Today it is a must see complex called Universal Orlando Resort®, and is beginning to rival Disney as a whole resort complex.

It comprises two great theme parks side- by- side, plus a dazzling entertainment complex, and three fantastic themed hotels - Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and the Royal Pacific

You can submerge yourself into the middle of major motion picture action in Universal Studios® movie theme park, or take the challenge of some amazing rides and attractions in Orlando’s next generation theme park - Islands of Adventure® that will have nerve ends tingling.

You can also enjoy one of Orlando’s hottest entertainment venues, the Universal CityWalk® - a great centre for entertainment with a superb array of restaurants, shops and nightclubs.

Any holiday to Florida should include a visit to this unforgettable resort. One of the neat points is that the three hotels, Universal CityWalk® and the two theme parks are all conveniently located within a short walk or complimentary shuttle or water taxi ride away from each other

Universal Studios®

Universal Studios® is set round a huge lagoon, and is divided into six main areas. They are all quite similar, and can get a little confusing, so it's worth getting a map as you enter the park, and keeping it handy. The areas are called The Front Lot; Production Central; New York San Francisco/Amity; Expo Centre; Woody Woodpecker's KidZone This is a real motion picture studio, but you'll go beyond the screen and experience an incredible array of rides, shows, film sets and attractions. Soar through time and space on Back to the Future the Ride, survive the eye of a tornado in Twister- Ride it Out; and save the earth from aliens in the hugely popular interactive ride Men In Black Alien Attack. Whatever else you do, don't miss the spectacular 3D show, cyber adventure TERMINATOR 2: 3-D! Old favourites like Jaws and Earthquake are still going strong and there's plenty to enthral younger children too with Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, Fievel's Playland and A Day in the Park with Barney.

Islands of Adventure®

Located right next door to Universal Studios®, is Islands of Adventure®. Opened in May 1999 by Steven Spielberg, this park is possibly the best in Florida, and certainly has the most thrill rides, possibly more than the other parks put together. The thrills and unexpected adventures of the world's most cutting-edge rides, attractions and interactive shows challenge all your senses. This adrenalin-busting park is aimed at kids of 8 and above, their parents, and especially teenagers! The Jurassic Park River Adventure climaxes with an 85-foot plunge - the longest, fastest, steepest water descent ever built. Other groundbreaking rides include the inverted near-miss roller coaster Duelling Dragons in the Lost Continent, the Incredible Hulk Coaster® and The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man™ in Marvel Super-Hero Island®. There is also a great time for younger children in Seuss Landing™, which includes the innovative Cat in the Hat ride, and Toon Lagoon, with its world of cartoon and comic strip characters and wacky water rides like Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges.

Universal CityWalk®

Conveniently located at the entrance to both theme parks, Universal CityWalk® is a thirty acre hotspot for entertainment in Orlando. Here you will find fantastic live music, fine and casual dining, shopping, dancing, bars, clubs and of course movies with the twenty screen Universal Cineplex.

Among the distinctly themed venues are many inspired by legendary figures of popular culture. Listen to live reggae at Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom, or just let the good times roll in Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville (a great place to end the day with a soothing marguerita!).

Rock 'n' roll at Motown Café; the world's largest Hard Rock Café; the music, art, dance and cuisine of the Latin Quarter. Enjoy great food and the excitement of professional basketball at NBA City, the sophisticated cuisine of Emeril's Restaurant ; or dance the night away at the Groove. There's almost always something going on! In addition to the live nightly entertainment in the clubs, you may also see street performers, acrobats and dancers: a huge outdoor concert or a variety of special events from beer festivals to barbecues.