Premier Rides

A trip to the Old Country of Busch Gardens Williamsburg

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Sesame Street Forest of Fun

The main attraction of the large children’s area Sesame Street Forest of Fun is the small family roller coaster Grover’s Alpine Express. The ride, built by Zierer, consists of two helices arranged one behind the other and is a very good starter coaster for all future roller coaster fans.

Italy

Escape from Pompeii

Escape from Pompeii is by far the best designed water ride in an amusement park. After being transported to the excavation site by a chain lift, you first pass through some stunningly designed rooms before it gets really hot with countless fire effects. At the end, the only option is to escape into the cool water. Although soaked to the skin, we left the attraction with a smile on our faces.

Apollo’s Chariot

The ride on Apollo’s Chariot begins with a lift that takes us to a height of 170 feet. Once at the top, we ride over a short ledge before plunging into the abyss. Interestingly, the first drop takes us a good 210ft down. After two classic airtime hills, we turn left and immediately enter a long curve close to the ground that turns into a helix. Once at the top, we plunge down again with all our might and reach a block brake after a rising right turn. Now it’s back over four hills to the station.

Apollo’s Chariot is a very good old school hyper coaster. Built by B&M, the coaster focuses on speed and floater airtime during the ride. As a result, you are not pulled out of your seat as much as on newer coasters of this type. Nevertheless, Apollo’s Chariot is a very good roller coaster that you will want to ride several times in a row.

Tempesto

There is a Premier Rides Sky Rocket II in almost every park in the SeaWorld group, including here at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The name Tempesto is reminiscent of a type of pasta, but is meant to evoke an Italian stuntman.

The first start on Tempesto largely resembles the initial acceleration of a modern swing ride, but after the change of direction, things are admittedly much more vigorous and we almost reach the apex of the non-inverted loop. We are now accelerated a third time with plenty of momentum, whereupon we effortlessly reach the top level of the ride after a 180° turn. After a short breather, we enter the ride’s widely visible inversion, where we experience a very pronounced hangtime. Shortly afterwards, we dive back into the non-inverted loop. Another reunion with the apex of the element then heralds the finale of the route, after which we come to a standstill right in the station after another ride through it and our wild ride comes to an end.

Roman Rapids

During the rapids ride on Roman Rapids, you have a good view of the Apollo’s Chariot hyper coaster. Unfortunately, the Intamin Rapids Ride was closed during my visit.

Trade Wind and Turkish Delight

While this area of the park is dominated by three large roller coasters, it also features the Music Express Trade Wind and the Turkish Delight tea cups ride. Both flat rides offer a great ride.

Pantheon

The newest roller coaster in the park is the Pantheon multi-launch coaster. Although the ride has been completed for over a year, it was only officially opened shortly before my visit.

The ride on Pantheon begins with a few bends before reaching the first launch area. We then enter the first roll with momentum, which turns into a right-hand bend. After a few hills with negative banking, we reach the second launch area. Here we first accelerate a little, then race over a hill and accelerate slightly once more. However, we don’t manage the subsequent top hat, which is why we now change direction. We go backwards over the hill and up a spike. Going forwards again, we accelerate a third time and manage the top hat without any problems this time. After a very steep descent, the track leads us through a right-hand bend close to the ground and then into an outward banked airtime hill. Another right-hand bend close to the ground then leads us into a stall, where we spend a few seconds overhead before taking the final bends back to the station.

Although Pantheon has the fastest multi-launch sequence of any roller coaster, the linear sequence of elements makes for a rather leisurely ride. However, this may only be the case in the morning when the ride has not yet warmed up. Unfortunately, the coaster was closed in the afternoon due to a train getting stuck in the launch area.

Battering Jam, Flying Machines and DaVInci’s Cradle

On the way to the German themed area, we pass through a beautiful Italian garden with three flat rides. In addition to the Orbiter Flying Machines, you can take a ride on the Battering Jam pirate boat and the DaVinci’s Cradle flying carpet.

