G Costa - The Independent Guide to Universal Orlando 2021

The publisher has used its best efforts in preparing this book, and the information provided herein is provided "as is." Independent Guides and the author make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose and shall in no event be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Please read all signs before entering attractions, as well as the terms and conditions of any companies services which you use. Food prices are approximate, and do fluctuate.

Contents copyright 2012-2021 Independent Guidebooks. All rights reserved. No part of this document or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher, unless it is for personal use. Some images and text are copyright Universal and affiliates and subsidiaries. This guide is not a Universal product, not is it endorsed by said company, or any other companies featured herein.

Chapter 1

Introduction

I n 1971, Orlando was put on the map as the theme park capital of the world with the opening of the Walt Disney World Resort. Here families could make memories to last a lifetime.

The Walt Disney World Resort was a giant version of the Disneyland Resort that opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California.

In the late 1980s, Universal announced it would open its own East Coast theme park, similar to the one it operated in Hollywood.

Disney saw this new theme park as a significant threat and also started building a theme park based around movie studios.

Miraculously, Disneys MGM Studios managed to open its doors in 1989, before the grand opening of Universal Studios Florida one year later. MGM was a rushed project, and Universal Studios Florida blew Disneys theme park away when it finally opened in 1990.

In 1995, the expansion of Universals Orlando project began as the company invested billions of dollars in creating a second theme park, Universals Islands of Adventure. Three on-site resort hotels and an entertainment and dining district, CityWalk, were also unveiled.

The original Universal Studios Florida park was also expanded with new areas to create a multi-day destination rivaling Disney.

In 1999, Universals Islands of Adventure opened to rave reviews. It featured innovative attractions such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster which win awards year after year, even to this day.

The Universal Orlando Resort has fast become the place to visit in Orlando. Innovative attractions and areas such as The Simpsons Ride and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , have sent visitor figures sky-rocketing. Collectively, both theme parks now welcome 16 million guests yearly.

2021 marks an exciting year for the resort as it unveils a new Jurassic Park rollercoaster.

An Important Message Regarding the Pandemic:

A t the time we were writing and updating this guide, the world was undergoing a global pandemic, Covid-19. We have included the latest information as to how this may affect your visit. Although most of the changes that are going to be made have already happened by now, there may be additional changes in 2021.

Your visits may be affected by enhanced crowd control and social distancing measures and the possible cancellation (or changes) to shows, attractions, dining experiences, transportation, and meet-and-greets. Check the official website at www.universalorlando.com for any changes that may affect your vacation. Look out for the virus symbol throughout the guide for specific changes.

C hapter 2

Tickets

G uests from any country can buy advanced tickets. The easiest place to purchase these is the official Universal Orlando website at universalorlando.com.

Guests who do not buy their tickets in advance can do so at the theme parks, but prices there are higher.

T here are two types of tickets:

A Single Park ticket allows you access to one park per day (either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure or Volcano Bay on any one day)

A Park-to-Park ticket allows you to enter all the parks on the same day.

Multi-day Single Park tickets allow you to visit the parks on separate days. However, you cannot visit more than one park on a single day (for that you need a Park-to-Park ticket).