In Central Florida you’ll find Universal Orlando Resort, or generally known as Universal Studios.
Universal Orlando Resort consists of 3 theme parks and an entertainment area. Many of us simply say ‘Universal Studios’ referring to the entire complex, when Universal Studios is just one of the 3 parks along with Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay, the latter being the water park.
Don’t forget to check under ‘category’ Universal Orlando for more details.
They are currently working on a 4th theme park called Epic Universe, it is expected to be open for summer 2025. So we just have to wait for Super Nintendo World, more Harry Potter attractions and much more for a while.
Universal Studios Florida opened on June 7, 1990 with famous attractions such as the world of Hanna-Barbera, Kongfrontation, Earthquake, Jaws among others that today are closed and completely changed for other attractions. For example, Jaws is part of the Harry Potter area or Kongfrontation is now The Mummy.
Universal Studios is divided into different sections: Production Central, New York, San Francisco, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley/London, World Expo, Springfield, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone and Hollywood.
The following video was the entrance to Universal Studios long before the opening of the other 2 parks, before we just walked from the parking lot directly to Universal Studios without going through City Walk as we do now.
(video from my old Orlando parks page: AllAboutDisney, no longer exists)
The 2nd park to open on May 28, 1999 was Islands of Adventure. The park features several islands with a different theme: Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing.
Along with Islands of Adventure, the entertainment area between the 2 parks, City Walk, also opened its doors with restaurants, nightclubs, stored, mini golf and more fun for everyone.
On May 25, 2017, the water park that was replaced for Wet N’ Wild opens its doors. I’m not a big fan of water parks, but Volcano Bay is amazing.
Universal Orlando Resort has 8 resorts very close to the parks, they even offer transportation to and from the parks by bus or boat, depending on the location. The hotels are: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel and Endless Summer Resort.