Latest news with #UniversalStudiosFlorida
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Map Shows America's Best Theme Parks
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Travel guidance platform Tripadvisor has released its rankings for the best amusement and water parks in the U.S, and Dollywood in Tennessee has claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. Why It Matters Theme parks have long played a prominent role in American culture, offering visitors thrills, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Each year, America's top theme parks draw interest from millions planning vacations. Tripadvisor says its Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best rankings are determined by locations that receive a high volume of "above-and-beyond" reviews and opinions from Tripadvisor users over a 12-month period. What To Know Below are America's top 10 theme parks, according to the rankings, with insights drawn directly from this year's official list. Dollywood—Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Founded by country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood fosters a "downhome" atmosphere, featuring "high-velocity" roller coasters, traditional crafts demonstrations, and two resorts. Singalongs, an on-site museum chronicling Parton's life, and authentic glassblowing and pottery make for a distinctive Smoky Mountains experience. The entrance to Dollywood is viewed on October 18, 2016 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The entrance to Dollywood is viewed on October 18, 2016 in Pigeon Forge, Kingdom Park—Bay Lake, Florida: Dubbed "The Most Magical Place On Earth," Magic Kingdom offers attractions such as Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and nightly fireworks, along with musical parades and character meet-and-greets. Knoebels Amusement Resort—Elysburg, Pennsylvania: The nation's largest free-admission amusement park, Knoebels boasts rides, a mining museum, swimming, camping, and even a golf course, all under longstanding family ownership since 1926. The resort jumped to third in 2025 from eighth last year. Disney's Hollywood Studios—Bay Lake, Florida: Featuring the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, this park lets visitors pilot the Millennium Falcon or journey through The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Universal Islands of Adventure—Orlando, Florida: Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other rides like the Velocicoaster, a two-park pass also connects to Universal Studios Florida via the Hogwarts Express. Fun Spot America—Kissimmee, Florida: Affordable, family-owned Fun Spot provides classic amusement value, old-fashioned rides, and season passes at a fraction of the price of major theme parks. LEGOLAND California—Carlsbad, California: LEGOLAND features more than 60 rides and attractions centered around LEGO artistry. It also included a waterpark, aquarium, and an on-site castle hotel. Universal Studios Florida—Orlando, Florida: Known for movie-based attractions, this park features Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride, with easy transfer to Islands of Adventure. Silver Dollar City—Branson, Missouri: With an 1880s theme and Ozark Mountain scenery, Silver Dollar City features live shows, crafts, and rides for both thrill-seekers and families. Whale's Tale Waterpark—Lincoln, New Hampshire: Set in the White Mountains, Whale's Tale is known for its wave pool, surf ride, lazy river, and family-friendly ambiance. What People Are Saying In a statement shared with Newsweek, Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, said: "We don't provide the best guest experience in the country to try to win these awards, we do it because it is the right thing to do. Our guests have options on where they can spend their time, and when they choose to visit us, we want to give them a world-class experience. This award is humbling though, because it is derived from reviews left by our actual guests describing their time here at our parks and resorts. "We've earned a number of honors this year from national organizations, and it is all due to the hard work of our hosts who ensure our guests feel welcome and cared for while they are here. We feel—and these awards continue to show— the Dollywood Parks & Resorts experience truly is best in class." What Happens Next TripAdvisor releases its rankings annually.
Cosmopolitan
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Universal Orlando Resort Travel Guide 2025
One thing you need to know about me: I love rollercoasters. Like, really love them. And after two years spent virtually indoors, I started them? So, when I got the opportunity to travel to Universal Orlando in 2023, I jumped at the chance. My goal, once I touched down in Orlando? Ride every. single. attraction. Sure, it was ambitious, and yes, it required two separate trips and a slew of strangers to hype me up before the most terrifying rides Universal Orlando has to offer. But now? Now I'm the (self-proclaimed) ultimate Universal Orlando guide. If you don't know, Universal Orlando is comprised of three different parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, their new park Epic Universe, and water park Volcano Bay. And after getting to spend several days exploring all four and another chance to come back and experience Halloween Horror Nights, I've basically experience every thing each park has to offer. And tbh, I'm already itching to get back and experience it alllll over again. Maybe it's the magic of the Isle of Berkle, or the thrill of meeting a looks-like-it-could-be-real dinosaur or knowing they have the latest theme park in the US! So yeah, I guess you can say I'm a bit of an expert when it comes to Universal Orlando. Want to get up to speed and learn how to make the most of your next Orlando vacay? Read on, thrill seekers... (P.S. The writer received free stays, meals, and experiences in order to write this story.)
