Family Bullied by Universal Studios Dreadful! Please, internet community, read and be a witness to what occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at a Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida. My two granddaughters and I, along with a dear friend using a walker, took a bus from our on-site Cabana Bay Beach Resort hotel to the theme parks' security checkpoint just before 8 a.m. All four of us were eager and excited to visit the world of Harry Potter for the first time. We went up the elevator and took our places in the security line. When our turn came, a guard searched my handbag and announced no water bottles were allowed. I probably said, "That's harsh," but I had no H2O. I told the guard my granddaughters had water bottles and removed them from one granddaughter's backpack. I showed him the water and asked if we could keep the bottles. He said "yes." I twisted off a cap with my arthritic fingers. The lid popped onto the pavement. I bent over to retrieve the top and emptied water from an 8 oz. plastic bottle onto the asphalt. When I stood back up, the angry-looking security guard said, "You poured water on my foot!" (His verb may have been "splashed" or "dripped" or "dumped.") I no doubt looked at him with astonishment, but quickly said, "Oh, I'm sorry." (I knew I had not done or intended anything of the sort.) Confusion reigned as security guards began calling for supervisors. (My friend asked if she could bring in water to take her medicine; no one appeared to know the protocol.) Already through the search line, I was anxious to get out of the mob scene. But some guard said to me: "We don't want people like you in the park! You're going to be banned." We are two, retired and handicapped 70+ women, a former teacher and a nurse, with two young, half Chinese girls who have read all of Harry Potter. With my granddaughter's hand in mine, I proceeded to the moving sidewalks. A large man appeared to be pursuing us. I didn't know why he was following us. I shooed him away and then asked him to stop harassing me. He began yelling: "I'm calling the police. You're going to be arrested!" My granddaughters were terrified. So was I. I wanted to protect them from further trauma and was relieved to see a uniformed police officer show up with a badge. I inquired: "What is going on?" I asked for business cards so I could accurately record the disaster. Someone uttered the word "trespass." No one asked my name. The police officer explained he had to escort us off the property because such is Florida law. No arrests, no citations, no warnings, no reports, no reasons--be gone, with the wave of a magic Universal Studios' wand! When we four returned to our on-site hotel, we were in despair. My youngest granddaughter would not hold my hand. I called Guest Services at Universal and reported the incident. The responder said I had to talk to the man who had been chasing me. "What for?" I asked. He had banned us from Universal. Was I to beg for a change of heart? Prostrate myself at the feet of an intimidating bully? (Frankly, I would have done anything to dry tears; I apologized profusely for any misunderstandings.) The supervisor clarified that only I, the grandmother who had arranged the surprise adventure for two grade school children from MA, was banned from the theme park. After a careful discussion with my nurse friend, she agreed to accompany the children herself, as the girls were flying home the next morning. The three hobbled back, four hours after the "early admission" had commenced. I collapsed. News reports suggest the ban on water bottles was a disaster for Universal, poorly planned, managed, and executed. (Check the TV coverage.) The ban was lifted within three days with no explanations. I had no problem with the policy and complied willingly. I do have a problem with unprofessional, poorly trained staff who react, rather than think, and seem unaware of the harm they can inflict on children. My question is: can we trust Universal to treat seniors, the handicapped, children, and families with respect? All of humankind? What are my granddaughters to make of this terrifying scene, the accusations, intimidation and bullying? How are they to think of their place in the world with this wet blanket of humiliation around their shoulders? Check out the many online complaints against Universal. Rude hotheads called guards do not provide security. Is there a pattern of abusive behavior at Universal that might suggest the theme parks are dangerous? Please share your thoughts. Contact: G. B. read more