Oktoberfest

In the German Oktoberfest themed area of Busch Gardens Williamsburg there are numerous rides with “interesting” names, including the rollercoaster Verbolten (a mixture of german term verboten and bolt), the freefall tower Mäch Tower (an allusion to the word Mach, but with an ä) or the bumper cars Der Autobahn.

Mäch Tower

When Busch Gardens unveiled the Mäch Tower, everyone wondered why, after the insane success of Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa, a freefall tower from Moser Rides was coming to the park. At least on paper, the tower offered some features that the others did not. In the end, however, park visitors remember the uncomfortable seats more than the ride itself. That’s assuming the ride doesn’t break down as soon as you get on, which is why I can’t say anything about the ride in the Mäch Tower.

Verbolten

Where once the big bad wolf had his home, Verbolten now invites you to take a scenic drive through the Black Forest. The queue is peppered with poorly translated posters, billboards and other souvenirs advertising the Baden region.

The ride over Verbolten begins with two leisurely bends before we really step on the gas. We now descend a steep turn in complete darkness. Passing numerous black light effects, we turn into a tight helix. After a block brake we descend again in a steep turn. Finally, after a climb, we reach the drop track of the ride. As soon as we’re in position, we drop a few metres. Completely surprised, we ride straight into the second launch track. Our speed is just enough to get us to an old dilapidated bridge. This is followed by the biggest drop of the trip. With momentum we take a left turn close to the ground. After changing direction, the track climbs again. A short hill then leads us into the final bend and immediately into the brakes.

Unfortunately the ride at Verbolten is a bit bumpy before the first launch, but after that it is generally very smooth. The indoor part of the ride is surprisingly long and intense and the drop is very surprising. After the second launch not much happens. The ride’s biggest drop comes after the bridge sequence, but after two more turns it’s over. All in all a great ride.

Germany

Alpengeist

Somewhat hidden in the German themed area is the entrance to the Alpengeist rollercoaster. This B&M Inverted Coaster is designed like a ski lift and offers a ride like on a black slope.

After the lift, the ride descends steeply in a right turn. This is followed by a massive Immelmann, which leads into an equally massive loop. Eventually we enter a cobra roll where we change direction. After a winding climb we reach a block brake. At full speed we plunge towards the ground. Now we go through a zero-G roll and immediately into a corkscrew. Hovering just above the ground, a helix follows and then the final left turn into the coaster’s braking section.

Alpengeist is an inverted coaster in a class of its own. The ride is high, fast and incredibly powerful. The layout is also ingenious. Unfortunately, the ride is probably a bit too challenging for most people, so we never had to wait here.

Scotland

Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster is the most famous roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, mainly due to the two interlocking loops in the valley between the hills on either side of the river.

The ride on the classic Arrow Looping Coaster first takes you through a couple of turns before you reach the first lift. Once at the top, after a right turn, you enter the biggest drop of the ride, which takes you right across the valley. Following a turn, we begin the descent into the first loop. After a short climb and a right-hand bend we reach a block brake. We then enter an man-made rock formation where a very long helix awaits us in total darkness. At a good speed we enter the second lift.  After a right turn we enter the second loop. Finally, after a climb, we reach the final braking section of the coaster.

The Loch Ness Monster is a beautiful classic looping coaster with great drops, very intense loops and a great helix. Interestingly, the ride is much better at the back of the train than at the front, so at the moment I can only recommend a ride at the back of the train.

Ireland

The small Irish themed area is not only home to a very authentic pub, but also the large S&S swing Finnegan’s Flyer and the Celtic Fyre show.

While Finnegan’s Flyer sends its passengers into an adrenaline rush, Celtic Fyre delights with great Irish dance numbers. The show, which I like to call “Beer – the Musical”, is simply perfect. The music is great, the singers are really good and the tap dance numbers are a real eye-catcher. Definitely watch it!

