Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [131]
Map Location 12
Perhaps a better name for this attraction would have been “Curious George Goes to the Car Wash.” This large interactive play area is a simulated city that includes climbing areas, ball pits, and lots of chances to get very, very wet. There are fountains in the center and water cannons up above; many parents let their kids wear bathing suits under their clothing so they can strip down and really get into the spirit of the place. If you’re up for a maximum splash, a clanging bell over the Fire Department indicates when a big wave of water is under way. The impact is pretty impressive and this may be the highlight of the park for young kids, but parents of preschoolers and toddlers, beware: The wave hits with enough force to knock small children off their feet.
It’s a great way to cool off in summer, so save it for the warmest part of the afternoon. In chilly weather the water is shut off and Curious George Goes to Town becomes a dry play area.
Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue
Map Location 5
This rock-and-rap show starring Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein and his bride is primarily aimed at preteens and teens. Beetlejuice is the host and he offsets the ghoulishness with plenty of goofy humor. Younger kids won’t be too frightened of the monsters themselves, but the extremely high volume of the music coupled with pyrotechnics might upset preschoolers. The parental advisory is largely due to some suggestive jokes and the convincing costuming of the characters. The show plays several times in the afternoon so getting in isn’t hard; arrive about 15 minutes before showtime for good seats.
Lucy, A Tribute
Map Location 18
Fans of I Love Lucy should take a few minutes to walk through this exhibit, which houses memorabilia from the famous TV show, including scale models of the Tropicana and the Ricardos’ apartment; clothes and jewelry worn on the show; personal pictures and letters from Lucy and Desi’s home life; and the numerous Emmys that Lucille Ball won throughout the years.
Money-Saving Tip
Try not to let the kids stop to shop in the morning; not only should you keep moving between rides while Universal is relatively uncrowded, but each ride empties out through a shop that sells souvenirs related to that attraction. In other words, the shops encourage the ultimate in impulse buying, but hold off purchases until late in the day when you’ve seen it all.
Insider’s Secret
Universal can really throw a party. The park is festively decorated for Christmas, and a special parade runs for the weeks around Mardi Gras.
But the best holiday celebration of the year is Halloween. Halloween Horror Nights are a time-honored tradition at Universal and very popular with Orlando locals. All the movie bad guys are out in full force with plenty of special stage shows and “interactive experiences.” Teenagers will love this ultimate spook house, and kids under 7 definitely won’t. If you have kids ages 7 to 11, just make sure to stay close to them. Separate tickets are required for this party and should be purchased in advance. Visit www.universalorlando.com for details.
The “California Here We Come Game” is a treat for hard-core trivia buffs. By answering questions about episodes of I Love Lucy, game participants get to travel with the Mertzes and Ricardos on their first trip to California. They lost me somewhere in the desert, but perhaps you’ll do better.
Insider’s Secret
Check your entertainment schedule and, if time permits, stop to watch some of Universal’s street entertainers that play around the park throughout the day. The Blues Brothers, featuring Jake and Elroy, play in the New York section and offer one of the liveliest shows in the park.
Tips for Your Last Hour at Universal Studios
Crowds thin at night so it’s a good time to revisit favorite attractions or drop by anything you missed earlier in the day. If you want to have dinner at CityWalk, leave Universal about an hour before the official closing time to avoid the rush of exiting guests. For more on CityWalk, Universal’s dining