My family took a vacation of a lifetime and we went to Orlando. We stayed two weeks and had tickets for both Disney World and Universal Studios. We timed our vacation to be there for the opening of Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express. Let me just say that Disney World was wonderful and Universal Studios can sink into the ocean for all I care. We have a ten year old daughter who has Caudal Regression Syndrome which means she is missing the lumbar and sacral vertebra. She cannot walk but she gets around great in her wheel chair and "walking" on her hands. Let me just say she is an amazing little girl who we have raised to believe she can do anything she wants. She is not handicapped but handicapable! Universal Studios refused to let her ride any rides including the kiddie rides. They said it was clearly stated in the ride brochure. It is NOT! We had spent a lot of money on 3 day passes that included both parks. We left with this beautiful little girl crying because she felt she had ruined her brother's vacation. We stopped at customer service to lodge a complaint. After waiting in line for 30 minutes, I told the young girl at the counter that I was extremely angry and that I would like to speak to a manager because she was not paid enough for me to take it out on her. She said first I needed to let her know what was going on and I told her about the ride operators letting my little girl get on the ride only to have a supervisor come over and say no, they don't let cripples ride and she would need to get off. This happened not once, not twice but 5 times and that included the kiddie rides. I was furious but controlled myself since it was not this poor girls fault. She then went back to get her manager. We waited another 15 minutes then this young girl came back and said her manager authorized her to refund our tickets for the day. I said very nicely, where is the manager and she said her manager told her to do this. I asked if my complaint mattered and she said of course. I said apparently not since the manager couldn't even bother to come and talk to me! The young lady left close to tears and I almost felt bad but considering why I was there and the fact that I did warn her stopped my pity. The Public Relations manager came and with her came the ride manager Brian. Brian, I will never forget. The young man needs to learn to listen! I told them what had happened and Brian said yes that was company policy. I said where does it state this? In the ride brochure. i held it up and said show me where? I have looked and nowhere in there does it say handicapped people can't ride. It listed weight limits, operating instructions, height requirements but nothing about people who can't walk not being able to ride! He tried to take the brochure from me but I refused to give it to him. The public relations lady asked me what i wanted and I told her an apology to my daughter and I wanted Brian to escort her to any ride she wanted and make sure she got to ride it provided she met the restrictions posted and not the ones they made up to keep her off. She offered to refund all three days and I told her no this wasn't about money it was to teach my daughter that she was worth fighting for and that people like this park where wrong! Brian said no no no. He talked over me and could not even acknowledge what I was saying or even apologize because we felt that way. He was right and we needed to leave. I will never go back there and I tell everyone who considers going that they better be in excellent health or they will waste their money! read more

How many things could be bad about one park? 1) Their COVID protocols suck. Unlike, for example, Disney, Universal is not limiting capacity. They have mask and social distancing protocols nominally in place but ZERO enforcement. It's fine, I get it, COVID's mostly over, but this place was a germ factory before the pandemic. If anyone is going to revive it, it's good old Universal; 2) "Virtual lines" for popular rides like Hagrid's motorbike mean: a) you have to wait for a few hours until the "virtual line" registration period opens; b) you then have to frantically try to "get through" as if you were trying to get tickets to a concert in the 1990s (or in more modern terms, trying to get a vaccine appointment); and then c) wait in "real" line once you make it through the virtual line. How does this manifest in real terms? At 2:10, we decided to ride Hagrid's motor bike. We walked over to the ride to get in line and were told we had to get in "virtual line" instead. (Nothing told us this in advance.) How do we get in virtual line? Well you have to wait for the virtual line window to open up. Next one: 4:00. At 4:00, I frantically tried to get on the "virtual line" along with half the park. But ultimately I was successful! I got a "spot" on the virtual line for 6:00. At 6:00 I was allowed to go wait on a real line where I was until a little after 7:30. So to do the math for you, the process of getting on a single ride was over 5 hours. ("But if we didn't do that, the lines would be 5 or 6 hours long!" Here's a tip: if you have 6 hour lines, you're letting too many people into the park - pandemic or no pandemic.) 3) Food. All I can say is if the rides don't make you puke, stop for lunch. Worst selection of any theme park I've ever been to. Worse than county fairs. Butterbeer is the only thing worth ingesting in the entire park. 4) Have kids that like Harry Potter? I mean, it's one of the most popular children's books ever written, appealing to kids from basically age 5 and up. Too bad those kids won't be able to go on any rides until they hit puberty. Honestly, it's a kids book. How about ONE ride that might let a 6 or 7 year old hit a height requirement? Is that too much to ask?? Especially if you have the audacity to split your most popular attraction (the Wizarding World) between TWO of your parks requiring two separate theme park admissions? No? 5) Staff. I won't say anything bad about the individuals I met... it's just that I barely met any. Again, in comparison to Disney where there is a worker every ten feet, they Universal staff was few and far between. Wouldn't go back if you paid me. read more

