Hello world travelers! If you’re anything like me, you were born with wanderlust in your veins. One of my favorite parts about Universal Orlando Resort is the global access the theme parks provide. Where else can you travel around the world in a singular day?
Here are some of my favorite places to visit without having to leave Orlando!
LITERALLY: The Bourne Stuntactular in Universal Studios Florida
FIGURATIVELY….
Tangier, Morocco
The Bourne Stuntacular opens in the North African city of Tangier. This Moroccan city sees Jason Bourne jumping over rooftops as you glimpse some of the local architecture. The stunt spectacular showcases the Moroccan city with physical props, filmed visual effects and live actors.
Washington, D.C.
Much of The Bourne Stuntacular takes place in Virginia’s Langley base, but you can see some of the district’s sights. Watch Jason Bourne get chased out of Potomac County, Maryland after infiltrating the Secretary’s house and catch a glimpse of the sparkling skyline, including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, as he evades officers.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Bourne Stuntacular’s explosive ending takes us to the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Fly around neon-lit buildings, over the Persian Gulf and even see the twinkling skyline from one of the city’s expansive deserts. See if you can spot the the world’s tallest building! This scene of the show also features some of the attraction’s coolest effects, so brace yourself for a lot of wind and fire.
LITERALLY: The New York Area in Universal Studios Florida, Marvel Super Hero Island in Universal Islands of Adventure
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New York City, New York
The commitment to NYC authenticity in this themed area is so excellent that quite a few commercials and movies have used it as a set. Here are some ways to “spend a day” in New York City here at the Universal Orlando Resort
An iconic New York experience is definitely watching a live taping of one of your favorite shows. In Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, you enter 30 Rock Studios. Outside of giving you the opportunity to participate in a studio audience, the ride also doubles as an aerial tour of the city that never sleeps. Savor the craziness of Times Square, wave to the Statue of Liberty and even take a trip into the New York Harbor. After your whirlwind tour, poke around a mini outpost of the NBC Studio Store in The Tonight Shop. Be sure to grab an NBC peacock!
New York is world renowned for its museums, so it makes perfect sense that we have the Museum of Antiquities here in Universal Studios Florida’s New York. Hosting Revenge of the Mummy, the museum’s curation is so good it literally transports you to Egypt!
After touring the set of the newest Mummy film, take a look around Sahara Traders. With all the classic monster merchandise, it almost feels like one of New York’s many vintage shops!
New York pizza could be the city’s most famous dish and Louie’s Italian Restaurant is no exception. The New York-style pies are straight out of Staten Island as the restaurant takes inspiration from mafia movies of the ‘70s.
For a more refined dining experience, check out Finnegan’s Bar & Grill. The neighborhood-ey spot takes inspiration from the many dive bars dotted around New York’s five boroughs. Grab a beer and fade a way into your favorite NYC watering hole.
Opposite the themed land sits Central Park. Much like the real park, this area gives a welcome reprieve from the bustle of a busy theme park. Filled with grass and trees, the tranquility hosts a great place to indulge a crepe from nearby Central Park Crepes. Take note of the architecture lining the park, such as in the pin trading booth. You might notice some resemblance with pavilions around the New York counterpart.
Even outside of Universal Studios Florida’s land, New York City plays a prevalent role in other attractions.
The entrance of Men in Black: Alien Attack is underneath replicas of the iconic spires from the 1964 World’s Fair New York State Pavilion. The structure, now un-utilized, currently sits in Brooklyn’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park. New York also happens to be the city attacked by alien specimens in the attraction. As your focus shifts to zapping the bugs, try to take note of the alleyways, storefronts and small parks the city is known for.
Over in Islands of Adventure, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man also takes us to the streets of New York, this time being terrorized by the Sinister Six. As a rookie journalist with the Daily Bugle, you’re sent on a mission and end up helping Spider-Man in saving the Statue of Liberty. While you’re swinging around the rooftops, Lady Liberty makes a few guest appearances, as do many other New York City landmarks.
