Planning a trip to Orlando means choosing between legendary adventures. Whether you are
looking to escape your daily routine to live out a movie fantasy or hoping to immerse yourself
in the magic of nature and the cosmos, Orlando has it all.
This guide breaks down the must-see attractions at Universal Orlando® Resort and Walt
Disney World®, helping you plan the perfect itinerary.
1. Universal Orlando® Resort: Vacation Becomes
Adventure
If you want to leave behind deadlines and errands to catapult yourself into the action,
Universal Orlando is your destination. It is the only place where you can soar over
Hogwarts™ with Harry Potter™ or save the city with Spider-Man®.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure®
This park is defined by epic journeys and legendary heroes.
● The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Step into the books and films as you
explore Hogsmeade™. You can dine at the Three Broomsticks™, buy a wand at
Ollivanders™, and experience the groundbreaking ride, “Harry Potter and the
Forbidden Journey™” inside Hogwarts™ castle.
● Marvel Super Hero Island®: For high-octane thrills, “The Incredible Hulk Coaster®”
sends you on a high-speed rampage, while “The Amazing Adventures of
Spider-Man®” lets you battle villains in 3-D.
● Jurassic Park®: If you like science mixed with danger, visit the prehistoric
playground where you can escape a T-Rex on the “Jurassic Park River Adventure®”.
Universal Studios Florida®
Here, you don’t just watch movies; you star in them.
● Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit®: A roller coaster where you pick your own music track
before soaring at high speeds.
● Animation & Comedy: Join Gru and his minions on the 3-D “Despicable Me”
attraction, or crash through Krustyland on “The Simpsons Ride™”.
● Revenge of the Mummy®: A psychological thrill ride that plunges you into total
darkness.
Universal CityWalk® & Nightlife
The entertainment doesn’t stop when the parks close. Universal CityWalk® offers the best in
dining and clubs. You can grab a burger at the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe®, enjoy
island cuisine at Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville®, or see the world-renowned Blue Man
Group show.
2. Walt Disney World®: The Place for Magic
Disney offers four distinct parks, each with its own unique atmosphere, from the wilds of
Africa to the edge of the galaxy.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Immerse yourself in the world of cinema and animation.
● Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Live your own Star Wars story. Fly the “Millennium
Falcon: Smugglers Run” or join the battle in “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance”.
● Toy Story Land: Shrink down to the size of a toy and ride “Slinky Dog Dash” or
enjoy the “Alien Swirling Saucers”.
● Nighttime Spectaculars: End your night with Fantasmic!, a show featuring Mickey
Mouse battling forces of evil in an open-air theater.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom®
Alive with magic, this park combines thrill rides with animal conservation.
● Pandora – The World of Avatar: Journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest on
“Na’vi River Journey” or fly on a banshee during “Avatar Flight of Passage”.
● Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®: A high-speed train
adventure through the Himalayas where you must avoid the Yeti.
● Kilimanjaro Safaris®: Take a real safari ride through the African savanna to see
lions, elephants, and giraffes.
EPCOT®
Discover the wonders of the world and the future.
● Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: A new, intergalactic chase through
space and time.
● World Showcase: Stroll through pavilions representing countries like Mexico,
Norway, Japan, and France. Don’t miss “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” in the France
pavilion.
● Test Track®: Design a virtual concept vehicle and take it for a high-speed spin.
Magic Kingdom® Park
The classic park where fairy tales come true.
● The Mountains: Conquer the “trilogy” of thrills: “Space Mountain®” in Tomorrowland,
“Big Thunder Mountain Railroad®” in Frontierland, and “Splash Mountain®”.
● New Fantasyland: Ride “The Barnstormer®” featuring the Great Goofini or journey
under the sea with “The Little Mermaid”.
● Fireworks: The sky lights up nightly with the “Wishes” fireworks extravaganza over
Cinderella Castle.
3. Where to Stay: On-Site Perks
To get the most out of your vacation, staying on-site is highly recommended for exclusive
benefits.
● Universal Hotels: Guests at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel®, and
Loews Royal Pacific Resort receive free Universal Express℠ ride access, allowing
you to skip regular lines at participating attractions. You also get Early Park
Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the park opens.
● Disney Transportation: Guests at Disney resorts have access to an extensive
transportation network, including the Disney Skyliner (connecting EPCOT and
Hollywood Studios to select resorts), water taxis, and resort bus services.
4. Dining Highlights
● Universal: For a lively atmosphere, try Pat O’Brien’s® (a replica of the New Orleans
original) or Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom℠ at CityWalk. Inside the parks, grab
a Butterbeer™ at the Hog’s Head pub.
● Disney: Enjoy family-style barbecue surrounded by toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in
Hollywood Studios, or dine with unique African flavors at Tusker House Restaurant
in Animal Kingdom.
Ready to Book? Whether you choose the movie-themed thrills of Universal or the
immersive worlds of Disney, Orlando promises a vacation where you can make incredible
memories that belong only to you. Don’t forget to download the official apps (like My Disney
Experience) to check wait times and utilize mobile food ordering during your trip