Child traumatized for life and vacation destroyed by Universal Studios. I am a Florida resident and every year when I have guest arrive, I suggest Universal Studios for their theme parks, hotels, and restaurants. This year my 7 yr. great granddaughter came to spend a few weeks with me for the first time. I was so excited for her to see the theme parks. I cannot walk long distances, so I purchased tickets for her and 5 other guests. My daughter, also a Florida Resident and in a wheelchair escorted her through the park. They were looking around in a gift shop and started to the ladies' room when a woman approached her and accused her of stealing. There was a cheap bracelet in the seat of her wheelchair. My daughter had no idea it was there, and her granddaughter admitted she was looking at it and suddenly had to go to the bathroom. She did not know whether she dropped it or if it simply fell off the counter. My daughter told the lady she had no knowledge of the $2.00 bracelet being in her possession. Since there was no intent to steal it, I would think there is no crime. WRONG. She was escorted to a security officer who searched her, her belongings, and the child, then tried to make her sign papers confessing and pay $200. She refused of course and suggested looking at the security tapes. Then another security person followed her out of the park even though it was closing and a different officer followed her to her car acting like he was going to handcuff her and told her she was band from the park for one year, not that she would ever think of going back. Their employees should take customer service lessons at Disney. Anyone need 9 unused tickets? OK let me recap. The child was completely traumatized for life, the Embarrassment of my daughter who has two broken hips and I am out of pocket over $3500 for unused tickets, photo passes, meals etc. To say the least our summer vacation was ruined, and my favorite theme park gone forever. I will for sure go back to Disney World and SeaWorld and recommend all my friends to stay away from Universal Studios. The story goes on, then a letter comes from The Law Offices of Michael Ira Asen in New York demanding that I pay the $200 or else face additional charges. Turns out this is a SCAM ARTIST working with the theme park (check BBB & multiple other complaints). All I can say now is "show me the security camera tape" where I allegedly took a $2 bracelet that is back in the store in perfect condition and you want $200" For what? Ruining my vacation life. read more

Universal Studios Florida is a theme park that earns its reputation as one of the best in Orlando and holds up as a genuine alternative to Disney rather than just a second choice. I walked through the gates and found the park blending immersive world building with high quality rides in a way that pulled me in from the start. The scale of it means there is enough to fill multiple days without feeling like I am stretching for content. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, split across Diagon Alley here and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, is the crown jewel of the Universal experience and worth the trip on its own. Diagon Alley in particular is remarkably well executed in terms of atmosphere and detail. The interactive wand experiences scattered throughout the area added a layer that kept me engaged beyond just the rides. The Hogwarts Express connecting the two parks is a genuinely impressive piece of park engineering and worth riding in both directions. The butterbeer ice cream is the food item to seek out while in that section of the park. Beyond Harry Potter, the ride lineup is strong across the board. I enjoyed Revenge of the Mummy, which holds up as a classic. The Transformers and Fast and Furious rides deliver solid 4D experiences, and VelociCoaster over at Islands of Adventure is one of the best roller coasters in Florida if you have the stomach for it. The 4D motion rides are worth approaching with caution if you are prone to motion sickness, as they are more intense than they look. Wait times are the main variable that determines how much I got through in a day. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot for shorter lines and a quieter park overall. The Express Pass is expensive but significantly changes the experience if your budget allows for it. I arrived at rope drop and moved efficiently through the headliner attractions in the first two hours, which set the tone for the rest of the day. For a high quality, immersive theme park experience, Universal Studios Florida delivers. read more

