Action-Packed Adventures at Universal Studios Florida

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™

Muggles won’t guess what’s behind an average-looking London street, but wizards know it’s the epicenter for all things magic. Visit Gringotts, eat at the Leaky Cauldron, and spot familiar names as you explore the shops of this hidden world – one of the newest and most captivating lands within Universal Studios Florida.

Go on an adventure with Harry, Ron, and Hermione to defeat dark magic on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride.

If you have people in your group that don’t want to ride, have them join you in line so they can experience inside of Gringotts. 

Become a wizard at Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley, where Ollivander will help you pick out a wand. Trade your Muggle money at Gringotts Money Exchange where you can make purchases throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade™. See a performance of traditional fables from The Tales of Beedle Bard. And catch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees putting on a swing show with wizard favorites. 

Even wizards get hungry! The Leaky Cauldron is ready to serve you in all its magical glory. For smaller bites and Butterbeer, check out The Fountain of Fair Fortune, The Hopping Pot, and Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for dessert. 

For Insta-worthy photos, you can’t miss the giant creature sitting atop Gringotts. If you wait long enough, it’ll surprise you. Then go visit the shrunken head in the Knight Bus located outside Diagon Alley near the lake. 

Finally, climb aboard the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station and travel with your favorite characters to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ at Universal’s Island of Adventure. The train ride serves as transportation between the two theme parks, and you must have a two-park pass to ride.

Production Central: Characters & Roller Coasters

As you enter the park through the main gates, you’ll find some of your favorite characters and rides right in Production Central. 

Everyone loves the adorable yellow minions. Join them, Gru, and the girls for an adventure on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. This ride is a motion simulation, but you can opt for a non-moving seat. 

Thrill chasers can hop in line for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Pick your favorite song, buckle up, and prepare for the vertical ascent into rock ‘n’ roll.

Want to fight alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee? TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D is ready to help you save mankind. 

Need to cool down from all that excitement? Grab a frozen drink or beer at Bone Chillin located in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Just look for the giant monsters on the roof. 

Get your cameras ready to pose with your favorite characters at TRANSFORMERS. Another great photo op is the view of the vertical takeoff of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Even if you don’t ride it, the photo is pretty epic.  

New York: Big Shows & Exciting Rides

Take a stroll and admire the signature facades of New York’s skyline and city streets. Then ride with a New York native on Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon for some New York-style entertainment. For more Big Apple favorites, see the Blues Brothers Show or watch acappella singers battle it out during the Sing It! Competition. 

Don’t miss Revenge of the Mummy, a thrilling dark roller coaster that whisks you into tombs where you’ll come face to face with fire, beetles, and of course mummies.

The best photo in New York is posing with the pharaohs outside of Revenge of the Mummy. 

For a relaxing sit-down experience, enjoy Irish favorites at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill or sink your teeth into the Bronx’s best at Louie’s Italian Restaurant. Ice cold treats can be found at Häagen-Dazs. 

San Francisco: High Speeds & Seafood Feasts

Hangout at Fisherman’s Wharf and take in some iconic architecture like the Ghirardelli factory. When you’re ready to pick up the pace, check out Fast & Furious - Supercharged. Drive with Dom, Letty, Hobbs, and the rest of the family as they go full throttle to beat an enemy from the past. 

When it’s time to fuel up there are lots of options: grab a burger at Richter’s Burger Co., get a cool drink and apps at Chez Alcatraz, or nosh on a sandwich at San Francisco Pastry Company.

For a full-service experience, enjoy seafood at Lombard’s Seafood Grille right on the lake. 

Check out Jaws hanging upside down on the boardwalk for the best photo spot. Stick your arm or head in and pose away!

Hollywood: Go Behind the Scenes & Back in Time

You’ll recognize this area by its signature palm trees lining the street. Go Hollywood with great photo ops and fascinating behind-the-scenes experiences. 

The Hollywood area is known for its incredible shows.

The Bourne Stuntacular is a stunt show like no other. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as you watch Jason Bourne evade his enemies. Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how ghastly creatures are created. For the best photo spot, check out the marquee outside of the Horror Make-Up show – its classic Hollywood style will have your friends guessing where you are.

Don’t miss a tasty trip back in time at the 50s-style Mel’s Drive-In where you can enjoy a burger, milkshake, and tunes on the jukebox. Modeled after the Hollywood landmark, Schwab’s Pharmacy features classic ice cream treats including milkshakes, floats, and splits.

World Expo: Take Aim at Aliens

Grab your neuralyzer and keep an eye out for aliens – they could be parading as any normal person on the street. Take a ride on MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack where you take aim at aliens and compete with your fellow riders for a high score.

For the best photo spot, grab a pic inside MIB Headquarters in the ride queue. 

Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons

Step right into Springfield and enjoy all that comes with it. Stop in at Kwik-E-Mart or grab a drink at Duff Brewery. Then hop aboard the Simpsons Ride, a virtual reality roller coaster that takes you on adventures with Homer, Marge, and the whole family. You can also take a whirl with intergalactic aliens on Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl.  

Chow down at show favorites from Flaming Moe’s to Krusty Burger. Then see your favorite characters at The Simpsons Character Zone and play carnival-style games at Krustyland.

For the best photos, check out the police holdup wall and pose next to your favorite characters. Or see the giant Krusty head on the boardwalk at Krustyland.

Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone

This area was built for kids and will keep them busy for hours with water parks, games, and gentle coasters. Hop on a bike and help E.T. save his planet on the E.T Adventure. A classic for adults, it’s also a fun experience for little ones. For a fast-paced, kid-sized roller coaster, take flight on Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.

There’s plenty of fun places to explore in KidZone.

Get a mouse eye’s view at Fievel’s Playland where kids can play on larger-than-life objects. Make sure to bring a swimsuit and towel for play at Curious George Goes To Town. This playground features lots of water to keep the kiddos cool. 

See some cute and talented creatures at the Animal Actors on Location! live show, and then meet SpongeBob SquarePants and Friends inside Spongebob Storepants. This store is super colorful and fun. For a great photo spot, check out Spongebob’s Pineapple.

Tips for Visiting: What You Need to Know 

The Universal parking garages charge $27 per vehicle for regular parking; pricing is subject to change without notice. There is an Uber Zone in the Jurassic Park Garage on the 5th floor. 

For more wayfinding info, download the Universal App and use it to keep an eye on wait times, order food, and look at upcoming show times.  

Find More Movie Magic 

Keep the movie magic going in Kissimmee at Studio Movie Grill at The Promenade at Sunset Walk. Looking for more Universal fun? Check out our guides to Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.