When I was headed to Orlando, Florida last month, I instantly marked down Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure as a must-visit because of the Harry Potter attractions.
But when I asked the Universal press contact what was new at the Studio that might interest readers, she pointed to Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and thought we might enjoy it. I admit I was skeptical. A ride based on New York City when the city itself is basically the biggest, craziest tourist attraction there is? Hard to improve upon or surprise those who’ve been to the city, I thought.
My skepticism vanished. The Tonight Show ride is sheer fun, utilizing 3D video technology plus motion tech built into the seating to take riders all over New York City, and beyond, it offers a way you can never see the city, usually, and that’s by zooming through the air around the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (There is more, but I would hate to spoil the whole ride.)
The ride was enhanced by the immersive presentation, with an entrance nicely disguised as part of a replica of the NBC studio building in New York City. Riders will feel like they are attending a taping of The Tonight Show, and spend time in a holding area with comfortable seating. This means that almost the entire wait for the ride is inside and air-conditioned, a not-insignificant factor when visiting Florida in the summer.
The Race Through New York ride was one of the highlights of the two parks for me, along with The Mummy ride, and, OF COURSE, the Harry Potter attractions, including Diagon Alley, where we had lunch at the Leaky Cauldron; Hogsmeade (over in Islands of Adventure); the Escape from Gringgots ride; and, our favorite ride of the trip, the “just like in the movies” Hogwarts Express.
So here are five other things you should know about visiting these two Universal parks:
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