New France

Invadr

Invadr is the amusement park’s small wooden roller coaster. The ride on the GCI rollercoaster begins with a right-hand bend that takes us directly into the rollercoaster lift. Once at the top, we go through a left-hand bend in which we are pressed firmly into the sides of the carriages. A short hill then leads into the ride’s big drop. After a right-hand bend, we ride over two consecutive airtime hills. The rest of the ride then mixes more and more airtime hills between the many bends before we enter the ride’s finale in a steep bend. Shortly afterwards, we reach the braking section and our short but enjoyable ride comes to an end.

Le Scoot

During the fast-paced ride on the Le Scoot log flume, you have a good view of the Alpengeist inverted coaster. Unfortunately, the Arrow log flume was closed when I visited.

France

Griffon

Perhaps the most iconic roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is Griffon. This B&M Dive Coaster dominates the skyline of the park. Apart from the two vertical drops and the Immelmann inversions, the ride doesn’t really offer anything special. Nevertheless, the 205-foot high ride is an absolute fun machine. The drops are great and the two inversions in the extremely wide cars are just great fun. A great ride that I love to do over and over again.

Pictures Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Conclusion Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a really nice theme park with lots of really good rides and a really strong rollercoaster line-up. The entertainment at the park is also really good, especially the Celtic Fyre show. All in all, I had a really good time at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

What’s your opinion of the theme park Busch Gardens Williamsburg? Simply write it in the comment field below the report!

Click here for the next report of the Stumbled Runner tour. 

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg / The Stumbled Runner Day 6 and 7

Christmas at SeaWorld

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SeaWorld Orlando

Sometimes a visit to an amusement park starts with a bit of a bummer. In my case, the reopening of the Manta flying coaster was scheduled within a few days after an extensive overhaul and the Kraken floorless coaster was due to close on that very day. As I had already experienced a copy of Manta at Nagashima Spa Land, I was keen to try Kraken. In the end, Kraken didn’t open on the day of my visit and so I missed out on two of SeaWorld Orlando’s major attractions at the same time.

Manta

The ride on Manta starts with the ride’s lift, which takes the riders up to a height of 43m. Once at the top, the train plunges into a steep curve to the right. In a wide radius the train then floats through the valley and immediately climb a hill, which turns out to be the starting position for the Pretzel Loop. Without mercy it then plunges down and send its riders overhead for a short time and before doing the same in reverse order. Once again at high altitude, a left turn follows. Before the riders know it, they are spun around their own axis in an inline twist and hurtling towards the ground in a right turn. In a corkscrew the train then crosses the Pretzel Loop once more to reach the middle block section.

In a right-hand bend, accompanied by synchronised water fountains, the train then goes across a lake. Similar to a Bavarian curve, hill follows dale and at the end of the curve there is even another inline twist waiting for the passengers. Still in this great flow, it then goes in a left turn, which unfortunately leads the riders straight into the final brake.

Dolphin Adventures

The Dolphin Adventures presentation at SeaWorld Orlando was a delight. The show was visually impressive, but also had a very high educational character. It was probably the most beloved show on my day of visit, taking me quite a few trials before I could finally see the presentation.

Manatee & Turtle Rescue, SeaWorld Coral Rescue

SeaWorld Orlando is home to a large Manatee Rehabilitation Area adjacent to five-acre Rescue Center used for rehabilitating wildlife that has been ill, injured or orphaned – including manatees, sea turtles, birds and other marine animals. It is a very quiet and interesting area of the park, where you can easily spend a few hours, if interested.

Journey to Atlantis

Journey to Atlantis is the first water coaster by Mack Rides. It is a very elaborate themed ride featuring a large indoor section before the ride’s first lift hill. Once outdoors, the music changes dramatically. Once at the top, we take a short bend before going down a large straight drop, which barely soaks us. After a turn, there is a small lift serving as a block section of the ride, after which we experience a tiny chute, which – due to the rock works and a very mean S-Bend – completely drenches the front row. We then climb another lift hill back into the ride’s main building. Here, we go through another well themed dark ride section before we suddenly rush down a steep bend. Within a nice flow, we then change the direction of travel, take a short ascent, and then plunge down into the water once more. The middle-sized drop sure does not disappoint and gets the remaining passengers well moistened.

