Overview
There are two different theme parks located in Universal Orlando Resort. The two parks are called Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. However, unlike Disney World, these parks are located right next to each other and you can easily travel between the two. In fact, the Hogwarts Express is an attraction that links the two parks together, taking you from Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. Universal Orlando Resort also has a waterpark called Volcano Bay. When you are entering Universal Orlando Resort and walking through CityWalk, Universal Studios will be located to the right. As you approach Universal Studios you will come face-to-face with the iconic Universal ball. If you see it, you know you are in the right spot!
Universal Studios is split up into a few different areas, so let’s take a quick look at what to expect while you are visiting Universal Studios.
Hollywood
This is the first area you will enter as you walk into Universal Studios. It starts once you walk in and if you turn right as you first walk in, you will continue to explore the Hollywood area. This area houses one of the main stores in Universal Studios, which will be on your left as you walk in. There are a various dining options including the Today Cafe, Schwab’s Pharmacy, Mel’s Drive-In, and more. You can also catch two shows in this area: The Bourne Stuntacular and Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show. As well, E.T. Adventure is technically in Hollywood, but I personally think that is a stretch. You can see lots of old Hollywood charm in this area, and keep your eyes out because there are a lot of characters that pop-up in this area including Scooby Doo and the Gang, Beetlejuice, Marilyn Monroe, and others. You can also find seasonal tribute stores in this area. These stores have a specific theme that you can explore, while shopping various merchandise. Currently, you can walk through the Summer Tribute Store that is a throwback to old video rental stores. The tribute store features movies such as Ghostbusters, Jaws, E.T., and Shrek. Generally, this area is also a bit quieter as there isn’t as much to do, so if you are needing a break from this crowds this could be a good area to head to.
Illumination’s Minion Land
If you continue straight as you enter Universal Studios, you will enter into Minion Land. This area features two different attractions: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Minion Blast is a newer attraction to the area, while Minion Mayhem has been around for longer. In this area you can check out a variety of shops carrying lots of minion merchandise, and also dine at various stands or check out Illumination’s Minion Cafe for a quick service option.
New York
If you continue through Minion Land, or take a left as you are leaving the Hollywood area, you will end up in New York. This is one of my favorite areas (outside of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as that is pretty hard to beat!). This area feels like you are on a set of New York and it is a lot of fun exploring all the details. In this area you will also find a variety of rides including Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Revenge of the Mummy, and TRANSFORMERS The Ride 3D. You can also find a couple of different live entertainment acts including The Blues Brothers, ¡Vamos! – Báilalo, and Beat Builders. Additionally, you will find the Starbucks in this area, an Auntie Anne’s, and a Häagen-Dazs. You can also grab a bite to eat at Finnegan’s Bar and Grill, as well as Louie’s Italian Restaurant.
San Francisco
The San Francisco area is pretty small, and you can miss it pretty easily. However, there are a few iconic landmarks including the Ghiradelli building to look out for. In this area you can ride Fast & Furious Supercharged, and check out some dining options including Richter’s Burger Co., Chez Alcatraz, and Lombard’s Seafood Grille.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Alright, next up is my absolute favorite area in Universal Studios. A warning that it can be a bit difficult to find if you aren’t looking for it, or watching where lots of people are coming and going from. In this area you will be able to easily see the Hogwarts Express Station and the Knight bus, and if you see those two things you are in the right area. Look for a red brick wall and you will find the entrance to Diagon Alley. This area is an incredible place to explore and the details are fabulous. Diagon Alley features Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts rollercoaster. As well, there is a variety of wizarding shops you can browse and you can also eat at the Leaky Cauldron, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, and The Hopping Pot. Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore this area, especially if you or anyone in your group is a Harry Potter fan.
World Expo
World Expo rounds out the park as you make your way around. To be honest, this area doesn’t have a whole lot, but you can ride MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack! here.
Springfield
As you continue past World Expo, you will enter into the Springfield area. This is an area dedicated to the world of The Simpsons. There is surprsingly a lot to do in this area including two attractions: The Simpsons Ride and Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl. You can also shop at the Kwik-E-Mart and the Duff Kisok. As well as take part in some carnival games. There are also a few dining options including Moe’s Tavern, Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Luigi’s Pizza, Krusty Burger, and Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck. You can also grab a huge, pink donut over at Lard Lad Donuts.
DreamWorks Land
This is the newest land which is opening on June 14th, 2024. This is mostly geared towards kids, but adults can have just as much fun here. You can explore some of your favorite DreamWorks movies like never before including Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. There are lots of play areas and you can also watch an adorable show called Imagination Celebration. You can also find two snack stands: Swamp Snacks and Trolls Treats, as well as a store called High Five Hideaway. There are lots of interactive areas and you can also take a ride on the Trolls Trollercoaster!
We have finished out our brief overview of Universal Studios at Universal Orlando Resort. This is just to give you an idea of what you can discover while you are at the parks, but just know that there is so much more than I went over in this post. You can check out even more information using the navigation bar at the top of the page, or check out my blog for even more posts about all the things you can do while you are at Universal Orlando. There really is so much to discover and experience, and I can’t wait for you to be there!
Let me know if you have any additional questions or comments! Happy travels! ~Colette
You can find even more information about Universal Studios on the Universal Orlando website right here.