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida
How 'Jaws' fans can celebrate 50th anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, Florida Show Caption Hide Caption Top 3 scary moments in 'Jaws' 'Jaws' turns 50 this summer and USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt celebrates with his favorite bloody moments. Universal Studios Hollywood features a "Jaws" encounter on the Studio Tour, along with photo opportunities and themed dining at Amity Island Cafe. Universal Studios Florida no longer has the Jaws ride, but offers photo opportunities with "Jaws"-themed props and limited-time snacks. Both parks celebrate the film's 50th anniversary with special events and entertainment, including a "Jaws"-themed parade and nighttime show. It's been 50 years since 'Jaws' first terrorized a generation of moviegoers. Nowadays, fans are more likely to squeal with delight than fear over the beloved Universal franchise, which still has an entire Amity Village at Universal Studios Japan. But fans don't have to go that far to celebrate the film's golden anniversary this summer. Here's what to do at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Do they still have Jaws at Universal Studios Hollywood? Yes. There's still a Jaws encounter on the World-Famous Studio Tour. (Tip: Sit to the right of the tram for the best view.) The tour is available all year long, but guests may notice a 'Jaws' addition to the Hollywood sign replica this summer. As part of Universal Studios Hollywood's Mega Movie Summer through Aug. 10, guests can also snap photos with the park's hanging shark, which has been brought back for an anniversary photo opp, along with a new meet-and-greet with Captain Quint and Chief Brody. Guests can find these outside the WaterWorld attraction. The California park has also temporarily transformed its quick-service Hollywood & Dine restaurant into Amity Island Cafe. Its 'Jaws'-inspired menu includes a lobster roll, a vegan crab cake sandwich and an oversized donut that looks like a lifesaver. From 'Jaws' to 'The Meg': Ranking the 10 best shark movies of all time Is Jaws still at Universal Studios Florida? Universal Orlando Resort's Jaws ride retired in 2012. However, its hanging shark is still displayed year-round. In honor of the film's 50th anniversary, Universal Studios Florida has also brought out two additional photo opps tied to the former attraction: one is its original billboard; the other looks like one of the boats from the ride, being chased by a shark. Guests will find these in the park's San Francisco area through July 6, along with limited-time "Jaws"-themed snacks. Each night until Aug. 24, guests can catch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, on the park's waterfront before closing. The nighttime show features dancing fountains, projections, and music from some of Universal's most iconic films, including 'Jaws.' Pending weather, each day through Nov. 13, guests can also catch the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which features live characters, floats and Easter eggs from various Universal films, including 'Jaws.' Dates are subject to change. Guests should check Universal Orlando's free app for the latest updates.
The Herald Scotland
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Universal Orlando Resort to illuminate Edinburgh Castle for epic show
Innovative techniques will complement the aesthetics of the five astounding worlds that can be found within the theme park - Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Dynamically transforming from one world to another, the landmark's breathtaking transitions will captivate the audience in this historic spectacle, allowing the fans to contribute to the launch of Epic Universe in an unforgettable, shareable experience. Guests in attendance will have a chance to win a seven-night trip to Universal Orlando Resort including tickets to all four of their theme parks – including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the brand-new Epic Universe. They will stay at the recently opened, Universal Terra Luna Resort. British Airways Holidays – the official UK holiday launch partner of the brand-new Epic Universe theme park - will provide the flights for the prize winner in the Club World cabin. "Transporting fans into the worlds of Epic Universe sits at the heart of this projection and we can't wait to for the people of Scotland and beyond to experience the thrills of this brand-new theme park.' The Universal Epic Universe projection stunt is a free ticketed private event with very limited capacity. Global content marketing agency TPF will deliver the Edinburgh leg of the project. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit
Business Insider
22-04-2025
- Business Insider
I've lived in Florida for over 25 years. These are the 6 tourist hot spots worth visiting and the 2 you can skip.
