Universal Touring Plans: Honeymooners - Orlando Vacation Article

Orlando Vacation - Universal Touring Plans: Honeymooners

Universal Touring Plans:

Honeymooners

Universal Orlando is popularly billed as a thrill park destination. While this is a fair description, it is also rather limited. Universal offers attractions and opportunities that appeal to a wide range of guests, from children to the elderly. Often overlooked, however, is Universal’s romantic side.

Honeymooners will find a plethora of romantic spots and opportunities at both gated theme parks, as well as at CityWalk. Simply strolling down the softly illuminated pathways of Universal Studios Florida can be quite romantic, especially late at night when the park is nearly deserted. Those with romance on their minds will find it quite easy to achieve.

Half the fun is in making your own discoveries, locating spots that are meaningful to you. Nevertheless, many first time guests feel more comfortable with a sort of road map to get them started. Presented here, then, are this author’s recommendations of the must-see attractions, restaurants, and quiet spots for honeymooners in both gated theme parks. CityWalk will be covered in a separate article.

1. Mythos -- Consistently voted Number One Theme Park Restaurant in the World for several years running, this Lost Continent showpiece at Islands of Adventure is at the top of the list for romance. Themed to appear as if it was carved out of stone, Mythos combines the magic of sword and sorcery with a top notch gourmet menu and flawless service. Patio seating provides a spectacular view of the rest of the park, but I prefer the cave-like setting of the interior seating. Be sure to look around at the impressive “stone” carvings.

2. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls -- Cuddle close together in the one-in-front, one-behind seating of this log flume ride. The thrills and spills are guaranteed to raise your heart rate and you can laugh and dry each other off afterwards, as you WILL get soaked.

3. Fear Factor Live -- Couples with a good sense of humor should strongly consider auditioning for this show. Compete in three crazy stunts for real prizes, and laugh as your partner gets soaked with water or covered in squid guts.

4. The park outside Monster Café -- Hands down, this is one of the most romantic spots in all of Universal Orlando. Take a quiet stroll late at night, where the sounds of the crowds fade into oblivion and you can focus on each other.

5. Jurassic Park at night -- The lush vegetation and beautiful surroundings make this an ideal spot for late night romance. You may even be able to sneak a few kisses behind a giant fern.

6. E.T. Adventure -- Become kids again in this cute and fun bicycle flight to E.T.’s home planet. The visuals are breathtaking.

7. Caro-Seuss-El -- This highly unusual carousel, featuring characters from the beloved works of Theodore “Seuss” Geisel, has a certain old fashioned charm that cannot be denied.

8. The thrill rides -- Pumping up your adrenaline is a sure way to jump start your romance. The Incredible Hulk roller coaster at Islands of Adventure is repeatedly named one of the top twenty roller coasters in the world by a variety of coaster ranking sites. Dueling Dragons features two inverted, looping coasters in a race to the finish that includes multiple near misses. Storm Force Accelatron is a traditional spinning teacup ride taken to the next level. Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall reverses the usual freefall ride by lifting you to the tower’s heights at dizzying speed. Revenge of the Mummy is Universal Studios Florida’s only roller coaster and, while short, has a storyline that will take your breath away. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is the most technologically advanced theme park ride in the world, combining motion simulator technology with a track based ride vehicle, 3D film, life sized props, and a number of special effects. Any of these rides are guaranteed to thrill and amaze you and raise your blood pressure a bit.

9. Camp Jurassic -- Become 12 year olds for awhile as you run, jump and climb in this dinosaur themed interactive play area. The sets are easily large enough for adults, and you just might find yourselves in a water cannon fight.

10. Mel’s Drive-In -- Go back to the 1950s as you share a milkshake with two straws at this re-creation of the classic diner in American Grafitti. Feel free to dance in the aisles or outside in the courtyard to pumping 1950s jukebox music.

11. Schwab’s Pharmacy -- Indulge your Golden Age of Hollywood fantasies at this re-creation of the legendary soda fountain where Lana Turner was discovered. Enjoy the wonderful milkshakes while you are there.

Presented above are just a few of the spots where romance will bloom at Universal Orlando. Be sure not to over-schedule yourselves, instead building in time in your vacation to enjoy each other, wander the streets, shop and simply exist. You will find romance around every corner, and may even wish to visit again on your anniversary to recapture those innocent romantic moments from your honeymoon. Be sure to take lots of pictures!