Universal Studios Orlando, my friends, where the glitz and glamour of theme park magic often collide with the harsh realities of the commercial machine. This one, regrettably, is getting a tepid two stars from me, and let me peel back the curtain on why. The lines, oh, the lines. Universal Studios has perfected the art of turning anticipation into a test of endurance. You'll find yourself standing in queues that make Dante's Inferno seem like a pleasant afternoon stroll. By the time you finally board the ride, you're left pondering whether the fleeting rush was worth the hours spent in line. Now, let's discuss the monetary gauntlet. From ticket prices that could rival a Broadway show to snacks and souvenirs that seem to have undergone a magical markup spell, your wallet is in for a relentless assault. It's a theme park experience that comes with a hefty price tag, and the theme appears to be draining every last cent from your pockets. Ambiance is a mixed bag, much like the experience itself. Themed lands transport you to different worlds, but the illusion tends to crack when you notice overflowing trash bins or encounter maintenance issues. It's the classic case of the facade not quite living up to the glossy brochure. And then there's the joy of navigating through the crowds - a pulsating sea of humanity, each person vying for their slice of magic amidst the chaos. Personal space becomes a rare commodity, and the relentless jostling can leave even the most ardent theme park enthusiast questioning their life choices. In the grand theater of theme park adventures, Universal Studios Orlando earns a modest two stars. While it offers fleeting moments of excitement and a nostalgic nod to beloved characters, the long lines, exorbitant costs, and occasional cracks in the illusion make it fall short of the seamless magic one might hope for. If you're in pursuit of an enchanting escape, you might want to explore other realms that balance the spectacle with a touch more authenticity. read more

My husband was denied an attraction assistance pass. He has ankylosing spondylitis, he is legally disabled as per the SSDA. I did all the research ahead of time on what to do/bring to get an AAP, even called and spoke to someone. I brought the government disability letter - they refused to look at it. I brought the letter from his medical doctor - they refused to look at it. I brough his DMV disability tag and registration - they refused to look at it. I was told that because it is a mobility issue he cant get an AAP - he has to $RENT$ a wheelchair, as in they wouldnt even provide one for him as a disabled individual even though they were denying his pass. HE CAN'T PUSH A WHEELCHAIR BECUASE HE HAS MOBILITY ISSUES. His shoulder joints are inflamed and the bones are fusing together - which limits shoulder movement. No, i cannot push him and keep up with both kids and all the things. And no, we cant afford to rent an electri one everyday for a 4 day park pass. Also, when I told an employee near guest services the problem she called over "Richard" who went into the guest services building to talk to someone. Richard came out and said to go to the next open window and ask for a supervisor. I went to the window and got a "who is Richard" and then wouldn't get a supervisor for me. In the 45 years of him being disabled since birth NEVER has he had such a bad experience as a physically disabled individual. This was humiliating to him as a person who already feels bad about himself because of his physical disabilities. And enraging to me as his wife and mother who has to explain how they won't help their daddy to not be in pain from a disease he has no control over - it's not curable and he reacts negatively to meds. DESCRIMINATION AGAINST DISABLED INDIVIDUALS IS NEVER OKAY!!! ANYTHING THEY CAN DO TO MAKE PEOPLE BUY THOSE EXPRESSES PASSES HUH? $$ UNIVERSAL STUDUOS ORLANDO - DO BETTER! read more

Universal Studios Orlando is a beautiful park, but it isn't perfect. Unfortunately, you do not need an entire day to visit the park, ride all the rides, and see all the shows. The standout area of the park is Diagon Alley. This land is unmatched by any other part of the park. Even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, this area transports you to a world of magical wonder. Be sure to ride Escape from Gringotts unless prone to motion sickness. If you need to store your items in a locker, send only one person from your party while the others wait outside. This is also the only place to grab a Butterbeer ice cream. I've noticed that over the past year, Universal Studios has been focusing on updating its food kiosks to offer more creative and delicious items. It's not your typical hot dog and pizza; you can find Brazilian bread and Chinese egg rolls. But don't worry, they still have pizza and hot dogs available. The best rides at this park include: - Escape from Gringotts (motion sickness/coaster) - The Mummy (indoor roller coaster) - Transformers (prone to motion sickness) - E.T. (the only functioning ride open all day) - VillainCon (shooting game) The park's newest addition is DreamWorks Land, which is great for children under the age of 8. However, don't expect to spend an entire day in this area. Be sure to try the swamp dog at the Swamp Shack. I recommend the Jason Bourne Stunt Show if you plan to watch a show. It's indoors and has air conditioning, making it a perfect break from the sun. I compare this park to Animal Kingdom; it has three major E-ticket attractions, and once you experience those, there isn't much else left to do. One of the most significant issues is the park right next to it is 5X better. If this park receives another expansion similar to Diagon Alley (POKÉMON), I think the park can become something amazing. But it sometimes feels like the ugly duckling. read more

