Universal parks are of course more than just the world of Harry Potter (see last post). Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure each have a wide range of themed neighbourhoods. Fans of Dr Seuss, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, Men in Black, ET, Marvel Comics et al can enjoy themed rides, visit themed attractions and food outlets and purchase expensive themed merchandise as a reminder of their visit.
If you're a fan of old style rollercoasters, Universal isn't really the brand for you. They do have two traditional big coasters Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket and the Incredible Hulk Coaster which Sam and Eric rode (Elise isn't really in to roller coasters).
However what Universal has mastered is the world of VR rides. Don your 3D glasses and climb onboard your vehicle, coaster car, train or theatre seat and you can become just about anyone. A Muggle flying over Hogwarts, chasing Jimmy Fallon around the streets and skies of New York, shooting aliens with Men in Black, battling with Transformers around a big city etc. The realism which stimulates several other senses in perfect synch with the 3D visuals is amazing and some rides (particularly the Simpsons ride) left us feeling slightly queasy (while being unaffected by the biggest traditional rollercoasters).
To be honest, as good as these VR rides are (and some are absolutely amazing), after awhile we found them a bit repetitive in style and theme (generally new recruits /civilians helping the goodies defeat the baddies) - just like Hollywood really. The proof of the pudding was while we took multiple rides on some outdoor coasters, we never felt the need to redo a VR ride a second time.
With a multiple visit ticket we could afford to pace ourselves. Rather than long days we made several shorter visits, starting early in the morning to beat the crowds and leaving at lunchtime which had the added benefit of dodging park food prices. Although we did indulge in one or two treats.
All in all Universal was a great experience, but one that takes lots of energy to enjoy particularly when the crowds get heavy.
If you're a fan of old style rollercoasters, Universal isn't really the brand for you. They do have two traditional big coasters Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket and the Incredible Hulk Coaster which Sam and Eric rode (Elise isn't really in to roller coasters).
However what Universal has mastered is the world of VR rides. Don your 3D glasses and climb onboard your vehicle, coaster car, train or theatre seat and you can become just about anyone. A Muggle flying over Hogwarts, chasing Jimmy Fallon around the streets and skies of New York, shooting aliens with Men in Black, battling with Transformers around a big city etc. The realism which stimulates several other senses in perfect synch with the 3D visuals is amazing and some rides (particularly the Simpsons ride) left us feeling slightly queasy (while being unaffected by the biggest traditional rollercoasters).
To be honest, as good as these VR rides are (and some are absolutely amazing), after awhile we found them a bit repetitive in style and theme (generally new recruits /civilians helping the goodies defeat the baddies) - just like Hollywood really. The proof of the pudding was while we took multiple rides on some outdoor coasters, we never felt the need to redo a VR ride a second time.
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| Storm, Rogue and the Purple Avenger |
With a multiple visit ticket we could afford to pace ourselves. Rather than long days we made several shorter visits, starting early in the morning to beat the crowds and leaving at lunchtime which had the added benefit of dodging park food prices. Although we did indulge in one or two treats.
All in all Universal was a great experience, but one that takes lots of energy to enjoy particularly when the crowds get heavy.
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