When exiting the ride, the paths lead directly into the Jewel of Sea Aquarium – a nice gem to an overall nice water ride.

Kraken

As I mentioned earlier, I did not have the chance to ride Kraken. This coaster is one of the first B&M floorless coasters to open and features one of the finest layouts to be found on any B&M looping coaster. After the first drop, guests experience a total of seven intense inversions starting off with a loop, a dive loop, a Zero-G roll and a Cobra Roll before hitting the elevated block brake section. After that, another loop and a corkscrew follow.

Antartica: Empire of the Penguin

SeaWorld Orlando used to be home to the very short-lived dark ride Antartica Empire of the Penguin. It was a trackless ride in a cool chamber with some screens and a few light effects for storytelling. The exit of the ride led directly to the penguin enclosures which you can still experience today. In 2024, the old show building will be the home base of the Penguin Trek roller coaster.

Sky Tower

SeaWorld is home to a very elaborate themed observation tower. Unfortunately, as it is with many of the SeaWorld parks and resorts, Observation rides like the Sky Tower are not included in the park’s admission, which is a pity.

Seaport Theater

Right next to the Sky Tower is the Seaport Theater, where they showed the Sesame Street Christmas Special Elmo’s Christmas Wish. This musical show is quite fun to watch, especially if you have younger children with you.

Pacific Point Preserve and the Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight

Located at a very calm corner of the park is the Pacific Point Preserve, home to Californian sea lions and harbor seals. Here you can easily waste some time observing the animals, before heading over to the Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight presentation. Although the show mainly consists of cheap jokes, it is a real treat and a must-do when visiting the park.

Shark Encounter

Right next to the park’s central lake, where you can rent flamingo shaped paddle boats, there is the entrance to Shark Encounter. The animal experience is home to very large aquariums and displays. The main attraction is a large underwater tunnel through the shark tank.

Mako

Apart of the final turns, you don’t see much of the park’s B&M hyper coaster Mako. Immediately after we left the station and went through a small turn, we are climbing the lift hill up to a height of 61 m. Once we reach the top, we are already descending toward the ground. With a speed of 117 km/h, we then take the first hill, guiding us along the boarder of the lake in a heavily inclined curve. This is followed by a very fine airtime hill after which we immediately change direction in an elevated turn. A series of airtime hills parallel to the already experienced path joins in, before hitting a block section right next to the lift hill. We then dive under the lift hill and hit another airtime hill right next to the station. A heavily inclined turn then leads us to the final turns on the park’s central lake, which we saw when entering the ride. Soon after, we hit the brakes and our very fine and highly repeatable roller coaster journey on Mako comes to an end.

Nautilus Theater

During my visit to SeaWorld Orlando, I had the opportunity to experience a concert of O-Town Motown featured in the Sounds of the Season performance series in the Nautilus Theater. The show was very entertaining.

Infinity Falls

One of the most exciting water rides at SeaWorld Orlando is Infinity Falls. This big rapids ride from Intamin begins with a very fast and furious rapids section before reaching the lift hill over which the final descent of the ride takes us. Another section of rapids follows on the top level, taking us to the ride’s elevator. As soon as the boat enters the lift, the tension rises in proportion to the increase in height. Finally, we leave the lift and shoot down the slide. Well soaked, we then take the last bend towards the station.

Sesame Street Land

The Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando is probably the largest Sesame Street area outside of the Sesame Street theme parks. While the recreation of modern Sesame Street with its interactive play and photo possibilities certainly has a certain aesthetic for American kids, this area falls short in terms of rides, especially compared to Port Aventura’s Sesamo Avontura with its awesome dark ride Sesame Street: Street Mission.

