Skip to main content

Exploring Woody Woodpeckers’ Kidzone & World Expo, Universal Orlando

Universal Globe out front of Universal Orlando

To celebrate my milestone birthday of six decades on this planet, I decided to visit Universal Orlando with my eager travel buddy, my husband.  This theme park consists of two parks broken up into multiple “zones” or sections.  In my first article, I covered the glitzy Hollywood section.  Here, I cover both the Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone and the World Expo, which are next to each other—just to the right of Hollywood.   

First, we Help to Save E.T.’s Planet

(Video by TheCoasterViews)

The E.T. Adventure is a very easy, albeit a bit cheesy, ride.  My husband and I enjoyed it though.  Actually, since it was a very hot day (it can get very hot and humid in Orlando) it was a refreshing diversion.  The ride begins as soon as you queue.  A video creates a back-story informing the riders that E.T. needs our help to save E.T.’s planet.  I recommend this ride for anyone who has seen the movie, who appreciates cutesy rides, and those with children.  

Lots to do for the Kiddies!

(Video by Themeparkfanatic)

There’s many more attractions for children such as Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone (loved the ride), Fievel’s Playland, and more.  Moreover, there is part of this section devoted to the “Simpson’s” which is centered on “Fast Food Boulevard”.  You will also find the car from Back to the Future and carnival-style games—games of skill.   

(Video by MrBucketlist )

Speaking of the Simpsons...

The Simpsons Ride begins as we queue with videos and signs depicting characters and references from the series.  One of the signs includes such things as “Poochie’s Toddler Kennel”.  The theme of the ride (most of the rides include a background story) is that there is a serial killer on the loose.  For the most part, we watch a large screen as the Simpsons avoid being killed while riding the ride.  We experience the feel of their ride as our seats move. 

Lions, Tigers and... Nope, More like Cats, Dogs, Birds and Orangutans

For those of us who love animals, Animal Actors On Location! is a must-see show.  It is a mixture of live-action and video.  Be forewarned though, you will have birds flying over your head.  I loved it!

(Video from SoCal ThrillSeekers 360)

Welcome to the World Expo and Evil Aliens

This ride also begins as we queued.  A MIB agent began our tour of MIB headquarters as we are now considered as possible agents—the best of the best.  The break room was very convincing, as it included the worm aliens.  Onward we see control, lockers and weapons rooms.  There’s also a short, humorous “educational” video of Doofus & Do-Right instructing trainees how to “patrol the MIB beat” (aka ride rules).   

At the end of the tour, we get into our cart and ride off with our “guns” to eliminate those nasties who have would do harm to our world—and others.  It’s all great fun, but the ride does twirl a few times.   

(Video by Attractions Magazine)

Tip: Read your map carefully!  There are “Character Zones” spread out over the parks.  The map gives you all the information you need to meet characters like the Transformers, Shrek and Donkey, Hollywood icons and more. 

Enjoy your visit.  We sure did!

Please Read

Theme Park Review: Escape from Gringotts

How to Maximize Your Visit to Universal Studios Florida

Activity Review: Fun Activities in Honolulu 2020


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Pluses & Minuses of The Hyatt House Vacaville

Beautiful But Needs Adjustments to its Accessible Rooms My Dear Polite Travelers I recently read about a new Hyatt House and since I needed a short brain-tidy-vaca near my home base in Davis, CA, I ventured twenty miles west to the sprawling city of Vacaville, the shopping mecca of our general area.  The Lobby/Bar/Restaurant Walking into the lobby, I noted calming tones, striking art, décor, and welcoming faces.  The registration staff was delightful and efficient.  The attractive bar and eating area are tastefully decorated and have ample seating areas. In fact, the entire area was so lovely that I brought many of those decorating ideas home with me.  The restaurant’s menu was limited and similar to what is typically found at bars: hamburgers, pizzas… etc.  I ordered a hamburger which was delivered overcooked.  Grr… Accessible Room 133 First off, this is a gorgeous room filled with outstanding artwork.  It includes a kitchenette, small ...

Two Hotels, Two Different Experiences—Hilton vs Hyatt Waikiki

Ah Hawaii, warm breezes, friendly people, and many lodging opportunities. Some are elegant, some are shabby, and some are just so-so. For the most part, my dear hubby and I have found our stays comfortable, but not always…perfect. What is perfect anyway? In Hawaii, perfect could simply mean looking out a clean window.  For this trip, we traveled and stayed in Waikiki. We know Waikiki well. It’s easy to maneuver through town, and it’s comfortable for my hubby, who is now living with mobility issues. Yep, a complete bummer. Still, we have found ways to help him enjoy—or sometimes simply tolerate—travel. (More on traveling by air in another post) As for our hotel stays, well, that requires a bit of finesse.  The Room Across from a Jet Engine--Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki  We’ve stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki multiple times but never in an accessible room. We chose this hotel based on its location and price. It’s not fancy or elegant. This Hilton is the typica...

Arizona: The Grand Canyon

Four Hours Visiting The Grand Canyon Updated 4/2021 I have an idea why the Grand Canyon is called “Grand”.    I theorize it’s because “Awesome Canyon” sounds more like stoner talk.  Joking aside, it is quite awesome and grand.   Recently, I was lucky enough to have a few hours to gaze wide-eyed at our big hole in the ground.  Since we (hubby & I) had only four precious hours, please follow along with what I found most important to see.  Note : Follow CDC and all park guidelines when visiting.  Wear a mask and social distance.     First Stop The first place to stop for those with limited time would be the visitor’s center.  Don’t worry about missing it.  There are plenty of signs pointing the way.  There, we found information offering park rangers, giant exhibits (displaying the entire canyon, trip planners, canyon-related history, and science), and a movie theater...