Universal Orlando Resort
| Universal Orlando Resort | ||||
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 Main entrance |
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| place | Orlando , Florida , USA | |||
| opening | June 7, 1990 | |||
| Visitors | 10.4 million (Islands of Adventure) 10.9 million (Studios Florida) (both 2019) |
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| Website | www.universalorlando.com | |||
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Coordinates: 28 ° 28 ′ 25 ″ N , 81 ° 28 ′ 0 ″ W.
The Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park - Resort in Orlando (Florida) . It's a partnership between NBC Universal and the Blackstone Group . The resort consists of the two theme parks Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Universal CityWalk shopping and dining area .
With an estimated 9.8 (Islands of Adventure) and 10.7 (Studios Florida) million visitors, both parks were among the 20 most-visited amusement parks worldwide in 2018.
Studios
The Universal Orlando Resort has the largest working film studio outside of Hollywood. Up until 2005, all television shows on the children's channel Nickelodeon were recorded here. The day guests could not only be there live as spectators, but also actively participate in the shows. In addition, the studios served as the backdrop for a variety of commercials and television series such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show .
At the moment, the TNA Impact Weekly shows and Pay-Per-View events from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), which are broadcast in the USA on Pop TV, are often recorded here. In addition, the American wheel of fortune stops at the studios every year on its America tour. One of the studio buildings can also be rented for private celebrations.
Theme parks
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida Park opened in 1990. Under the motto "Ride the Movies", Universal has built elaborate and exciting attractions for the movies in order to be able to compete with the Walt Disney World Resort , also located in Orlando . The park is right next to International Drive and Interstate 4 in Orlando . The park is divided into seven main themes: Hollywood , Kids Zone , World Expo , San Francisco , New York , Production Central and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley .
| Surname | description | opening |
|---|---|---|
| ET Adventure | Themed ride based on ET - The Extra Terrestrial | since the beginning |
| Universal horror make-up show | Humorous live show to show make-up and special effects for films | since the beginning |
| The Blues Brothers | Live show with vocals based on the Blues Brothers | 1991 |
| Men in Black: Alien Attack | Interactive themed ride based on Men in Black | 2000 |
| Shrek 4-D | 3D film with additional effects based on Shrek | 2003 |
| Revenge of the Mummy | Combination of themed ride and roller coaster based on The Mummy | 2004 |
| Fear Factor: Live | Live show with audience participation, based on the reality TV show Fear Factor | 2005 |
| The Simpsons Ride | 3D simulator ride based on the cartoon series The Simpsons | 2008 |
| Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit | A roller coaster that makes it possible to select the soundtrack for the ride from a list before starting the ride | 2009 |
| Springfield | Replica of the fictional city " Springfield " | 2013 |
| Despicable Me Minion Mayhem | 3D simulator with the characters from Despicable Me | 2012 |
| TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D | 3D simulator themed ride based on the Transformers franchise , ride similar to "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" in Universal's Islands of Adventure | 2013 |
| Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts | Roller coaster ride through the Gringotts magician's bank | 2014 |
| Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon | 3D simulator with a virtual flight through New York, with the Tonight Show presenter Jimmy Fallon | 2017 |
| Fast & Furious - Supercharged | 3D simulator of a ride in the "party bus" with a chase in the universe of The Fast and the Furious . | 2018 |
| Surname | description | opening | Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confrontation | Film-based themed tour through New York, encounter with King Kong . | 1990 | 2002 |
| Back to the Future - The Ride | 3D simulator with dome screen. The attraction was re-themed and reopened as The Simpsons Ride . | 1992 | 2007 |
| Jaws | Amity boat trip with shark attacks based on Great White Shark . | since the beginning | 2012 |
| Twister: Ride It Out | Disaster simulation based on Twister . | 1998 | 2015 |
| Disaster: A Major Motion Picture Ride ... Starring You | Humorous simulation of a shooting of a "disaster film" with Christopher Walken | 2008 | 2015 |
| Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue | Live stage show with vocals based on Beetlejuice . | 1992 | 2015 |
| Terminator 2: 3D | Combination of 3D film and live stunt show based on Terminator 2 - Reckoning Day | 1996 | 2017 |
Universal Studios Florida had approximately 10.9 million visitors in 2019. In comparison, the park was the 6th most visited theme park in North America and 11th worldwide. Between 2006 and 2018, the average number of visitors was 7.5 million visitors per year.
