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How to Maximize Your Visit to Universal Studios Florida

How to Maximize a Visit to Universal Studios Florida

Exploring The Hollywood Section of the Park

For my 60th birthday, I could have gone anywhere.  After all, it’s a big deal hitting the big 6-0.  Strangely enough, I decided to visit a theme park.  Silly, huh?  Well, read along to find out how this decision was one of my better ones.

Visiting Hollywood inside Universal Studios Florida

Two Parks, One Great Memory.

Universal Orlando Resort consists of two—huge—theme parks, a “City Walk”, and various hotel resorts.  Because these parks are so large, I cover just our experience in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida in this article.  The remainder of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Island of Adventure and the City Walk is covered in others.  Here’s a hint of what you will find in those articles: Wow!  Yum. Loved it!  Woo hoo! 

Set the Mood With a Pin

One of the coolest elements of my trip was that it was my birthday celebration, even though not technically my b'day.  Since it was a special occasion, I received a special button stating that it's my birthday.  Everyone in the park said, "Happy birthday, Rebecca."  How cool is that?  It never got old.
Tip: If visiting to celebrate a special occasion, let the gatekeepers know.  You will receive special treatment when wearing the badge. 

Great way to Begin the Day

We began our days by stopping for coffee at the Starbucks on the “City Walk” located on our journey to the gates of the park.  Once inside the park, we stopped at Beverly Hills Boulangerie (directly on the right of the entry) for delicious pastries.  Usually, we’d munch these as we made our way for the day’s entertainment.

Hooray for Hollywood!

Rebecca Black enjoying a visit with Marilyn Monroe inside Universal Florida

Where else can you meet Marilyn Monroe, Dr. Emmett Brown (Back to the Future) and Woody Woodpecker within minutes of each other?  This is just one of the joys of visiting this section of the park, which is directly to your right as you enter the park.  I met all three and drooled over the Mystery Machine on Rodeo Drive. 

Mystery Machine on Rodeo Drive in Universal Studios Florida

Heavy on nostalgia, the Lucile Ball tribute, which included videos from her iconic “I Love Lucy” television series, video tributes, photos, and memorabilia were surprisingly entertaining.  I even remember a dress that was on display—polka dots, of course.

Step Back in Time

Again with the nostalgia.  Déjà vu waves over me as we continue down Hollywood Boulevard.  The storefronts, restaurants, and buildings look like they are straight out of an iconic film.  For example, you could stop in for a burger and a shake at Mel’s Drive-In or belly up at the counter of Schwab’s Pharmacy for an ice cream float.  Both have decent food but are a bit pricy.  You’ll find better pricing in San Francisco. 

We Join the Battle for Humanity

(Video by DmN

Terminator 2 3-D ride was a blast!  We (my husband and I) couldn’t do all of the rides since some were a bit too intense, but this ride was perfect.  It was more of live theater mixed with 3-D video, smoke and seats that moved a bit.  It was as if we were with Sarah and John Connor trying to save the world.

Don’t Miss a Thing!

(Video by SoCal ThrillSeekers 360) 

There’s many, many more attractions to see and do in this section of the park, like attend a magic show, preview and rate a probable new television series and learn all about makeup used in horror films.  Slow down and experience it all!  I spent four days exploring all that both parks have to offer.  I am more than ready to do it again!

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.

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