Lights, Camera...
ACTION!

Welcome to the Movies at Universal Studios Florida

If you've ever wanted to step inside your favorite films and TV shows, Universal Studios Florida is lights, camera…action! Universal Studios Florida takes the magic of movies and turns it into a theme park packed with action, adventure, and at least one fire-breathing dragon. Whether you’re dodging Decepticons, joining Dom Toretto’s “family” for another absolutely unnecessary but fun mission, or sipping Butterbeer like you belong in the Leaky Cauldron, there’s something here for everyone.

Universal Studios Florida: The Ultimate Guide

Universal Studios Florida vs. Islands of Adventure

Before we dive in, let’s clear up a common mix-up. Universal Orlando Resort has two main theme parks (plus a water park but that’s a topic for another page): Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios focuses on film and television properties, with rides based on classics like E.T., Transformers, and The Simpsons. Islands of Adventure, on the other hand, leans into more intense coasters and fantasy worlds like Jurassic Park, comic book heroes, and the other half of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Studios Florida

The park is divided into 8 themed lands, each with its own attractions, entertainment, and food. If you’re the type who likes to plan every second of your trip, feel free to jump to a section below. If you’re more of a wander-until-you-find-a-roller-coaster person, just keep scrolling.

Looking for more specific guides? Check out our top posts:

👉 Top Thrill Rides at Universal Orlando
👉 The Ultimate Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
👉 Guide to Universal Orlando Water Rides

Illumination’s Minion Land

You might walk through this area wanting to scream BANANA, but that is normal. You are officially in the world of the Minions. You will fight the villains, enter the Minion chaos, grab some delicious food, and meet some of your favorite characters.

Attractions & Entertainment:

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast: Compete for villainous glory in a blaster-based game that will make you question whether you’re actually good at video games. Set up an account on the app to track your scores and see how you compare to everyone else. Oh, and your arms will likely be exhausted by the end…start training now.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: A simulator ride featuring Minions, which means chaos, banana-related antics, and Gru being deeply over it.
Character Meet-and-Greets: Snap a photo with Gru, the Minions, and even some surprise guests from the Illumination universe.

Dining Options:

Illumination’s Minion Café (Quick Service): Themed food inspired by the Minions, because even tiny yellow henchmen need to eat. It is worth dropping by to at least see the awesome decorations inside.
Bake My Day (Quick Service): Pastries, sweets, and treats designed to look like Minions. Almost too cute to eat. Almost.
Freeze Ray Pops (Quick Service): Don’t miss these unique, colorful popsicles.
Pop-A-Nana (Quick Service): A snack stand serving, you guessed it, banana-flavored popcorn and other unique treats.

New York

You may not find traffic jams and subway delays here, but Universal’s New York section captures the spirit of the city with towering facades, neon lights, an Irish pub that serves a Guinness that won’t disappoint, and of course movie moments.

Attractions & Entertainment:

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: You get to choose the vibe of this coaster when you choose the song you want to hear. Then go straight up into the air (and we mean straight up) before falling 17 stories and rocking out to your selected song. (CAVEAT- This coaster will be closing permanently in September 2025)
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon: A chaotic virtual trip through New York City with Jimmy Fallon and all of your Tonight Show favorites
Revenge of the Mummy: This indoor coaster is part dark ride, part roller coaster, and completely awesome. You'll face fire, scarab beetles, and the wrath of Imhotep as you speed through an ancient tomb. It’s a fan favorite and worth riding more than once.
Transformers: The Ride 3D: This motion simulator ride puts you in the middle of a battle between Autobots and Decepticons. Expect stunning visuals, fast-paced action, and Megatron yelling at you. Will you save mankind?
Meet the Transformers: You can meet and interact with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron. It is an impressive meet and greet and we encourage you to at least walk by to see them.
The Blues Brothers Show: Enjoy the soulful sounds of Jake and Elwood wearing their trademark black suits.
Beat Builders: You don’t want to miss this high energy show where 4 construction workers take a break from construction to put on a percussion show using all materials they have access to!
¡Vamos! – Báilalo: Enjoy the high energy Latin dance party and maybe even join in.

Dining Options:

Louie’s Italian Restaurant (Table Service): Pizza, pasta, and meatball subs served in a setting that looks like it’s straight out of an old-school mob movie.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill (Table Service): Classic Irish pub fare with live music and enough beer selections to make you forget you’re in Florida.
Starbucks (Quick Service): Because caffeine is non-negotiable.

San Francisco

A small but mighty part of the park where the views are nice, the seafood is fresh, and the Fast & Furious ride exists (for now).

Attractions & Entertainment:

Fast & Furious – Supercharged: Join Dom’s crew for a high-speed chase full of explosions, excessive gear shifting, and lines about "family." The action is big and the stakes are high.
Meet “Bruce”: Ok so this isn’t actually entertainment, but who doesn’t want a photo with the shark from Jaws?

