10 Things to Love About Universal

[derekburgan]

Have you tried the Kitchen sink challenge? I always say I'm going to, but then chicken out- that's a butt-ton of food!

Attempted it last year. Here's my write up of the experience: http://www.orlandoinformer.com/2012/kitchen-sink-challenge-universal-hard-rock-hotel/

We're going back in April to the Kitchen for dinner and we'll be ordering every part of the challenge, separately. I'm going to record a goofy video "studying" it and finding its weakness. Then in August I'll be taking the challenge again.

 

[DisneyGuyNYC]

The reason Universal has been killing it lately is because they've had to. They work for it. They go the extra mile to prove they can be just as good.

Disney is scared to take chances and getting lazy. They're hoping New Fantasyland will help us not notice.

 

[Timekeeper]

Decent lineups at the various concert series events (depending on the year). Last season's acts include Diana Ross, ZZ Top, Three Doors Down, 30 Seconds to Mars, One Republic, Lifehouse... not bad considering that it's included with the price of admission. Any one of those acts are easily a separately ticketed concert event at any other venue.

 

[JustInTime]

While some may consider it nuts (and definitely unhealthy), what I like to look for at Universal is some of the craziest food options. I saw some shows on The Food Network on the craziest foods and also Man Vs Food and started to look for food choices that were just plain crazy and Universal had several options.

Here's my list of The Top Five Most Extreme Eats at Universal Studios (working on a second five later this year including the insane nachos available at Margarittaville)
http://www.orlandoinformer.com/2012/the-big-5-top-five-extreme-eats-at-universal-orlando/

It's clear with the Disney Check that Disney is going the other way, and while I'm looking forward to having the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream in April, I'm not sure I could find four other Out There food choices.

The only problem with these extreme eats is that they are all available elsewhere. I love Universal though. So much fun. Harry Potter makes it for me.

 

[katiekinzakat]

I really like that Universal's holiday events are all included in park admission, and the hard ticket events are actually more than just a special parade/fireworks. I just went to the Mardi Gras parade and I was blown away by how impressive the floats and the whole production were, especially since I didn't have to pay extra! The included concerts are a nice bonus as well, I don't feel bad if I get tired and don't feel like sticking around.

Grinchmas is wonderful as well! Again, I love that the holiday entertainment is included and is really well done. On the Studios side, I love that there are Holiday versions of some of the shows like the Blues Brothers and Barney. It's a nice change for the season and just makes everything more festive.