Development of visitor numbers
Universal's Islands of Adventure
The Islands of Adventure (Universal's Islands Adventure) were opened in May 1999th Right next to the sister park Universal Studios Florida , the six islands were the third addition to the Universal Orlando complex. The park is divided into the themed areas Port of Entry , Marvel Super Hero Island , Toon Lagoon , Jurassic Park , The Lost Continent , Seuss Landing and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter .
Port of Entry
The entrance to the Islands of Adventures is modeled on an Arabic / Oriental market and stretches from the ticket offices to the lake, which forms the center of the park. All other islands (theme areas of the park) are built around this. Port of Entry does not include any rides, but rather, as is usual for a main street, shopping and dining options.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (The magical world of Harry Potter ) is the newest of the seven themed areas of the park. It was officially announced on May 31, 2007 and opened to visitors on June 18, 2010 after two and a half years of construction. Before it was converted into the world of Harry Potter, the area was expanded to include the Lost Continent area . The two attractions Dragon Challenge (formerly: Dueling Dragons ) and Flight of the Hippogriff (then: Flying Unicorn) were already part of the park before the redesign in 2010.
The main attraction of the themed land is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey , which is located in a large replica of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In this dark ride, which is equipped with KUKA Robocoasters , famous places and characters from the Harry Potter world are visited. Other attractions are the aforementioned Dueling Coaster Dragon Challenge , which is based on the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, and the Flight of the Hippogriff . The area also includes a replica of the small town of Hogsmeade with many of its small shops, such as Derwish and Banges , The Honey Pot , The Three Brooms or Zonko's joke shop .
Marvel Super Hero Island
Walking to the left of the entrance, the visitor arrives at the Marvel Super Hero Island , the themed area dedicated to the comics of the Marvel publishing house . The main attraction is the simulation drive The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man , which is a nocturnal adventure drive through New York. The driving system used was also used in Universal Studios in Hollywood for Transformers . Due to the success, the same ride was built in the Orlando studios. Thus, there are two attractions in the Universal Resort Orlando with the same travel system, but with two different stories and designs.
Another main attraction of the area is the roller coaster The Hulk Coaster , which was built by Bolliger & Mabillard for the opening of the park and currently has the highest cobra roller in the world. Another feature of the rollover track is the catapult launch from a tunnel, which not only leads directly into an inversion , but is also generated by friction wheels. So far, no roller coaster from the Swiss manufacturer has installed such a start. Another attraction on Marvel Super Hero Island is Doctor Doom's Fear Fall , a free fall tower from S&S Engineering.
Toon Lagoon
If the visitor follows the ring-shaped path around the lake of the park, this comes into the part of the park, which is more for children, the Toon Lagoon . In contrast to the Marvel Super Hero Island , more child-friendly themes and cartoons were chosen, for example Popeye. This figure adorns the Rapid River Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges , which, along with Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls , a whitewater run by Mack Rides , is the main attraction in the Toon Lagoon.
Jurassic Park
Among other things, the Jurassic Park River Adventure water slide is located here , which is subject to the theme of the Jurassic Park film . In general, this area is designed with jungle plants and dinosaurs. Another roller coaster in the park is called Pteranodon Flyers , but is only permitted for children or accompanying adults. The low capacity of the railway requires this regulation, because otherwise the waiting times would be too long.
The Lost Continent
This area is based on ancient myths and was built with lots of rocks. The Mythos restaurant is particularly noteworthy, as it has often been recognized as the best theme park restaurant in the world. The Poseidon's Fury effect show and the actor show The Eight Voyages of Sindbad are the only remaining attractions in the area after the three roller coasters were incorporated into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter .
