Universal Studios Florida

Although this theme park caters to many different types of people, its primary appeal is to those who like loud, fast, high-energy attractions. If you want to calm down, there are quiet, shaded parks and a children's area where adults can enjoy a respite while the kids are ripping through assorted playlands at 100 mph. The park's 444 acres are a bewildering conglomeration of stage sets, shops, reproductions of New York and San Francisco, and anonymous soundstages housing themed attractions, as well as genuine moviemaking paraphernalia. On the map, these sets are neatly divided into six neighborhoods, which wrap themselves around a huge lagoon. The neighborhoods are Production Central, which spreads over the entire left side of the Plaza of the Stars; New York, with excellent street performances at 70 Delancey; the bicoastal San Francisco/Amity; World Expo; Woody Woodpecker's KidZone; and Hollywood. On a map it looks easy. On foot, a quick run through the park to hit the top rides first is difficult, since it involves a few long detours and some backtracking. If you need help, theme-park hosts are trained to provide more information than you thought you needed. Look to them for advice on navigating the park. Also keep in mind that some rides -- and many restaurants -- delay their openings until late morning, which may throw a kink in your perfectly laid-out plans. In the off-season, some rides and restaurants are shuttered: they're sometimes marked with misleading "reserved for special event" signs to keep people away. On busy days when everything's working right, the Universal Express system can reserve you a place in a virtual line to get you on more rides faster. Although Universal Studios may seem like a mix of movie sets and an old-fashioned carnival (complete with cash-depleting midways to be avoided), the bottom line is that the thrills and an informal approach make Universal Studios an entertaining respite from the sometimes synthetic worlds of entertainment you find elsewhere in Orlando. www.universalorlando.com. COST: Adults $51.95 per day, children $42.95; multiday discount passes available. Daily 9 AM to 7 PM; open as late as 10 PM during summer.

Onsite Hotels

When you stay at any of the onsite hotels your room key turns into an express pass both at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure getting you to the front of the line.

Hard Rock Hotel
Royal Pacific Hotel
Portofino Bay Hotel

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* Discount Park Tickets

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Destination Guides

Universal Studios
Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios City Walk

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1. 09/2012: Golden Ticket Awards: Best Halloween Event
2. 09/2011: Golden Ticket Awards: Best Halloween Event
3. 2010: Golden Ticket Awards: Best Halloween Event