With shows, dining and rides galore, there's plenty to explore at Universal Studios Florida. With so much to do, it can be difficult to know what to visit and what to skip. Here are the attractions you don't want to miss if you're planning to see Universal Studios in just one day.
Check the operating hours for the day of your visit. If you plan to get every minute out of your day at Universal Studios Florida, you should know exactly how long the park will be open. Depending on the season, the gates usually open at 8 or 9 a.m., but closing times can vary widely depending on the day and time of year. You will be disappointed if you think the park is open until 10 p.m. and then discover it's 7 p.m.
Purchase tickets online. You can avoid long lines at the ticket windows and give yourself more time to enjoy the park by buying your tickets online at the Universal Studios Florida website and printing them out at home.
Go on thrill rides. Universal Studios Florida has roller coasters that will get your heart pumping. Thrill seekers should try the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Universal's tallest ride, where you'll choose the song that will play as you plunge through the Rip Ride's hills and loops. There's also "The Revenge of the Mummy" coaster, where you ride in darkness, with occasional appearances by beetles, scarabs and a creepy mummy.
Go on family-friendly rides. The park features family-friendly rides designed to delight young and old. Board a rocket and blast away on the motion simulator Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, spotting other Nickelodeon cartoon favorites along the way like SpongeBob and The Fairly Oddparents.
Visit Krustyland on the Simpson's ride, sail among the stars on the E.T. Adventure and find yourself in the midst of an earthquake on the Disaster ride. Smaller kids may enjoy attractions like Fievel's Playground.
Watch some shows. "Shrek" lovers might enjoy the "Shrek-4D Show," where you'll watch Shrek and Fiona's latest adventures in 3-D and actually feel the wind and mist from your seat. You can also boogie to the musical stylings of Jake and Elwood at "The Blues Brothers Show."
Get a meal. With all the walking and standing in line, you're bound to work up an appetite. Universal studios offers a variety of eateries, from Kid Zone Pizza Company, serving kids' favorites like chicken tenders and pepperoni pizza, to Lombard's Seafood Grille, where you can enjoy a sit-down meal of seafood and pasta in air-conditioned comfort.