LITERALLY: The Hollywood Area in Universal Studios Florida
FIGURATIVELY….
Los Angeles, California
Universal Studios Florida is also blessed with an entire land dedicated to the Southern California metropolis. There’s nowhere better to take a behind-the-scenes look at movie magic while soaking in the California sun! Here are some ways to “visit” LA at this Orlando theme park.
You have to start the day like an Angelino, with a healthy breakfast of course! Some of my favorite healthy options are at the TODAY Cafe. Grab an egg white florentine with a side of fresh fruit or the Al Roker inspired Al’s Butternut Squash Tart to start your day. In true L.A. fashion, make sure to include a Nitro Cold Brew, the newest trend in coffee.
While Universal Orlando doesn’t have the likes of L.A.’s fantastic museums, we do have an exhibit on classic monster films in the Pantages Theater. Take a look at the displays from some of your favorite horror movies and learn a bit about how they were made.
Another L.A. must is a behind-the-scenes tour of film production. Circumnavigating the cumbersome California traffic, you can just stay in the Pantages Theater after surveying the monsters to learn all about special effects at Universal Orlando’s Horror and Make-Up Show!
Like the real theater in Hollywood, right outside is the Universal version of Hollywood Boulevard. Take a walk down the palm-lined street and try to spot your favorite celebrity in the concrete stars.
When you’re ready for lunch, you’ll have to stop by Mel’s Drive-In! With several locations around the South Bay, Universal Orlando’s is styled after its appearance in “American Graffiti”, which was inspired by the OG diner.
It seems like everyone in LA is always on top of the newest fashion trend, so get ahead of the curve at the Universal UNIVRS store. This shop has some of the Resort’s most unique and fashion-forward merchandise. My personal favorite is the Jurassic Park cardigan.
For Angelinos, seeing a movie filmed is just another Tuesday. For the rest of us, it’s a pretty cool sight! While it’s not moving into post-production, you can watch a stunt film come to life in The Bourne Stuntacular.
Los Angeles has some of the best Mexican food in the country so it’s only fitting to sip a margarita and slam some tacos from Cafe La Bamba. The courtyard behind the restaurant, with its mission-style architecture and a peaceful fountain, is a great place to soak in the California rays.
Finish off the day by combating the California sun with ice cream at Schwab’s Pharmacy, a classic 50’s-style ice cream parlor serving Haagen Dazs. The now shuttered Hollywood ice cream shop used to be a popular hangout for filmmakers.
LITERALLY: The San Francisco Area and E.T Adventure in Universal Studios Florida
FIGURATIVELY….
San Francisco, California
Another themed land at Universal Studios Florida takes us a bit further north, to the seaside city of San Francisco.
Pay homage to the city’s (and theme park’s) shaky history with earthquakes at Richter’s Burger Co. The memorabilia inside documents some of California’s quakes, with emphasis on the 1906 San Francisco one, and the technology behind tracking them. Don’t worry though, in Florida the biggest seismic threat also comes from The Big One (aka the restaurant’s headlining burger).
Spend some time poking around the wooden pier recreating San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Pier. As hard as you look, you probably won’t be able to see one of the pier’s sea lions; but you CAN take a photo with a giant shark and grab a waterfront cocktail from Chez Alcatraz.
The best bet if you start craving chocolate when you see the signs on the rooftops next to Fast and Furious – Supercharged would either be a chocolate milkshake from Richter’s or a chocolate pastry from the San Francisco Pastry Company.
If you’re in the mood for a seafood dinner, there’s nowhere better than Lombard’s Seafood Grille. I would recommend pairing your meal with a glass of California wine. The restaurant sources its Zinfandel, Merlot and Chardonnay from the Golden State.
Over in KidZone, E.T. Adventure gives a taste of the thick forests in the rural parts of Northern California. Before blasting off to the Green Planet, you’ll wind through a lush pine forest. Savor the scent of the towering Redwood trees and the beauty of Jackson Springs before taking to the air and seeing the area from above.
LITERALLY: The London Area in Universal Studios Florida
FIGURATIVELY….
