50 Things you Must Do on any Disney/Universal Studios Orlando Vacation!
42. Stroll around CityWalk
CityWalk is the place to be after you day out at Universal. This dining and entertainment complex features a variety of themed restaurants (Hard Rock Cafe is a great place to relax, enjoy some fun comfort food and rock n’roll), a movie theater, Blue Man Group, bars and nightclubs, mini-golf, and a handful of shops. Vivo is a nice classy Italian place for anyone craving some carbs after all those miles you walked over the course of the day!
43. Scare yourself silly on Revenge of the Mummy (Universal)
This high speed coaster (up to 45mph) with amazing special effects (the fireball and beetles are quite realistic) takes you on an adventurous ride in complete blackness, meaning you never know when you will drop, twist, or turn. It’s quite an exciting experience. For a ride experience that will leave your heart pounding the entire time, look no further than The Mummy.
44. Check out the Simpsons 3D ride (Universal)
This unique 3D ride based on the beloved animated series is a must for new visitors! The technology is great, enabling you to feel the actual rush of going on a rollercoaster and following your favorite characters around…while basically sitting still. Sure it gets a bit old after the first few times, however, nothing beats the first exhilarating time!
Other rides/attractions/shows to check out
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Men in Black Alien Attack
- Transformers the 3D ride
- Universal’s Horror Makeup Show
- Blues Brothers show
Check out my full guide to Universal’s best rides.
Tip: Discount Universal passes can be found on Undercover Tourist.
…when you need a break from the parks!
A combination of brutal sun and humidity, miles and miles of walking, long wait lines in the heat, and entertaining (yet exhausting headache inducing rides) can really take a toll on your body. To get the most out of your trip (namely not being exhausted, crabby, and run down after too many back to back days out in the sun at the parks), try to plan a day or 2 outside of the theme parks, whether it be for resort lounge days, day trips to other areas in Florida, or simply taking some time out to explore the nature right here in the Orlando area. Check out a few of these suggestions when you need a refreshing, quiet day away from the parks!
45. Take an off day to lounge around your resort
Take advantage of all the wonderful amenities you are paying for at your hotel/resort/condo rental, whether that be a pool, on-site restaurants, volleyball and tennis courts, and any other fun attractions. Give your feet and mind a break with a relaxing afternoon lounging by the pool! You will be totally refreshed to hit the parks again after giving your body a much needed break.
46. Drive to the Gulf coast for some fun in the sun
The beaches of Tampa Bay are just an easy day trip away (about 2 hours). The warm waters are perfect for swimming and the sand is so soft and clean. Check out Clearwater, famous for its smooth powder like quartz sand, or visit a quieter alternative like Sand Key (great for collecting seashells) or Pass-a-Grille in St Pete (a gorgeous small beach without the crazy crowds of Clearwater). Anna Maria Island is a bit further, however, definitely worth it for the laid-back island atmosphere.
Although a bit of a drive, there are many other fun activities to do in the Tampa area including great museums (check out the Florida Aquarium), fun waterfront activities (check out the Madeira Beach dolphin cruise), beautiful nature preserves (Weedon Island in St. Pete is a must-see), and great restaurants (Columbia is amazing). Overall, taking a day trip to the Gulf Coast saves you some money, gives your body and mind a much needed break from the exhausting theme park action, and enables you to explore different natural areas of Florida outside of the man made congestion. It’s a win-win situation!
Tip: check out my full guide to the best attractions in Tampa
