As you make your way through CityWalk you will head to your right to the entrance of Universal Studios Florida. On your left you will see the iconic Univeral Globe. Take your picture on the bridge or walk past it to get a closer view.
1. Take Your Picture in Front of the Universal Globe
This area is a splash area that the kids can wear their bathing suits at and run around. In the back area there is the Man with the Yellow Hat Ball factory which is indoors and dry.
After you ride E.T. Adventure you exit through an E.T. gift shop. From here you can have your picture taken on the bike or with E.T. in the closet scene. You need to have the My Universal Photo Pass and must purchase it to get pictures here.
The Weasley twins are always getting into mischief and this “prank” shop is fun to explore. There are different things to purchase but we like looking around and seeing all the fun items.
As you pass through London and are heading to the Simpson’s area of the park you will see a row of houses with doors. It looks like an ordinary London street but every so often Kreacher the house elf of Sirius Black will peak out the windows.
If you enjoy the darker side of magic you will like the shop down Knockturn Alley. There are also a few places to cast spells. It is a neat area to explore and Harry Potter fans will love it.
6. Explore Knockturn Alley at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley
My favorite way to experience Diagon Alley is first thing in the morning when the streets are quiet. If you are staying on-site at Universal you may have early entry, if you are off-site try to visit this area first.
If you are not an early riser plan to spend time at Diagon Alley an hour before park close. This is typically lower crowds and you will see the area in a new way at night.
At the end of the entrance to Diagon Alley sitting atop Gringotts is a dragon. Throughout the day the dragon will breathe fire. I suggest finding a spot on either side of Gringotts and listen for the growl.
You can’t miss the giant statue of Lard Lad in the Simpson area of the park, Springfield U.S.A. Here you can purchase the “World Famous” giant Pink Donut. This donut is huge and can feed a family.
When you are in line for the attraction you are asked your name and given a boarding pass. As you board you give your boarding pass to the attendant and E.T. will say goodbye to you at the end of the ride.
If you have a Simpson fan in your family consider eating at Fast Food Boulevard at Springfield U.S.A. They have Clam Chowdarrr and other favorites from the show.
For the adults in your party consider stopping in at Moe’s Tavern for a Duff Beer. You can also purchase a Flaming Moe and other non-alcoholic beverages.
The Blues Brothers is a fun show featuring singing and dancing. It is in the streets near The Mummy attraction. If you can grab a seat on one of the stairs you will have a great view and be shaded a bit.
Meeting characters is always a fun way to spend your time at the theme parks. For a unique experience head over to the Transformer’s meet and greet where you can meet Bumble Bee, Megatron, and Optimus Prime.
Every Harry Potter fan dreams of running through Platform 9 3/4 and at Universal Studios you have your chance! Universal’s creative team has done an amazing job and recreating this effect.
This puppet and actor show from the Harry Potter films has been on our list to see for a few visits and we finally made it happen. The show is located on a stage in Diagon Alley and guests can sit and watch the story unfold.
16. Watch The Tales of Beedle the Bard at Diagon Alley
Here you will find water features and a water slide. The slide has a tube you sit in but you still may get a bit wet. Kids and adults will enjoy this area.
The Spongebob Store is located near the KidZone at Universal Studios. Here you can meet Squidward and Spongebob as well as explore the Spongebob themed store.
Fear Factor Live is a show that tests your fear and allows visitors to the park to be part of the show. It runs daily at the park and you have to arrive early to be part of the show. My husband was a contestant on a recent visit!
20. Watch or Become a Cast Member on Fear Factor Live