Universal Orlando Resort

Universal's leg-up on Disney World is in how it truly offers fun activities for all family members. Popular rides appeal to both adults (The Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit) and children (MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, Fievel's Playground), to couch potatoes (Lucy - A Tribute) and bookworms (the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Curious George Goes to Town) to action junkies (JAWS, TWISTER Ride It Out!) and gross-out gurus (Fear Factor Live, Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue). Recent visitors like the eclectic mix of all things pop culture. One TripAdvisor traveler notes: "Rides and attractions are terrific. The prices are not too bad. The Universal side has some really nice restaurants. If you are a theme park buff you will enjoy Universal immensely!" They do warn, however, that it's best to visit on a weekday. That way you'll get to see the most of this mega park with less people around. 

The resort's campus includes the main Universal Studios area, Islands of Adventure (featuring the brand-new Wizarding World of Harry Potter section) and the Wet 'n Wild water park. The CityWalk area, where many of the restaurants are located, is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. each day. The main park opens at 9 a.m. each day; closing hours fluctuate between 6 and 10 p.m., depending on the season. Visit the official website for more information on hours of operation. Also check the website for pricing information; admission fees start at $82 for adults and $74 for children age three to nine, but vary by the number of parks and days you're visiting. Also keep in mind that you can visit Universal with a Flex combo ticket (which includes admission to this park and five or six others in the area) cost anywhere between $244 and $300, depending on package and age.