-D ride
• New York is home of Twister (a tornado simulation attraction), Revenge of the Mummy (a roller coaster) and the Blues Brothers show
• San Francisco is where you can see the Beetlejuice show and star in Disaster! (a movie made right in front of your eyes!) 
• Diagon Alley (not pictured on the map as it's BRAND NEW - pictured below) is where you can visit King's Cross Station, Knockturn Alley, Olivanders and the Gringotts Bank

• World Expo is where you'll find the Fear Factor Live, the Men in Black ride and the Simpsons simulator-style ride (entrance pictured below)
• Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone is, you guessed it, just for kids and includes ET's Adventure which is a total classic!
• Hollywood features the Horror Make Up Show where you'll see some gruesome special effects and the Terminator 2 3-D attraction

Islands of Adventure

There are six "islands" of adventure in this park, each with its own theme and thrills (presented clockwise from the main entrance at the bottom of the map):

• Marvel Super Hero Island is where you'll find the Spider-Man simulator, Doctor Doom's Fearfall (another version of Drop Zone), the Incredible Hulk roller coaster and the Storm Force Acceletron (beware if you don't like spinning!)
• Toon Lagoon contains Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls (Universal's answer to Splash Mountain) and a Popeye-themed river rapids ride (CAUTION - you will get soaked!)
• Jurassic Park has Camp Jurassic (basically a playground), Pteranodon Flyers (you can't fly this one without a kid) and the River Adventure which is a boat ride

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is next with the Dragon Challenge ride (a two track roller coaster pictured above, left), the Triwizard Spirit Rally, Flight of the Hippogriff (a junior roller coaster), Forbidden Journey (a Harry Potter simulator) and of course, Hogsmeade (pictured above, right)
• The Lost Continent is where you'll be able to see both Poseidon's Fury and The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad (live special-effects and stunt shows).  You can also check out the Mystic Fountain, an interactive attraction
• Suess Landing, as you may guess, is geared towards little ones

Wet N Wild Water Park

One of the world's top-rated water parks, there is tons to do here! 

• Tons of multi-person tube slides: Black Hole, Brain Wash, Disco H2O, The Blast, The Flyer and the Surge

• Race your friends and family on Aqua Drag Racer or Mach 5
• Take the plunge on your own on Der Stuka, Bomb Bay and The Storm

• Battle the 4-foot waves in Surf Lagoon or just relax in the lazy river
• Blastaway Beach is designed for smaller children with a 60-foot sand castle, 15 slides and about 160 ways to get soaked!

As you can see, the three parks at the Universal Orlando Resort have tons of attractions to keep you busy! Stay tuned for more posts on Universal City Walk and more on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!