Seuss Landing
Seuss Landing is designed for children and offers, in addition to an indoor area, The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride , a transport ride that runs throughout the area. The ride system is actually designed as a roller coaster and is usually sold as a Powered Coaster by Mack Rides. The design including the dark ride The Cat in the Hat is based on the children's book author Dr. Seuss .
| Surname | description | opening |
|---|---|---|
| The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Simulator ride through New York City with many special effects based on Spider-Man | since the beginning |
| Incredible Hulk Coaster | Bolliger & Mabillard's only launched coaster | since the beginning |
| Doctor Doom's Fearfall | Two free fall towers from the manufacturer S&S Power | --- |
| Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls | Wild water course , based on the cartoon series Dudley Do-Right | since the beginning |
| Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges | Rapid River , themed after Popeye | --- |
| Jurassic Park River Adventure | Adventure boat ride with special effects based on Jurassic Park | --- |
| Dragon Challenge | Dueling roller coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard, permanently closed since September 4th, 2017 | since the beginning (renovation 2010) |
| Poseidon's Fury | Indoor show with lots of special effects | --- |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | Simulation drive through Hogwarts and the surrounding area | 2010 |
Visitors
Universal's Islands of Adventure had approximately 10.4 million visitors in 2019. In comparison, the park was ranked 7th among the theme parks with the most visitors in North America and 12th worldwide. Between 2006 and 2014 the average number of visitors was 6.5 million visitors per year.
Development of visitor numbers
Universal CityWalk
The Universal CityWalk consists of a multiplex cinema with 20 halls, a concert hall of the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando's, the Blue Man Group Show, various shopping opportunities, thematic restaurants and nightclubs. In addition, there has been the “Hollywood Drive-In Golf” since 2011, a mini golf course that was built right at the beginning of the CityWalk. After parking the car in one of the parking garages, visitors first get to the CityWalk and then to the entrances to the two theme parks.
Most night clubs are chargeable. A CityWalk Party Pass still allows you to enter all clubs at no additional cost. Alternatively, the Party Pass is also included in every 2-day / 2-park ticket. The pass, like the tickets, can be purchased online or at the box office.
Overview of all restaurants and discos
| Local | description | possibly specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville | Caribbean food restaurant | Eruption of an artificial volcano |
| Emeril's Restaurant Orlando | Creole cuisine restaurant | Branch of the celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse |
| Hard Rock Cafe Orlando | Café and restaurant with American and international food | largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world |
| Pastamoré Ristorante & Market | Italian restaurant | Show cooking and supermarket |
| NASCAR Sports Grille | American food | "Sports Bar" with a racing theme |
| The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market | Fish & seafood | --- |
| Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom | Jamaican cuisine | Live reggea music |
| Latin Quarter | on the upper floor is “Churrascaria”, an Argentine steakhouse | On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant transforms into Orlando's largest Latin club |
| NBA City | Sports bar with American food | Design of an arena |
| Pat O'Brien's | New Orleans style stage & restaurant | Origin of the Hurricane Drink |
| Red Coconut Club | Las Vegas style night club | supposedly Orlando's most exclusive club |
| CityWalk's Rising Star | Karaoke bar | Karaoke with a live band |
| Starbucks | Coffee shop | --- |
Offers and services
Universal Express
Unlike Disney, the Universal Resort system for reducing waiting times is not free. The prices vary depending on the chosen day of visit (the more crowded the parks are, the more expensive the offer is), with the ticket for both parks at least 35.99 US dollars, for the studios 19.99 US dollars and the Islands of Adventure Costs $ 29.99. The passes are free for guests of the luxury hotels. The attractions are free to visit and there is no time limit (like Disney's Fastpass).
Universal dollars
Universal Dollars were vouchers that were valid within the Universal Orlando Resort. The coupons were first marketed in 2004 and look like cartoon banknotes. There are three different notes: 1, 5 and 10 dollar notes, each adorned with different characters from the parks. For example, the $ 1 note featured the picture of Betty Boop , the $ 5 note the picture of Scooby-Doo, and the $ 10 note the picture of Spider-Man . Other versions existed with Popeye or Jurassic Park motifs , among others . The Universal Dollars were discontinued after a few years and are now collectible.
