Seth Kubersky - The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2021

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Please note that prices fluctuate in the course of time and that travel information changes under the impact of many factors that influence the travel industry. We therefore suggest that you write or call ahead for confirmation when making your travel plans. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information throughout this book, and the contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, for changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of any reliance on the information provided by the same. Assessments of attractions and so forth are based upon the authors own experiences; therefore, descriptions given in this guide necessarily contain an element of subjective opinion, which may not reflect the publishers opinion or dictate a readers own experience on another occasion. Readers are invited to write the publisher with ideas, comments, and suggestions for future editions. There is a risk of contracting COVID-19 in any public space. The Unofficial Guides are not liable for any illness or injury. Consult a physician regarding your risk factors before booking travel.

Published by:
AdventureKEEN
2204 First Avenue South, Suite 102
Birmingham. AL 35233

Copyright 2021 by Seth Kubersky. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923; 978-750-8400; fax 978-646-8600; or on the web at copyright.com. Requests to the publisher for permission should be addressed to AdventureKEEN, 2204 First Avenue South, Suite 102, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-322-0439, fax 205-326-1012.

Unofficial Guide is a registered trademark of Keen Communications LLC in the United States and other countries and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Keen Communications is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Cover design by Scott McGrew

Text design by Vertigo Design with modifications by Annie Long

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ISBN 978-1-62809-118-2 (pbk.); ISBN 978-1-62809-119-9 (ebook)

Distributed by Publishers Group West

Manufactured in the United States of America

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CONTENTS

LIST of MAPS

ABOUT the AUTHORS

Seth Kubersky is the coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas and a contributor to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. A resident of Orlando since 1996, Seth is a former employee of Universal Orlandos entertainment department. He covers arts and attractions for the Orlando Weekly newspaper, Attractions Magazine, and other publications. You can find Seth online at sethkubersky.com or on Twitter @skubersky.

Bob Sehlinger is the author of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas and is also the publisher of The Unofficial Guide series.

Len Testa is the coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and has contributed to The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas. He is also the webmaster of touringplans.com, the sister website of The Unofficial Guides.

INTRODUCTION

WHY UNOFFICIAL?

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

THE AUTHORS AND RESEARCHERS of this guide specifically and categorically declare that they are and always have been totally independent. The material in this guide originated with the authors and has not been reviewed, edited, or in any way approved by Universal Orlando or any other companies whose travel products are discussed.

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the information necessary to tour with the greatest efficiency and economy and with the least hassle and stress. In this guide we represent and serve you, the consumer. If a restaurant serves bad food, a gift item is overpriced, or a certain ride isnt worth the wait, we can say so, and in the process we hope to make your visit more fun, efficient, and economical.

A WORD ABOUT THEME PARKS IN THE AGE OF CORONAVIRUS

THE ENTIRE UNOFFICIAL GUIDES TEAM hopes that you and your loved ones have remained healthy and safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our thoughts are with the victims of the virus, as well as all the brave first responders and essential workers who have sustained our society while we struggled with adapting to social distancing. Without intending to trivialize the current crisis, we have continued to cover Orlandos attractions as they reopened after quarantine and as they welcomed returning guests who desired distractions during these trying times. This edition of the Unofficial Guide is dedicated to the frontline employees of Orlandos tourism and hospitality industry (many of whom are struggling to make ends meet) who have risked their personal health to help inject a little magic back into visitors lives. Youll find detailed information about how COVID-19 has affected Universal Orlando in a new special chapter starting on .