London, United Kingdom
On the outpost of the magical world of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley sits the city of London.
Start off by grabbing a loaded Baked Potato from The London Taxi Hut. What better place to eat it than on a peaceful walk along the Thames River. The light fixtures and iron-clad railings are almost exact replicas of those along the British River in the U.K.
Once you’ve packed your trunks with wizarding essentials, make your way through Kings Cross Station and hop aboard the Hogwarts Express to begin your journey to Hogwarts.
LITERALLY: Revenge of the Mummy in Universal Studios Florida
FIGURATIVELY….
Egypt
When you enter the queue for Revenge of the Mummy, you’re in New York. Fortunately for you, but unfortunately for your soul, the curse of the Maji transports you to an Egyptian tomb. Take note of the golden treasures around the queue before boarding minecarts for a more in-depth tour of the tomb. Along the way, you’ll see Scarab Beetles, Ancient Egyptian treasures, and of course, mummies.
LITERALLY: Loews Royal Pacific Resort
FIGURATIVELY….
The South Pacific
At Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you can visit the tropical paradise of the South Pacific. Lush foliage and bright colors all transport you to island life. Load up on Pan-Asian food and tropical drinks while lounging in the sand next to the pool. Be sure to also check out the Wantilan Luau on Saturday nights for a traditional south seas experience (separately ticketed event).
LITERALLY: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
FIGURATIVELY….
Portofino, Italy
Embrace the Mediterranean Riviera at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Especially charming at sunset, take a stroll along the water on the Piazza with a coffee, or dine under the stars next to the calm harbor. La dolce vita (the sweet life) is definitely setting sail from your Mediterranean paradise toward one of the theme parks on a water taxi.
LITERALLY: Jurassic Park in Universal Islands of Adventure
FIGURATIVELY….
Jurassic Park
The infamous park comes alive at Universal Islands of Adventure with so many options to take in the majestic creatures among the park’s different attractions. Get unnervingly close to a Velociraptor at Raptor Encounter, or opt to race through their Paddocks on Jurassic World: VelociCoaster. For a tamer experience, opt for a peaceful river cruise around the park on Jurassic Park River Adventure… just don’t mind the screams and monstrous splashes. I’m sure your tour will be different!
A more educational experience can be found at the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, where you can even watch dinosaur eggs hatch. For the younger dino lovers, let them explore the amber caves of Camp Jurassic and soar above the park on Pteranodon Flyers. Before heading out, load up on delicious rotisserie chicken at the park’s signature Thunder Falls Terrace.
LITERALLY: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure
FIGURATIVELY….
Hogsmeade
A snow-capped village filled with magical shops favored by witches and wizards. Hogwarts castle looms on the horizon as you explore the boutique shops and dine on wizarding fare. While meandering around the wizarding village, you can create magical memories as you, shop for your quidditch essentials at Dervish and Banges, partake in a Care of Magical Creatures class with Hagrid and try a tasty chocolate frog at Honeydukes. If you’re still in need of a wand, be sure to visit Ollivanders, no witch or wizard forgets the moment the wand chooses them!
LITERALLY: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida
FIGURATIVELY….
Diagon Alley
London’s main shopping district for the wizarding community comes to life in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida. Whether you’re committed to a shopping spree or just window shopping, you’ll find incredible items that fit your wizarding needs. Before you leave, don’t forget a tour of the cavernous Gringotts Bank for a thrill on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
LITERALLY: Skull Island: Reign of Kong in Universal Islands of Adventure
FIGURATIVELY….
Skull Island
Welcome to the tropical vacation you never knew you didn’t want! Your journey around Skull Island on Skull Island: Reign of Kong will bring you closer than you’d ever need to be to the island’s flora and fauna. Your tour will also take you through the island’s caves and introduce you to the locals who have long spoken of a monstrous ape.
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.
Who knew you could become such a seasoned traveler with just a ticket to the Universal Orlando Resort?! Where’s your favorite place to visit? Let us know on social media or in the comments below!
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