Dining Options:

Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Table Service): A waterfront seafood restaurant, because nothing says “theme park” like sitting down for a bowl of clam chowder between roller coasters. Fun fact, this has been a great spot to eat since the park first opened!
Richter’s Burger Co. (Quick Service): A burger joint with an earthquake theme! Don’t forget to grab a shake (although make sure to let it rest before jumping on a coaster).
San Francisco Pastry Company (Quick Service): This is a great stop for everything sweet and delicious! You can also enjoy some savory foods, but definitely don’t miss the sugary snacks.
Chez Alcatraz (Quick Service): Find this watering hole for your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You will find Bruce right next door so stop for a photo.

World Expo

This is the smallest section at Universal Studios, but features a Universal classic that lets you live out your alien-zapping dreams.

Attractions & Entertainment:

Men in Black: Alien Attack: An interactive dark ride where you blast aliens and try to get a high score that will probably be embarrassing compared to the 8-year-old next to you. Rumor has it there’s a hidden red button that could give you a major point boost. Can you find it?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

This is hands down the most immersive part of the park, so make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the full scoop. Take in the sights of London before walking through the brick wall into Diagon Alley and explore shops straight out of the books. Stop by Ollivanders for a wand, dine at the Leaky Cauldron, and don’t miss Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a thrilling dark ride that takes you into the depths of the wizarding bank.

Attractions & Entertainment:

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: This 3D dark ride blends roller coaster thrills with high-tech visuals. You'll navigate through the underground vaults of Gringotts while dodging Voldemort, Bellatrix Lestrange, and a fire-breathing dragon. Did we mention you enter Gringotts and see tons of goblins at work before taking the elevator crazy deep into the vaults?
Ollivanders Wand Shop: A special experience where the wand chooses the wizard (or, more accurately, where you choose a wand and hand over some Muggle money).
Knight Bus: Don’t miss this triple decker purple bus that helps stranded witches and wizards. You can check out the interior full of beds at the back of the bus then make your way to the front to talk with the shrunken head driver.
Gringotts Money Exchange: Exchange muggle money for wizard money. You can choose to keep the wizard money for a souvenir or spend it whilel in Diagon Alley.
Celestina Warback and the Banshees: You are treated to a show by a wizarding world sensation that will sing her most famous songs as well as never before heard songs!
The Tales of Beedle the Bard: The Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts perform a trunk show using stylized scenic pieces, props, and puppetry to retell two famous tales of Beedle the Bard, a 15th-century author of wizarding fairytales. Will you see The Fountain of Fair Fortune or The Tale of the Three Brothers?
Interactive Wand Experiences: Stop by Ollivanders to select your interactive wand and get a map highlighting all of the different spells you can do throughout the Wizarding World areas.
Hogwarts Express (to Hogsmeade) – Board the famous train at King’s Cross Station for a scenic ride to Hogsmeade (over at Islands of Adventure).

Pro tip ✨ The only way to ride the Hogwarts Express between Kings Cross Station (in Universal Studios) and Hogsmeade (in Islands of Adventure) is with a Park-to-Park ticket.

Dining Options:

The Leaky Cauldron (Quick Service): British pub fare like fish & chips, bangers & mash, and the ever-popular Butterbeer.
Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour (Quick Service): Unique ice cream flavors, including the one everyone wants to try: Butterbeer ice cream.
The Fountain of Fair Fortune (Quick Service): Named for one of the fables in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, you will find a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Hopping Pot (Quick Service): This is one of our favorite spots to grab a Butterbeer or speciality drink before catching a show.

Springfield U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons

Step into the world of The Simpsons with a ride through Krustyland, enjoy a giant pink donut at Lard Lad, sip a Duff Beer at Moe’s Tavern, and say hi to the residents of America’s favorite animated town.

Attractions & Entertainment:

The Simpsons Ride: A motion simulator that takes you on a chaotic journey through a malfunctioning theme park. (Be careful of this one if you’re prone to motion sickness; it’s a doozy. Speaking of which, you might want to check out our guide on how to have a good time at Universal if you are prone to motion sickness)
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl: Very similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant at that other Orlando theme park, except this ride has lasers and the humor of the Simpsons.
Character Meet & Greets: Meet some of Springfield’s finest! Schedules change frequently, but Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Sideshow Bob and Krusty the Clown typically rotate appearances.

Dining Options:

Lard Lad Donuts (Quick Service): Want a pink donut the size of your head? Make sure to stop by and grab one, likely to share.
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck (Quick Service): Enjoy the best Mexican street food that Springfield’s ever tasted.
Duff Brewery (Quick Service): Grab a nice frosty glass of Homer’s drink of choice in an open air beer garden.
Moe’s Tavern: Happiness is just a Flaming Moe away! Don’t forget to try the Love Tester machine, but don’t bother with the jukebox. It’s broken, as usual.
Fast Food Boulevard: A collection of food offerings in one easy spot
- Krusty Burger (Quick Service): get an authentic Krusty Burger. Just like in the show, but (hopefully) fresher.
- Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror (Quick Service): Looking for a healthier option? Swing by here for a mix of salads, veggie sandwiches, wraps, hummus, fruit, and more.
- Luigi’s Pizza (Quick Service): Grab an individual pizza at Springfield’s finest Italian eatery.
- Cletus’ Chicken Shack (Quick Service): Who wants fried chicken? Swing by the chicken shack to get fried chicken in true hillbilly style.
- The Frying Dutchman (Quick Service): Enjoy your favorite fried seafood
- Flaming Moe’s (Quick Service): Indulge in a Flaming Moe, a bubbling, citrusy, non-alcoholic beverage as well as all drinks offered at Moe’s Tavern.

