Some people think if they have been to one Universal Studios theme park, they are all the same. They may share a few similarities, but they have a lot of unique differences.
Universal Studios Hollywood is in Burbank, California and it is the first of the locations to be built. It has a focus on movie and tv show production, with a great backlot tour of filming locations they have used in many movies and tv shows (Jaws, Psycho, and Back to the Future are just some you will recognize). Sometimes if you are lucky, you will even get to see filming taking place. Universal Studios Hollywood is in a great location looking out over Burbank where you can see the Walt Disney Studios in the distance. It has many areas to explore inside the park. From Jurassic World to Minions to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can experience rides and attractions of many themes. Hogwarts is smaller in Universal Studios California than in Universal Studios Florida, but still very fun for families. The butterbeer is so delicious!
Recently, Super Nintendo World was added. As you walk into this land, you will feel as if you are inside the game of Super Mario. It features a ride called Bowser’s Cart Challenge, as well as Toadstool Cafe, and meet and greets with Super Mario characters.
You really only need 1 or 2 days at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Universal Studios in Florida is much bigger and made up of 3 theme parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park. Universal Studios features rides and entertainment based on movies such as Transformers, Minions, E.T., Fast and Furious, Simpsons and Harry Potter. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you want to make sure that you get the park-to-park pass so that you can experience the Hogwarts Express train that magically takes you from Diagon Alley in Universal Studios to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.
Islands of Adventure focuses on superhero or magical creature thrill rides that feature films such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk and Dr. Seuss. The new Jurassic Park VelociCoaster is a definite must for any thrill seeker!
Volcano Bay Water Park is the third park at Universal Studios. It is Polynesian-themed and features a 200 ft tall artificial volcano with an aqua coaster inside. Besides many thrilling water slides, there is a lazy river, a wave pool and a play area for toddlers.
You will definitely want to spend 2-3 days at least at Universal Studios Florida.
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 Jen and her friend, Goofy | Jen Mills, Dream Maker (780) 232-5816 |
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