Universal Orlando Resort

OrlandoSentinel.com Staff

Universal Orlando Resort is a world all it's own, with two breathtaking theme parks, a wealth of exciting nightlife venues, luxurious resort hotels and plenty of fine shopping and dining.

The classic Universal Studios Florida theme park remains one of the centerpieces of the Universal Orlando Resort. It's the place where visitors can "ride the movies." Awesome attractions such as Back to the Future The Ride and Men In Black Alien Attack highlight the movie-themed rides the park offers. The most recent ride to open at the park, The Revenge of The Mummy, takes riders on a thrilling journey through fiery tunnels and dark caverns.

The second theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort is the aptly-named Islands of Adventure. This park features an array of roller coasters and other thrill rides and is a great place for fans of fast, action-packed experiences. Coasters like The Hulk, which blasts riders down looping curves and corkscrews or Dueling Dragons, which gives riders the chance to ride facing forward or backward, are second-to-none thrillers.

Looking for shopping, dining and nightlife? Universal's CityWalk is the place to go when the parks close and it's time for a meal and some nighttime excitement. Restaurants of all types, from cacophonous and kid-friendly to elegant and romantic, make it easy to find the right place to eat. There are a number of fine shops selling everything from surf gear to sports memorabilia to cigars. If you want to hit the dance floor, CityWalk has plenty of choices for you, too. The Groove plays the best dance hits, while CityJazz has live music every night. You can also catch the latest Hollywood hits at the Universal Cineplex.

Stay on-site at the Universal Orlando Resort and you'll have three luxurious hotels to pick from. The Hard Rock Hotel rocks with CD players in every room. The Portofino Bay Hotel takes Italian-style luxury to another level. And The Royal Pacific Resort is your very own island hideaway. Staying at any of the on-site hotels also gives you extra perks, allowing you to beat the lines to your favorite rides and attractions.

One of Orlando's top vacation destinations, the Universal Orlando Resort has something for everyone. Fun, thrills and a chance to "ride the movies" make the Resort a perfect place to spend an Orlando vacation.