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Universal Studios Florida

Park Info
Tips
Highlights of the Park
Dining at Universal Studios Florida
What’s Going On?
Coming in 2012

Park Info

Universal Studios Florida, one of two theme parks in the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, is not only a real working TV and movie studio, but allows guests of all ages to ‘ride the movies’ via incredible rides, attractions, movie sets and shows!

At Universal Studios Florida, which opened on June 7th 1990, you’ll be catapulted right into the heart of the movie world, learn insider info about the movie-making process, enjoy state-of-the-art rides in which you’re the star, and see real film crews at work.

The park is designed around six themed areas:

For more information on the most popular rides, shows and attractions at Universal Studios Florida, see our ‘Highlights’ section.

Tips

Operating Hours

Universal Studios Florida, which is open 365 days a year, usually opens at 9.00am, although closing times vary depending on the season.

Parking

Universal Studios Florida have enclosed parking garages with lifts, escalators and moving travelators to the theme park area. Vehicle Assistance, wheelchair hire and kennels are available within the garage parking complex.

Parking Fees:

The fee for regular car parking is currently $15
The fee for regular parking between 6pm-10pm is $3
RV, bus and preferred parking is currently $20
Valet parking starts at $15 for under two hours, rising $25 for over two hours
Preferred parking is $20 for the general public, $10 for Passport members and free for Platinum members
Tour buses may park free of charge

Please Note: Both Valet and Preferred parking are subject to availability and not guaranteed.

Directions

Parking Garage Address:

6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819

GPS directions:

Latitude: 28.47399
Longitude: -81.46228

From Orlando International Airport:

SR-528 west for 11 miles to 1-4 east
Take the 1-4 east for 2 miles, exit at junction 75A
Follow the signs to Universal Orlando's main parking garage

From I-4 Eastbound (Kissimmee/Buena Vista/Disney Area):

Take the I-4 east and exit at junction 75A
Follow the signs to Universal Orlando's main parking garage

From I-4 Westbound (Downtown Orlando Area):

Take the I-4 west and exit at junction 74B
Follow the signs to Universal Orlando's main parking garage

Busiest Times

Whilst Universal Studios Florida is always busy, some times are more popular with visitors than others. Peak periods include:

Summertime: Late May through to early September.
Weekends: Weekends are obviously more popular than weekdays. Monday through to Thursday is generally a quieter time to visit.
Easter: The week either side of Easter can be busy.
Thanksgiving Weekend: Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the 4th Thursday in November.
Washington’s Birthday Weekend: Celebrated each year on February 21st.
Independence Day Weekend: July 4th.
Christmas Holidays: Includes the whole of the Christmas period, right through to the New Year.

Planning is Everything!

Decide before you go which attractions you’d like to see at the park and if you can, get there early. You’ll see the direction that most people take when they enter the park. Instead of joining them, go against the flow and work your way back to the beginning. This should help you to avoid much of the crowd.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always sunny in Florida; there are often rainshowers in the afternoons. Make the most of the outdoor attractions when you can and save the indoor/undercover attractions and indoor shows for last, or for when rain threatens.
If possible, eat before you arrive because apart from the extra expense, eating at the park can take up time that is better spent having fun.
If you want to dine at one of the many excellent eateries in the park, then try to take your main meals outside of ‘normal’ times to help avoid queues.
Don’t forget to take sunscreen and bug spray and most importantly, wear comfortable, loose clothing and well-worn-in footwear. You’ll be doing lots of walking!

Taking Supplies

Because there are plenty of places to eat and drink at theme parks, bringing your own food is generally frowned upon. There are some items which are acceptable to take with you to Universal Studios Florida if you need them however. All bags will be checked upon entrance to the park.

Acceptable items:

Foods required for medical purposes and medically–indicated nutritional supplements
Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5" wide x 6" high x 6" deep
Food for special dietary needs
Bottled water
Small snacks that do not require heating
Baby food/baby formula

Ride Height Requirements

Safety is absolutely paramount at any theme park and Universal Studios Florida is no exception. Height restrictions include:

Revenge of the Mummy - 48" minimum
Men in Black Alien Attack - 42" minimum
Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster - 36" minimum
The Simpsons Ride™ – 40" minimum
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit - 51" minimum
E.T. Adventure - 34" minimum

Highlights of the Park

Whilst everything is worth seeing and doing at Universal Studios Florida, some rides and attractions come up time and time again on the favourites lists. These include:

Dining at Universal Studios Florida

There’s no need to go hungry at the Universal Studios Florida, with plenty of eateries offering every kind of cuisine imaginable, there’ll be something to suit every palate and pocket.

Of the dining options listed above, some appear to be particular favourites with visitors to Universal Studios Florida. These include:

Midway Grill

Nathan’s hot dogs are legendary, so if you’d like to try a ‘real’ American hot dog, this food stand on Amity’s midway is the place to find it. A particular favourite is the chilli dog which is liberally smothered in chilli, cheese and onions.

Louie’s Italian Restaurant

Reputedly these thin, large and foldable pizzas are the best New York pizzas to be found in Florida.

Lombard’s Seafood Grille

A great place for a sit-down meal, Lombard’s Mahi-Mahi Sandwich and Lobster Bisque come highly recommended.

What’s Going On?

There’s always something happening at Universal Studios Florida, and 2012 is no exception. These must-do experiences and must-keep dates include:

Universal 360 - A Cinesphere Spectacular: July 4th – August 13th*

See some of Hollywood's biggest films projected onto huge spheres in the Universal Studios lagoon. Accompanied by dazzling lasers, pyrotechnics and more.

*excluding 9th and 16th July

Fast Five: Until August 29th

Come and have your picture taken with three of the cars from the latest chapter in the high-octane Fast and the Furious series - FAST FIVE. Here you can get a close look at Dom's 1970 Dodge Charger and Brian's Nissan 370Z and Porsche GT3, all of which were used in the movie.

Impact Wrestling

IMPACT Wrestling is currently the hottest sport on TV – and you can be part of the live studio audience!

Taping Dates:

June: 12th to 14th, 27th and 28th
July: 10th to 12th, 25th and 26th
August: 8th and 9th, 22nd to 24th

Rock the Universe: September 9th and 10th

Grab your friends and join thousands of other believers for a weekend of love, faith, and rock 'n' roll! This soul-stirring event features the Nightly Candlelighting Ceremony with Casting Crowns, the brand new Fan Zone, My Coke Rewards LIVE Karaoke and much, much more!

Halloween Horror Nights: Selected evenings from September 23rd to October 31st

This year is the 21st year of unbridled terror and nightmarish thrills which are Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida.

If you dare, venture into horrifying scare-zones, stumble into haunted houses and simply try to survive the darkened studio streets crawling with monsters, maniacs and terrible mutants!

Macy's Holiday Parade: Mid-December 2011 to early January 2012

Macy’s Holiday Parade, which is free with your Universal Studios Florida ticket, features a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, floats, clowns, live shows, balloons and much more!

Please Note: The purchase of an additional ticket is required for some of these events at Universal Studios Florida.