Super Grover’s Box Car Derby

The biggest ride it the Sesame Street Land is Super Grover’s Box Car Derby. It is the only Force Three Coaster by Zierer and hence a rather impressive family coaster. After climbing the lift hill, the ride goes down a steep curve to the left. Passing the lift hill, we then take a long turn along the ride’s station. Back to the ground, we then take a fast left turn over hill and dale before we hit the brakes and our ride soon comes to an end.

Orca Encounter

Since a few years, the focus of the large Orca shows at SeaWorld shifted more towards edutainment. As a result, they are now more of an opportunity to see an orca in action than pure entertainment. Of course, the Orcas still splash you, when sitting in the soak zone, but that’s more or less it. The Orca Encounter still is an worthwhile experience if you keep your expectations low. 

Wild Arctic

Wild Arctic used to be home of an old-style flight simulator, which like Antartica: Empire of the Penguins served as a preshow to the animal enclosure you would experience immediately after. This area is home to beluga whales and walruses and is overall very well themed and worthwhile.  

Ice Breaker

While the Ice Breaker roller coaster was still in construction, no shows were shown in the Bayside Stadium. The Premier Rides roller coaster with the world’s only quadruple launch features a nice launch section with double-up elements on both ends. The train then goes over a top hat and into a curvy low to the ground section offering a bunch of rapid transitions, a few airtime hills and a remarkable turnaround.

Pictures SeaWorld Orlando

Conclusion SeaWorld Orlando

Albeit I did not experience the park to its fullest potential, I had a very good time at SeaWorld Orlando. With soon to be five more roller coasters for me to experience, I’m pretty sure to come back sooner then later.

What is your opinion about the marine animal park SeaWorld Orlando?  Just write it in the comment field below the report!

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SeaWorld Orlando

A visit to Universal Studios Florida

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New York

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

The Despicable Me movies are among the most successful animated films of all time, which is mainly due to the hilarious Minions. In Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, we become Minions ourselves and are sent on a crazy journey to test our suitability as Minions. At the same time, the three children lose their gift to Gru and now it’s time to get it back. The ride in the simulators and the film shown are extremely entertaining, which is why I can highly recommend a visit to the Minions.

Shrek 4D

It’s interesting how long certain attractions can last in a large corporate theme park. The Shrek franchise is already 20 years old and has produced five films to date, with the last film having been released 10 years ago. Outside of the Universal theme parks, the film could be seen at Movie Park Germany and Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast in Australia, but in both cases the attraction was discontinued around 10 years ago.

Shrek 4D takes place after the events of the first film. The film is very well produced and extremely entertaining, but ultimately showed its age. This is one reason why the attraction will soon be closed and another Minion attraction called Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast will move into the park instead.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is the big roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida. It was the first roller coaster with a non-inverted loop. As with Hollywood Dream The Ride at Universal Studios Japan, you can also choose your favourite music for the ride.

The ride begins immediately with a vertical lift, but instead of going straight into an equally vertical, if not steeper, descent, we ride comfortably down a steep ramp. With enough speed, we then shoot up the non-inverted loop. After enjoying the view from the top of the loop, we immediately jump back into the action. Shortly afterwards, we take on a longer ascent, after which we enter the first block brake. We then leave this with a slight turn to the right. At the bottom of the valley, we then enter a helix, which narrows towards the end and shoots up steeply before dropping just as quickly. After a further ascent, the second block brake follows just below the first. The following part leads us in numerous dynamic turns past the non-inverted loop and the station to the other side of the ride, where another block brake awaits us. After the subsequent drop, a series of S-curves awaits us, which then merge into a steep turn – similar to that of a Jet Star 2. This is the most powerful section of the run. A further braking section awaits us immediately after this element. Last but not least, a small drop with a final curve awaits us before we reach the final braking section and soon enter the station at reduced speed.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit makes good use of the narrow strip of land available to it. The ride itself offers some great elements and sections; unfortunately, that’s about it, because the ride is anything but pleasant. The music creates an extremely coherent and atmospheric ride, but I personally don’t need to experience it that often.

