Exploring Woody Woodpeckers’ Kidzone & World Expo, 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!

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