Attractions

Rides and attractions combine technology and special effects to produce excellent entertainment. While waiting in line, you'll be entertained by excellent preshows -- far better than those at the Disney parks (some are as entertaining as the attractions themselves). Universal, as a whole, takes itself less seriously than the Mouse, and the atmosphere is peppered by subtle reminders that in the competitive theme-park industry, it's really not such a small world after all.

Frommer's Rates the Rides

We're using a grading system to score the rides. Most of the grades we give are As, Bs, and Cs. That's because the major parks' designers have done a pretty good job on the attractions. But you'll also find a few Ds for Duds. Here's what the Frommer's ratings mean:

A+ = Your trip wouldn't be complete without it.

A = Put it at the top of your "to-do" list.

B+ = Make a real effort to see or do it.

B = It's fun but not a "must see."

C+ = A nice diversion; see it if you have time.

C = Go if it appeals to you but not if there's a wait.

D = Don't waste your time.

Additional Attractions

The somewhat corny Universal Horror Make-Up Show gives behind-the-scene looks at what goes into (and oozes out of) some of Hollywood's most frightening monsters (PG-13, shows from 11am). Lucy, A Tribute is a remembrance of America's queen of comedy, and the Blues Brothers launch their foot-stomping revue several times a day on Delancey Street.

Back at Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, Fievel's Playland is a wet, western-themed playground with a house to climb and a water slide for small fry. Curious George Goes to Town is filled with whimsical watery fun, from fountains to ball-shooting cannons -- bring a change of clothes.

Quiet on the Set! -- The comedy, music, and multimedia theatrics of Blue Man Group have found a new home in Orlando. This highly dynamic and unique group of wild and (at times) wacky performers is now wowing audiences at Universal Studios Florida in a newly renovated theater (previously Nickelodeon Studios) accessible from both Universal Studios and CityWalk. Park admission is not required for this separately ticketed show (which features two daily performances). Tickets for the show (only) run between $45 and $69 for adults, and between $39 and $59 for children (ages 3-9), depending on show times. Combination tickets including both theme park admission and a single show (at a discounted price) are available and range from $108 to $140 for adults and $98 to $140 for children (ages 3-9). The price is dependent upon show times and the type of park ticket chosen (options currently include either a 1-day/2-park or an Unlimited Admission ticket).

Coming Soon -- Universal's Back to the Future ride, suffering from the ravages of time, went the way of the DeLorean and closed its doors for good in 2006. Replacing it in 2008 will be an attraction based on the hit TV show, The Simpsons. Details on the ride are scarce, but the cartoon's creator Matt Groening claims, "the ride is designed to duplicate The Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming."

A Night at the Movies -- Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, Universal Orlando's newest show, made its debut in the summer of 2006. This spectacular nighttime production (albeit seasonal) immerses guests in the movie experience projecting images from Hollywood's hottest hits across four tremendous "cinespheres" in the park's central lagoon. The scenes and images appear and change throughout the show while 300 outdoor speakers ensure that the accompanying music is heard by everyone who's even remotely nearby. Lasers and special pyrotechnic effects add to the already amazing visuals.