An Introduction to Universal Studios

Even with fast-paced grown-up rides based on blockbusters such as Twister, Terminator, and Men in Black, Universal Studios Florida is a ton of fun for kids. And, as an added plus, it's a working motion picture and TV production studio, so occasionally there's some live filming done at Nickelodeon's sound stages or elsewhere in the park. Even if there isn't a film or show in production, you can see reel history displayed in the form of some 40 actual sets exhibited along Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. And there are plenty of action shows and rides including Twister . . . Ride It Out, Earthquake -- The Big One, Jaws, Terminator, and the just-opened Revenge of the Mummy.

After a period of quiet on the expansion front, 2003 saw Universal add two new attractions -- Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, and Shrek 4-D -- and 2004 saw the debut of Revenge of the Mummy, a ride based on the hit film, The Mummy.

Universal Characters & Shows, Too--Universal Studios Florida has a host of street characters and shows to entertain the crowds that flock here. The lineup includes: Extreme Ghostbusters: The Great Fright Way, a revised show that has Beetlejuice and The Ghostbusters singing and dancing to hits from the '60s through the '90s; Lucy and Ricky, in which Lucy pulls guests into an impromptu conga line; Sarita and Rico, two Latin characters who get guests singing and dancing to high-energy tunes such as "Hot, Hot, Hot" and "Mambo #5"; and the Men in Black show, in which the agents know there are a lot of aliens in the park, and they must put unsuspecting guests through a humorous screening test. Note: Characters rotate or appear seasonally.

Tips for visiting Universal Studios Florida

1) On Men in Black, aim for the light at the top of the car on the other side of the track when you are turned face-to-face with it, and do not forget to hit the red button on your dashboard when it flashes and you are told to hit it.

2) If you love Men in Black and Hate the long lines, you can ride an insane number of times by using the single riders line

3) When riding the mummy in the first few hours that the park is open the single riders line is extremely fast and saves a great amount of time.

4) When on Men in Black aim for the red light on your OWN vehicle. You will hit it every time and you get MAJOR points. Also, don't keep squeezing the trigger; just hold it down.

5) If your a fan of a great hamburger than go to margaritaville (in citywalk) and have a cheeseburger in paradise.

6) If you were never a big fan of the "Earthquake" attraction, you may want to skip "Disaster", as only the pre-show and audience interaction have changed. The ride is still the same.

7) On the Men In Black ride hold IN the red button at the end of the ride while shooting the giant aliens eyes. You'll earn another 100,000 points!

8) To be a participant in the Disaster show, place yourself a few people back from the host and raise your hand enthusiastically when they ask for volunteers. Works every time.

9) For a glimpse at nostalgic Universal, go behind the Woody Woodpecker coaster near the Curious George play area. There rests a barracaded version of the old Hard Rock Cafe restaurant still in tact. It is currently used as a staging area for the park.

10) Florida residents save $20 off the front gate price when you purchase a 1-Day/1-Park ticket online.

11) Go to The Simpsons Ride when the park opens.

12)Do Shrek 4D first to save time then you can do the other attractions after that.

13) On the Men in Black ride just keep the trigger pressed down and your score will be higher than anyone else's.

Top 10 Universal Studios Florida Attractions

1. Hollywood Rip Ride RockitBilled as the world's most technologically advanced roller coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit towers 17 stories over Universal Studios Florida. Best of all, you get to customize your ride experience by choosing what song will play during your roller coaster adventure. Height requirement: 51 inches.

2. Revenge of the Mummy the RideBattle an army of warrior mummies and confront dreaded scarab beetles, fireballs and more obstacles as you cruise through darkness at speeds up to 45 miles per hour through ancient passageways, chambers and tombs. Height requirement: 48 inches.

3. Men in Black Alien AttackA thrilling interactive movie ride, Men in Black Alien Attack allows you to zap aliens as you spin through the besieged streets of New York. Height requirement: 42 inches.

4. The Simpsons RideRide along with the entire Simpson family - Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie - on a hilarious adventure through a side of Springfield previously unexplored. Height requirement: 40 inches.

5. Shrek 4-DJoin Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a state-of-the-art 4-D adventure as they try to escape from the ghost of Lord Farquaad, his evil sidekick, during this fun-filled thrill ride. No height restrictions.

6. JawsThe Jaws thrill ride re-creates all the terror and excitement of the 1975 blockbuster, Jaws, as you cruise aboard a boat in the quaint New England fishing village of Amity and come face to face with a ferocious great white shark. No height restrictions (the ride may be too intense for younger children).

7. Terminator 2: 3DJoin the Terminator as you try to save planet Earth from the evil futuristic cyborgs in this amazing mix of live action, 3-D film and state-of-the-art special effects. No height restrictions.

8. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring YouLearn the secrets of disaster movies through special effects demonstrations, then board a subway train and experience the "explosive finale scene" of a movie that features a spectacular earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale. No height restrictions.

9. E.T. AdventureHelp America's favorite extraterrestrial save his dying planet as you hop aboard a star-bound bicycle and soar across the moonlit sky! No height restrictions.

10. Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon BlastBlast off with Jimmy Neutron and his pals on this thrilling motion simulated ride as you chase the evil Ooblar through the worlds of some of your favorite Nicktoon characters. Height requirement: 40 inches tall (stationary seating is available).