Universal Studios is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable and thrilling experience! From the moment you step into the park, you're transported to worlds filled with adventure, excitement, and pure imagination. The attention to detail is incredible, making every attraction feel immersive and engaging. The rides are top-notch and cater to all types of thrill-seekers. Whether you're looking for the excitement of roller coasters or the incredible 3D and 4D simulation experiences, there's something for everyone. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in particular, is simply magical. Walking through Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade feels like stepping into the books and movies, with all the sights, sounds, and even the smells that make it so authentic. The park staff is friendly and helpful, always willing to answer questions or offer guidance on where to go next. They work hard to keep the park clean and ensure everyone is having a fantastic time. The lines are managed well, and with the option of Express Passes, you can get through rides even faster, which makes the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. The food options are amazing too! From classic theme park snacks to unique dining experiences, there's a huge variety to choose from. Trying Butterbeer or grabbing a meal at the Three Broomsticks really adds to the whole experience. And with so many themed restaurants and snack spots around the park, it's easy to find something for everyone in your group. Overall, Universal Studios goes above and beyond in creating a magical and entertaining experience for all ages. It's a place where you can make unforgettable memories, laugh, explore, and enjoy the creativity that's gone into every detail. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or as a solo adventurer, you're guaranteed to have an incredible time. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Orlando! read more

This truly is one of the world's greatest theme parks. From a great selection of rides, to a good varfiety of food, to somewhat reasonable admission prices, to excellent theming, Universal has really stepped up its game the past few years to really raise the bar in hospitality, technology, innovation, imagination, and entertainment. While ticket prices are not cheap, annual passes are an excellent option if you're visiting Universal's two Orlando parks for three or more days. If you visit three times, your annual pass is already paid off. In addition, you'll also get free parking and discounts on food and merchandise in the parks, at the resorts, and at the CityWalk if you get a preferred or premier pass. They do offer a FastPass option, known as Express Pass, at an additional cost. Express Pass is not available on the two major Harry Potter attractions though, which is truly a blessing for those who do not invest in Express Pass, because it allows the regular line to move MUCH faster than the lines with Express Pass move. The only major disadvantages Universal has compared to other parks such as Disney and SeaWorld are that it is owned by the massive, often disliked Comcast and that it lacks a single major character that it can rely on for marketing, such as how Disney has Mickey, However, that also plays as a major advantage to Universal as well, as it allows the park to constantly get rid of less popular attractions and build newer, more innovative things without perturbing people for getting rid of "the most iconic piece or character in the park." My favorite attrations in the two parks are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster, and the Jurrassic Park water ride. read more

This is my favorite of the theme parks by far. Disney is cool but geared more towards kids, I work in a Pediatric level 3 trauma hospital, so obviously my life revolves around children and always will, which is more the reason I don't go to Disney anymore, Universal Studios is more for everybody! City Walk is highly recommended for singles at night, you don't even need a park pass to get into City Walk and parking is 1/2 price after 7pm if you are going to party the night away or go out to one of the nice restaurants. The only ride I will not do at Universal is the Hulk roller coaster, that thing looks scary as hell, saw many young kids go on the Hulk and was amazed by their bravery of such a wicked roller coaster, if you are a fan of roller coasters, please don't wear what I kept seeing there which were dresses and skirts, this is most definitely not a mini skirt place, shorts or jeans depending on the time of year. I will probably be going back in the next month or two for the day, its a 125 minute drive from my house, so not too bad. Our last trip to Universal we finished the evening at The Hard Rock Café, highly recommended but it is extremely noisy, so if you have a headache probably not, but the service, food and selection is really good! People ask me when is the best time of year to go to one of our Florida theme parks, well most definitely December because of the free concerts and all the Christmas lights, the parks really come alive that time of year, but no matter when you go, they are "always" packed with thousands and thousands of people, some rides can be a 2 hour wait and during the summer months, the heat and humidity is intense. So if you go between May and September dress lightly, bring sunblock and drink plenty of water. read more