As a Florida resident of over 25 years, I know which tourist hot spots are actually worth visiting. I recommend going to St. Petersburg, Dry Tortugas National Park, and the panhandle beaches. However, I'd skip places like International Drive in Orlando and South Beach in Miami. World-famous theme parks, stunning beaches, and natural beauty are just a few of the many reasons tourists flock to Florida every year. After living in the Sunshine State for over 25 years, I've explored just about every major tourist spot there is. In my experience, some absolutely live up to the hype, but others aren't worth your time or money. Here are the six tourist attractions worth visiting and the two you might want to skip on your next trip to Florida. In my opinion, St. Petersburg lives up to the hype. A vibrant city with an artsy, laid-back vibe, St. Petersburg is a cultural hot spot on Florida's Gulf Coast. The downtown area is filled with colorful murals, markets, and great dining options. I recommend visiting the St. Pete Pier for beautiful waterfront views and great restaurants. Plan on arriving in the late afternoon to catch the stunning sunset. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is truly magical. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the magic of the Harry Potter universe, the level of immersion in the Universal Orlando parks is unlike anything else I've ever experienced. Split between Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, the attractions bring this magical world to life with incredible detail. From sipping Butterbeer to riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, there's magic at every turn. The Hogwarts Express connects both lands, making park-to-park tickets a must for the full experience. Dry Tortugas National Park is worth a visit. A hidden gem located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of Florida's most remote and stunning destinations. It's home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fort surrounded by crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling. The park is only accessible by ferry or seaplane, making it a true off-the-grid getaway. I recommend booking a ride on the Yankee Freedom III ferry or a spot on a seaplane tour well in advance, as space fills up quickly. For a unique, artsy experience, check out Wynwood Walls in Miami. Wynwood Walls in Miami is a vibrant outdoor street-art museum that provides an explosion of color and creativity. Located in Miami's artsy Wynwood neighborhood, the area features massive, changing murals created by artists from around the world. Beyond the walls, you can find art galleries, shops, and some of Miami's trendiest restaurants. I suggest grabbing a drink at Panther Coffee or stopping for dinner at Bakan, known for its unique and authentic Mexican cuisine — some of which feature insects. Visit Everglades National Park for a taste of Florida's wild side. The Everglades are more than just a swamp — they're a massive, incredibly diverse ecosystem home to alligators, manatees, and stunning bird species. I recommend visiting Everglades National Park for an airboat tour. For a quieter experience, you can also get out on a kayak to explore the park up close. The panhandle beaches are absolutely stunning. The Florida panhandle's beaches, including Pensacola, Santa Rosa Beach, and the scenic 30A stretch, have some of the softest, whitest sand I've ever seen. This area is perfect for those looking for a mix of relaxation and outdoor fun. Destin, which is home to clear emerald waters, is one of our family's favorite destinations. I recommend visiting in late spring or early fall to enjoy the warm weather without the summer crowds. However, I recommend skipping International Drive in Orlando. International Drive is a shopping and entertainment area in downtown Orlando. Although it's home to a few decent spots like Icon Park and the Orlando Premium Outlets, a lot of I-Drive feels like a tourist trap. If you're in Orlando, I recommend heading to Disney Springs instead for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You'll get a taste of Disney magic without needing a park ticket. In my opinion, there are better spots in Miami than South Beach. South Beach is an iconic area in Miami, but unless you're there to party, it can be more of a headache than a highlight. In my experience, the food and drinks are pricey, the beaches are crowded, and parking can be difficult. I think there are better beaches and neighborhoods in Miami that offer a more enjoyable experience (especially if you're traveling with family or kids). For example, I recommend checking out Crandon Park Beach for a more peaceful and scenic Miami experience.