The idea of own currency in amusement parks comes from the Walt Disney Company . On May 5, 1987, so-called Disney Dollars were issued for the first time in the theme parks . In contrast to the Disney Dollars, the Universal Dollars are not exchangeable for normal US currency.
Hotels
In contrast to those in Walt Disney World, some of the hotels in the Universal Resort are run by the “Loews” hotel chain and not by the park operators themselves. In three out of four Loews Hotels, guests can use their room cards to print out the “Universal Express Unlimited” pass. This can be used in the parks and thus all marked attractions can be driven with significantly reduced waiting times. Furthermore, you get the “Early Park Admission” in every hotel, with which you can visit the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter one hour before the actual opening times . All hotels are in the immediate vicinity of the park.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Portofino Bay is located north in the Universal Complex, theoretically close to ET Adventure and Men in Black in Universal Studios. The hotel has an Italian or Mediterranean design and is one of the most expensive of the on-site hotels. Here you get the "Universal Express Unlimited" pass for your hotel stay.
Hard Rock Hotel
In addition to the Hard Rock Cafe, which is located in the middle between the two park entrances, there is the Hard Rock Hotel a little to the right of the Universal Studios Park. The hotel has a Mexican / Spanish theming. A special feature is the hotel pool, which is modeled on a sandy beach. In keeping with the music theme, you can also listen to music underwater thanks to a special sound system. Here you also get the "Universal Express Unlimited" pass for your hotel stay.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
The luxury hotel with the lowest price range is located at the southern end of the site near the Island of Adventures entrance. The design is Caribbean / Polynesian. Here, too, you get the "Universal Express Unlimited" pass with your hotel stay.
Value / low budget hotels
As the first value / low budget hotel, Universal is building Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort for 2014 . In the years that followed, the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Universal's Aventura Hotel were added. In contrast to the more expensive alternatives, these hotels do not offer free waiting time reduction options for the guest, but you can visit the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter one hour before the official opening time .
Parallels and differences to Universal Studios Hollywood
In contrast to the complex, the studios in Hollywood only have a theme park and a smaller city walk. The attractions are similar (Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers the Ride), but there are also many smaller ones (e.g. Jurassic Park River Adventure). Some attractions (Disaster, Twister) that occur individually in Orlando are shown together in the 45-minute studio tour. There is no big roller coaster like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Image examples
The Rapid River Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
Backdrop for the show Poseidon's Fury
Street in the Toon Lagoon themed area
Web links
- Website of the resort (English)
Remarks
- ↑ a b From 2006-2018 (Source: Global Attractions Attendance Reports / AECOM and TEA Theme Index and Museum Index Report)
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d TEA / AECOM 2019 Theme Index and Museum Index. (PDF) TEA / AECOM, July 19, 2020, accessed on July 24, 2020 (English).
- ↑ a b 2006 ( Memento of April 22, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF), Global Attractions Attendance Report 2007. (PDF) TEA, accessed on March 10, 2016 (English). , Global Attractions Attendance Report 2008. (PDF) TEA, accessed on March 10, 2016 (English). , Global Attractions Attendance Report 2009. (PDF) TEA, accessed on March 10, 2016 (English). , Global Attractions Attendance Report 2010. (PDF) TEA, accessed on March 10, 2016 (English). , Global Attractions Attendance Report 2011. (PDF) TEA, accessed on March 10, 2016 (English). , Global Attractions Attendance Report 2012. (PDF) TEA, accessed on March 10, 2016 (English). , Global Attractions Attendance Report 2013. (PDF) TEA, accessed on March 10, 2016 (English). , AECOM: 2018 AECOM and TEA Theme Index and Museum Index Report. Retrieved June 12, 2020 . Global Attractions Attendance Report 2014. (PDF) TEA, accessed on January 16, 2016 (English).
- ↑ themeparkinsider.com
- ↑ Dragon Challenge is Closing Forever . Article from themeparktourist.com, accessed December 25, 2017