Daniel B.
Yelp
At the time of writing this review, I've been to Universal Studios twice, once as a kid and once as an adult. When I went as a kid, it wasn't long after the park had opened (on June 7, 1990). I also went to Universal Studios Hollywood around the same time. When I went as an adult, it was earlier this year (2025). I had fun.
I went as part of a group of five people, mainly tagging along because the primary purpose of the visit was for the others to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While I'm not a Harry Potter fan, I enjoyed the Wizarding World and I think it's worth checking out even if you aren't familiar with the material.
In order to get the full Harry Potter experience, we purchased the "2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park Dated Adult" for $194.00 per person plus the "2PK Express" for $149.99 per person. $343.99 per person total. Those gave us all-day access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, and the 2-Park Universal Express Pass for express ride access (fast pass). The Express Pass saved us a lot of time. It enabled us to see and do more things. Therefore, I think it's worth the extra cost.
We stayed at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and got a $100 credit to use for in-park purchases at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. To use this credit, we had to make charges using our hotel room key card. This credit was a benefit of the American Express Platinum Card.
For those unfamiliar with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, it consists of two areas in two separate parks: (1) Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure; opened June 18, 2010 and (2) Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida; opened July 8, 2014. Soon, a third area and park will open. Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe will open May 22, 2025.
Separately, I reviewed the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and several of the places within (e.g., rides, restaurants). I think Diagon Alley, which is located here at Universal Studios Florida, is a must-visit. For an overview of Diagon Alley and things to see and do there, see my review here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/diagon-alley-orlando
As a child, my favorite ride at Universal Studios was Back to the Future: The Ride. It unfortunately no longer exists. The version here opened on May 1, 1991 and closed on March 30, 2007. It was replaced by The Simpsons Ride, which opened on April 23, 2008 and still operates today. A replica DeLorean time machine is on display at Springfield, the Simpsons area at Universal Studios Florida. We took a picture with it.
I had a lot of fun in Springfield. It was funny to see so many places in the show in real life. Places like Kwik-E-Mart, Moe's Tavern, and Lard Lad Donuts, just to name a few. We ate the "Big Pink" giant donut at Lard Lad: https://www.instagram.com/td2timemvp/reel/DEvM8VvyOMZ/ We played carnival games at Krustyland, where I successfully tossed three out of three balls in the tub toss game, "Thar She Blows": https://x.com/TD2timeMVP/status/1878303898898698453
Men in Black Alien Attack was fun. It was both a ride with and laser tag against aliens. You can read my review for it here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/men-in-black-alien-attack-orlando
My fondest memory from this recent visit, due to nostalgia, was riding the E.T. Adventure again for the first time in nearly 35 years. It's the oldest active ride at Universal Studios Florida. Even to this day, it still holds its magical charm and appeal to me. You can read my review for E.T. Adventure here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/e-t-adventure-orlando-2
Another thing I have to mention is - as a cinephile and big fan of movies from the 80s and 90s, I loved entering the park to some of what I think are the most iconic movie themes: Back to the Future's End Credits / theme song by Alan Silvestri (1985) and Beetlejuice's Main Titles / theme song by Danny Elfman (1988). This was shortly after entering and heading towards Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the New York section of the park.
My wife's main criticism of Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure is that it's not as polished as Walt Disney World Resort, which she visited three times in 2024-2025. That goes for the quality of the rides, level of customer service, and the attention to detail in pretty much all aspects of the theme park experience. So, if you're visiting Universal after Disney, brace for a step down.
That said, I still had a blast at Universal Studios Florida and wouldn't mind returning in the future.