Universal Orlando Resort: Theme Parks and Tickets

Universal Studios is an Orlando super-theme park and working film studio all in one. Expect to see thrill rides based on your favourite movie sets, from the tried and tested Egyptian Rollercoaster that is Revenge of the Mummy, to the newer thrill rides of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster and the awesome Transformers 3D and Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts simulator rides. For something even more stomach-churning, why not soar through Krustyland on the Simpsons simulation-coaster - crashing and smashing your way through the film set. Not one for rollercoasters, but like shooting aliens with ray-guns? Men In Black Alien Attack is probably your scene.

If this sounds all too much thrill and not enough chill, Universal Studios also has a variety of shows and rides aimed at younger visitors. Journey through the magical ET Adventure on your flying bicycle, see Shrek 4-D or let the children go wild on Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse coaster.

Islands of Adventure is the second of the fantastic parks at Universal, offering even more thrills and attractions through the world of books, cartoons and animation. With new rides such as Skull Island: Reign of Kong, to favourites such as the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman simulator ride - where you travel with Spiderman in a 3D interactive landscape - or the water ride that is Jurassic Park River Adventure (beware of the T-Rex in the waterfall!) Want to see the park from on high? Accelerate upwards faster than the shuttle on Doctor Doom's Fearfall, then weightlessness as you fall back to Earth again ...and again!.

If you like to get really wet, then the excellent Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges should be your second stop - after first stopping off to buy a poncho. Children can explore the Me Ship, The Olive interactive play area, fly over the park in the Pteranodon Flyers or go round and round on the Caro-Seuss-el!

These are parks-within-a-park, offering fans the chance to visit Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade village, Diagon Alley and other famous Harry Potter landmarks. Being Orlando however, ”interactivity” is the buzzword, so expect more than just static sets - expect real-life interaction with an emphasis on fun and excitement.

The Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter is an 'totally immersive', dark simulator robo-coaster ride. The Flight of the Hippogriff is very much a family roller-coaster ride, where as the braver should try the Dragon Challenge. This is a 'Triwizard Tournament' Chinese Fireballs and Hungarian Horntail themed rollercoaster with two trains which twist and loop - almost coming together.

Escape from Gringotts is the latest Harry Potter ride and set in Diagon Alley. This totally immersive multi-dimensional thrill-ride has fantastic visuals with awesome sound. One ride not to miss! If this sounds too much, then take time out to relax with a walk through Hogsmeade village in the winter. For budding wizards, an array of gift shops are available to purchase those essentials - wand, broom stick, latest spells. The wands will even come alive only when selected by their rightful wizards. The two parks are now linked with the Hogsmeade Express. Not just a train, but a magical journey between two Harry Potter lands. Just one point to note, this ride is only available if you have access to both parks.

For a meal or to relax with a drink, head towards CityWalk. This is where you will find restaurants, bars, entertainment and vibrant nightlife. With restaurants such as Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp you will be spoilt for choice. For live music, comedy and theatre, see The Blue Man Group or catch the latest blockbuster movie at the Cineplex.