I have been going to Universal Halloween Horror nights for over 15 years YES FIFTEEN...this will be my absolute LAST. This park has made my stomach turn in pure disgust after the incident happened with Me my wife my mother and father. We proceeded through the park as norm making our way through the scare zones till we came upon "Rob Zombie Hill Billy Delux" there is a Manikin well what appeared to be, my wife and i approached this character with red lit eyes black huge feet and hands for a photo, well we apparently we got too close to this character and he moved and turned around so fast with force he knocked both my pregnant wife and i almost to the ground. With that a very nasty oriental lady started yelling and screaming like an idiot at both my wife and i screaming assault, i argued with her in disbelief youve got to be kidding me, "Assault" ? With that a security guard named Logan came over and started shouting as well i told him the same thing we didnt do anything clearly trying to pose for a family picture he starts yelling for "backup" repeatedly on his radio making a big scene and NOW he screams at both of us my PREGNANT "WIFE AND I BOTH ASSAULTED THE ACTOR" few minutes later 2 more security guards show up and try to take us to a security hut to fill out a "harmless witness application" attempting to split us up??? My father threaten them with his attorney to sue this place then they gave us a warning now the application is no longer needed and told us to "have a great rest of our night". We Will NEVER be attending this event and filed a formal complaint against Mr.Logan and that nasty oriental girl he was with. We intend to file multiple other complaints as well!!!! What a horrible night! read more

Universal Studios islands of adventure has the absolute worst customer service ever.  Two trips and both ruined.   We got a year flex pay Florida resident pass last March and ended up staying for 3 hours. The staff was so rude to me I started to cry. The rides I wanted to go on weren't even open so I was already in a bad mood.  The manager was going to cancel our contract and refund us but we decided to just go home with the passes and come back another time hoping for a better experience.  Couldn't be more wrong.  We just came back 9 months later for the first time and our cards were blocked. We had paid half up front (240) and the rest was monthly. Our payment failed to go through for the last few months due to our credit card being lost and the card number being changed. The staff entered our email address when signing us up but no one sent a courtesy email saying we needed to change our method of payment.  Make sure that after standing in line for 25 minutes just to buy the passes you slow up the rest of the line to read the fine print on the contract. It is not their responsibility to inform you of a missed payment.... So why even take our email address?  Losing a credit card is a bad experience in itself and updating a universal 10 dollar payment manually was not at the top of the list.  The manager today seemed to think that updating our method of payment for universal should have been a top priority.  It takes zero extra time to generate an automated email letting your Florida resident regular customers know that they need to update the form of payment for their pass.     This would have never happened at Disney. read more

Visiting Universal Studios Florida was one of the most unforgettable experiences I've ever had! From the moment you walk through the gates, you can feel the energy, excitement, and attention to detail everywhere. The park is spotless, beautifully maintained, and full of amazing attractions for every age and taste. The rides are absolutely incredible -- especially The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which truly feels like stepping into another world. Every corner is so perfectly designed that you can't help but be amazed. The Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Revenge of the Mummy are must-try attractions for thrill-seekers -- fast, intense, and full of surprises. For something a bit more relaxed, the Minions and Simpsons areas are super fun and full of great photo spots. What really stood out to me was how friendly and professional the staff are. Everyone was smiling, helpful, and clearly happy to be there, which made the whole experience even better. The park also has plenty of food options, from quick snacks to full meals, and everything we tried was delicious. Prices are what you'd expect for a theme park, but the quality makes it worth it. I also loved how organized everything was -- the lines move quickly, the mobile app helps a lot to plan your day, and the whole park feels safe and well managed. You can really tell they think of every little detail to make sure visitors have a great time. Universal Studios Florida is more than just a theme park -- it's a world of fun, fantasy, and pure joy. Whether you go with friends, family, or even on your own, you'll have an amazing time. I can't wait to go back! read more

Yo, Universal Studios Florida be straight cold in here, no cap. This place got you feeling like you in the movies for real, like BAM, you step in and it's a whole vibe. That Harry Potter Diagon Alley joint? Bruh, it's straight magic out here--got Butterbeer, wands, and that Escape from Gringotts ride hittin' like a cheat code in life. Revenge of the Mummy? That ride got me screamin' like I seen a ghost, and don't even get me started on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit--that coaster wildin' out for real. Food game is on point, too. That Butterbeer got me feelin' bougie, and the eats at Leaky Cauldron? Straight hittin', no crumbs left. Mel's Drive-In? Mad retro vibes, got that OG diner feel, you know? But yo, if you lookin' for Mickey-level eats, nah, this ain't that. The shows be poppin' tho, like The Bourne Stuntacular got me like, "Is this real life or CGI?" Characters rollin' out in the streets, flexin' for the 'Gram, it's a whole mood. The staff? They cool, no doubt, they keep it movin' and make sure you straight, but let's keep it a buck--they ain't nowhere near as cool as them Disney cast members. Mickey got that squad on a whole other level, feel me? If you tryna hit all the bangers, cop that Express Pass 'cause these lines be snaking like no tomorrow. Pro tip: get there early, bring yo kicks that can handle mileage, and keep a water bottle handy--hydration be the MVP out here. All in all, Universal Studios Florida got that "pull up, turn up, don't wanna leave" energy. It ain't perfect, but it's a straight-up good time. You feel me? read more