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is an interesting attraction. The waiting area here is more like a lobby where you can sit down in comfort or take a look at the numerous exhibits from the NBC television station. The ride itself begins in the Tonight Show studio, where Jimmy Fallon sets off on a journey through New York. Here we first go through the studio offices, then across Times Square, down into the subway and finally we fly through the air and onto the moon. Basically, the ride is more recommended for anyone who is familiar with all the references to The Tonight Show. The ride itself is wacky and quite entertaining overall.

Revenge of the Mummy

The indoor roller coaster Revenge of the Mummy replaced the large Kongfrontation dark ride in 2004. The ride is based on the Mummy films with Brendan Frasier, who also plays a small role towards the end of the ride.

The ride begins with an extremely impressive dark ride section, which we exit backwards after the scene with the scarabs and hurtle down a small drop. Shortly afterwards, we are rotated 180° again, whereupon the actual rollercoaster section begins. We then shoot up a long ramp quite quickly. We then race over the crest with a bang and immediately plummet down a steep curve. We then hit a very tight helix with great intensity before plunging towards the hall floor. Next, we race through a bend close to the ground, which features some really strong banking. After a short speed bump, we climb a steep curve and end up at the supposed exit station, where Imhotep surprises us with a fiery finale. After another fall and several turns close to the ground, we reach the actual final brake, where Brendan Frasier asks for a coffee and succumbs to the curse of the mummy.

Revenge of the Mummy is an amazingly intense indoor rollercoaster. I personally really enjoyed the ride, which is why I rode it several times in a row during my visit. The great scenes at the beginning of the ride, as well as the thrilling rollercoaster ride afterwards, simply leave you wanting more.

The Blues Brothers Show

When the Blues Brothers arrive, a good show is not far away. One song after another is offered here, with the wit of the two brothers being brought to the stage very well. There are usually a few guest musicians, which is why no two shows are the same.

Transformers The Ride 3D

Like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, Transformers: The Ride 3D scores particularly well with the ride system used. The ride offers a successful mix of film sequences and very well staged backdrops that take the action-packed ride to a higher level. As in the Transformers films, there is hardly a quiet second during the ride. There’s shooting, fighting and cool jokes thrown around wherever possible. Every few seconds, the next scene begins, whereby the transitions are absolutely smooth, leaving an extremely coherent overall impression at the end – in other words, Transformers: The Ride 3D is an absolutely awesome package.

San Francisco

Fast & Furious Supercharged

Fast & Furious Supercharged is not a good attraction, which means that the waiting times here are always limited. The ride itself offers the same over-the-top film that is shown in a short segment during the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, but here as a stand-alone attraction. While this stands out neither positively nor negatively as part of the overarching Studio Tour and can at best be seen as an entertaining stopgap, the attraction in Orlando offers nothing that justifies a wait of more than five minutes. Previously, there was an attraction in the same location, Distaster!, which had significantly more narrative depth and dealt with the making of a disaster film with numerous special effects and, before the actual attraction began, offered a pre-show and some movie magic, where selected actors from the audience took part in the production of the film Mutha Nature.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogwarts Express

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme area spans both Universal theme parks in Florida. While you can visit Hogsmeade and Hogwarts in the Islands of Adventure, you can explore Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. Both themed areas are connected by the Doppelmayr Hogwarts Express funicular railway. However, a ticket valid for both parks is required for the journey. While a park hopping ticket makes little sense at Walt Disney World due to the distance between the parks, the walking distance between the two Universal theme parks is a big plus, as well as the opportunity to take a ride on the Hogwarts Express, which is a really great experience. It is also recommended to ride both routes once, as the film sequences shown are different.

