Universal Orlando with Kids, 2nd Edition

by WILEY, KIM WRIGHT

• ISBN13: 9780761563587
• ISBN10: 076156358X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2002-11-26
• Publisher: Fodor's

Summary

If you're looking for the perfect family vacation, look no further! Universal Orlando is one of the fastest growing resorts in the United States and is a must-see on any Florida family vacation. In this updated second edition, bestselling travel writer Kim Wright Wiley shows you how to get the most out of your visit to this exciting theme park. Inside you'll find: Time- and money-saving tips, insider's secrets, and scare factors for every ride and venue Easy-to-read maps and quick guides to attractions, restaurants, and hotels Don't-miss and worth-your-while lists plus favorite attractions by age group Full restaurant and hotel descriptions with helpful star ratings And so much more! This comprehensive handbook with its interactive at-a-glance design is the perfect companion for budget conscious families wanting a fun all-American vacation! "An indispensable guide. The realistic approach, insider tips, and advice for families on a budget are essential tools for pretrip planning." Frederick G. Levine,FamilyFunmagazine

Author Biography

<b>Kim Wright Wiley</b> is one of the leading experts and authors on kid travel and all things Orlando. A contributing editor to Disney Magazine, she lives with her two children in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Table of Contents

Helpful Phone Numbers and Web Sites	xi
List of Maps, Quick Guides, and Icons	xiii
Acknowledgments	xv
Introduction	xvii
Before You Leave Home	1	(20)
Map of Universal Orlando	2	(2)
What Time of Year Should We Visit?	4	(1)
How Long Should We Stay?	5	(1)
What Kind of Ticket Do We Need?	5	(2)
How to Get Up-to-Date Information	7	(1)
How Do We Get There?	8	(2)
Things to Discuss with Your Kids Before You Leave Home	10	(1)
The Scare Factor	11	(2)
Height Restrictions	13	(1)
Don't Leave Home Without	14	(1)
Things You Don't Want to Think About	15	(6)
Choosing a Hotel	21	(22)
On-Site Hotels	22	(3)
Off-Site Hotels	25	(2)
Things to Ask When Booking an Off-Site Hotel	27	(2)
Recommended Hotels	29	(5)
Quick Guide to Orlando Hotels	34	(9)
Touring Tips and Plans	43	(12)
General Universal Orlando Touring Tips	44	(5)
Tips to Help You Save Money	49	(1)
Tips to Help You Save Time	49	(2)
Tips for Special Circumstances	51	(1)
Traveling with Large Groups	52	(1)
Traveling with a Handicapped Person	53	(1)
Traveling While Pregnant	53	(2)
Islands of Adventure	55	(50)
Map of Islands of Adventure	57	(1)
Getting Around Islands of Adventure	58	(2)
How Scary Is Scary? As Dr. Seuss Would Say...Very!	60	(1)
Tips for Your First Hour of Islands of Adventure	61	(1)
Port of Entry	62	(2)
Quick Guide to Islands of Adventure Attractions	64	(2)
Dining in Port of Entry	66	(1)
Marvel Super Hero Island Attractions	67	(9)
Toon Lagoon Attractions	76	(5)
Jurassic Park Attractions	81	(6)
The Lost Continent Attractions	87	(8)
Seuss Landing Attractions	95	(4)
Shopping in Seuss Landing	99	(1)
Dining in Seuss Landing	99	(1)
Afternoon Resting Places	100	(1)
Meeting the Characters	101	(1)
Your Last Hour in Islands of Adventure	102	(1)
Islands of Adventure ``Don't Miss'' List for Kids 2 to 6	102	(1)
Islands of Adventure ``Don't Miss'' List for Kids 7 to 11	103	(1)
Islands of Adventure ``Don't Miss'' List for Kids 12 and Up	103	(2)
Universal Studios Florida	105	(46)
Map of Universal Studios	107	(1)
Getting Around Universal Studios Florida	108	(2)
How Scary Is Scary?	110	(1)
Your First Hour in Universal Studios Florida	111	(3)
Universal Studios Touring Tips	114	(2)
The Front Lot	116	(1)
Production Central Attractions	117	(3)
Quick Guide to Universal Attractions	120	(4)
Hollywood Attractions	124	(4)
New York Attractions	128	(4)
San Francisco Attractions	132	(3)
Amity Beach Attractions	135	(3)
World Expo Attractions	138	(4)
Woody Woodpecker Kidzone Attractions	142	(5)
Meeting the Characters	147	(1)
Universal Studios ``Don't Miss'' List for Kids Under 7	148	(1)
Universal Studios ``Don't Miss'' List for Kids 7 to 11	148	(1)
Universal Studios ``Don't Miss'' List for Kids 12 and Up	149	(1)
Your Last Hour at Universal Studios	150	(1)
CityWalk	151	(16)
Map of CityWalk	153	(5)
CityWalk Without the Kids	158	(9)
Beyond Universal: Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Other Orlando Attractions	167	(18)
Walt Disney World	168	(1)
Sea World	168	(9)
Discovery Cove	177	(3)
Gatorland	180	(1)
Wet 'n Wild	181	(1)
Off-Site Dinner Shows for the Whole Family	182	(3)
Index	185