DreamWorks Land

What are you doing in my swamp?! Replacing the old KidZone area, DreamWorks Land is filled with kid-friendly attractions and characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls. It is the perfect spot for kids to explore and get rid of some energy.

Attractions & Entertainment:

Shrek’s Swamp: A meet-and-greet area with Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. You’ll also find interactive play areas, and a swampy setting straight out of the movies.
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration: A show featuring music and moments from your favorite DreamWorks films.
DreamWorks Character Zone: Meet Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, plus other DreamWorks characters. The schedules change and characters rotate, so it’s important to check the app for appearances.
Trolls Trollercoaster: Hop onto the caterpillar Caterbus on this kid-friendly roller coaster where you will help Poppy and the crew escape from the spiders.
Poppy’s Playground: Great spot to let your little Trolls run, bounce, and swing on a Troll themed playground.
Po Live!: Be trained in the ways of Kung-Fu while talking with Po on a digital animated screen.
King Harold’s Swamp Symphony: Hop between lily pads to make the frogs sing. It reminds us of the Budweiser frogs :)
Mama Luna Feline Fiesta: Play with hundreds of cats on a digital screen using bells, buttons, and more. This interactive area is adorable and can keep kids (and adults) entertained or a bit.

Dining Options:

Troll Treats (Quick Service): Try vibrant swirls of ice cream shaped like your favorite Trolls’ twisty hairstyles.
Swamp Snacks (Quick Service): Feed your ogrish appetite with a Shrekzel, Swamp Dog, Frozen Ogre and more.
Dreamworks Imagination Cafe (Quick Service): Great stop for an air conditioned dining option for pizzas, steamed buns, beignets, donuts, and more.

Hollywood

Step into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, where the golden age of cinema meets modern-day movie magic. This stylish section of the park captures the feel of Tinseltown with vintage architecture, palm-lined streets, and nods to classic films. While it’s light on attractions, it’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat. Hollywood may not have the biggest rides, but it’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, and take in some old-school movie magic before heading to your next big adventure.

Attractions & Entertainment:

The Bourne Stuntacular: A live-action stunt show that blends high-tech visuals with real stunts. Expect explosions, high-speed chases, and at least one moment where you question whether that guy actually got thrown off a building. Jason Bourne would approve.
E.T. Adventure: Yes, your kids likely will have no idea who ET is, but this ride is a classic. Ride a flying bike to save E.T’s dying home planet and yes, you get to participate in the iconic scene of flying in front of the moon.
Animal Actors on Location: This wild showcase features some of the most talented animal actors from movies and television performing in a hilarious mix of video segments, live skits and audience interactions.
Universal Mega Movie Parade (Seasonal): Your favorite movie characters leap off the screen and spring to life in a daytime parade. Excite all your emotions as you feel the roar of the T. rex, enjoy the adventure of E.T., embrace your true colors with Trolls and more.
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular: Universal’s nighttime water show that utilizes music, lights, dancing water fountains, drone technology and fireworks!
Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show: In this outrageous live show you'll watch how top make-up and special effects artists craft some of the creepy characters you've seen on the big screen. Featuring movie clips, props, and interactive demonstrations, this experience offers fascinatingly funny insight into the moviemaking process.
Meet Classic Characters: You never know who you’ll run into on Hollywood Boulevard. Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop, and even Scooby-Doo have been known to make appearances.
Wicked Experience:

Dining Options:

Mel’s Drive-In (Quick Service): A throwback to the 1950s with burgers, fries, and milkshakes served in a setting straight out of American Graffiti. The cars outside are great for photos, but sadly, they won’t take you anywhere.
Schwab’s Pharmacy (Quick Service): This retro shop is the perfect stop for your frozen treats including milkshakes, banana splits, and sundaes.
Cafe La Bamba (Often used for VIP Tours) – A Southern California Mexican-inspired menu featuring burritos, tacos, bowls and the original Tres Leches served only at La Bamba.
TODAY Cafe (Quick Service): Inspired by the Today Show, this café serves up fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
Beverly Hills Boulangerie (Seasonal) – A bakery-style café serving sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. When it’s open, it’s a great stop for a quick and slightly more refined bite.
Universal’s Classic Monster Café (Seasonal) – A tribute to the horror icons of Universal’s past, serving BBQ and pizza when it’s open. If you’ve ever wanted to eat ribs while Dracula stares at you, this is the place.

Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Florida

Arrive Early: The park is busiest midday, so hit popular rides like Escape from Gringotts first.
Use the Universal Orlando App: Check wait times, mobile order food, and find show schedules on the go.
Single Rider Lines: If you don’t mind riding separately, use the single rider lines to cut down your wait time. Don’t think you can cheat the system and be able to ride with your bestie, though. If you enter the single rider line with a friend, you will be separated when it’s time to ride!