Diagon Alley

Somewhat hidden behind the London facades of Universal Studios Florida is Diagon Alley. In addition to the famous Gringotts bank, which has a large dragon on its roof, there are numerous smaller shops and restaurants here.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

The main attraction in Diagon Alley is the multi-dimension coaster Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts from the manufacturer Intamin. This ride offers a successful mix of dark ride and roller coaster, but is quite dark in tone as it is based on the events of the later Harry Potter films. The ride itself is quite leisurely, but is really impressive with its switches, seesaws and rotating cars. Something is constantly happening and at the end we somehow manage to escape from Voldemort.

World Expo

Men in Black Alien Attack

The Men in Black Alien Attack interactive dark ride is one of the best themed rides in the world. Instead of shooting at small targets, you simply shoot at the various aliens, which can quickly rack up a large number of points. In between, the cars sometimes turn quite rapidly, creating a surprisingly dynamic ride. While other interactive dark rides quickly become outdated, this one – despite the fact that the IP is now quite old – is always fun to play.

Spingfield, USA – Home of the Simpsons

The Simpsons Ride

One of Universal Studios’ most iconic attractions was Back to the Future: The Ride, where you went on a hectic journey through time in replica DeLorians to bring Biff back to the future. The ride was replaced in 2008 both in Hollywood and at Universal Studios Florida by the Simpsons Ride – an IP that was still very relevant at the time. The ride is quite impressive due to the simulators used and the pre-shows are very entertaining. The film itself is hectic and overloaded. Furthermore, the 3D look doesn’t really do the familiar characters from the series any favours. All in all, however, the ride is definitely entertaining; now that the rights are with Disney, you should definitely take a ride while you still can.

Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone

The Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone area is very colourful and, apart from the Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, has no real connection to the well-known comic character. Instead, there is a Spongebob Shop, a rather wacky-looking inflatable boat slide centred around Feivel, a play area centred around Curious George, as well as the large E.T. Adventure dark ride.

Animal Actors on Location!

Animal Actors on Location! is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s longest-running shows. The entertaining show offers a look at the training of the animals, which can then be used in the films, and of course everything goes a little haywire here.

E.T. Adventure

The E.T. Adventure dark ride is now the oldest themed ride in a Universal Studios park worldwide. The ride itself is well done and is particularly impressive with its large set designs, whereby I personally was really impressed by the indoor waiting area in the forest. The ride retells the events of the film before you arrive on the planet of E.T. and everything becomes a little more colourful. All in all, a great attraction that you are welcome to take with you.

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster is the standard model of a Vekoma Junior Coaster, which can also be experienced in the park next door as Flight of the Hippogriff. Accordingly, the ride begins with a short curve out of the station and the subsequent lift hill. You immediately complete a left-hand steep turn with a subsequent upward helix, cross a short valley and a wide right-hand turn near the station. Over a hill, you cross the route you have just travelled, whereupon you lose some height in another helix. This is followed by a left-hand bend, after which the braking section awaits. Here you wait a little until the train has been dispatched at the station and you can enter it.

Hollywood

The Bourne Stuntacular

In The Bourne Stuntacular, the action in the background merges seamlessly with the action on stage. At times I found it really difficult to distinguish film from drama and that alone is reason enough to see the show. But what is on offer beyond that is great entertainment; such as big action scenes with stage sets that move across the stage parallel to the events in the film and much more. Great fun and a must-see show for every theme park fan and show lover.

Horror Make-Up Show

One of the funniest shows at Universal Studios Florida is the Horror Makeup Show, which gives you an insight into horror films and the associated tricks. Of course, the actual horror is limited, although the show has many allusions and is definitely not suitable for children, but that’s what Disney is for.

Pictures Universal Studios Florida

Conclusion Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is one of my favourite theme parks in the world. I really liked what was on offer, even though many of the stages in the park are not currently being used. Together with the neighbouring theme park Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, the park forms a great overall package that you can enjoy for several days at a time without getting bored.

What is your opinion about the Universal Studios Florida theme park? Simply write it in the comment field below the report!

Click here to get to the overview page of Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Studios Florida