I am an Orlando local who LOVES theme parks. In fact, it is one of the reasons that I moved to Orlando in the first place. While Disney World holds a super special place in my heart, there are way too many people who are sleeping on Universal Orlando.

Universal Orlando

I know, I know, this is the Disney Food Blog site, and Universal has nothing to do with Disney food. But hear me out, I really think you should add a day or two to check out Universal Orlando the next time you are visiting Disney World.

I am not saying you should completely avoid Disney World and only go to Universal Orlando, but I really think you should consider making some room for a trip to Universal Orlando during your vacation. First of all, if you haven’t been to Universal yet, that means you get to experience TWO NEW theme parks for the first time. Universal Orlando has two theme parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. They are right next to each other, and they are connected by Universal CityWalk (think of CityWalk as like a mini-Disney Springs) and the Hogwarts Express.

Universal Studios

While Universal Orlando definitely has more of a focus on thrill rides, even if thrill rides aren’t your thing, I think you will find yourself enjoying their theme parks. I could probably write all day about some of the reasons I find myself renewing my Universal Orlando Annual Pass each year, but I am not sure anybody would actually read it all. So instead, I am going to go over 5 reasons that I think you should stop by Universal Orlando.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: If you are a sucker for amazing theming and/or a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, this should be reason enough for you to stop by Universal Orlando. The details inside of two Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas are INCREDIBLE. You feel so immersed in the Harry Potter world and there is so much to explore. From shopping for your wand to drinking the famous Butterbeer, and checking out the attractions, I have definitely gone to Universal Orlando just to walk around Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

Hogsmeade

2. Get strapped in for some great thrill rides: Universal has a variety of great rides, but I think they especially excel in offering some fantastic thrill rides. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT still probably takes the number one spot, but Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Revenge of the Mummy are right up there in my favorite thrill rides.

Gringotts

3. Experience some of your favorite movies in new ways: Disney owns some pretty iconic movies, but Universal has also made quite the impact on the movie industry. Just like Disney, Universal likes to take advantage of their IP and use it in their parks. Which means, you get to experience your favorite movies in new ways. You can take a ride on a bicycle while traveling through the world of E.T., take a spin on a humorous ride in the world of The Simpsons, splash your way through Jurassic Park, and more. 

Jurassic Park River Adventure

4. Check out some awesome entertainment: One of my all-time favorite shows is at Universal Studios and while I wouldn’t pay JUST to go see it, it is a must-see while you are there! The Bourne Stuntacular is a stunt show on steroids, and it is fantastic. I have seen it so many times, but I am still so impressed by it! Additionally, I love watching the Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show and Animal Actors on Location! Plus, the Universal Mega Movie Parade is super impressive. The floats are so well done, and it is such a blast seeing some classic movies being represented in a parade. There are also a variety of performers throughout the park and don’t forget to stop by The Knight Bus or The Mystic Fountain if you are looking for a laugh.

Universal Mega Movie Parade

5. Add some variety to your trip: As an Orlando local, I find myself switching up which theme park I go to on a regular basis. It keeps things more interesting, and I love the variety that all of the parks have. Universal Orlando has a different vibe than Disney World and I love getting to experience both places! I have a feeling you will find some new favorite things to do at the Universal parks and you will be sad that you are just now finding out about them.

Universal Studios

This is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons, just some of my top reasons! The details in the parks are wonderful and the attractions are top tier. Like I said, I could go on and on about why I think you should check out Universal Orlando. Don’t even get me started on some of their special events such as Mardi Gras, Christmas, and Halloween Horror Nights.

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Do you make a stop at Universal Orlando on your Disney World vacations? Let us know in the comments!