The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando

If you think an Orlando vacation is just for sentimental time with the little ones, let me introduce you to an upgrade. As the kids grow their way into middle school, they're more than ready for Universal Orlando Resort™. There's a ton to do for the youngest, but the bigger kids will have more fun than they thought possible. But it's not just the kids who are in for an adventure. Moms, dads, uncles, grandmas, brothers, and sisters, no matter who sets foot here, everyone's gonna have a blast.

Skull Island: Reign of King Kong at Islands of Adventure

Can you survive the long and dangerous journey to a mysterious island were prehistoric predators and other creepy crawly creatures are waiting to attack? Will King Kong prove to be the friend you've always wanted, or the foe you have nightmares about?

The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

You haven't truly lived until you've experienced The Incredible Hulk's wild and unique uphill launch. Not for the faint of heart, this coaster is both terrifying and exhilarating.

Revenge of the Mummy Ride

Universal incorporates so many innovations into its utterly unique dark ride/coaster, it coined a new label for Revenge of the Mummy: psychological thrill ride. With its inky darkness, creepy scarabs, and other freak-out inducers, the ride plays a winning mind-games hand. But Universal, never shy about its in-your-face fun, also unleashes physical thrills, including a surprisingly potent coaster experience, to produce a wild, kinetic, frenetic attraction.

10 Most Thrilling Rides at Universal Orlando

Nearly every attraction -- even the ones intended for general audiences -- includes amped-up, in-your-face moments. Visitors on the low end of the thrill-tolerance spectrum may find themselves a tad challenged at Universal. But coaster-loving tweens and teens as well as adults who want to get their adrenaline pumping will find plenty of opportunities to test their mettle.

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at Universal Orlando Resort

What would you call a restaurant that specializes in great burgers and great sushi? Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is an East-meets-West fusion restaurant whose menu features sushi, burgers, and a signature line of combo dishes called—wait for it—burgushi.

Where to Eat at Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk, the buzzy dining and nightlife district at Universal Orlando Resort, is ideally located within easy walking distance of the theme parks and hotels and offers dozens of places to eat for all tastes and budgets.

Universal Orlando's 10 Best Snacks and Desserts

You are bound to develop a serious case of the munchies after experiencing the wild and wonderful rides at Universal Orlando. In between surviving an amazing adventure with Spider-Man and getting turned into a Minion you are going to want to refuel and you will crave something sweet. Fortunately, the resort's two parks, CityWalk complex, and hotels offer plenty of great things on which to munch.

20 Cool Facts About the Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Diagon Alley

With the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando Resort has created a highly immersive realm that lets Harry Potter fans to explore Hogsmeade and London. Since Harry Potter’s adventures at Universal Orlando stretch across both Universal theme parks, you'll need a dual-park ticket to see it all.

Transformers: The Ride 3D at Universal Theme Parks

The fate of the planet is at stake, and you are along for the ride in the incredibly immersive, larger-than-life battle to the finish between the Decepticons and the Autobots. It's another in-your-face, rock-em, sock-em, sensory-oveload attraction from Universal (really, do they make them any other way?) that will leave you breathless and wondering, "What the heck just happened?" I'll tell you what just happened: Universal rocked and knocked your socks off -- yet again.

Terminator 2: 3D

Reprising his role as a time-traveling, good-guy cyborg from the "Terminator" film series, Schwarzenegger's larger-than-life persona grows to even bigger proportions in the unique theme park presentations. Combining a well-known storyline, eye-popping 3-D film footage, in-theater 4-D effects, and live performers who interact with the action on the screen, T2 is an all-out assault on the senses.

Tips for Tackling Universal Orlando with Preschoolers in Tow

Thinking of bringing your little one to Universal Orlando? While the theme park destination has a reputation for thrill rides that appeal to older kids, there's also plenty of fun aimed at the preschool crowd. Keep in mind, too, that admission is free for kids under age 3.

9 Best Universal Orlando Rides for Kids

It is true that Walt Disney World is loaded with rides and things to do for young children. Universal Orlando, meanwhile, is often seen as the place to go once kids have grown out of the princess and pirates phase. It is also true that Universal's two parks are brimming with wild, in-your-face, thrilling attractions. But, families with children under 10 can find some wonderful rides that the youngsters will adore.

Have Eye-Popping Fun on Shrek 4-D Rides

Channeling the popular and funny films, Shrek 4-D is a romp into the fairy-tale tweaking kingdom of Duloc and its quipster inhabitants. Using every 3-D and "4-D" trick in the book (and then some with innovative new features), the attraction is a total hoot. With its lovable characters and rapid-fire jokes, you’ll be screaming -- with laughter.

Hogwarts Express

Muggles can travel back and forth between two lands, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, located in Universal Orlando's two parks by taking the Hogwarts Express. The train ride is more than a conveyance, however. It is a highly themed and evocative experience that offers a seamless transition and cleverly stitches together a unified Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Theme Parks

Would you like being bonked on the head, zapped with a weapons-grade laser, and launched down an enormous slide onto a giant cactus? Of course you would! And I've got the perfect attraction for you. You can endure these motion-simulated calamities and many more in glorious ultra high-def 3D at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

The Best Hotels at Universal Orlando

Now, Universal Orlando offers five hotels at its resort (with a sixth on the way in 2018). Since visitors need at least two full days to enjoy all that Universal has to offer, that has created demand among guests to stay at the resort. But which hotel is the best for you?