Greetings fellow Yelpers and seekers of corporate fun, Had the pleasure of attending an evening, corporate event at Universal Studios Florida. I tip my executive hat to the authentic ambiance of New York and San Francisco within its bounds. If you're looking to escape your 9-to-5 without actually jetting off, Universal has got the ticket. The "Revenge of the Mummy" ride? An experience so riveting, it might just outperform some of our quarterly reports. "Transformers" took us on a whirlwind that had my team lobbying for a second round. Word to the wise: twice might be a tad too thrilling for the stomach. To the party seated behind me, your patience and humor were appreciated - hope you remembered to expense that dry cleaning. Now, for a dose of laughter to balance out the thrills, the Jimmy Fallon experience had us in stitches - it was a hilarious interlude worthy of a five-star rating on its own. To sum up this corporate outing: it was a bull market of fun and memories. Consider it a sound investment for your team. And as you embark on this journey, never forget your sense of humor - and perhaps a cache of dad jokes. They'll serve you well. Best wishes in business (and adventure), Barrett, Executive Dad Joke Aficionado read more

I live near Universal Studios and just had a recent trip to the park. I always recommend this place over Disney to my friends and family. Universal has great shows, attractions, and food! The price is great and you get more out of Universal then disney ( In my opinion) with everything going on currently. I always feel safe in these parks and always have such a fun time! Word of advice avoid weekends if you can they get very busy and Harry Potter Wizarding World always has high crowds on any day. If you feel un easy coming to the parks I do recommend you stay away until you feel safe enough to visit but with all that said I do attend both universal parks often and have felt safe in them with staff making sure guest have masks fully on and sanitizer everywhere. If you feel too hot there are rest areas to take off masks and they are huge areas so you can distance from others. Always drink water in this hot Florida heat!! I have been attending both island of adventure and Universal studios since I was a kid so I might be a little biased here but It is my favorite parks and I will always recommend them. read more

Please take me back! My recent trip to Universal Studios in Orlando was an experience I'll treasure forever. I made the most of my long weekend, diving into everything the park has to offer. From the moment I stepped through the gates, I was immersed in a world of excitement and adventure. The rides were incredible--each one delivering a unique thrill that left me eager for more. Whether it was the heart-pounding roller coasters or the immersive themed attractions, every ride was unforgettable. The food throughout the park was also a highlight. There were so many options to choose from, and everything I tried was delicious, adding to the overall experience. But the standout for me was Voodoo Doughnuts. Their unique and creative doughnuts were the perfect sweet treat, and I couldn't get enough of them! Overall, Universal Studios exceeded all my expectations. The combination of amazing rides, great food, and an unbeatable atmosphere made for a perfect getaway. It's a place where unforgettable memories are made, and I can't wait to go back! read more

It had been well over a decade since my last visit to Universal Studios, and as a lifelong Disney fan, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I have to admit--I was thoroughly impressed! My family and I had an absolutely amazing time. We opted for the Express Pass, and it was worth every penny. We never waited more than 20 minutes for any ride, even the most popular roller coasters. Our group ranged in age from 9 to 45, and there was truly something for everyone. Whether you're a thrill seeker or a more casual amusement park-goer, Universal has a perfect balance of attractions. One of my favorite features was the Hogwarts Express, which seamlessly transports you between parks--such a magical touch for Harry Potter fans! I also loved the convenience of Universal CityWalk, offering a variety of dining options just steps from the park entrances. Overall, we had an incredible experience, and I'd absolutely return. Universal exceeded my expectations! read more