Attractions

Exploring Beyond Disney: Universal Orlando, SeaWorld & Other Attractions

"Anything you can do, we can do better." This seems to be the Orlando motto. Every time one park adds an attraction, the next park feels the need to add two attractions (or at least one that's far more impressive), and so on, and so on, and so on. This has been going on since Mickey first arrived in town. The game of cat and mouse between Disney and its top-ranked challenger Universal Orlando, which each year since 1999 has chipped away at what was once WDW's virtual monopoly, however, is all good -- at least for you and me. Each time one park tries to outdo the other, we reap the benefits of their additions. Still, make no mistake: Disney is king, leading in theme parks (4-2) and smaller attractions (9-1). It has a 2-to-1 edge in nightclub venues, a huge lead in restaurants, and, when it comes to hotel rooms, its lead is insurmountable.

Nevertheless, Universal is trying. It had a substantial growth spurt in 1999, bolstering its original park, Universal Studios Florida, with a second theme park, Islands of Adventure; a nightclub and restaurant complex, CityWalk; and its first resort, Portofino Bay, a 750-room Loews hotel. In January 2001, it opened a second resort, the Hard Rock Hotel; and, in 2002, it followed up with the Royal Pacific Resort. Universal then sent J. K. Rowling fans into a tizzy when it announced it would open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure, which remained under construction when this guide was published. Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit, an interactive musically themed megacoaster billed as the Studio's newest anchor attraction (and the first actual addition to the park in several years) was announced just as this guide was published (with an opening date set for late 2009). Universal Orlando still has plenty of room for expansion beyond that, and, while the company's lips are sealed, it's known there are plans for at least two more hotels (and they've partnered with several area hotels in the meantime). A golf course and acres of additional rides and attractions are also not inconceivable.

A few miles south, SeaWorld and its sister park Discovery Cove also grab a share of the Orlando action. In 2004, SeaWorld added a 5-acre shopping and dining area, appropriately named the Waterfront and in 2007 expanded the children's area (now double its original size), adding 6 kid-friendly ocean-themed rides. As this book went to press, Manta, SeaWorld's single most expensive (not to mention ambitious) attraction to date, (billed as the park's newest anchor attraction) was announced. Aquatica, an innovative eco-edutainment themed water park (and the first new park to open in Orlando in over 8 years), made a splashy debut in 2008 taking its own bite out of the city's ever changing market.

Aside from greater variety, these players mean more multiday packages and special deals for you. To compete with Disney, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando teamed up on multiday pass options a few years back. They offer a FlexTicket that also includes admission to Wet 'n Wild (a Universal-owned water park) and has an optional add-on that includes Busch Gardens in Tampa.

While the wars rage on in the traditional tourist areas, it has finally dawned on the rest of Orlando that Central Florida is one of the world's favorite vacation destinations.

Since the early 1990s, and most notably in the past few years, downtown Orlando has undergone a transformation in hopes of wooing tourists to its own set of attractions, nightclubs, and restaurants. Expansions at the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center combined with an ever-increasing number of upscale dining options and trendy clubs shows the city is trying to grab back a share of tourist dollars. This expansion means visitors can enjoy the spoils: more variety, greater opportunities, and a world beyond the theme parks.

The FlexTicket -- The most economical way to see the various "other-than-Disney" parks is with a multiday pass that counters Disney's Park Hopper add-on. With the FlexTicket, you pay one price to visit any of the participating parks as many times as you want during a 14-day period. A five-park pass to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Wet 'n Wild, Aquatica, and SeaWorld is $234.95 for adults and $194.95 for children 3 to 9. A six-park pass, which adds Busch Gardens in Tampa, is $279.95 for adults and $234.95 for kids. Both passes also include entrance to Universal CityWalk. The FlexTicket can be ordered through Universal (tel. 407/363-8000; www.universalorlando.com), SeaWorld (tel. 407/351-3600; www.seaworld.com), or Wet 'n Wild (tel. 800/992-9453 or 407/351-1800; www.wetnwild.com). Note: There's a round-trip shuttle available to Busch Gardens that's free for FlexTicket buyers (it's $10 for other guests).

Universal Express Plus Pass -- This is Universal's answer to Disney's FASTPASS; however, at Universal, you'll pay a price (literally) to skip the long lines. Single-day and multiday ticket buyers not staying at a Universal resort can purchase an Express Plus Pass that's good for either 1 day at one park ($20-$51) or 1 day at two parks ($26-$56). The downside (other than having to fork out the extra cash): Express Plus Passes are only good on select dates (for a complete list see Universal's website) during the year, and they are only valid for a single entry to each ride featuring an express line. In other words, you can only wait in the express line for the Hulk once; if you want to ride a second (or third, or fourth) time, you'll have to head to the regular line with everyone else. And if you are a multiday ticket holder, the Express Pass is only good for a single day -- you'll have to purchase an additional Express Pass if you want to skip the long lines for more than just a single day.

The plus in Express Plus: Waits are usually 15 minutes or less. Be aware, however, that passes are not unlimited and can run out during busier times (especially as they are now available ahead of time online). If you're at the parks during peak season, really can't stand waiting in line, and have plenty of cash to spare, the pass may be worth your while; otherwise, don't bother.

A family of four would be far better off spending the extra bucks ($80-$224) to stay at one of Universal's resorts (even if only for a portion of your vacation). Guests of the Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific hotels need only show their room key to skip the long lines. And the best part: Resort guests are allowed unlimited express line access for the length of their stay. Call tel. 407/363-8000, or go to www.universalorlando.com for more information.

Top 10 Orlando-Area Activities for Grown-Ups

1. Spa Treatments: First-rate spas such as those at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the WDW Dolphin, the Buena Vista Palace Resort, the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, and the Gaylord Palms provide heavenly pampering and relief for the sore muscles and tired feet caused by the parks.

2. World Showcase Pavilions: Experience a 'round-the-world journey, visiting 11 "nations" with authentically reproduced architectural highlights, restaurants (many of which have recently been updated), shops, and cultural performances.

3. Cirque du Soleil: This no-animals circus is compelling for most anyone older than the age of 6, but its intensity and choreography make it a real winner for adults.

4. Pleasure Island and CityWalk: These entertainment and restaurant districts are located at WDW and Universal Orlando, respectively. They provide nonstop fun for the wine-dine-and-dance set. Lounges and clubs, often more upscale than those you'll find at the entertainment districts can be found at select resorts throughout Orlando -- a particular standout is Rix, which recently opened in Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

5. A Romantic Dinner at Victoria & Albert's: Loving couples cherish the intimate evening and scrumptious seven-course dinner at the headline restaurant in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

6. Discovery Cove: SeaWorld's sister park offers guests a chance to rest, relax, and swim with the dolphins in a remote island atmosphere. It's an expensive but ultimately satisfying retreat.

7. Richard Petty Driving Experience: Vrrrooooommmmmm! If you're 18 or older and have the courage, try driving or at least riding in a real NASCAR rocket at speeds significantly above the legal limit.

8. The Grand 1: Take another break from the Mickey madness and cruise Disney's Seven Seas Lagoon (perhaps catching a glimpse of Wishes fireworks) aboard this vintage, 44-foot yacht.

9. Innoventions: Epcot is generally geared more to adults than the other WDW parks, and this display of future technologies is especially intriguing, providing a preview of life well into the 21st century.

10. Tee Time: Orlando is home to some of the country's best golf courses -- Walt Disney World alone offers 99 holes, including one with a sand trap shaped like Mickey Mouse -- so enthusiasts will find plenty of places to tee up.