Universal Studios Florida is an Orlando area super-theme park and working film studio all in one, so expect to see thrill rides based on your favourite movie sets.  From the tried and tested (but still realistically frightening... and wet) Jaws, to the newer thrill rides of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster (where you get to make your own music video during the ride!) and Revenge of the Mummy - which is highly recommended Egyptian themed rollercoaster.  For the more family orientated rides, why not soar through Krustyland on the new Simpsons 'simulation-coaster - crashing and smashing your way through the film set. It is hysterical!

Not one for the rollercoaster scene, but like shooting aliens with 'ray-guns'?  Check out Men In Black Alien Attack - it's awesome and even better when you get the high score!  Want more disaster film set themed attractions?  No problem - visit Disaster! for a trip through the disaster movies of the 70's and 80s - remember 'Earthquake'?  Or what about Twister - where you are placed right in the middle of a tornado - just hold on to your hat.  Click for a full list of Universal Studios attractions...

Islands of Adventure, is the second of the fantastic parks at Universal, offering even more thrills and more attractions through the world of books, cartoons and animation.  From favourites such as the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman simulator ride - where you travel with Spiderman in a 3D interactive landscape or the absolutely bone-shaking Incredible Hulk rollercoaster that takes you from a standstill to 40mph in a mere 2 seconds!  Alternatively, accelerate upwards faster than the shuttle on Doctor Doom's Fearfall (then weightlessness as you fall back to Earth again  ...and again!). 

If the Hulk ride is not your scene and you prefer something a little less white-knuckle, take a raft ride through the Jurassic Park River Adventure - but beware of the T-Rex in the waterfall!  Like getting (really) wet - great, try the excellent Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls or Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges.  For the kids?  Okay, explore the Me Ship, The Olive interactive play area or fly over the park in the Pteranodon Flyers or go round and round on the Caro-Seuss-el!  Click for a full list of Universal Islands of Adventure attractions...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in conjunction with Warner Bros., Universal Studios opened their $200million, 20-acre "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" theme park on 18 June 2010.  With many of the cast from the Harry Potter movies present, this is the latest addition to the already fantastic Universal Studios Orlando parks and is a park within the 'Islands of Adventure' park.  

Based around the books and movies, the new park-within-a-park offers fans the chance to visit Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade village amongst other famous 'Harry Potter' landmarks faithfully re-created from the books and movies.  Being Orlando however, "interactivity" is the buzzword, so expect more than just static sets - expect real-life interaction with an emphasis on fun and excitement.  

Based inside Hogwarts Castle, the Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter, is AWESOME!  At just under 5 minutes to complete, this is a  one-of-a-kind  'totally immersive, dark' simulator robo-coaster ride.

This amazing new attraction uses groundbreaking giant robotic arms to loft riders into the air, swing them around 3D simulator footage and taking them on a journey around the castle grounds (chasing a dragon).  Expect animated scary spiders and Dementors, amongst other Harry Potter characters.  This is a really fun, thrilling ride, not a rollercoaster.  Sit back and admire!

Inside Hogwarts, whilst waiting for the ride, visit Dumbledore's office, the 'Defense Against the Dark Arts' classroom, the Gryffindor common room and more.  Watch out for the talking pictures.

The Flight of the Hippogriff is to a  Harry Potter re-themed 'Flying Unicorn' coaster; which is very much a family oriented rollercoaster ride.   For the braver, Dragon Challenge is also re-themed 'Duelling Dragons' ride.  This is a 'Triwizard Tournament' Chinese fireballs and Hungarian Horntail themed, faster rollercoaster with two trains, twists and loops that almost come together!  A different ride on each coaster.  Alongside the coaster is one of the actual cars that was used in the Harry Potter movies.

Alternatively, take a walk through Hogsmeade village in the winter.  For all those budding wizards and witches, an array of gift shops are available to purchase those essentials - wand, broom stick, latest spells... (the wands will even come alive only when selected by their rightful wizards!)  Expect to see Ollivander's, Dervish and Banges and Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, as well as themed family restaurants for a fantastic dining experience (where non-alcoholic shortbread cookie with butterscotch flavoured Butterbeer is available).

Although initially in the design plans, it the Forbidden Forest (home of the unicorns, centaurs and 'acromantulas') has been postponed for now.  

During the grand opening and to give their seal of approval, some of the cast of Harry Potter were there to great all those lucky visitors. For the latest news and pictures from the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Florida.

Click for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios...

To capitalise on the demand for the new park, Universal are offering 'Harry Potter' themed packages, which include early entrance and breakfast at one of the restaurants.   Our advice - considering how busy this park was in September 2010, arrive early (around 9am) and head straight for the Wizarding World - queue times were around 20 minutes at that time.  

Regarding price, the following gives an idea of just how much you will need to spend on the kids when visiting!  Selecting a magic wand (or it selecting you) from Ollivander's $25+, various Harry Potter memorabilia including: Ravenclaw baseball caps $22, Sneakoscopes $15, Golden Snitches $15, Slytherin Throw Pillows $25 and the all import Hogwarts robes $100 - ideal for the Florida weather!

Also a point to note, Ollivander's gets very busy, so expect to be queuing for more than just the rides.