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Universal Orlando GrowsAnd The Guidebook That Covers It Keeps PaceWhen the question is “What’s new at Universal Orlando?” the go-to guy is travel writer Kelly Monaghan, who has been covering the Orlando tourism scene for over fifteen years and is the author of the only guidebook devoted exclusively to the Universal Orlando Resort® complex. “No theme park succeeds by standing still,” Monaghan notes, “and since Universal made its name by being on the cutting edge of theme park design and ride technology, it always strives to be one step ahead.” This year, Universal has brought television’s most popular franchise to its Universal Studios Florida park. The new Simpsons ride is a slam-bang simulator that takes visitors into the whacky world of Springfield as they ride the world’s most dangerous roller coaster in Krusty the Clown’s cut-rate theme park. “It’s a fabulous blend of Simpsons satire and theme park technology,” says Monaghan. Also at the Studios is a revamped version of the old Earthquake attraction. Redubbed Disaster!, it stars a virtual reality version of Christopher Walken, who walks on stage and interacts with a live performer. “Not only is it a great headscratcher of an effect,” Monaghan notes, “but the earthquake thrill ride is still there and better than ever.” CityWalk has added a hip new club, Rising Star. Monaghan says, “It does your local karaoke joint one better, providing a live back-up band to help you humiliate yourself.” The three resort hotels have completed a multi-million dollar cycle of redecoration and now feature flat-screen TVs in every room; the Royal Pacific Resort has added popular Kids’ Suites to its mix of accommodations. All of this is documented in Universal Orlando 2009: The Ultimate Guide To The Ultimate Theme Park Adventure ($15.95, The Intrepid Traveler), the eighth edition of Monaghan’s popular guide to the Resort. The guide also now includes photographs of the parks and the hotels. “Of course, it’s not all about the changes. One reason people keep coming back to Universal Orlando is the great roster of rides and attractions that don’t change,” Monaghan says. Among his favorites he lists the Spider-Man 3D ride, the great roller coasters, and Mythos, which he describes as “the best restaurant in any theme park, anywhere.” In recent years, Universal Orlando has grown from a single theme park to a mega-complex of two parks, three luxurious resort hotels, and a nightclub and entertainment district, all linked together by motor launches plying artificial waterways. If that sounds a bit like Walt Disney World, just a short drive away, it’s no accident. Monaghan points to a number of elements that set Universal Orlando apart and position it to compete for the attention of Orlando-bound tourists.“Universal tends to be a more adult experience than Disney,” Monaghan notes. “Now sometimes that means the difference between a 12-year-old sensibility and a 15-year-old sensibility; the roller coasters and the scary thrill rides based on Marvel Comics are examples of this. But attractions like the horror make-up show at Universal Studios and the new Blue Man Group show have an edgy, adult sense of humor that is definitely not aimed at little kids. In fact, many Universal attractions have an intensity level that Disney has historically shied away from. “That’s not to suggest that Universal has turned its back on the kiddies,” Monaghan says. “Just the opposite. They’ve created special sections in both parks aimed squarely at the needs and interests of small children. Best of all, by concentrating the kiddie attractions in a few specific places, they spare Mom and Dad from traipsing for miles to hit all the kiddie rides.” Universal is far more compact than Disney World and its smaller size works to its advantage in ways that management has been quick to capitalize upon. “Universal lets its resort guests go to the head of the line at virtually every ride in the parks all day long,” says Monaghan. “It’s unlikely Disney will be able to match this perk anytime soon. It’s just too big.” Monaghan’s guidebook offers in-depth reviews of every attraction in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida — without giving away the endings — rating them all and providing one-phrase “Kelly says” summaries. (Of the Incredible Hulk roller coaster he says, simply, “Aaaargh!”) He also provides tips and little known secrets, such as how to eat at Mythos, the gourmet restaurant in Islands of Adventure, without paying theme park admission. Monaghan and his publisher offer regular updates to Universal Orlando and other Orlando area guidebooks on the web site, www.TheOtherOrlando.com. • • • • • To request a review copy of Universal Orlando, to arrange an interview with Kelly Monaghan, or for any additional information, please contact Sarah Pappanikou at The Intrepid Traveler at 203-469-0214 • sarah@intrepidtraveler.com • fax 203-469-0430 Visit our Press Room at www.intrepidtraveler.com/media Universal Orlando 2009: ISBN13: 978-1-887140-78-2 Universal Orlando is available in bookstores nationwide, from online bookstores, by calling 203-469-0214 or by visiting www.TheOtherOrlando.com
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