Universal Studios Florida, Theme park in Orlando, United States
Universal Studios Florida is a theme park in Orlando arranged around a central lagoon, with eight themed areas including New York, San Francisco, London/Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield and Hollywood. Its entrance is marked by a pale yellow stucco archway with vertical grooves, a stepped cornice and a dark panel reading "UNIVERSAL STUDIOS" above a globe emblem and "FLORIDA".
The park opened on June 7, 1990, as the first part of what became Universal Orlando Resort. E.T. Adventure has operated since opening day and remains the oldest ride still running in the park.
The park's themed areas carry production-set labels: the entrance and Production Central are "In Production", New York is "Now Shooting", San Francisco and Amity are "On Location". The Hollywood section reproduces real businesses, with Schwab's Pharmacy and Mel's Drive-In modelled on actual Los Angeles establishments.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, and the park is reachable by car, shuttle buses, and trains that run within the resort complex. Arriving early in the day often means shorter waits for popular rides, especially before midday crowds gather.
Diagon Alley opened on July 8, 2014, replacing the Jaws: The Ride attraction that had operated since opening day in 1990. The land is entered through a brick wall in the London section, and the Gringotts bank facade rises above the street. Ollivanders there runs an interactive wand experience.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,087 contributors worldwide.
