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Universal Studios Orlando

Our newly purchased annual passes go through September 2012!  Looking forward to getting back into these parks (we had WDW annuals last year).  So, here is a quick rundown from the local perspective of both parks and City Walk.

A couple general tips: You are allowed to take backpacks with you, so pack wisely (bottled water, rain ponchos, and snacks).  There are free lockers available for rider use to store bags, hats, sunglasses, etc. when you are going on a ride that doesn't allow you to "carry on".  If the parks are busy when you are there, take advantage of single rider lines - you will be able to stand with your party until you are put onto the ride, and sometimes you actually end of up sitting with another member of your party.

Universal Studios
  • Newly added to the park is the Rip Ride Rockit, from which I had a headeache from about 1 minute into the ride until a week later.  I'm from Ohio and have been on old wooden coasters from both Cedar Point and King's Island - none of them were this bad.  If you have any health problems, do NOT go on this ride!
  • The Simpsons ride is in the location of the former Back to the Future.  It's a great 3D ride, although not one of my favorites.
  • Some people still consider US to be the more classic, less adventurous park of the two, but with the new roller coaster and the existing Mummy indoor coaster, I'd say there is enough there for adventure-seekers.
Islands of Adventure
  • The more adventurous of the two parks, according to some, here you will find more exciting ride opportunities.  The Hulk is not bumpy, but you will got jostled a little bit.  Spiderman was slightly updated, and this one is a great option for single rider lines. 
  • Harry Potter world is still the biggest attraction in this park.  Engineers and designers did a fantastic job with the realism, and definitely a great spot for neat vacation photos.  The new 3D adventure ride, Forbidden Journey, was actually pretty action-filled but smooth regardless of the movement.  Dueling Dragons is now Dragon Challenge (not much changed with this ride).
City Walk  The husband and I love City Walk for a night out, especially since Pleaure Island at Downtown Disney shut down.  It's a great place to go for nights out with friends, bachelor(ette) party, business parties, etc. 
  • My favorite way to do City Walk?  The Meal and Party Pass, but I'm not seeing it on the website. http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/CityWalk-Tickets.aspx  Still, the party for all the clubs makes it easier and more affordable to club hop.  I'll update this when we visit the parks again.
  • Pat O'Briens is a fair representation of the original Pat O's in New Orleans, but we don't go for that.  Yes, the hurricanes are fantastic, and you walk away with souvenir glasses, but we go for the dueling pianos bar.  Always a good time - even better with a big group of friends and lots of $1s to put down for song requests.  I recommend dinner somewhere beforehand, as there aren't food options in the piano bar.
  • The Groove is the dance club - two floors, light show, couches, plenty of bar locations.
  • We've never had a bad meal at Pastamore, and it's hands-down our favorite place for dinner.
  • If you are planning to go to Margaritaville for dinner, make reservations or get there early!!  Trust me!
  • Ladies, if you are going out for the night, remember that you will have to hike from the parking garage, on the people movers, and up an escalator.  I always feel bad for girls I see in super strappy or spikey stilletto heals.  If you love your feet, think carefully about your choice of footwear.
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Location: Orlando, FL, USA

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